Best Beaches in San Francisco

Best Beaches in San Francisco

Heading to San Fran this year, or call the city home? Why not hit the beach? Below, we'll answer all your most burning questions about San Fran's beaches, as well as our recommendations for the best beaches in the city! So break out the sunscreen and oversized sun hats; we're going to town!

Including:

  • Does San Francisco have good beaches?
  • Can you swim at the beaches in San Francisco?
  • How clean are San Francisco beaches?
  • The best beaches in San Francisco
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Does San Francisco have good beaches?

It would be a pretty short blog if this weren't the case, but yes, you can rest easy. Not only does San Francisco have good beaches, it has some of the best beaches in the country. They're not all pearly white beaches with lashings of sun, but they provide some of the best views around that almost demand a round of clicks from your camera.

Can you swim at the beaches in San Francisco?

Technically yes, but most authorities (and, by extension, us) recommend that you do not. San Francisco's beaches are often surrounded by water with dangerous rip currents, causing many people to drown throughout the year.

While some extreme sports fanatics see this as the perfect time to hop on a board and ride some waves, for the casual swimmer, we'd recommend staying out of the water for the most part.

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How clean are San Francisco beaches?

Every beach in America receives a grade based not only on the cleanliness of the beach itself, but also the water around it. Like school, these grades go from A+ all the way to F.

The good news is that 88% of the beaches around the San Francisco and Bay Area received an A or B grade, and some, like the first beach on our list, received an A+.

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Ocean Beach

An A+ beach, if ever there was one, Ocean Beach is the highest-rated beach on our list for cleanliness. Right by the Golden Gate Bridge, this 3-and-a-half-mile stretch of bright white sand gives loungers the perfect views for their sunbathing antics.

Running from Cliff House south to Sloat Boulevard, Ocean Beach is also a great place for walks, and those willing to burn even more calories can continue up to Golden Gate Park - you could even hire some skates when you get there and explore the park on wheels.

Ocean Beach is also a frequent evening haunt, with bonfires and parties occurring on the regular. During the day, extreme sports enjoyers do partake in windsurfing, but as we mentioned before, the rip currents should keep casual enthusiasts out of the water. If you want to hit the waves, why not do it on a cruise ship instead?

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Baker Beach

This mile-long sandy shoreline is an area in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, stretching underneath sheer cliffs. Don't worry; they're safe. They're also beautiful, a beauty matched by views of the Golden Gate Bridge across the water.

Just bear in mind that the north part of Baker Beach is also nudist-friendly, so if you're planning a beach break with the kids, maybe stay away. After all, with all the new...bits and bobs...they're likely to see, you'll only have to deal with a near-endless stream of awkward questions.

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Crissy Field East Beach

Named after the famous Crissy Field, a world-renowned sand castle designer who won multiple awards for her creations, Crissy Field Beach is one of the best beaches in San Francisco. Okay, so one of those statements is utterly false, but you have to have a little fun with it, don't you?

Crissy Field East Beach is actually one of the most popular beaches in the Bay Area, with tons of locals hitting the shore every summer to relax, exercise, picnic, and even birdwatch. It's also safe for casual swimmers looking to cool off from the summer sun - just don't head too far out.

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Pescadero State Beach

If you're looking for more from your beach-going experience, how about a nice injection of natural beauty? The sandy coves, rocky cliffs, and tide pools that call Pescadero State Beach home make it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Even relaxation seekers are in for a treat, as there's plenty of sandy beach to explore and set up a towel. However, when you get bored of ray-soaking, go exploring. Hikers love the trails that snake through the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, so why not join them and burn some cals?

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Aquatic Park Cove

Aquatic Park Cove is a magical place, and easily one of the best beaches in San Francisco. Nestled in San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park - try and say that name fast three times - it's a protected cove that also happens to be the safest place to swim in the city.

