San Francisco Beaches Overview
What's a visit to California without going to the beach? California is sure to have something for everybody from the rocky, tumultuous shoreline of its north coast to the warm, wide-open, sandy beaches to the south. If you're looking for lots of activity and amenities such as restaurants, cantinas and shops, go to a beach with a pier. Piers are always a hub for locals and tourists alike where the layed-back, California spirit can be absorbed.
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 currently 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.
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China Beach is located in Pacific Heights 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 San Francisco's safest beach 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
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Bakers 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.
Bakers Beach
Lincoln Blvd. south of the Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco, California 94101
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Ocean Beach spans the entire west side of San Francisco. This is San Francisco's largest beach offering four miles of sandy beach. 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
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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 Hwy. & Highway 1
Stinson Beach, CA 94970
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