san francisco beach vacation

Introduction
When you think of San Francisco, a beach vacation probably doesn’t come to mind. You might picture the Golden Gate Bridge overlooking chilly waters, sure—but you probably don’t picture the warm sand and bikinis that accompany most visions of a beach vacation. But believe it or not, there are beaches in San Francisco. While most swimming is best left to more tropical climes, the city has miles of great beaches that are perfect for surfing, sunbathing and spending time under the sun while enjoying some of the best views in California. So grab your sunscreen and towel—it’s time for a beach day!
Ocean Beach

San Francisco’s Ocean Beach is a wild beach with powerful waves and a wide expanse of fine white sand. Offshore rocks add to the striking scenery.
The shoreline backs up against undulating expanses of sand dunes that are carpeted with low-growing shrubs and ground-hugging succulent plants. During wintertime, the threatened western snowy plover birds make their home in the sand dunes (this area of the beach is protected by the National Park Service).
Extending for 3.5-miles, Ocean Beach is the city’s longest sandy stretch, so it rarely feels crowded, even though it’s very popular. Nearby residents come here to go jogging or walk their dogs. Kids enjoy making sandcastles. On those rare warm nights, locals gather to socialize around bonfires.
Ocean Beach is San Francisco’s foggiest and chilliest beach due to its open exposure. On typical days, the mists give way to sunshine around midday for a moment of calm, only to be ruffled by prevailing gusts from the Pacific Ocean in the afternoon or evening.
The brisk weather makes Ocean Beach ideal for an invigorating walk along the promenade. Beach walks are rewarded with vistas of waves breaking against the shore while seagulls soar overhead.
Safety Precautions: Ocean Beach does not have lifeguards. Signs posted at the beach clearly indicate that swimming and wading are prohibited. Swimming is not safe due to the hazardous rip currents and frigid water temperatures. Only experienced surfers should enter the water wearing wetsuits and with the skills to handle the rough ocean swells.
Facilities: Ocean Beach has free parking available at three lots (at Sloat Boulevard, across from the Beach Chalet, and at the northern end of the beach), however parking spaces are very limited. Alternatively, visitors can park on a residential street in the Sunset neighborhood. There are also public restrooms near the beach.
Across the street from Ocean Beach is the Beach Chalet, a stylish ocean-view restaurant open for brunch (weekends only), lunch, and dinner. The menu includes classic American dishes, organic salads, and fresh-caught seafood. The restaurant is on the second floor of the Beach Chalet building; on the first floor is a gift shop and a lobby decorated with 1930s Depression-era murals.
Behind the Beach Chalet is a locals’ favorite hangout spot, the Park Chalet. This casual restaurant has a dining area in a pleasant atrium overlooking the park, as well as outdoor seating beneath the shady trees. The Park Chalet is open for lunch and dinner every day and for brunch on weekends.
Nearby Attractions: A short detour from Ocean Beach leads to the Golden Gate Zoo, one of the top San Francisco attractions for kids. Inquisitive children adore the Fisher Family Children’s Zoo, a six-acre park within the Golden Gate Zoo that features an insect zoo, interactive exhibits, and a nature trail. The zoo’s miniature steam train appeals to youngsters, as well as the young-at-heart.
Baker Beach

If you’re looking to relax and enjoy the sun, Baker Beach is a great place to go. The beach is dog-friendly, which means your four-legged friend can join you on your trip. It’s also not a clothing optional beach (though some visitors do opt to go nude). If you’re more interested in surfing or bird watching than swimming, Baker Beach is an excellent choice.
China Beach
China Beach is a popular beach in San Francisco. It’s located in the Presidio, which is a small peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean just south of downtown. The beach itself offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands to the north, and Angel Island to the southeast. If you’re looking for some more activity while you soak up those rays, China Beach has plenty: surfing conditions are usually good here due to its wide-open space with little interference from rocks or other people (and no lifeguard). There’s also plenty of room for sunbathing or picnicking on this stretch of sand—plus it has one of the best sunset views in all of San Francisco!
Marshall’s Beach