The cove naturally protects the water from the surging currents beyond, leading to calm waters you won't find anywhere else. So, while it's also a magnet for swim enthusiasts, it's also a prime location for less extreme water activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and rowing.

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Muir Beach

Okay, we might be cheating a bit with our final entry, but Muir Beach is so good it earns its place on this list of the best beaches in San Francisco. Yes, it's a 10-mile drive from the city, but the US is a car-centric country, so you'll likely have a set of wheels able to close the gap in a matter of minutes.

Muir Beach is basically a beach from your favorite movie - at least one that has a beach. Volleyball, sunbathing, swimming, and more beach-based activities are there to enjoy. You can also say hi to a whole host of little critters, including hermit crabs and starfish, and even see whales off the coast if you're lucky enough.

Then there's Muir Woods right next door if you fancy hiking among great redwoods. It really is the beach that does it all.

And those were our picks of the best beaches in San Francisco! If you're heading to the Golden Gate City and want some extra activities to fill your vacation itinerary, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of San Fran's best bits for one low price!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Ripley's Believe It or Not! Discount Tickets for Your San Francisco Vacation

Planning your San Francisco vacation? Looking for something different to satisfy your quirky or eccentric side? Look no further than Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium, located in the Marina District, just steps away from Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf and the Embarcadero. There are many museums in San Francisco, filled with beautiful art and sculpture. But only at Ripley's Believe it or Not! will you see displays of shrunken heads, elaborate carvings made of camel bones, and a wax statue of the man who had a real horn growing out of the back of his head. Yes, Ripley's Believe it or Not! "Odditorium" isn't for those looking for the mundane or the expected. Check out our helpful guide for visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Francisco, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Discount Tickets? We’ve got you covered – Ripley's Believe it or Not! admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 5 attractions. 3. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Tips for Visiting Ripley's San Francisco The museum is safe and appropriate for all ages. With that said, smaller children may find some of the displays and interactive features overwhelming. If your child is particularly sensitive or easily frightened, they may want to sit this one out. Allow enough time to visit the attraction. While not large, the museum has a lot packed into the space. Take your time, there is so much to see that if you rush through you will miss things! The museum is open later than some of the other nearby attractions. It's a fun after-dinner activity to wrap up your evening. Bring your sense of humor and fun! Ripley's Believe it or Not! is the ideal environment to ignite your sense of wonder, curiosity, mischief and silliness. Maximize your trip by planning activities near Ripley's. There are a multitude of attractions packed into a relatively small, walkable area. One day isn't really enough! Ripley's is an indoor attraction, making it an ideal activity for rainy, windy or cold days. San Francisco weather is unpredictable year-round. This means that at any time of year it can be sunny, warm and clear, or foggy, rainy and cold. Dressing in layers and bringing a hat and umbrella are always a good idea when visiting San Francisco. What to Do There The San Francisco Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium houses a unique collection of the weird and wonderful. As you make your way through the museum, you will discover that it is quite interactive, inviting you to express your own odd side. Although many of the displays have a distinct sideshow flavor, there are many that are more serious, informative and impressive. Ripley's Odditorium in San Francisco houses many unique works of art with a pop-culture edge and a local feel. For example, busts of famous musicians Jerry Garcia (a San Francisco Native), Janis Joplin and Carlos Santana harken back to the San Franciso of the 1960's Summer of Love era, and are made entirely of wire. There are many other sculptures made of found materials, trash, match sticks and other curious finds. If you have a love for art created from recycled or found items, you will enjoy these exhibits. But it's the stories that really make this place special. Robert L. Ripley had a love for people and what made them unique. He scoured the world for artifacts, yes, but he mostly sought out people who had stories to tell. Some of these were stories of outcasts or those who might have been otherwise shunned, but found a home with Ripley. At the San Francisco location, you'll learn about some of these characters and what made them special. You'll learn how a shrunken head was made -- and why. You'll see a mummified foot and learn about the elephant with two trunks. Nearby Attractions Situated along Jefferson Street, you will find a variety of other fun and funky attractions to easily fill up a day or more of your visit. Here are a few we suggest adding to your itinerary... Right next door is Madame Toussad's wax museum, the San Francisco Dungeon and is a very short walk from Pier 39. If you are interested in further exploration, across the street you will have the opportunity to board for boat and ferry rides that will take you through the San Francisco Bay. Travel around Alcatraz Island, take the Rocket Boat on a high-speed adventure or get an incredible perspective of both the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge, as well as a breathtaking view of San Francisco's beautiful skyline. Places to Eat Nearby There are a number of dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, ranging from casual to formal. A few doors from the museum is the Rainforest Cafe, always a hit with the kids. On the wharf, you will find Alioto's, a classic, family-run seafood restaurant that is a Wharf favorite. Or, dine with a gorgeous bay view at Castagnola's, one of the neighborhood's oldest and most loved restaurants. Here are more of the many cafe's and restaurants near Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium: Bistro Boudin is a popular restaurant serving tasty dishes, but the Boudin building also houses a cafe, bakery and gift shop. If you are walking around on a chilly, damp San Francisco afternoon, come on in, get warm and order a Peet's coffee. Marvel at the rows of bakery-fresh sourdough bread and breath in the delicious aromas. It's a real treat! Fisherman's Grotto #9 opened in 1935 and was Fisherman's Wharf's first sit-down restaurant. No trip to San Francisco and the wharf is complete without a visit to the Grotto! Over at Pier 39, you'll find Bubba Gump & Co., The Hard Rock Cafe, numerous seafood eateries, burger and pizza joints, coffee shops and snack spots. When it comes to dining, you might want to extend your stay a couple more days just so you can enjoy more of San Francisco's delicious, fresh seafood and sourdough bread. Need to Know Hours Sunday–Thurday, 10:00 am–10:00 pm Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am–11:00 pm *Hours are subject to change Directions & Address 175 Jefferson Street San Francisco, CA 94133 Public Transportation: F-Line to Jefferson and Taylor in Fisherman's Wharf. Or cable car to the Bay & Taylor Street terminus. Save on Tickets with a Go San Francisco Card Remember, the Go San Francisco® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Ripley's Believe it or Not San Francisco tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.
Lindsay Eagan
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10+ Things to Do in San Francisco in Spring 2020

