6 Best Beaches Near San Francisco – The Ones You Need To Visit This Summer
If you love beaches and you also happen to be living in the Bay Area, then you’re probably going through a serious case of FOMO right now. The famous Golden State has all sorts of awesome nature that we’d rather explore than work—like its seemingly endless supply of lakes, rivers, and forests, as well as its many hidden waterfalls and awe-inspiring peaks. So what’s a person to do when they want to take in some fresh air but aren’t exactly sure where they can go? If you need your fix of sandy shores and fresh ocean breezes ASAP, then keep reading to discover the top 6 beaches near San Francisco that will blow your mind with their natural beauty.
Ocean Beach
If you’re a fan of sunbathing, swimming, and surfing, then you’re going to love Ocean Beach. This Northern California beach is a great place for both experienced swimmers and families with kids, since swells aren’t a huge issue at Ocean Beach. Those who are visiting this beach in the winter can take advantage of the many nearby indoor activities, like museums and shopping. Although there are a few restaurants in the area, the food and drink offerings aren’t on the same level as nearby Ocean Beach cafes, so plan your meals accordingly. If you enjoy a good view, you’ll love Ocean Beach’s layout, since you can see the Golden Gate Bridge from almost anywhere on the sand.
China Beach
China Beach was a staging area for medical evacuations as well as for combat troops during the Vietnam War, and it has remained a local favorite to this day. This great beach is perfect for families with kids of all ages, since the water is calm and shallow enough to make it safe for kids to play around in. If you’re traveling to this beach from San Francisco, you’ll have to take a scenic drive down Highway 1, which will take about an hour, so be sure to plan ahead. China Beach is also a good place to camp, so if you like spending time outdoors and under the stars, this beach is a great option.
Angel Island
This Northern California beach is a great place to visit if you’re a history buff, since it was the site of a Chinese immigration station and an armed forces base. Today, Angel Island is a state park that offers visitors a look back in time, since many of the buildings are still standing and can be explored. If you like to hike, you’ll love exploring the Angel Island State Park, since it has over 15 miles of trails, including a self-guided walking tour. Angel Island is open year-round and offers amenities like picnic areas, restrooms, and a gift shop, so you can make a full day of it.
Baker’s Beach
If you’re a surfer or a fan of the outdoors and you’re looking for a great beach near San Francisco, then you’ll want to add Baker’s Beach to your list. This beach is located in Golden Gate Park, so you’ll have easy access to nearby attractions, like the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. If you’re traveling to this beach from San Francisco, it’s a good idea to drive, since there are limited public transportation options. Baker’s Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery, since it’s not very crowded and it’s not a good idea to swim here, since the water isn’t very clean.
Rodeo Beach
If you’re a fan of tide pools, then Rodeo Beach is the perfect spot for you, since it has some of the cleanest water in the Bay Area, making it an ideal place to explore tide pools. This beach is very popular with families, since it’s close to a lot of kid-friendly attractions, like the Golden Gate Bridge and Boudin Bakery. If you’re traveling to this beach from San Francisco, you’ll have to take public transit, so keep that in mind. Rodeo Beach is an excellent place to visit at low tide, since you can explore the tide pools and see many types of wildlife.
Half Moon Bay
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach near San Francisco, then you’ll want to add Half Moon Bay to your list. This beach is a great place for kids to play in the sand, since there are no dangerous currents and the water is shallow enough for kids to wade in. If you’re traveling to this beach from San Francisco, you’ll want to take Highway 1, which is a scenic route that takes about an hour. Although there are no nearby restaurants, you can pack a picnic or eat before you make the trip.
Pacifica beach
If you’re a surfer or a scuba diver, you’ll want to add Pacifica to your list of great beaches near San Francisco. This beach is also a great place for swimmers, since it’s protected from the current, making it safer for kids to play in the water. If you’re traveling to this beach from San Francisco, you’ll want to take Highway 1. This beach isn’t very near any restaurants, so you’ll want to pack a picnic or eat before you set out on your journey.
El Rio beach
This is one of the top 6 beaches near San Francisco. If you like to explore caves, then you’ll love this beach, since it has a nearby cave that you can explore. This beach is great for swimmers, since the water is calm and shallow enough for kids to play in. If you’re traveling to this beach from San Francisco, you’ll have to take public transportation, so keep that in mind. El Rio is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery, since it’s not very busy and there are nearby caves to explore.
Treasure Island Beach
If you’re a surfer or a scuba diver, you’ll love Treasure Island Beach, since it’s one of the cleanest beaches in the Bay Area. This beach is also great for swimmers, since it’s protected from the tide, making the water shallow enough for kids to play in. If you’re traveling to this beach from San Francisco, you’ll have to take public transportation, so keep that in mind. Although there are nearby restaurants, they’re a bit pricey, so it’s best to pack a picnic or eat before you set out on your journey.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of sunbathing, swimming, and surfing, then you’re going to love Ocean Beach. China Beach is a great place for families with kids, since the water is shallow and calm enough for kids to play in. If you’re a history buff, then you’ll want to visit Angel Island, which has many preserved buildings from the past. If you like to explore caves, then you’ll enjoy El Rio beach. If you’re a surfer or a scuba diver, then you’ll love Treasure Island Beach. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax with your family or you’re a thrill-seeking surfer, these great beaches near San Francisco have something for everyone.
