Beaches in San Francisco
The San Francisco beach experience can be quite different from other parts of California. Beaches in the city are very windy and cold most of the year. The downside to this is that you’re very unlikely to get a nice tan or have much of a day out. The upside, however, is that the waves and views are still beautiful, especially at sunset, and there is usually ample parking and sand space as crowds only flock to the shores on the hottest of summer days. For a more secluded and warmer beach experience, you can also drive out of the city a bit to beaches in Marin or Santa Cruz counties. The best part about most of the beaches is that admission is free.
A local favorite is Baker Beach, located on the west side of the Presidio. The spot offers terrific views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands when it’s clear out. Although parts of the beach are rocky, there are plenty of spots in the sand to spread out on hot days. The area also offers picnic tables for fun family outings, and pets are allowed as well. But beware — the north side of the beach is a nudist area, and many unknowing visitors have been known to stumble across a view they didn’t anticipate.
A bit further south is China Beach, a tiny spot of sand that San Francisco residents often consider their little secret. Tucked away among the jaw-dropping mansions of the Sea Cliff neighborhood, China Beach is a quiet and very tiny beach with amazing views. There are even a few friendly neighborhood cats that frequent the spot, never hesitating to investigate new visitors.
If a bonfire is on the itinerary, the only place to go in San Francisco is Ocean Beach. Located at the edge of the Sunset and Richmond Districts, this beach is by far the chilliest spot, so be sure to bring plenty of blankets and layers. It’s also the city’s largest beach, if not its most picturesque. The aforementioned bonfire pits keep the parties coming, though local police are strict about stopping any rogue bonfires that appear out of the designated areas. The beach is also well suited to a romantic drive to gaze at the crashing waves from the car, as the parking lot is usually relatively empty. The beach is home to the Cliff House, an historic restaurant and bar overlooking the waves. Further down is Beach Chalet, a newer restaurant opened in an historic 1930’s building with a view of the beach and the city’s famous windmill.
For a beach away from the bustle of the city, a great place to start is Stinson Beach in Marin County. A quick drive up the Golden Gate Bridge takes you to Marin, and a very long and windy road leads to the beach itself. Beware – the small town you must drive through to reach the beach can get very congested on hot weekends, so play it safe and start early. The weather can be a bit of a gamble, as it’s often hard to predict from the city, but on warm days the sand is ripe for relaxing and the water, though still very cold, is more inviting than many San Francisco beaches. Perhaps one of the best parts about Stinson beach is the quaint community surrounding it, with old-fashioned ice cream shops and cute restaurants and inns. For a do-it-yourself feel, bring a picnic and set up at the tables in the grassy area just outside of the beach to avoid getting sand in your hot dog.
In the other direction from the city there is Santa Cruz county, about 60 miles away and usually much warmer. While many flock to the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk for the rides, you may want to explore the more peaceful parts of the county, such as Capitola City Beach. You will find a crowd both on during very warm day as the beach is a draw because it is both kid-and pet-friendly. Parking can be tough as well on these busy days, but it helps to come armed with a lot of quarters for the meters. There is also a free shuttle bus available for those who park about two miles south of the beach.