San Francisco is one in every of California’s most iconic cities, dwelling to Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, historic trams and glorious clam chowder. Being on the coast, San Francisco naturally has many seashores, spectacular ocean views and golden sand that you just’ll discover alongside the Pacific Coast Freeway, all through LA and into San Diego.
San Francisco is by itself little stretch of land and might get far chillier than the sunny cities additional south, which is why you’ll typically see its well-known fog stretching throughout town. However, this makes the seashores in San Francisco wilder and extra thrilling, with large waves for browsing and typically so much smaller crowds. From seashores proper under the well-known crimson bridge to rocky coves that solely the locals find out about, you’re sure to discover a seashore in San Francisco’s Bay Space that you just’ll love.
San Francisco Seashores
20 Finest Seashores In San Francisco
1- Baker Seashore
Baker Seashore is presumably essentially the most well-known of all San Francisco’s seashores, nestled nearly instantly below the well-known Golden Gate Bridge, with Marin Headlands within the background.
Positioned throughout the Golden Gate Leisure Space, the seashore is commonly stuffed with locals and vacationers admiring the spectacular view.
It’s also a well-liked spot with photographers for excellent photographs of the bridge. Though the water isn’t secure for swimming, you’ll have lots to take pleasure in, whether or not you stroll alongside the sand, climb as much as the bridge, do some mountain climbing across the space or discover the historic Battery Chamberlain.
When you’re not driving and are up for one thing lively, an effective way to achieve Baker Seashore is by bike, which you’ll be able to rent in central San Francisco, and getting right here takes round an hour.
2- Crissy Fields Seashore
Crissy Fields Seashore is on the San Francisco aspect of the Golden Gate Bridge and is extraordinarily widespread with locals sunbathing, jogging or swimming in the summertime.
It’s also widespread with vacationers who take a look at this seashore earlier than heading up the ultimate a part of the way in which to the highest of the bridge.
The seashore is pretty flat and uncovered, which may get very windy, so kite and windsurfing are widespread actions right here.
It’s secure for swimming, though it may possibly get chilly and is a superb place to spend a number of hours.
Tip: There’s a path all the way in which from Fisherman’s Wharf to the bridge, which works proper previous Crissy Seashore, so it makes a soothing cease alongside the way in which.
3- Ocean Seashore
Ocean Seashore is a stunning journey, solely round half an hour from town, with numerous enjoyable area.
The Nationwide Park Service protects the realm as a result of rocky outcrops offshore and the seashore’s dunes, the place birds nest in winter.
You’ll be hard-pressed to go to Ocean Seashore at a busy time, even in the summertime, as it’s 2.2 miles (3.5km) lengthy, that means there’s a great deal of area for everybody.
The perfect time to return right here is summer season, when locals sit on the seashore with a drink or bonfire, as within the wintertime, this uncovered seashore will get foggy and chilly.
On account of this, the seashore typically isn’t secure for swimming and has robust rip currents.
4- Marshall’s Seashore
One other seashore with a panoramic view tucked nearly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, Marshall’s is slightly wilder than Bakers Seashore and is in San Francisco’s Presidio Park.
The seashore is surrounded by low cliffs and presents lovely views throughout the Bay and the ocean.
It’s small, at solely 984 ft (300 m) lengthy, so that you’ll want to go to at low tide in any other case, it will get largely swallowed up.
To get right here, you must take a path from the Batteries to the Bluff mountain climbing path, ultimately main you to the seashore.
The one individuals chances are you’ll discover listed below are the native naturists since swimming is prohibited, however you’ll be able to normally discover a peaceable spot to your self.
5- Stinson Seashore
Golden Gate Recreation Space is stuffed with seashores, one other of which is the beautiful Stinson Seashore, which is northwest of town.
It normally takes round an hour to drive to this seashore, however on weekends in summer season, anticipate site visitors to be at a standstill as everybody needs a patch of this lovely space.
It’s because Stinson Seashore is without doubt one of the longest within the space, with gentle golden sand, however is essentially protected against the winds, that means you’ll be able to take pleasure in a swim right here.
You too can take pleasure in fishing, windsurfing and regular browsing, though browsing is normally extra widespread in winter as a result of excessive waves.
Behind the seashore are a number of vigorous cafes, galleries and lodges, making for an ideal half or full-day journey from town.
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6- Aquatic Park Cove
Aquatic Park Cove is a wonderful, swimming-friendly seashore in San Francisco Maritime Nationwide Historic Park.
The Cove is protected against robust winds and has calm waters, making it one of many uncommon seashores good for swimming.
