5 Beaches to Explore in San Francisco County

Checkout places to visit in San Francisco County

San Francisco County

Cultural, commercial, and financial center of Northern California.

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Beaches to Explore in San Francisco County

Baker Beach

This is a public beach on the peninsula of San Francisco. Large waves, undertow and rip currents make the beach unsafe for swimming, but it provides panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands and Lands End. You can fish or check out the shorelife along the beach and rocky shoreline. Restrooms and picnic tables are nearby.

China Beach, San Francisco

China Beach is in a tiny cove tucked between Lands End and Baker Beach in the Sea Cliff neighborhood of San Francisco. It is protected by rock walls on both sides creating an area that once was a camp for Chinese fishermen, hence the name.It was once used as a campsite for Chinese fishermen. Swimming is not safe at China Beach because of many possible dangers and the lack of lifeguards in the area.

Marshall's Beach

This small stretch of sand on the southwest side of the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most beautiful places in California with the massive rocks, waves crashing on the sand, and the staggering Golden Gate Bridge providing a backdrop to it all. It’s incredibly photogenic, offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the Marin Headlands.

Pacifica State Beach

Pacifica State Beach is the southernmost of Pacifica, California's large beaches. It is a 0.75-mile-long crescent-shaped beach located at the mouth of the San Pedro Valley. It is one of the most popular beginner surfing spots in the San Francisco area. Pacifica State Beach provides habitat for the western snowy plover, a shorebird which is designated as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Rodeo Beach

Rodeo Beach is a wide pebble beach on the sand spit that separates Rodeo Lagoon from Rodeo Cove on the west side of the Marin Headlands in Golden Gate. This beach is unique among California beaches in that it is largely made up of coarse, pebbly chert grains, both red and green in color. The beach features free entrance, free parking, wheelchair-accessible public restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Dogs are allowed.

Map of Beaches to explore in San Francisco County