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San Francisco Beaches




Killer Dana
Rocky Mountain Trail
Rocky Mountain Trail
Luggage Base

San Francisco Beaches Overview

San Francisco

What's a visit to California without going to the beach? San Francisco has many beaches to suit your interests. Choose from the massive Ocean Beach on the west side or the slightly more sheltered Golden Gate Promenade on the north side. Shoot an outstanding picture of the Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach or head north across the bridge to Stinson Beach for the perfect wave. Whether you're looking for a day of sunbathing, windsurfing, sightseeing or swimming, San Francisco has the beach for you.


NOTE: Unfortunately, many beach cities in heavily populated regions of the state have negleted to appreciate their valuable resource. Many popular beaches including Huntington and Newport Beaches in Orange County, and Mission Bay in San Diego have regular beach closures throughout the year due to raw-sewage spills. To check on the current water quality conditions, be sure to visit the Heal the Bay web site for details. Volunteer programs are also available for those wanting to take an active roll in keeping our beaches clean.

San Francisco Beaches
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Stinson Beach is approximately 20 miles north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge and along some of the most scenic highways in California. Stinson Beach is a small portion of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Long stretches of sand, great surf and nearby state and national parks make this a popular locals hangout. Common activities include hang gliding, kayaking, surfing, picnicking and sun bathing.

WARNING: Several shark attacks have occurred here. Although shark attacks are extremely rare, we do not recommend swimming or surfing here.

Stinson Beach
Panoramic Highway & Highway 1
Stinson Beach, CA 94970
Map  |   Hotel  |   No Website  |   Other Ideas



Aquatic Park

Aquatic Park is located in Fisherman's Wharf directly in front of the National Maritime Museum and Ghirardelli Square. This portion of sea is practically surrounded by piers and is large enough to be shared by lap swimmers and sea lions alike. Sunbathers can choose from a small sandy beach, a grassy park or the cement bleachers that overlook the sea and are sometimes used for sporting events.

Aquatic Park
Hyde and Jefferson
San Francisco, California 94123
Map  |   Hotel  |   No Website  |   Other Ideas



Golden Gate Promenade

Golden Gate Promenade is located between Fort Mason near Fisherman's Wharf and Fort Point at the Golden Gate Bridge. This long and wide sandy beach is popular with sunbathers and swimmers. Dogs are allowed on this beach which is also a popular launching point for windsurfers and kite surfers. The Promenade offers terrific unimpeded views of the Golden Gate Bridge. A dirt path, popular with walkers, joggers and bikers, follows the shoreline to the bridge.

Golden Gate Promenade
Marine Drive between Baker Street and Fort Point
San Francisco, California 94123
Map  |   Hotel  |   No Website  |   Other Ideas



China Beach is located in Seacliff region of San Francisco. Named for its use by the Chinese during the gold rush days as a camp for fishermen, this is a popular family beach. This is one of San Francisco's most popular beaches for swimming and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. There are conveniences such as changing rooms, barbeque pits and and sun protected areas. The beach is accessible via a steep hike from the bluffs.

China Beach
Seacliff Avenue & El Camino del Mar
San Francisco, California 94121
Map  |   Hotel  |   No Website  |   Other Ideas



Baker Beach is located in the Presidio west of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is without a doubt, San Francisco's most scenic beach with its unobstructed view of the Golden Gate Bridge and across the bay to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is a favorite of the locals and offers a sandy beach and grass-covered sand dunes. This is not a great beach for swimming due to its strong currents and surf but hiking and sunbathing are common activities.

NOTE: The north end of the beach is a often a nude beach.

Baker Beach
Lincoln Boulevard
San Francisco, California 94101
Map  |   Hotel  |   No Website  |   Other Ideas



Pacific Sunset

Ocean Beach spans the entire west side of San Francisco. This is San Francisco's largest beach offering four miles of sandy coast. The paved Ocean Beach Esplanade parallels the entire length of the beach offering a comfortable place to walk, bike or rollerblade. Due to strong currents and surf, swimming is not advised. Surfing is popular along the entire stretch but full suits are definitely required for these chilly waters. A visitor center is located at the intersection of Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park. The Beach Chalet restaurant and brewery is also at this location and offers great food, spirits, entertainment and views.

Ocean Beach
1000 Great Highway
San Francisco, California 94121
Map  |   Hotel  |   No Website  |   Other Ideas

Beaches by Region
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