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Thornton State Beach
Thornton State Beach, CA 2013-09-04 14-36.jpg
Thornton State Beach is located in California
Thornton State Beach
Thornton State Beach
Location in California
Thornton State Beach is located in the United States
Thornton State Beach
Thornton State Beach
Location in the United States
Location San Mateo County, California, USA
Nearest city Daly City, California
Area 58 acres (23 ha)
Established 1955
Governing body California Department of Parks and Recreation

Thornton State Beach is a special beach in California that's part of the state's park system. Even though it's a beautiful spot on the Pacific coast near Daly City, it's officially closed to visitors. This is because of landslides, which are when large amounts of earth and rocks slide down a slope. The park covers about 58 acres (23 hectares) and was created in 1955. Even though it's closed, people who live nearby sometimes visit the beach for hiking, riding horses, and other fun beach activities.

About Thornton State Beach

Thornton State Beach is located right on the Pacific Ocean, close to Daly City in the San Francisco Bay Area. It's managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. This beach is known for its amazing ocean views and cliffs.

Why the Beach is Closed

The main reason Thornton State Beach is closed is because of landslides. These are natural events where soil and rocks move down a hill or cliff. Because of these landslides, the area can be dangerous for visitors. Even with the official closure, some local people still find ways to enjoy the beach. They might go for walks, ride horses, or just relax by the ocean.

The Weather at the Beach

The weather at Thornton State Beach is often cool and windy. This area has what is called a Mediterranean climate. This means it has mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. However, at Thornton State Beach, you can expect a lot of fog, especially during the summer months. This fog often rolls in from the Pacific Ocean, making the air feel chilly even when the sun is out.

Who Was Robert S. Thornton?

The beach is named after Robert S. Thornton. He was one of the first white settlers in this area. Robert S. Thornton came from Rhode Island and arrived in the San Francisco area in 1851. He worked as a blacksmith, which is someone who makes and repairs things made of iron.

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