Marshall’s Beach is a small beach located in the Presidio. The beach is not very popular, but it is a nice place to go if you want to get away from the crowds.
This beach is located near the Golden Gate Bridge, so be sure to visit this historic site while you’re in town.
Lands End
Lands End is a rocky promontory on the western side of the city that juts out into the Pacific Ocean. It’s a popular destination for locals, tourists and photographers alike. A number of hiking trails are available to explore and watch wildlife such as seabirds and seals. With plenty of bike paths and wide open spaces, there’s also plenty of room for picnics or just enjoying nature with friends in this beautiful area.
Lands End is also known as one of San Francisco’s best places to see sunsets! If you’re looking for great views without any crowds, we recommend checking out Sutro Baths or Baker Beach for some peace & quiet time during sunset hours before heading out for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in town!
Crissy Field

Crissy Field is a tidal marsh and recreational area in San Francisco, California. It is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and is managed by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
Crissy Field provides habitat for a variety of native plants and animals, including being an important stopover for migrating shorebirds as well as a number of different species of waterfowl that stay during the winter. The facility includes programs that involve:
- Interpretive exhibits
- Guided nature walks on weekend mornings (except holidays).
- Access to beach area at Crissy Field Beach with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands across the bay.
Aquatic Park Cove

Tourists need only walk a few steps away from Ghirardelli Square to find a tiny beach at Aquatic Park Cove. The narrow sandy stretch is sheltered from waves, so it is safe to swim here. In fact, the cove is so calm that it almost has the feel of a swimming pool.
Aquatic Park Cove is part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, which has a harbor for Fisherman’s Wharf boats and other recreational vessels. From the cove, tourists can see historic ships docked at the nearby Hyde Street Pier. For fabulous views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, tourists can take a walk along Aquatic Park’s municipal pier.
Facilities: Amenities are limited at Aquatic Park Cove. Visitors can make use of benches to sit and soak up the views. There are no public restrooms. If driving, you must use metered street parking.
Tips: Take the cable car to get here because parking is difficult. The Hyde & Beach cable car stop (the last stop on the Powell/Hyde Cable Car line) is just steps away from the Aquatic Park Cove beach.
Across the street, kitty-corner to the cable car stop, is The Buena Vista café, an atmospheric neighborhood hangout. Decades ago, this spot catered to workers who wandered over from their jobs at the nearby Del Monte fruit cannery. Today, The Buena Vista café serves classic American fare, including local seafood specialities. The Cannery (2801 Leavenworth Street) also has restaurants, boutiques, and an ice-cream shop.
Nearby Attractions: On the same day, plan to visit Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. Both attractions are within easy walking distance. Right behind the beach at Aquatic Park Cove is the Maritime Museum, housed in a converted 1830s bathhouse.
You can have a beach vacation in the San Francisco area without going very far from the city.
San Francisco is a great city to visit, but it’s also a great city to live in. There are beaches all around the San Francisco area and you can access them by car or public transportation. Here are some of the best places to go:
- Ocean Beach – The most popular beach in San Francisco, this one is located at Lincoln Road and Great Highway.
- Baker Beach – This beach is located at Sloat Boulevard and 46th Avenue and has views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the south end.
- Lands End – Located at 2nd Avenue near King Street on the northern tip of Land’s End Trailhead Park on Point Lobos Avenue near Sutro Heights Park in Pacifica, California 94044 (this one might take some time).
Conclusion
We hope that you enjoyed learning about some of the best beaches in the San Francisco area. Whether you are a local or a visitor, there is a beach here for you. If you like to go surfing, try Ocean Beach. Crissy Field and China Beach are great spots for swimming and sunbathing. If you’re looking for something more secluded, head over to Lands End or Marshall’s Beach. We guarantee that no matter which one of these beaches you choose to visit, it will be well worth your time!