Most San Francisco beaches are not suitable for swimming due to their dangerous riptides. They are perfect for a variety of outdoor activities such as scenic walks, bird-watching, and picnicking. San Francisco has an array of beaches that are best visited when the weather is pleasant. San Francisco’s beaches are not known for being warm.

San Francisco beaches are among the most popular attractions in the state, bringing locals and out-of-towners out of their comfy homes to bask in the glory of Mother Nature’s splendor. Depending upon the time of year, San Francisco beaches have much to offer in terms of entertainment to visitors of all types and ages, making the beach one of the most fun and affordable places to escape to, even if just for an afternoon.

San Francisco doesn't have beaches like the golden sands of Southern California. The water is dark and ice cold and the brown sand is strewn with kelp and driftwood. Instead, in NorCal, it's all about the dramatic views and rocky coastline.

Baker Beach is a section of the sprawling Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which preserves over 82,000 acres of shoreline park and beachfront areas within the San Francisco Bay Area. This mile-long sandy shoreline stretches beneath the rugged cliffs in the southwest corner of the Presidio and rewards visitors with heart-warming views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, the Marin Headlands, and Lands End.

The north side of Baker Beach is “clothing optional”, meaning it’s also a nude beach. Large waves, undertow and rip currents make the beach unsafe for swimming, but it provides panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands and Lands End. You can fish or check out the shorelife along the beach and rocky shoreline. Restrooms and picnic tables are nearby.

Ocean Beach is a great place to beachcomb, build sand castles or bonfires, but don't swim. The tumultuous waters can be too rough to handle. Ocean Beach is a long beach located on the westernmost border of San Francisco, adjacent to Golden Gate Park.

Running from Cliff House south to Sloat Boulevard, the beach features a 3.5-mile stretch of white sand and offers the most show-stopping views of the Pacific Ocean. Great for strolling and flying kites, but the water is frigid and the currents hazardous for all but the most experienced surfers.

Marchall's Beach is special, if you're looking for a secluded experience, Marshall's Beach is the spot for you. Located just north of Baker Beach in the Presido, this is one of our beaches near the Golden Gate Bridge. It's incredibly photogenic, offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the Marin Headlands. It's also hands-down one of the best beaches in San Francisco.

China Beach is located in the Sea Cliff neighborhood of San Francisco outside the Golden Gate, this cove is tucked between Baker Beach & Land's End. Offering spectacular views of Marin Headlands and The Golden Gate this cove of sand is good place for sunbathing, play spot for children and a picnic. Observe the monument to the Chinese fishermen and early residents who camped and anchored in the cove.

Fort Funston is a scenic section of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a favorite for hikers, bikers and beach-goers.

West Beach Crissy Field - The beach has a fully accessible trail where you can cycle, jog or walk, as well as picnic tables for a mouth-watering meal with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Angel Island, and Alcatraz Island. When the nice weather descends, do as the locals and head over to Crissy Field East Beach. A popular place among locals on sunny weekends, the East Beach is safe for swimming and perfect for surfing.

Aquatic Park Cove - At the western end of Fisherman’s Wharf lies the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, a public space that encompasses a fleet of historic vessels, a visitor center, and a maritime museum. The park also happens to harbor the Aquatic Park Cover, a lovely protected cove that is popular with swimmers in the Bay Area, as it’s fairly protected from rougher currents, tides, and vessel traffic. This is also a prime place for kayaking, paddle boarding, and rowing.