Top San Francisco Beaches
San Francisco’s beaches offer breathtaking views as well as plenty of hiking, kite-flying, surfing, relaxing and more.
They may not be the warm and sunny variety Southern California is known for, but San Francisco has no shortage of beaches. If you’re looking for a beautiful outdoor excursion, San Francisco’s beaches offer breathtaking views as well as plenty of hiking, kite-flying, surfing, relaxing and more.
Baker Beach
This popular beach in the Presidio offers the best ocean view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. Large waves and rip currents make the water unsafe for swimming, but it is a beautiful place for sunbathing and picnicking. You can sometimes watch sea lions and porpoises in the early morning. Or, enjoy a hike by picking up the Coastal Trail on the cliffside of the beach. Be sure to keep an eye out for California’s State Rock, serpentine. Please note that the north side of Baker Beach is “clothing optional” and is often frequented by nude sunbathers.
How To Get There: To reach Baker Beach using public transit, take the 38 Geary Muni bus and transfer to the 29 Sunset Muni bus. If you are driving, signs are provided along Lincoln Boulevard to reach the beach. Free parking lots are available, but on a sunny day these fill up very fast.
You can sometimes watch sea lions and porpoises in the early morning. Or, enjoy a hike by picking up the Coastal Trail on the cliffside of the beach.
China Beach (East Beach)
If you are looking for one of the safest beaches for families, China Beach offers shallow waters for kids to play in. This tiny cove is tucked between Lands End and Baker Beach and also features a spectacular view of the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge. It is also a great spot to have a picnic or a barbecue. Take a walk during low tide from China Beach to Baker Beach and find starfish, anemones, and mussels clinging to the rocky crevices of the cliff. Named after the Chinese fishermen who camped here in days past, you can see a monument to China Beach’s early residents near the parking area at the end of Sea Cliff Avenue. Please note: no pets, fires, and glass containers are allowed at China Beach.
How To Get There: China Beach is located at Sea Cliff and 28th avenues in the Sea Cliff neighborhood. From El Camino del Mar, follow small brown signs that say "Public Beach." Parking is very limited at China Beach, with less than 40 spots available. To get there on San Francisco Muni, get off the 29 bus at Lincoln/Camino del Mar and 25th Avenue and walk west, or take the 1 California bus to California Street and 30th Avenue.
Lands End
One of the lesser-known and visited beaches in San Francisco, Lands End is a hidden gem secluded behind the dramatic cliffs west of Lincoln Park. Accessible via a steep trail, it is best to wear sturdy shoes to get here. While the beach itself is a beautiful spot for sunbathing or picnicking, swimming is prohibited due to dangerous water conditions. It is the beautiful hiking along the bluffs that really make Lands End a must-see attraction. Along the way, you’ll see hillsides of cypress and wildflowers, catch glimpses of old shipwrecks, wander around the old ruins of the Sutro Baths and stop at the Lookout Visitor Center. There are also wheelchair accessible trails from the trailhead at the Merrie Way parking lot.
How To Get There: Park your car at West Fort Miley, or you can also look for parking at El Camino Del Mar, and the Cliff House.
One of the lesser-known and visited beaches in San Francisco, Lands End is a hidden gem secluded behind the dramatic cliffs west of Lincoln Park.
Ocean Beach
A classic California beach experience, Ocean Beach stretches along the entire west side of the city and offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Swimming is not advised here due to dangerous rip currents and extremely cold water temperatures. Only the most experienced surfers are found swimming at Ocean Beach and caution is advised. Enjoy walking along 3.5 miles of coast, flying a kite, or having a picnic or beach fire in one of the beach’s designated areas.
How To Get There: There is parking along the Great Highway as well as on the numerous side streets along Ocean Beach. It is also accessible by a number of buses and the N-Judah and L-Taraval Muni lines.
How to Be Safe On the Beach
Be sure to review if beach fires are permitted and how to enjoy them safely by clicking here. Also, be mindful of water conditions, as the strong currents of the Pacific Ocean can be dangerous. A few more characters can also fit.
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