12 Best Beaches In San Francisco, California 2022
San Francisco surprisingly has a plethora of luscious, picture-perfect beaches. Although it has strong tides and cold waters, these beaches will captivate you in many ways.
These beaches are well worth exploring with spectacular views, golden expanses, and majestic rock formations. So start planning your beachfront adventure by checking out our list of the best beaches in San Francisco, CA.
Contents
- 1. Baker Beach
- 2. China Beach
- 3. Fort Funston Beach
- 4. Kirby Cove Beach
- 5. Montara State Beach
- 6. Ocean Beach
- 7. Water Park Beach
- 8. Cull Canyon
- 9. Crissy Field
- 10. McClures Beach
- 11. Dune Beach
- 12. Sutro Baths
Baker Beach
Bowley St & Gibson Rd
San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 561-3000
Located on the western shore of Presidio, this 1-mile stretch offers postcard-worthy views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Why is this beach recommended?
Are you looking for Instagram-worthy San Francisco beaches? So, don’t forget to put this beachfront spot at the top of your list of the best things to do in San Francisco. With stunning views of the iconic bridge and Seacliff mansions, this beach will captivate you.
As an advantage, it is located near a significant and historic military installation established in 1904.
What is the advice on this beach?
Arrive early to avoid the crowds. Also, take public transportation or bike to the beach, as parking is quite limited.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hotel Kabuki, part of JdV by Hyatt
China Beach
End of Sea Cliff Avenue off 25th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94129
Named for Chinese fishers of the Gold Rush era, this tiny cove is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Why is this beach recommended?
Surrounded by steep rock walls, this cove is a bit smaller than the other main beaches. Still, it’s worth a pit stop, thanks to its perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge. In addition, it has tide pools that are ideal for hiking on the beach and taking pictures.
What is the advice on this beach?
Services are limited on this side of San Francisco. There are restrooms, but you won’t find any shops or restaurants nearby. So, pack any drinks, food, and other essentials you need for the day before you hit the beach.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hotel Drisco
Fort Funston Beach
Fort Funston Rd
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 561-4700
Located on the southern tip of San Francisco, this waterfront park is known for its dog-friendly environment and dunes.
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Why is this beach recommended?
Fort Funston is one of the most exhilarating beaches in San Francisco, California. With its imposing cliffs 60 meters high, this beach is a privileged place to practice hang gliding. There are also lots of sandy paths ideal for hiking and horseback riding on this beach.
What is the advice on this beach?
Fort Funston Beach is an excellent spot for whale watching between December and May.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hampton Inn San Francisco – Daly City
Kirby Cove Beach
Kirby Cove Road
Mill Valley, CA 94965
Located on the north shore of the Golden Gate, this sheltered cove boasts dramatic rocky cliffs and billion-dollar views.
Why is this beach recommended?
With sandy shorelines and stunning views of the city, this beach is perfect for relaxing. There is also a 1-mile trail that passes through a grove of pine, eucalyptus, and cypress trees. And, did we mention that it is one of the best beaches near San Francisco?
What is the advice on this beach?
Spend the night at any of the four campsites in the cove. The views from this beach are magical at night. And in addition, it has some amenities, such as picnic tables, fire rings, barbecue grills and toilets.
Recommended hotel nearby: Fairmont San Francisco
Montara State Beach
Montara State Beach
Montara, CA 94019
Located along the coast of San Mateo County, this beach is full of clear views of nature.
Why is this beach recommended?
Montara State Beach is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. With impressive sandstone cliffs, you will have a great time in this spectacular beachfront location. You can also fish, surf, practice beachcombing, and hiking on this beach.
What is the advice on this beach?
Add an element of adventure to your beach getaway by hitting the trails at McNee Ranch.
Recommended hotel nearby: Oceano Hotel and Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor
6. Ocean Beach
Sloat Blvd and Great Hwy Extension
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 561-3000
Managed by the National Park Service, this 5 km stretch is the longest sandy beach in San Francisco.
Why is this beach recommended?
Although it is one of the most popular beaches in San Francisco, this boardwalk is not crowded. With its vast expanse of white sand, you’ll have plenty of room here to sunbathe and build sandcastles.