Shake off the winter blues with a trip to lovely San Francisco this spring. The cherry trees are blossoming, the city streets are re-awakening, and there are loads of fun and exciting special events going on. If you’re thinking about heading to the City by the Bay this season but are stuck on ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in San Francisco this spring for some inspiration, including... San Francisco Museum of Modern Art California Academy of Sciences Napa + Sonoma Wine Country Tour AT&T Park Tour and more! Save on Springtime Activities in San Francisco Regular admission to a number of these attractions is available on the Go San Francisco pass. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all available San Francisco attractions, passes, and prices. Please note, some of these special spring events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Go San Francisco pass. Local EventsSFUSD Arts Festival Bay Area Craft Beer Festival Martinez Waterfront April 18, 2020, 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm This is one for the beer lovers. The Bay Area Craft Beer Festival is back and it’s better than ever. With dozens of international and domestic beers for sampling, plus the city’s best food trucks offering up their wares, you’ll have an amazing afternoon of food and drink to look forward to. Breweries include big names like Ballast Point, Founders, Lagunitas, Sierra Nevada, Firestone Walker, and more. You'll also find smaller local breweries that are sure to wow with flavor. Getting In: Admission to the Bay Area Craft Beer Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go San Francisco pass. Cherry Blossom Festival Remember to Save on Admission Did we miss anything? A few things to do in San Francisco in the spring, including some special events, other seasonal activities in March - June. Please note, the spring events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not available with the Go San Francisco pass. We hope you consider adding some of these fun ideas to your spring vacation itinerary.
Katie Sagal

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