SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE.
- Home
- Attractions
- Beaches
San Francisco Beaches: My 7 Top Picks Around SF
by Jill Loeffler •
Are there beaches in San Francisco? YES!
How many beaches are in San Francisco? You will find more than half a dozen, as we are surrounded on three sides by water. Most of them are along the northern and western waterfronts.
I love to visit our beaches to get away from the hustle and bustle, watch the surfers, and take in some of my favorite SF scenery.
With our cool, breezy climate, you won't find many hot days to throw down a towel and grab some rays. But it's still fun to visit our SF beaches for a picnic or to just hang out and watch the waves.
You can also get great views of the Golden Gate Bridge from many of them. If you're wondering about the specifics, like water temperatures at the beaches in San Francisco or whether or not you can swim at them, skip down the page.
What Are the Best Beaches in San Francisco?
Our most popular beaches are Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Crissy Field. Learn more about these and a few others that I love to visit throughout the year.
Read on for details about each one, including San Francisco beach photos, nearby attractions, and other tips for visiting.
Where Are the Best Beaches in San Francisco?
Check out my San Francisco beaches map to locate the one(s) you want to visit. Each number on the map corresponds with my description further down the page.
The 7 best places to enjoy some sand and some waves on SF's waterfront, both along the bay and the oceanDisclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
1. Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is one of the most recognized San Francisco beaches. It’s located on the western side of the city on the Pacific Ocean.
The beach is long and skinny. It's about 6 miles long from north to south, but it's only a few hundred feet wide.
It's the spot for surfers in San Francisco. It's also a wonderful place to jog or walk.
However, it's not a safe place to swim for those who are not used to its rip currents. In fact, it has some of the deadliest riptides in all of California.
The northern stretch borders the Outer Richmond district, and the southern end borders the Outer Sunset district.
Our beautiful Golden Gate Park lies just across the Great Highway from the middle section of Ocean Beach.
"Great Highway Park" Project:
During the week, the Great Highway is a roadway for cars. On weekends, a stretch of it closes to traffic and becomes a wide 2-mile-long promenade along the beach.
Beginning in 2025, this highway closure for a larger recreation area will become permanent.
This initiative came from the community, who began using this space for happy hours, concerts on the beach, yoga, and more. (Visit their site for upcoming events.)
On the western edge of San Francisco, the fog often rolls in each night. This keeps Ocean Beach cool and comfortable all year long.
Besides taking in the ocean views, the best things to do here include checking out the area's highly rated restaurants, watching the surfers in action, admiring the local wildlife, and visiting nearby attractions.
From March to October, this is the best beach in San Francisco to visit at night for bonfires.
>> Learn more about visiting Ocean Beach
2. Baker Beach
Baker Beach is a famous beach in San Francisco because of its amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
This SF beach is in the northwest corner of the city, near where the Pacific Ocean and the SF Bay meet.
This is also a popular spot on those few hot days in the city. On a sunny day, people flock here for picnics or to let their dogs play in the water.
This beach is well known to have a nude section. This section is on the right-hand side of the beach and is easy to stay away from if you are visiting with the family. All are welcome on this part of the beach, but if you just stand and stare, the regulars will ask you to leave.
You can get to Baker Beach by driving through the Presidio. They have a nice big parking lot and it's usually pretty easy to find a spot. You can also get here by walking along the Coastal Trail.
Even if it's a quick trip, it's fun to come here to see the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the beautiful scenery that surrounds it.
>> Find even more tips for visiting Baker Beach
3. China Beach
Another one of the best beaches in San Francisco is China Beach. This special, beautiful, and lesser known beach sits just to the west of Baker Beach.
From here, you can also get some amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding cliffs.
A China Beach plaque commemorating the site as a former campsite for Chinese fishermen in the late 1800sThis one attracts a local crowd on a sunny day. Some folks swim here regularly, but it's usually pretty quiet. I do caution that the waters can be very challenging for beginners.
This SF beach is a well-kept secret because it's a little farther out of the way. It is in the Sea Cliff residential neighborhood and along the area where the Pacific Ocean and the SF Bay meet.
It's worth the effort to get here on a nice, warm, sunny day, or if you are venturing out to visit some of our hidden gems.
>> Find out how to get to China Beach and what to see nearby during your visit
4. Crissy Field
The Crissy Field beach is one of the few San Francisco beaches that is pretty busy most days.
Again, it's not usually people in their suits grabbing some rays, but instead people with their dogs and/or having a picnic. There are also always people out for a run or walk along the trail next to it.
If you do want to get wet, however, this is probably the best beach in San Francisco for swimming.
