When you are planning a vacation to Maui or Rio de Janeiro you may put beaches on the top of you list of things to see. However, when planning a trip to San Francisco, you may have heard of North Beach, but North Beach doesn't have any beaches (though the neighborhood was named after a beach that used to be on its north shoreline). If fact, San Francisco has several beaches that provide diversions for residents and visitors alike.
Make no mistake about it, San Francisco is not Los Angeles. Unless it's an exceptional day, San Francisco beaches tend to be a little chilly, windy and foggy. However, this should not deter you from enjoying a nice afternoon at the beach. Many San Francisco beaches have beautiful panoramic views of the Marin Headlands, Point Bonita Lighthouse and the Golden Gate Bridge. Just be prepared with a sweatshirt or jacket in addition to your shorts or swim suit. Because of the latitude of San Francisco, the waters may be too cold for swimming (unless you brought your wet suit). Bring your beach towels, a sand bucket, a good book, a kite and a Frisbee to make the best of your afternoon at the beach.
San Francisco's most popular beaches are Ocean Beach and Baker Beach. Although East Beach at Crissy Field in the Presidio has become quite popular since the restoration of Crissy Field.
Ocean Beach is San Francisco's largest and longest beach running 5 miles up the entire west side of San Francisco. The northern end of San Francisco Ocean Beach popular among locals, surfers and visitors. The Cliff House towers above Ocean Beach perched on the edge of a coastal bluff that borders the north end of the beach. The beach is perfect for building sand sculptures and hosts a yearly sand sculpture contest. Ocean Beach has a very slight slope, making it ideal for wading in the surf. Surfers wearing wet suits are a common sight along this section of Ocean Beach.
Baker Beach is located in the Presidio just south of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. With its panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands, Baker Beach is a popular beach and picnic destination for San Francisco locals, especially on the weekends. Several picnic tables with barbecue pits are located to the east of the north parking lot. The beach has strong rip-tides, so swimming can be hazardous. A few fishermen may dot the shoreline. The north end of the beach is clothing optional, so families typically stay toward the middle and south ends of the beach.
Other beaches in San Francisco include Lands End Beach and China Beach, named for the Chinese fishermen who used to camp nearby. San Francisco Castro Beach is not really a beach at all. It's a park that has garnered the "beach" nickname because of all the Castro sun bathers that blanket its lawns.
Adding a beach to your San Francisco agenda may be a great way to slow down the frenetic pace of sightseeing and enjoy a more relaxed appreciation of San Francisco's natural beauties. Visit san francisco beaches for more information.
Jed Clark is a travel writer, photographer and long-time San Francisco resident. He maintains san francisco beaches, which contains travel tips and information about San Francisco destinations, attractions and neighborhoods.
taxi from O'Hare Bismarck .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareIt is the end of the season for the year... Read More
Some people have fought many years of their lives to... Read More
For the 92nd time, the Tour de France has started.... Read More
Simply sitting and watching birds is a popular hobby around... Read More
Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good... Read More
When you're on the Internet looking for discount camping gear,... Read More
Campgrounds are a perfect Pigeon Forge lodging option for visitors... Read More
Welcome to Bragg Creek! Bragg Creek is located in the... Read More
Boondocking is fun! Boondockers go anywhere they want, at any... Read More
Sharklife.co.za has been fighting an ongoing for the protection of... Read More
I've been traveling and writing about places I believe others... Read More
Maybe your favorite backpacking food is a freeze-dried turkey dinner.... Read More
White Water on the Comal river in Central Texas is... Read More
Camping is a delightful and adventurous way to spend your... Read More
Tamil Nadu is a delightful anachronism. With a rich culture... Read More
Have you ever thought you might like to try a... Read More
The Northern Circuit is probably Africa's most dramatic wildlife area.... Read More
The sport of river rafting was practically invented in Colorado.... Read More
Yes, it's real. There is a place called Timbuktu and... Read More
How to get discount lift tickets for popular ski resorts... Read More
Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com is pleased... Read More
Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but... Read More
Santa Cruz Church, the church of the holy cross, was... Read More
1st day : Airport / Amman, O/N Our representative will... Read More
Hello Again,Today we will be talking about meal planning. Meals... Read More
Granger Lincoln Stretch limo rentals ..Knowing a few edible wild plants can make your next... Read More
Sharklife.co.za has been fighting an ongoing for the protection of... Read More
The Wandle offered wonderful trout fishing up to the latter... Read More
Campgrounds are a perfect Pigeon Forge lodging option for visitors... Read More
It is the end of the season for the year... Read More
How to get the most out of your trekking poles... Read More
The thing with enjoying the great outdoors is seeing aspects... Read More
Yes, it's real. There is a place called Timbuktu and... Read More
Bird Watching is a great way to escape the rat... Read More
When you are planning a vacation to Maui or Rio... Read More
Camping mixed with outdoor activity is a great way to... Read More
Spain offers the visitor over 4,000 kms of coastline where... Read More
Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but... Read More
So unknown is this treasure of Lake Jipe not many... Read More
Romancing History ? A Holiday in RajasthanRajasthan, the name evokes... Read More
Before you take off on that great outdoor adventure, be... Read More
Don't all of us love to have the money to... Read More
To get the most out of a wildebeest migration safari... Read More
Have you ever seen an authentic Japanese garden? Well, I... Read More
Whale watching is a spellbinding, entertaining, and thought-provoking adventure trip.... Read More
It seems like the most adventurous thing in the world.... Read More
Pictures of a massive dead Great White shark on the... Read More
The Udzungwa Mountains National park was created primarily for the... Read More
When you search online for a camping gear outlet you... Read More
Summer is for picnics, hikes, outdoor concerts, barbeques ... and... Read More
Outdoors |