None listed
Thornton State Beach
This park unit is fully open. State Parks will continue to use a monitor and adapt strategy to meet any new guidance it may receive from local and state public health officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly, especially for the elderly, immune-compromised and the unvaccinated.
COVID-19 Guidelines (February 16, 2022)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
COVID-19 Guidelines (February 16, 2022)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
- Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
- Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
- Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- Be COVID-19 Safe – State Parks continues to meet guidance from local and state public officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly. Effective March 1, 2022, state guidance recommends that all individuals, regardless of vaccine status, continue masking in indoor settings, such as museums and visitor centers. Universal masking remains required in specified high-risk settings. Please plan ahead as local county guidelines may differ from state guidance and visitors are urged to follow county guidelines when required. Read the latest COVID-19 guidance at COVID19.ca.gov.
- Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
Phone Number
(831) 335-6318
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
No
Park unit is closed.
Driving Directions to Thornton
The beach is located in Daly City, at the end of Thornton Beach Road. Follow John Daly Boulevard west from Interstate 280 across Skyline Boulevard into Thornton State Beach. From Skyline Boulevard, turn west at the intersection with John Daly Boulevard into Thornton State Beach.From the parking area or the stables, proceed to the dunes on old Thornton Beach Road.
The Bay Area Ridge Trail begins where the road meets the dunes.
Online reservations are not available for this park.
No online brochures available for this park.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Vista Point
Vista Point
This beach is not available to the general public at this time.
Location and Directions
In Daly City, at the end of Thornton Beach Road. Follow John Daly Boulevard west from Interstate 280 across Skyline Boulevard onto Thornton State Beach Road. From Skyline Boulevard, turn west at the intersection with John Daly Boulevard onto Thornton State Beach Road. There is a viewing platform just west of the parking lot. There is no beach access. The Bay Area Ridge Trail begins on Mayfair Drive, located just southeast of the Skyline Blvd and John Daly Blvd intersection.
Weather and Climate
The climate is Mediterranean, so it tends to be windy and cold throughout much of the park. During the summer months, fog is common along the coastlines. Dress in layers is recommended. Hiking boots are appropriate in some areas. Comfortable shoes are also recommended within the San Francisco area, which are most comprised of asphalt or concrete.