San Francisco Beaches

A number of great beaches are found along San Francisco's Pacific Ocean shore. Two beaches included here - Thornton Beach and Phillip Burton Memorial Beach - are actually at least partially in San Mateo County, but their access is from Fort Funston in San Francisco. Famous Ocean Beach stretches for miles along the western coast near Golden Gate Park, while China Beach, Baker Beach and Marshall's Beach are between Lands End and the Golden Gate Bridge.

China Beach

Secluded China Beach in the Sea Cliff neighborhood near Lands End is a favorite with many who seek a quiet place to sunbathe, relax, or perhaps enjoy a picnic. Similar to its larger neighbor Baker Beach, China Beach has amazing views of the Golden Gate and the Marin headlands. Read more about China Beach.

Baker Beach

Baker Beach is immediately southwest of the Golden Gate Bridge. The one-mile stretch of sand faces the Pacific Ocean. Baker Beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Outcroppings of serpentine rock rise above the beach. The northern end of the beach has a history of being clothing optional. Among the attractions of the beach are wonderful views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin headlands, and the Pacific Ocean. See more about Baker Beach.

Marshall's Beach

Marshall's Beach is a secluded length of sand northeast of Baker Beach. To reach Marshall's Beach, take the sand stairs to the Coastal Trail and then almost immediately onto the Battery to Bluffs Trail.

Phillip Burton Memorial Beach

Phillip Burton Memorial Beach is tucked between Thornton Beach and Fort Funston near Daly City. Access to the beach is through a staircase and trail leading down from Fort Funston. A network of trails spreads along the bluffs above Burton Beach and Thornton Beach, some leading south to the Mar Vista Stables on Skyline Boulevard.

Thornton State Beach Closed

Due to erosion of the bluffs above the beach, Thornton State Beach (officially in San Mateo County) was closed. Access to the beach area is still possible from Fort Funston via Phillip Burton Memorial Beach.

Ocean Beach

See our OCEAN BEACH page for photos, maps, and complete information about this popular beach.

Baker Beach

Baker Beach's mile of sand along the Presidio's northwestern shore is attracts locals and visitors alike. The breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin headlands are unmatched. Photographers, painters, wedding parties, and tourists are seen along the beach any time of year. Dog lovers enjoy one of the few beaches where pets can be let off leash to romp and play.

The beach can become crowded on warm summer weekends, but many times there are plenty of parking spaces available in the two lots. Portable toilets are located at the southwestern lot and regular restrooms can be found at the northern lot. Access to the beach is off Lincoln Boulevard in the Presidio.

The Battery Chamberlain, disappearing shore guns from early in the 20th century, can be viewed along the bluff above the beach. Trails connect various parts of the beach. The infamous sand stairs lead from Lincoln Blvd. and the Coastal Trail down to the beach - a tough climb back.