The Crissy Field beach is on the northern edge of the Presidio and near the Marina District on the northern shore of San Francisco.
From here, you can get full views and pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can also get some cool shots of Alcatraz Island, Sausalito and the dome of the Palace of Fine Arts.
From either Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square, you can grab the 30 Stockton bus and ride it right into the Presidio all the way to the stop at Crissy Field.
5. Aquatic Park
Heading east from Crissy Field, you'll find another, smaller bayside beach. Aquatic Park is right next to Fort Mason and across from Ghirardelli Square on the western end of the Fisherman's Wharf district.
Many people like to walk along the boardwalk here. It's a great place to go for a run or walk.
If you're packing a picnic, there is almost always plenty of seating either on the sand or the small stadium right along the water.
As this beach sits on a cove between two piers, the waters are calmer, making swimming possible here.
Still, I recommend you stay aware of your surroundings. Over the last year or two, a couple of swimmers have been bitten by sea lions. No one is sure why this is happening, as swimmers and sea lions have shared this area for decades. However, it's something to be aware of before you dive in.
This is another one of the San Francisco beaches with great views of the Golden Gate Bridge. In addition, you can walk out along the pier on the western side to get some clear photos of Alcatraz and Angel Island.
6. Mile Rock Beach
Mile Rock Beach is another one of my favorite San Francisco beaches. You can only access this one from the Lands End Trail.
Because this beach takes some effort to get to, it is not as visited as the others on my list. That makes this secluded spot the best beach in SF for meditation and peacefully soaking in the gorgeous views it offers.
To get here, you'll have to walk down about 100 steps to a steep path at the bottom.
As you can see in my photo, Mile Rock Beach provides dramatic scenes of towering boulders and crashing waves. You can imagine the rough waters that brought an end to so many vessels here, whose shipwrecks you can still make out at low tide.
This SF beach is easy to find, as it's clearly marked on the Lands End Trail. The sign faces east, so if you are coming in from the west, you will need to look around for the trailhead sign a bit.
>> More about visiting Mile Rock Beach
7. Marshall's Beach
Marshall's Beach is another secluded beach that is mostly clothing-optional.
This small place has amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's the perfect place to hang out if you are looking for a chill spot with little commotion.
This is one of the San Francisco beaches that is only easy to find if you know where to look. It isn't something you will stumble upon, which is why it makes the perfect location for a nude beach.
The entrance to this beach is along the Battery to Beach Trail in the Presidio. There aren't any signs, so be on the look out for some worn paths that will take you to this gorgeous retreat.
>> More about visiting Marshall's Beach
San Francisco Beach FAQ
Overall, San Francisco beaches come alive with action on those rare, sunny days in San Francisco. Outside of that, they are mainly used for viewing the beautiful scenery and taking some time away from the chaos of the city.
Below, you'll find my answers to some frequently asked questions about our beaches.
1. Can You Swim at San Francisco Beaches?
If you plan to swim, I recommend bringing along a wet suit. Not only is the air cool, but the waters surrounding SF range from around 50 to 60 degrees.
Another thing to keep in mind if you plan to enter the water or swim is that the waters here are choppy and can be quite dangerous.
Many of our beaches are also in the area where the Pacific Ocean meets the SF Bay and you will find a lot of turbulence here too.
The cool waters off our San Francisco beaches are for more experienced swimmers. We have some of the most dangerous riptides in California.
So, which are the best beaches in San Francisco for swimming? Because of their calmer waters on the bay side of the city, my favorite beaches in San Francisco to swim at are Crissy Field and Aquatic Park.
Note that none of the beaches in San Francisco are actually staffed with lifeguards; you would have to travel to beaches outside of the city to find lifeguards on duty (albeit seasonally, sometimes just on weekends).
2. Are There Warm Beaches Near San Francisco?
In short, no. There are no warm beaches near San Francisco because of our unique geography.
However, there are many great reasons to visit our beaches. They are a great place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the views! Just be prepared for cooler conditions.
The water is the warmest in August and September, which is when it's about 60 degrees. It's cooler in the winter when the temperatures hover around 53 to 55 degrees.
Why is the water so much colder in the Pacific vs. the Atlantic Ocean?
The waters in the Pacific Ocean are colder for two reasons: much of the water is traveling south from the Arctic Ocean, and there are a lot of upswells, which bring the cold water from the bottom of the ocean to the surface.
These cool waters also play a role in keeping our temperatures in the city cool, yet fairly consistent, all year long.
3. Marshall's Beach vs. Baker Beach?
These two San Francisco beaches are located so close to each other, you could easily visit both (see my San Francisco beaches map at the top of the page).
