USS San Francisco Memorial

What a strange thing to review! Why on earth would I ever want to review a memorial? Well I’m not usually one to love history, but this particular memorial is quite moving. I got a little choked up just reading the story. It’s a wonderful reminder to appreciate those who sacrificed their lives for our country. The actual memorial is not a grand sight but the tribute is worth reading. This is probably the only good thing about the Lands End Trail so definitely check it out if you are walking near there.

A very nice tribute to the folks that gave much for our freedoms. Great views from here and easy to stroll on down and enjoy the Land’s End Trail nearby.

The USS San Francisco memorial is conveniently along the Land’s End Coastal trail near the Sutro Baths side. I usually am not that into history but I’m glad I took the time to check out the memorial to read and learn about the battle and the bravery of the people for which the memorial is established.
It’s a riveting story and account that I would recommend. A needed reminder of those who fought and died for the life we can enjoy today.
There’s a dedicated parking lot for the memorial, which is probably a good place to find spots even if you just want to hike the trail.

I still wish more people would visit this memorial. Stop by while walking/​hiking Land’s end trail and learn a little about the ship and the horrors of the Battle of Guadalcanal

This memorial to the USS San Francisco is a poignant reminder of WWII and the loss in the Battle of Guadalcanal. Located right at the beginning of the Lands End area, this memorial is on a lookout with great views to the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. Its in front of a parking lot as well as 0.3 mi from the Legion of Honor.

Have you ever been at a party with a piñata? You’re blindfolded swinging a stick at a sometimes-​moving cartonería object filled with candy. After so many swings, you fall, still blindfolded, into turbulent water teeming with sharks and huge, whirling metal blades. Welcome to your First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.
In the dark, close enough to crash into each other, and sudden was this hot and heavy whirlwind encounter. According to the plaque, it stands as the one and only naval surface engagement to see an American admiral fall to casualty. Not one but two gave their lives in this battle, one possibly by friendly fire. RIP. If the Kanrin Maru Monument is a bookmark of the fraternity between the US and Japan, the USS SF Memorial with its shell-​blown ship parts is a visceral reminder of the opposite.
Once you get to Geary & 48^th and go by the Seal Rock Inn at Point Lobos Ave, one of your two options is to walk along the dirt Lands End Trail. It’s scenic with intermittent views of the water, and it culminates in a vista with a staircase leading to the memorial site. The other path is to continue up 48^th, which ever so briefly morphs into Bike Route 95 before becoming El Camino Del Mar to the memorial’s adjacent parking lot. This course is decidedly more urban but also less winding and stairless.
Everlasting honor and gratitude to all Americans who served in this battle, and condolences to friends and families of the deceased on all sides.