Beaches · San Francisco · United States
The best beaches in and near San Francisco
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Chris6d, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Baker Beach (About 7 km north-west of Union Square).
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 4
- Warmest sea
- 15°C (59°F)
The beaches
About 7 km north-west of Union Square · Bridge views and photography
1.Baker Beach
A long sandy beach in the Presidio facing straight at the Golden Gate Bridge; strong currents make swimming unsafe, and the northern end is clothing-optional.
About 10 km west of Union Square · Long walks and sunsets
2.Ocean Beach
A 5 km strip along the city's Pacific edge, popular for long walks, bonfires in designated fire rings and experienced surfers; cold water and rips make swimming dangerous.
About 5 km north-west of Union Square · Families and picnics
3.Crissy Field East Beach
A sheltered bay beach with calm water and lawns near the Golden Gate Bridge, popular with families, windsurfers and dog walkers.
About 9 km north-west of Union Square · Quiet sunbathing
4.China Beach
A small sheltered cove below the Seacliff district with bridge views, usually quieter than Baker Beach.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 12°C (54°F) | 14°C (57°F) |
| February | 12°C (54°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| March | 12°C (54°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
| April | 12°C (54°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| June | 14°C (57°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
| July | 14°C (57°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
| August | 15°C (59°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| September | 15°C (59°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| October | 15°C (59°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| November | 14°C (57°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| December | 13°C (55°F) | 14°C (57°F) |
Staying near the beach
Getting to the beaches
- Metro — BART trains run under Market Street and through the Mission to SFO, Oakland and Berkeley, while Muni Metro light rail serves the Castro and the western neighbourhoods.
- Tram — Restored vintage streetcars from cities around the world run on the F line along Market Street and the Embarcadero between the Castro and Fisherman's Wharf.
- Bus — Muni buses cover the whole city, including Golden Gate Park, the Presidio and the Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza.
- Ferry — Ferries from the Ferry Building and Pier 41 cross the bay to Sausalito, Tiburon and Oakland, and Alcatraz boats leave from Pier 33.
Beach-weather months
Air temperatures rarely reach classic beach weather here: the warmest month, September, averages 23°C (73°F).
Beach safety
Car break-ins are very common, especially at viewpoints and tourist car parks, so leave nothing at all in a parked car. Some downtown areas, notably the Tenderloin and parts of SoMa and Market Street, have visible drug use and can feel unsettled. Ocean beaches have cold water and strong rip currents, so swimming is not advised. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does San Francisco have beaches?
Yes: Baker Beach, Ocean Beach, Crissy Field East Beach and China Beach.
+What is the best beach near San Francisco?
Baker Beach: A long sandy beach in the Presidio facing straight at the Golden Gate Bridge; strong currents make swimming unsafe, and the northern end is clothing-optional.