There isn’t a lot to do at this seashore and few facilities, so sit again and revel in or people-watch for a number of hours.
You too can stroll alongside the Aquatic Park Pier for stretching views over each the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
It may be tough to achieve this seashore, and parking is normally rammed, so as a substitute, choose to take the well-known San Francisco cable automotive to the Hyde & Seashore cease.
7- Fort Funston Seashore
Fort Funston is the southernmost coastal seashore in San Francisco, round half an hour’s drive from town.
One other Golden Gate Leisure Space seashore, it’s wild and windy and coated in grassy cliffs, making it a haven for cling gliders.
Sadly, in case you’re not catching the breeze, you’ll need to stroll down the steep path to this seashore, which is round 1312 ft (400m) in size, though as soon as once more, visiting at excessive tide is advisable as a result of the ocean typically makes the seashore vanish completely.
That is the proper seashore for enthusiastic walkers or hikers, with numerous trails main up and across the cove.
It isn’t very best for households, with tough paths and swimming not advisable.
8- Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is comprised of 4 glorious seashores, nonetheless, Dunes Seashore, which is the northernmost of the 4, is without doubt one of the finest.
That is additionally as a result of many individuals select to move to the extra widespread Half Moon Bay State Seashore relatively than tackling the sandy climb all the way down to the dunes, nonetheless, you’ll be rewarded in case you make the journey.
The 4 seashores are a mile every, so you might realistically take pleasure in all of them, backed by picturesque cliffs and with gentle yellow sand, they’re good for a day within the solar.
Swimming isn’t advisable right here because of robust currents, however picnics and barbecues are widespread, and there are lots of scenic mountain climbing trails close by.
9- Pescadero State Seashore
Additionally a bit additional south, in San Mateo County, Pescadero State Seashore is nestled between two rocky bluffs and is far quieter than extra well-known close by seashores.
The seashore is fairly wild, with numerous arches, caves and rock swimming pools to discover, though the waters could be tough.
Behind the seashore is the favored Pescadero Marsh Pure Protect which is beloved by fowl and wildlife watchers and has a number of mountain climbing trails to discover.
Facilities are skinny on the bottom at this seashore, however simply 5 minutes drive away is the city of Pescadero which has a number of nice native outlets and eating places to replenish or refuel.
10- Linda Mar Seashore
Linda Mar seashore is 15 miles (24 km) south of San Francisco in Pacifica and is a typical weekend getaway vacation spot for town’s residents.
The seashore is lengthy and sheltered, though the waves could be excessive, which attracts avid surfers, and guests can take pleasure in kayaking across the cove when it’s calmer.
You may simply spend the day enjoyable right here as near the seashore is a bustling space stuffed with outlets, cafes and eating places, all with nice views over the water.
For nice views, head as much as the highest of one of many bluffs through a strolling path for fairly views over the seashore and ocean.
11- Muir Seashore
Driving north from San Francisco into Marin County, you’ll hit the stunning Muir Seashore, which locals and nature lovers adore.
The seashore is situated behind a protected wetland space and could be reached through 450 ft (137 m) bridge, which is longer than the seashore itself (300m in size).
The seashore right here is normally quiet, however you’ll be able to sunbathe or go fishing, and many individuals come right here to discover the broader wetland and nature trails since there are a number of difficult mountain climbing trails within the space.
You received’t discover many facilities in addition to restrooms and parking, so it’s smart to carry all the pieces with you, but it surely’s very best in case you’re looking for a seashore with none crowds.
12- San Gregorio State Seashore
San Gregorio State Seashore is slightly additional away from San Francisco than many others, but it surely’s price a day journey or a cease in case you’re passing by.
The seashore is expansive and untouched, backed by cliffs and loads of area for everybody to chill out.
Though swimming isn’t suggested at this seashore because of excessive waves and powerful currents, you’ll be able to nonetheless sunbathe or go birdwatching – one of the vital widespread actions on this protected space.
There may be additionally a scenic picnic space, plus a straightforward path you’ll be able to observe alongside the size of the seashore’s cliffs, or on the seashore itself, you’ll be able to discover the assorted caves and lagoons alongside the way in which.
13- China Seashore
Again to the breathtaking Marin Headlands, China Seashore has distant views of the Golden Gate Bridge and is called after the Chinese language fishermen who traditionally camped on this seashore.
Like its neighbours, China Seashore normally is sort of chilly, windswept and even foggy, so swimming is usually not advisable, nonetheless, the seashore has a stunning picnic space and playpark for kids, or alternately the rock swimming pools alongside the seashore are affected by sea creatures which could be enjoyable to discover.
