Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach's 3½ miles of sand are a popular destination for those who want a place to enjoy the wild feel of the Pacific Coast away from the congestion of the city. The beach attracts experienced surfers, beach combers, picnickers, hikers, and sun bathers.
Caution: Frigid water and dangerous currents make Ocean Beach especially hazardous. Wading and swimming are not recommended. Before setting out, always check with lifeguards or rangers that conditions are safe for your planned activities.
San Francisco is famous for its summer fog, which is why locals usually head to Ocean Beach in September and October when the sun is most likely to shine. During the summer you can almost be guaranteed to have fog at Ocean Beach.
Due to fickle nature of the ocean and the dredging of the Golden Gate, the northern part of Ocean Beach has accumulated an excess of sand, while the southern end is exposed to erosion. In recent years the National Park Service, the Public Utilities commission, and the Department of Public Works joined to move more than 73,000 cubic feet of sand from the north end to the south. Changes in dredging practices should help to alleviate the problem too.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center at the Beach House after 11:00 AM, and also at the foot of Judah and Taraval streets, inland from the beach. Another restroom is at Sloat Boulevard and the Great Highway.
Coastal Dunes
As in many places along the coast, the vegetation on the dunes at Ocean Beach has suffered from heavy traffic. At one time most of San Francisco was covered by sand dunes. Today only limited areas of dunes with native vegetation known as dune scrub remain. Dune scrub consists mostly of mock heather and Chamissols lupine. Efforts are underway to protect the ecology of the dunes at Ocean Beach. Visitors are encouraged to avoid stepping on fragile dune plants.
Fires on Ocean Beach
Beach-goers are asked to confine beach fires to the provided fire rings. Bring your own firewood rather than collect driftwood. For complete fire guidelines, see the Golden Gate National Recreations Area's information Ocean Beach Fire Rings.
Surfing Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is known for its huge, powerful and relentless waves. Combined with strong rip currents and bone chilling water, Ocean Beach is a dangerous place for the inexperienced. The beach has been the site of several drownings and countless rescues, marking it as one of the most hazardous swimming beaches in the area. Experienced surfers, prepared for the cold water and ready for the challenge of thundering waves, rate Ocean Beach as one of the best surfing spots in the region.
As with any beach, conditions vary. Often, though, the waves are coming in one after another, making it challenging to get beyond them. One of the most popular spots for expert surfers along the beach is the northern end known as Kelly's Cove.
LEAP Sandcastle Classic
Every year LEAP sponsors a sandcastle building events on Ocean Beach to riase funds for Arts in Education. Leap, a non-profit organization, sponsors programs such as architecture, creative writing, dance, music, theater, and visual arts for Bay Area children. The sandcastle contest is a fundraiser for Leap programs. Events and activities spread over a sandcastle season, leading up to a Classic Build in October.
Leap has 3 ways the public can become involved:
Sandcastle Teams are usually 3-5 companies that team up with a local elementary school. Teams submit a $500 registration fee and set a fundraising goal of at least $4,250.
Community Builders are groups of up to 6 people. No registration fees are required, but teams are encouraged to set a fundraising goal of at least $500.
Sand Spectators are welcome to show up for events that are open to the public.
October 26, 2024.
Check their website for information about future events.