The Golden Gate Bridge views from Marshall's Beach vs. Baker Beach are both fantastic and offer a similar angle, though Marshall's is slightly closer.
In general, I recommend Baker Beach more for families wanting a little more room to spread out.
On the other hand, I recommend Marshall's Beach for those who don't mind the nudists and are looking for something more off-the-beaten-path.
4. Baker Beach vs. Ocean Beach?
These are two famous San Francisco beaches for different reasons.
If you're coming to relax and take in some classic San Francisco landscapes (including the Golden Gate Bridge and cliffs), head over to Baker Beach.
If you're in the mood for a little more action—whether it be surfing, jogging, or letting Fido run loose—you'll have a lot more room to do this at the much longer Ocean Beach with its flatter surroundings.
The views at Ocean Beach might not be quite as uniquely San Francisco, but it's always awe-inspiring to look out toward the vast Pacific Ocean.
In terms of the accessibility of Baker Beach vs. Ocean Beach, you can get to either by public transit in about 45 minutes to an hour. Baker Beach is closer to downtown in distance, but requires some walking to get down to, whereas Ocean Beach does not.
5. What Are Other Famous Beaches Near San Francisco?
Stinson Beach: A beautiful white sandy beach about 20 miles north of San Francisco on the coast of Bolinas Bay. It's a windy drive to get here (or you can take the Marin Transit Bus #61), but the views along scenic Highway 1 are well worth it. A popular spot for surfing and hiking with access to the famous Dipsea Trail into Mount Tamalpais State Park. There are generally lifeguards on duty here during the summer months.
Muir Beach: A smaller, peaceful beach on the way to Stinson Beach, located on a quiet cove just three miles west of Muir Woods National Monument. A bit more rugged than Stinson. Dog-friendly and popular with the locals. No lifeguards on duty.
Half Moon Bay State Beach: About 30 miles south of San Francisco, this four-mile-long sandy beach is perfect for jogging, biking, picnicking, camping, and fishing. This beach near San Francisco is also home to the famous Mavericks surf break and competition. Usually staffed with lifeguards on weekends.
If you want to venture even farther, check out the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, about two hours south of San Francisco.
Unlike the more rugged, rocky, and cliff-lined beaches in San Francisco, this one is what people often picture California to look like: wide, sandy beaches where folks are playing volleyball, riding an old-fashioned wooden rollercoaster, and delighting in the classic pier games and treats.
San Francisco Hotels Near the Beach
If your idea of a relaxing stay is listening to the waves roll in at night and walking down to the beach in the morning, check out the following San Francisco hotels near the beach.
Seal Rock Inn in the Outer Richmond: This classic motor inn is located in the northwest corner of San Francisco near the famous Sutro Baths, conveniently between Ocean Beach and Mile Rock Beach. It offers ocean views, a pool, free parking, and free Wi-Fi. Read reviews and check availability.
Ocean Park Motel in the Outer Sunset: On the opposite, southern end of Ocean Beach near the SF Zoo, you'll find this highly rated art-deco San Francisco motel. It is pet-friendly, offers free parking and Wi-Fi, and has rooms with full kitchens. Find out more.
The Inn or the Lodge at the Presidio: These are the only two hotels located within the Presidio national park site, a short walk to Crissy Field Beach. They offer luxury, historic, and very peaceful accommodations. View photos and get more info.
Finally, near the Aquatic Park, you'll find tons of great options in the Fisherman’s Wharf district, where many tourists choose to set up camp for their stay in San Francisco. Some of my favorites are Argonaut Hotel and Hotel Zephyr, but my full list for this neighborhood includes something for everyone.
Get Out on the Bay
If you're looking for the best beach in San Francisco, I'm guessing you love the water. So why not go beyond our beaches, and take a boat cruise? Check out the great deals below.
More San Francisco Travel Tips
Golden Gate Bridge Photos: Are you looking for that perfect place to take a photo of the Golden Gate Bridge? Uncover some of the key spots around San Francisco where you can get that perfect shot. In addition, you will find some great photos of the Golden Gate Bridge from some of these locations.
Cable Cars: How old are the cable cars? How many lines are still running in San Francisco? Discover the answers to these questions and find out how to ride our historic San Francisco cable cars.
Ghirardelli Square: Just south of the beach at Aquatic Park is Ghirardelli Square. This was the location of one of the first chocolate factories in San Francisco. While the original factory moved out of the city decades ago, you can still visit the square and taste some of its sweet treats. Read on to learn more about Ghirardelli Square and find tips on what to see and do during your visit.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!
