Head for the west coast for wild blustery beach days, seek out the coastal thrills of San Francisco.
San Francisco is the switched on, start-up city of the 21st century. And no doubt you’ve a a San Fran to-do list as long as the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. But in between the cable car rides, the culinary adventures, and a visit to Alcatraz, make time to explore its wild and windy coastline.
San Fran beaches: what you need to know
Wild and windswept
It doesn’t take long to understand the allure of San Francisco’s handful of beaches. Sweeping across its beach-wreathed coastline, pounding waves draw surfers from far and wide. Long golden sands are hemmed in by inky blue waters. And locals walk and bike along its headlands in a place where nature still rules. Fling a kite towards the skies on Ocean Beach. Gaze at seabirds picking themselves through the rushes along Crissy Field. And settle in for the Pacific sunsets on Muir Beach.
To see San Francisco’s coastline at its most beautiful, arrive during the warmer months of September and October, when the city’s thick fog recedes across the Pacific. Keep in mind the water is always chilly, even during the summer, and many beaches are not really suitable for swimming thanks to dangerous currents. If you do brave the cold, heed the locals’ warnings about water conditions and beware of rogue waves. And only swim at lifeguard-patrolled beaches. If you do end up getting caught in a rip current, stay calm and swim parallel to the beach until you find yourself out of the current and swim to shore.
Top 8 beaches in San Francisco
Our top picks
For fresh air and restorative days on the sand, San Francisco’s beaches are an essential pitstop on your Californian adventure.
Ocean Beach
Wild
San Francisco International Airport: Approximately 22km
This vast wild stretch nudges Golden Gate Park. Thudding surf pounds the shores with bracing temperatures that’ll take your breath away. Dangerous currents mean the water’s the reserve of hardy pro surfers only. But it’s a thrilling spot to fling kites through the air, stoop for seashells and huddle around the 16 artist-designed fire pits for sunset views.
Baker Beach
Locals’ spot
San Francisco International Airport: Approximately 26km
Dig your heels in the sands of Baker Beach and you’ll absolutely know you’re in San Francisco. Here the iconic Golden Gate Bridge looms in all its grandeur across the water with the silhouettes of the Marin Headlands lording themselves in the background. Locals gather to doze between the pines, picnic on the golden sands and sunbathe – clothes optional depending on where you roll your towel out.
China Beach
Golden views
San Francisco International Airport: Approximately 26km
Snaking away from Lands End Park, this beach is named after the Chinese fishermen who once upon a time anchored their boats in the cove and slept on the sands. When the sun’s out, stroll in the foamy shallows and around the fringes of its tidal pools, searching for starfish and anemones. Let the kids run wild as they clamber over rocks – all with mighty views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Crissy Field
Great for hiking
San Francisco International Airport: Approximately 27km
It’s hard to imagine this serene curve of sand was once a military airbase. Today the restored Crissy Field is a calm and reticent sandy playground drawing birdwatchers to stare at egrets and herons and seabirds wading through the marshes. Out on the water kitesurfers tackle tumbling surf and just behind the beach you’ll find a popular hiking trail where you can catch the bay from on high.
Marshall’s Beach
Off the tourist trail
San Francisco International Airport: Approximately 28.5km
If you’re looking for something beyond the tourist trail, look to this hushed cove – the closest beach to the Golden Gate Bridge. Only those in the know walk down Bluffs Trail to wind up here, resting on the rocks that ride up from the sands to stare at the defining landmark of the city, appearing just metres away.
Fort Funston
Blustering and bracing
San Francisco International Airport: Approximately 20km
Park up on the clifftop overlooking this wide and blustery beach where sandy paths will take you straight down to the golden sands. Even on chilly days it’s an invigorating place to walk, staring up at the sandy bluffs and skirting the pools that are left on the wave-licked shore. Thanks to the nearly-always-reliable winds, you can often spot hang-gliders too, circling above the flinty swells.
Rodeo Beach
Sea-polished pebbles
San Francisco International Airport: Approximately 37km
As you cross the bridge towards the Marin Headlands, the golden-hued sand disappears and in its place, glossy red and green pebbles pile up on the shoreline. Look out for semi-precious, sea-polished jasper and jade, and enjoy a picnic before unleashing a kite towards the vast open skies. Surfers hang out in the swells on the northern end, and if you fancy a hike, trails lead across the bluffs behind the beach.
Muir Beach
Whale watching
San Francisco International Airport: Approximately 48km
The Pacific sunsets at this small cove and lagoon are always worth it, especially when you’ve bagged one of the firepits along the shoreline. Haul your gear along the 450-foot boardwalk from the car park and set up camp for the day, braving the cold for a bracing swim. Don’t miss a hike up to the windswept overlook trail – you might spot whales frolicking in the inky blue beyond.
Top tips:
The temperature can change quickly. Wear layers so you can adjust accordingly.
Some beaches have strong currents and tides.
Heed any warning signs. Many beaches don’t have restaurants or cafes nearby. Bring snacks or a picnic.