San Francisco Beaches

Enjoy an Urban Oasis

Come out to play at San Francisco beaches. You'll find plenty to do.

You can go hiking, fishing, kayaking and horseback riding. Do a little bird watching, watch the whales go by, enjoy the wildlife. Or just gawk at some drop dead gorgeous scenery.

Yes, there's fog. But it burns off quickly, and when the sun shines on the bay area, it's glorious.

We'll explore San Francisco beaches by starting in the south-east, then heading north as we work our way around the peninsula.

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Candlestick Point State Recreation Area

This park is located in the southeast area of the city and offers beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay. You'll find picnic areas, fishing (including two fishing piers) and hiking trails. Windsurfing is popular here. There's parking and wheelchair-accessible restrooms and trails.

For more information and to download a park brochure and map, see Candlestick Point State Recreation Area.

Aquatic Park

You can enjoy a variety of activities at this San Francisco beach and park. Located at the west end of Fisherman's Wharf, there's a small sandy beach, bleachers, bocce ball courts, lawns, showers and wheelchair-accessible restrooms. The 1,850 foot Municipal Pier curves into the bay here, and is a popular spot for fishing.

The Maritime Museum features historic artifacts and exhibits, and Hyde Street Pier houses a collection of historic vessels. There are tours, a book store and a visitor center. Entrance fee.

For more information see San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

Beaches of the Presidio

The Presidio occupies 1491 acres to the south of the Golden Gate Bridge. This area was a US army post for 150 years, but now it's a major historical and recreational area.

There's plenty to do and see here. There are 11 miles of hiking trails and 14 miles of bicycle routes. The Coastal Trail will take you from the Golden Gate Bridge all the way to the Cliff House.

For more information see Presidio of San Francisco.

To download an excellent map see Maps of the Park.

Crissy Field

You'll find newly restored tidal marshes and sandy beaches along the bay shore. Enjoy a stroll with stunning views. Golden Gate Promenade is a bicycle and pedestrian trail that runs along the shoreline all the way to Fort Point (beneath the Golden Gate Bridge). This windy beach is good for sea kayaking and sailboarding.

There's parking, restrooms, picnic areas, two cafes, a bookstore, telephones and visitor information. Dogs are allowed on a leash except in designated protected habitat areas.

For more information and to download a map see Crissy Field.

Virtual Guidebooks provides panoramic views of Crissy Field and Fort Point.

Presidio Coastal Bluffs

More great views of the Pacific coastline. You'll find rare plants here, and you can take the Coastal Trail to Crissy Field, or head the opposite direction to Land's End and Cliff House. The small pocket beaches are accessible only by a very steep, treacherous trail.

Parking available, but no facilities. Leashed dogs are permitted.

Virtual Guidebooks provides panoramic views of Presidio Bluffs.

Baker Beach

This is quite possibly the most popular and warmest of the San Francisco beaches. On sunny weekends it can get crowded. The surf at this beach is dangerous, so don't even think about swimming. But you can enjoy some fantastic views, fish, picnic, explore tidepools and watch the wildlife.

There are two parking areas, restrooms, a phone, picnic tables, and hiking trails. Leashed dogs are allowed.

The rockier north end is used as a clothing optional beach.

Virtual Guidebooks provides a panoramic view of Baker Beach.

China Beach

This tiny secluded cove offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. Sheltered from the wind by rocky cliffs, this San Francisco beach is popular for swimming and sunbathing. Lifeguards are on duty from April to October. Access the beach via a steep paved access road.

You'll find a sundeck, a picnic area with barbecues, and restrooms with showers. Parking is limited. Dogs are not permitted at this beach.

For more information see China Beach picnic area.

Virtual Guidebooks provides a panoramic view of China Beach.

Land's End Beach

This wild, secluded San Francisco beach is tucked among the dramatic cliffs west of Lincoln Park. The trail system along the bluffs offers outstanding views, with many hidden areas to explore. Abundant plant life includes twisted cypress groves.

Bring a jacket, as it can get windy and chilly here. The cliffs are dangerous, so keep clear of the edges and be aware that trails are sometimes closed due to landslides. A steep trail leads to the beach.

Swimming is not allowed, but dogs are allowed on a leash. Parking is available at El Camino Del Mar, West Fort Miley, and the Cliff House. You'll find a picnic area with restrooms at West Fort Miley.

Ocean Beach

This four mile strand is the largest San Francisco beach, and extends from the Cliff House to the San Francisco Zoo. Surfing and fishing are popular here, but it's not safe to swim due to rip currents, and the weather is often cold and windy. This beach can get very crowded on weekends.

Horses are allowed on the beach south of Golden Gate Park. Dogs are allowed, and may be taken off leash on the northern end of the beach. Beach fires are permitted between Lincoln Way and Fulton Street.

Public restrooms and showers are located at the southern end of the beach. The Ocean Beach Esplanade, a paved walkway, will take you all the way to Fort Funston.

Virtual Guidebooks provides a panoramic view of Ocean Beach.

Cliff House

Enjoy the outstanding views from this historic locale overlooking Ocean Beach, or eat at the Cliff House Restaurant

Virtual Guidebooks provides a panoramic view of The Cliff House and Sutro Baths.

Fort Funston

This park is popular with hang-gliders and dog walkers. There's a picnic area and a hang-gliding observation deck, where you can enjoy stunning views. Take the steep unmarked trail to the beach and pristine sand dunes. Hiking and bird watching are also popular here. You'll find a system of multi-use trails for horses and pedestrians.

This is one of the most interesting San Francisco beaches. There are dramatic cliffs, a rare dune habitat, and beautiful stones and shells to discover. The beach stretches for 4.6 miles, so you'll have plenty of space to roam. Be aware that during high tides the beach may not be accessible.

There's a large parking at the southern end of the park, off Skyline Boulevard. Sunset Trail and restrooms are wheelchair-accessible. Hang gliding club facilities are available.

Dogs are required to be on a leash, but this is largely ignored.

Virtual Guidebooks provides a panoramic view of Fort Funston.

More San Francisco Bay Area Beaches