Beaches near San Francisco
San Francisco is the second most densely populated US city after New York. But, it's not just a bustling place—it’s the financial and cultural center of Northern California. The metropolitan vibe of the city is mixed with the peace of its parks, beaches, and picnic areas. And, this perfect blend of bustling city and calm nature makes it easier to escape the daily grind.
The San Francisco skyline is impressive, and it looks even better from the beaches. Luckily, it never gets too hot in the city thanks to the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean. The temperature rarely gets above 35 degrees Celsius and almost never dips below zero. The weather is pretty steady all year round, so you can never go wrong when visiting the city!
Thanks to the cold water and wind, swimming isn't exactly high on the locals' to-do list. But there are other beach activities or nearby options that everyone can enjoy in San Francisco. Whether you’re exploring green and lush parks or stretching out on sandy beaches, there’s always something beautiful to see. Join us and find out about our favorite beaches and activities in San Francisco!
Our Top San Francisco Beaches Beaches
Whether you are visiting San Francisco or calling it home, the streets bustling with people can make you crave a break from society. That's what San Francisco's beaches and parks are for! Ready to escape the city buzz? Check out our list of the top 3 San Francisco beaches:
- Ocean Beach
- Baker beach
- Crissy Field Beach
1. Ocean Beach
Bustling with life, this beach is a favorite among the locals. You can hang out with friends, bring your dog, or go for a surf on this 3.5-mile beach. Walk along the stunning waterfront and gaze at the rolling waves on the crisp golden sand. If you want to get here, just hop on the L train from downtown San Francisco, and you'll be there in about 40 minutes. That's pretty quick for a terrific beach!
Why is it a favorite spot for so many San Franciscans? For starters, the beach fires. With the Pacific Ocean breeze, it can get chilly, and the water’s too cold for a dip. So, the city set up permanent fire spots where you can hunker down. Grab some marshmallows and some good friends to make this the ultimate beach experience!
The best part is that you can bring your dog with you, so they can make some new friends too! Plus, you’ll get to watch the seals take a well-earned nap on the Seal Rocks. It looks like the water’s never too cold for them!
But, since we're not seals, what else is there to do on the beach except swim? Plenty! You can stroll along the luscious Great Hiking Trail that runs the entire length of the beach! It’ll lead you to the Cliff House historical landmark and through the huge, scenic Golden Gate Park.
There you can see all kinds of historical landmarks, visit colorful gardens, explore clear blue lakes, and even test your skills on the archery range! It would take us the whole day to list everything. Give yourself a day or two to explore this incredible park, and you won't be disappointed!
Make the most of your day on Ocean Beach
Since it takes a few days to explore the Golden Gate Park, why carry around all your stuff? Don't let bags weigh you down through the green-tinted trails, leave them with one of our Bounce partners. Walking and biking are way more fun when you don't have all that weight on your back!
2. Baker Beach
This is a very popular beach in the San Francisco Bay Area. It's easy to reach—catch the number 7 bus in downtown San Francisco and switch to the 29 on 19th Avenue. The trip takes about 50 minutes, but you'll be going through Golden Gate Park, which is a huge bonus. When you get there, just walk through the park and presto, you're there!
The water at mile-long Baker Beach is pretty cold, but it’s also much calmer. You can take a dip there in the summer, just don't plan on staying in for too long.
You'll probably spot some bikinis and swim trunks lying on the sand. That's because the northern part of the beach has some clothing-optional sunbathers, so you've been warned! The beach and parking lot are free, but don’t forget to bring your umbrella and towel. Also, you’ll be happy to know that the restrooms and changing rooms are also nice and clean!
The beach has a fantastic view of the Golden Gate Bridge and tons of activities! There's a picnic area with tables and grills. If you get there early, you'll snag a parking spot and a table for sure! You should also check out the Coastal Trail, a hiking path that leads to the Battery Chamberlin. There you’ll find some massive guns on display, which is a cool surprise on a nice hike.
3. Crissy Field Beach
Crissy Field Beach has some of the calmest waters on the San Francisco peninsula. It's perfect for a good book while kicking back on the sandy shores of Crissy Field. If you are walking, just catch the number 49 bus from downtown San Francisco, then switch to the number 30 on Bay Street. For those driving, there's plenty of free parking available. Just a heads up, it can get pretty busy on sunny days with people constantly coming and going.
The beach is free and packed with terrific sights. You’ll enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the striking golden sand against the blue water, and the Marin Headlands across the bay. You might even catch lots of kite surfers as the kids run by. If you get hungry, picnic benches and grills are all over the beach for that perfect weekend getaway.
The San Francisco Bay Trail is a perfect place to walk your dog or bike along the beaches. It stretches next to Crissy Field and Crissy Field Marsh, where you’ll catch stunning views of the Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. A relaxing day doesn't get much better than beaches, picnics, and grills when you need to unwind and relax.
Make the most of your day at Crissy Field Beach
Thinking about spending an extra day at the beach after checking out of your hotel? Or, maybe you just want to squeeze in a few hours at Crissy Field on your way to San Jose? If you simply want to relax, but don't have anywhere to leave your bags, that’s where Bounce comes in! Find a luggage storage spot near you and drop off your stuff, so you can be there completely stress-free!
Whichever San Francisco beach you choose, you'll find fun activities that'll get your blood pumping and bring back a smile to your face. Plus, storing your luggage or bags with Bounce partners means you can enjoy your day at the beach baggage-free.