San Francisco is a world-class destination with some of the best beaches, exceptional and diverse cuisine, intricate architecture and endless activities that everyone can enjoy. With the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay surrounding the city, there are a number of beautiful beaches that offer relaxation, recreation and iconic sights in any season. Finding the best beaches in San Francisco for you and/or your group can be a big task when planning your visit.
Some beaches are quieter and more secluded, while others are more packed due to their incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and soft, warm sand. Plus, most beaches in San Francisco are complete with bike paths, hiking trails, plus facilities like fire pits and plentiful bathrooms, making them a great place to unwind for the day. Many beaches are also dog-friendly, although it's important to check the posted signs before removing the leash.
To help you plan your next vacation and find the beach that's right for your trip, we've detailed the eight best beaches in San Francisco.
1. Baker Beach
- Address: 1770 Gibson Rd, San Francisco
- Parking: Parking lot open until one hour after sunset (free, but very crowded in peak hours)
- Amenities: Restrooms, BBQ facilities, no overnight camping
Baker Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in San Francisco due to its grand and sweeping view of the Golden Gate Bridge meeting the open Pacific Ocean. With miles of soft sand and gorgeous views of Hawk Hill, the bridge and nearby cypress trees, this beach is perfect for all occasions.
Set up camp here during the day for a picnic, a walk along the endless coastline or show up for a quick sunset photo. Be advised that parking may be crowded during peak hours.
2. Ocean Beach
- Address: 1398 Great Highway, Sunset District, San Francisco
- Parking: On-site
- Amenities: Restrooms, Fire Pits and Ample Parking
Ocean Beach is a 3.5-mile stretch of golden coastline in San Francisco's idyllic Sunset District and it's an essential stop for all visitors in San Francisco.
Located just off the Great American Highway, Ocean Beach and its endless parking lots can be effortlessly reached at any time of day, whether for an all-day event or just a quick photo on a whim. Plus, you have many nearby activities right across the road, from the San Francisco Zoo to one of the countless cafés and restaurants that line the district's colorful streets.
Make sure to stay for sunset so you can view the vast Pacific coastline in all of its glorious colors as well. It's also one of the best kid-friendly locations in San Francisco.
3. Marshall's Beach
- Address: At the end of the Batteries to Bluffs trail
- Parking: Requires roughly a mile walk down a path to reach the beach
- Amenities: No facilities and not for swimming.
Marshall's Beach is one of the best secluded beaches in San Francisco due to its beautiful and rugged cliffs, soft sand and picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
However, it's not easily accessible for all visitors and does require a bit of a walk. The walk itself is about a mile down a trail with a mild descent, but if you're up for it, the views are exceptional every step of the way.
4. Crissy Fields Beach (South and East Entrances)
- Address: 1199 E Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129 =, Presidio District
- Parking: On-site parking
- Amenities: Restrooms, recreational facilities
Crissy Fields Beach has incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge on one side and San Francisco's iconic skyline on the other, making it a picturesque place to spend your time at any hour. Enjoy lounging on the sand, playing a game of frisbee or engaging in many other activities this spacious beach can accommodate.
Compared to Ocean Beach, which faces the Pacific Ocean, Crissy Fields faces the bay, which gives you an up-close view of passing boats along with the sweeping hills across the water.
Plus, there are a number of bike paths, bathrooms and wheelchair accessible spaces, making this one of the top San Francisco beaches to visit during your next trip. This is one of the hidden gems to do in San Francisco.
5. Mile Rock Beach
- Address: Near 680 Point Lobos Avenue, Lands End Trail, San Francisco, CA 94121
- Parking: Free parking on-site
- Amenities: Less accessible than other beaches; requires walking down fairly steep steps, no formal amenities
This isolated beach is at the bottom of Lands End Trail and while the fairly steep steps may seem intimidating at first, you'll be glad you made the trek the moment you reach this stunning, secluded beach.
This rocky cove has an incredible, isolated view of the Pacific Ocean without even a hint of the city nearby. Plus, you'll likely come across some impressive stacked rocks that locals and visitors create before leaving this idyllic beach.
Unlike most other beaches in SF, Mile Rock Beach is not recommended for those with disabilities or who have trouble hiking. While the walk is not too long, it is fairly steep at times and may be slippery in wet conditions. On average, it may take an hour in total to reach the beach and return to the parking lot.
6. Thornton State Beach
- Address: Thornton Beach Rd, Daly City, CA 94015, west end of John Daly Blvd. near Skyline Blvd
- Parking: Paid parking
- Amenities: Bathrooms
While technically in neighboring Daly City, Thornton State Beach begins right where Ocean Beach ends in San Francisco, although you'll notice that the views are strikingly different from the moment you arrive. With a hilly and rugged coastline, you can park and view the ocean or take a trek down to the sandy beach through an assortment of succulents and other beautiful local fauna.
Depending on the season, you may see blooming golden poppies or pink flowers from the succulents. Regardless of when you arrive, it's always worth a visit when traveling in San Francisco.
7. Marina Green
- Address: Marina District on Marina Green Shoreline between Pine and Linden Avenue
- Parking: may require paid parking, although street parking is free nearby
- Amenities: Restrooms, picnic benches and other facilities
Located in the Marina District, Marina Green is a sprawling grass park right along the coast, making it a perfect destination for families and people of all ages visiting San Francisco.
With accessible parking right on site, you can enjoy a picnic or casual walk while taking in iconic views of the city and both of its stunning bridges. Plus, you can enjoy a stroll on the coastal path along the yacht harbor towards Fort Mason, which is another gorgeous nearby park with stunning views of the city and bay.
8. China Beach
- Address: 452 Sea Cliff Avenue
- Parking: Located at the end of Sea Cliff Ave. Sand requires walking down a path
- Amenities: Bathhouse, picnic area and restrooms
China Beach has easily one of the best views in the entire city. You'll have one of the clearest views of the Golden Gate Bridge. This is a sheltered, beautifully protected beach that isn't that easy to access. It's certainly worthy of exploring. It's located in the Sea Cliff area, between Lands End Beach and Baker Beach. The beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
When you visit, you'll need to walk down a path to get to the sand. At low tide, expect the beach's rocks to become exposed, often creating tide pools where you'll find mussels and starfish. Most people come for the sunbathing and a picnic or just to take selfies with that gorgeous view.
Planning Your Trip to San Francisco
Sorting through the best beaches in San Francisco can be a big task, as the city offers no shortage of options. With a AAA membership, you can dream up the perfect trip to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.