What is the advice on this beach?
After a day of non-stop swimming, head to the Beach Chalet, and enjoy a tasty meal with a nice view of the ocean.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: InterContinental San Francisco, an IHG Hotel
Water Park Beach
700-898 Beach Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 561-7000
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You’ll be steps away from this family-friendly sandy cove from Ghirardelli Square.
Why is this beach recommended?
Aquatic Park is truly the best swimming beach in San Francisco with its gentle waves and clean waters. The water is so calm that you’ll feel like swimming in a resort pool. And what is better, the views of this beach are fantastic.
What is the advice on this beach?
As parking is quite tricky here, we recommend taking the cable car to get to this beach. And guess what? You will have no problem finding the park through this means of transport. After all, the Hype and Beach cable car stop is just a few meters from the beach.
Recommended hotel nearby: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
Cull Canyon
18627 Cull Canyon Rd
Castro Valley, CA 94552
(510) 544-3076
This fascinating lagoon is an excellent option for families in Castro Valley.
Why is this beach recommended?
Cull Canyon is one of the best beaches in San Francisco for families. Not only does it have shallow water, but it’s staffed by lifeguards, making it the safest beach for kids near SF. Plus, it has shaded picnic spots and a sandy beach to build sandcastles on.
What is the advice on this beach?
Cull Canyon offers free parking to all its visitors. You have to get there early to get a space because the car park fills up quickly, especially on warmer days.
Recommended hotel nearby: Comfort Inn Castro Valley
Crissy Field
1199 E Beach
San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 561-4323
This 4.3-mile boardwalk was once an Army landing strip in the Presidio.
Why is this beach recommended?
Crissy Field is brimming with activities for the entire family. You can play in the dunes on the course, enjoy a game of Frisbee or have a relaxing picnic overlooking the iconic bridge. You’ll also see the kitesurfers who provide free seaside entertainment here in strong winds.
What is the advice on this beach?
Visit the Warming Hut for delicious sandwiches and organic soups. You will also find unique souvenirs, games, and books in this store.
Recommended hotel nearby: The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square
McClure’s Beach
Pierce Point Rd
Inverness, CA 94937
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Part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, this remote stretch of sand dazzles with its spectacular rock formations.
Why is this beach recommended?
Remote and quiet, this beach is the perfect antidote to your hectic lifestyle. In addition to admiring the scenery, the beach also offers the possibility of hiking and beach excursions.
What is the advice on this beach?
For an epic hike, explore the Tomales Point Trail. With picturesque ocean views and rugged landscapes, you’ll have an epic adventure hiking this trail.
Recommended hotel nearby: Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf
Dune Beach
Young Ave and Cabrillo Hwy N
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
You’ll find this new hideaway on the north side of Half Moon Bay State Beach.
Why is this beach recommended?
You’ll love the pristine blue waters, soothing sounds, and pristine sands of this beach. Although reaching it can be quite a challenge, at least you will have the beach to yourself.
What is the advice on this beach?
Do you want to do something more active? Why not hike the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail? Spanning the entire shoreline of Half Moon Bay, this paved trail is perfect for biking, walking, and running. Not to mention that it allows you to see a lot of beautiful beaches.
Recommended hotel nearby: The Oceanfront on MiramarBeach HMB
Sutro Baths
1004 Point Lobos Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 426-5240
Sutro Baths were elegant private freshwater, and saltwater pools initially opened in 1896. Today it is one of the best beaches in San Francisco, CA.
Why is this beach recommended?
If you’re looking for the most beautiful beaches in SF, stop by Sutro Baths. With its eye-catching ruins, picturesque trail, and magnificent views, this beach is perfect for photography and sightseeing.
What is the advice on this beach?
There are many options for parking for visitors to Sutro Baths. The best is the Lands End Visitor Center, located just above the historic baths.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Buchanan Hotel, an IHG Hotel
If you’ve been left wanting more, check out America’s Best Beaches. Pretty! By the way… What do you think of the best beaches in San Francisco? Do not forget to leave your impressions in the comments. We read!
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