You received’t discover many individuals at China Seashore, however in case you’re within the space, it makes a picture-perfect spot for a picnic with uninterrupted views of the bridge.
14- Mile Rock Seashore
Hidden throughout the Golden Gate Leisure Space is Land’s Finish, the place you’ll discover Mile Rock seashore.
Though small and rocky, you’ll be able to take pleasure in glorious views over the bridge and in direction of Marin Headlands within the distance.
There are a great deal of trails to discover right here, each behind and on the seashore, which is commonly coated in driftwood, together with a number of shipwrecks and previous army buildings.
Seize a map from the Land’s Finish Customer’s Centre to discover a checklist of the very best trails, and ensure to carry snacks and drinks, as there isn’t a lot on provide right here.
15- Kirby Cove Seashore
Kirby Cove Seashore is one in every of San Francisco’s most lovely seashores, on the northern entrance to San Francisco Bay.
Though it’s a little tough to achieve, involving a one-mile hike down a path from the car parking zone, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views.
You may take pleasure in views over the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay from the seashore, undisturbed by the crowds you discover on different seashores.
Strolling on the path and picnicking is widespread throughout the day, however locals additionally take pleasure in tenting right here since you’ll be able to reserve a spot and get up to epic dawn views over the water and spot numerous native birdlife.
16- Rodeo Seashore
Rodeo Seashore is correct on the tip of the Marin Headlands and takes round half an hour to achieve from San Francisco correct.
Unsurprisingly, the golden sand and ocean, mixed with the distinctive rock formations jutting out of the water offshore, make this seashore notably widespread with photographers.
When you look carefully on the sand, it accommodates distinctive pebbles of various colors, comparable to greenstone and crimson jasper, which give all the seashore an uncommon color.
The waves listed below are excessive, which makes it widespread with native surfers, however there’s loads of area for everybody, and its picnic space and services imply households normally go to it.
There may be additionally a fairly lagoon close to the seashore, the place you’ll be able to see fowl life, comparable to geese, pelicans and seabirds.
17- Bolinas Seashore
Positioned close to the small city of Bolinas, after which it’s named, Bolinas Seashore is slightly additional out than most seashores however can get very busy, particularly in good climate.
The seashore is on the mouth of Bolinas Lagoon, which causes excessive swells within the space, which is why you’ll discover many surfers right here year-round.
Whether or not or not you discover a spot to decide on the sand, the lagoon is price visiting to see the numerous seabirds there, the place you can even see the native harbour seals hanging out on the sand spit.
18- Tennessee Seashore
Tennessee Seashore is called after the SS Tennessee, shipwrecked right here in 1853, and might sometimes be seen when the tide is low sufficient.
The seashore is on the western aspect of Marin Headlands, simply 20 minutes from town, and is surrounded by excessive, lush inexperienced cliffs, that are dwelling to wild birds, deer and coyotes.
The sand right here isn’t the everyday golden yellow however a darkish ashy brown and it’s a wild and distant seashore that doesn’t get many guests.
It’s because you’ll have to observe a two-mile mountain climbing path from the Tennessee Valley trailhead, contained in the Golden Gate Recreation Space, to achieve the seashore.
There are many different trails to discover when you arrive, and there are additionally biking trails and a picnic space, though you’ll have to carry meals and drinks with you.
19- McClures Seashore
McClures Seashore is without doubt one of the most distant seashores you’ll be able to attain instantly from San Francisco, situated within the northern Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore.
You’ll have to stroll a straightforward however overgrown mountain climbing path of about half a mile to achieve the seashore.
The seashore isn’t tremendous lengthy, however it is vitally scenic and coated in free driftwood, in addition to numerous tidepools which could be enjoyable to discover.
Swimming shouldn’t be advisable right here – actually, getting too near the water in any respect could be harmful as a result of quick and sudden rip currents.
The entire of Level Reyes is price exploring over a day or two, as there are lots of mountain climbing trails alongside the coast, so a go to to this seashore is ideal as a part of a extra prolonged go to.
20- Montara State Seashore
Montara State Seashore sits 18.5 miles (30km) south of San Francisco and is a protracted, sandy seashore backed by low cliffs and Montara Mountain at one finish.
As soon as once more, there are robust currents right here, and though individuals swim and surf recurrently, the water could be freezing.
The seashore has uncovered golden sand, so it’s good for sunbathing or strolling alongside the shoreline.
Though there aren’t numerous facilities instantly on the seashore, there are a great deal of outlets and eating places within the close by city of Montara, in addition to a few small lodges if you wish to discover the broader space and mountain climbing trails of McNee Ranch.
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