It may not be as famous, or as warm, as southern California, but San Francisco’s beach scene is thriving. From popular Ocean Beach to the coves of Mile Rock Beach, from swimming in Aquatic Park to hiking to Lands End – there’s something for everyone. <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/how-to-spend-48-hours-in-san-francisco/">San Francisco</a> even has a vibrant nudist culture on the sands of Baker Beach. Culture Trip picks the best.

The most popular beach in San Francisco, Ocean Beach is great for watersports, and the 1mi (1.5km) stretch can often be found full of kitesurfers, surfers and skimboarders. Do not expect the balmy temperatures of LA here, however; only the hardiest surfers will brave San Francisco’s cold seas. While the beach is a great spot to enjoy a homemade picnic, there is also a choice of welcoming cafés and restaurants around the sand. Pay a visit to the Cliff House for a luxurious dining experience, or Kawika’s Ocean Beach Deli for something a little more casual.

Rain or shine, chances are people will be hanging out at Ocean Beach for bonfires or to catch the rare wave to surf. Although a beautiful sight to see, at close range you’ll unfortunately come across shards of glass and trash scattered along the sand.

<i>Instead: </i>Make the 25-minute trek south of the city to the scenic beach at <a href="https://www.google.de/maps/place/Montara,+CA,+USA/@37.5493303,-122.524954,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x808f71046a3569d3:0xf66b210e0f005f9d?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Montara</a>. Although it requires you playing a game of frogger to get across the highway and a bit of a hike to get down to the actual beach, it is completely worth it. It may not be as vast and long as Ocean Beach, but the sand is litter-free and the water is crystal clear.

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Ocean Beach

This remote cove is known for the stacked rocks that are left by visitors on the sand, and a stone labyrinth above the shore. If the idea of a day’s sunbathing leaves you feeling restless, Mile Rock Beach is the perfect place to explore. A half-mile coastal trail leads from this cove to <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/the-most-beautiful-hikes-and-runs-in-san-franciscos-presidio/">Lands End</a>, with caves, shipwrecks and other secrets to be found at low tide.

If you are more beach picnic inclined, make the trek out to Lands End and Mile Rock Beach, a small cove tucked below the Lands End Viewpoint. This picnic spot is a bit rocky and small, but at low tide, you can explore much more of the beach. However, finding the staircase that leads down to the beach can be tricky to find, so grab a map at Lands End Lookout at 680 Point Lobos Avenue.

Mile Rock Beach, San Francisco, California, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, USA, sunny spring day

Mile Rock Beach

A walk along Baker Beach is worth it for its view of the Golden Gate Bridge. These west-facing sands are also one of the <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/20-must-visit-attractions-in-san-francisco/">most popular locations</a> in the Bay Area, especially for nudists, so it’s not for the shy and retiring. The riptide is strong around this section of coast, which means paddling is fine but open-water swimming is not advisable. If you’d rather keep your bathers on, avoid the furthest corner of the beach near the bridge, as this tends to be the busiest for the clothing-optional brigade.

Visiting <a href="https://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/baker-beach.htm">Baker Beach</a> is like stepping inside a San Francisco postcard. Your toes will pad through soft sand down into the sweeping surf, and you’ll look up in awe at the <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/the-best-places-to-get-a-unique-view-of-the-golden-gate-bridge/">Golden Gate Bridge</a> behind you. If this sounds a bit too idyllic for your liking, never fear—San Francisco wouldn’t be the same without a little bit of strangeness. Part of the beach is set aside for nude sunbathing, so you might spot a nudist or two lying out in the California sunshine.

Golden Gate Bridge at sunset seen from the Beach

Baker Beach

While not a naturally occurring beach, Aquatic Park is great for anyone who loves the coast. Built in 1929, the protected cove was purpose-built to give downtown San Francisco residents a place to swim and enjoy recreational activities. Today, the calm waters are regularly full of swimmers, along with a few local seals. While visiting Aquatic Park Beach, make sure you pop into the nearby San Francisco Maritime Museum and take a walk along the historic pier.

Aquatic Park Bocce Ball is perfect for beginning bocce ball players. There is a helpful attendant on duty to explain the rules of the game. The cost to rent equipment is low, and people can bring their own food and beverages. When they are finished with the bocce ball courts, they can check out the other features of Aquatic Park, such as a small beach, a museum, and a paved trail for biking and or running.

Maritime National Historic Park and Aquatic Park, San Francisco, CA

Aquatic Park Bocce Ball

Aquatic Park

It's not as famous – or as warm – as Southern California’s sun-drenched shores, but San Francisco’s beach scene is alive and well – and there's even a beach dedicated to nudists.

The Best Beaches Near San Francisco

Ocean Beach

Mile Rock Beach

Baker Beach

Aquatic Park

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