So many great views, from the mini beach and the most likely chilly ocean water. You can definitely see the Golden Gate Bridge from the distance, as well as Alcatraz Island. There's a wide walking path that can connect you toward the piers, or, if you're up for the challenge of over a 3-mile walk (closer to 4 miles) to get an up close and personal view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's a great place to just take a break and just sink in the moment of the city's waterfront. read more

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The Dolphin Club swims here - and so do swimmers from YPAC Presidio who want to practice open water swimming. On select Sundays they step into the 50 degree water in wetsuits and confidently start towards their goal, Alcatraz. I asked the kids if they ever got bumped by a shark and they giggled, agreeing, "No, but most times we go out, seals want to play and swim under and nose us, it's funny." Located adjacent to the Maritime Museum, just down the steps to the water's edge. read more

Summer break is nice with my imaginary kids 2 Summer afternoon is nice for tourists and single people that go to offices I'm happy positive ..I would be wouldn't u .. read more

One of my favorite places in SF. It's a small beach, very close to the water. Not much sand but just enough. Lots of seating to sit and watch the people walking swimming and the gentle waves Good memories here. the sand still remembers. how light we once were, how loud we laughed, how young we felt. And for a moment, so do I. read more

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Nice spot to take in the views of the skyline and the bay. There is plenty of seating and the beach is nice and spread out. I went on a beautiful day and there was so many people swimming. Close proximity to ghiradelli square read more

Aquatic Park Cove - Beaches Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is one of my favorite parks in SF and I'm so lucky it's a short 20 min walk from my house. This is a perfect location to people watch, take pups, enjoy an ice cream sundae, grab an Irish coffee from nearby Buena Vista, count the swimmers, and take in the view for Fleet Week's Blue Angels. The park is in the heart of some of the city's iconic landmarks and is also easy to access from Pier 39 and Fort Mason. Overall, a total gem! read more

Aquatic Park Cove - Folks swimming and enjoying views! - Beaches Near Me - San Francisco, California

You don't need to go all the way to Ocean Beach for a beach. I like this cute little quaint beach to sit and read in the sand or cement bleachers. It's a nice place to look out and see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz in the distance while hearing the waves. Parking is pretty good at Van Ness with meters. There are lots of swimmers that do laps here in the bay. I never understood this really but I think it's awesome that they are there getting a good workout exercise. I couldn't do it, it seems too cold. Good people watching, lots of tourists around and right in front of Ghirardelli Square. read more

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Aquatic park is a nice place for a stroll and watching people much braver than moi swim in the cold water of questionable quality provides entertainment and context. Or something. The closed and ruined pier for which SF seems to have no funds to even remove (Is there not one among 700 city funded "non-profits") that can do this? I digress. If nearby take a leisurely walk along the cove. read more

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I discovered Aquatic Park after asking friends where do they practice open water swimming. It's a nice area to swim, stroll, or hang out! There isn't any lockers for you to store your items if you swim (so plan accordingly). It's a public area and so it can get pretty crowded. Parking is also limited but there are paid garages nearby. read more

** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. ** I believe this is one of those obliquely patronizing reviews that starts with "Gosh, I can't believe I've never Yelped this place before." But here goes...Gosh, I can't believe I've never Yelped this place before, or maybe I do because I take this space somewhat for granted. Any westward walk on Fisherman's Wharf ends up here as does any northbound stroll on Van Ness or Polk or eastbound from the Marina. Yep, it's a hub for wandering tourists and aimless locals. It can get congested, but hey, this is San Francisco, right? The currently closed Maritime Museum is the main architectural attraction. However, it's really the convenience of the concrete bleachers that allows people to sit a spell and take in the panoramic views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. It's almost incidental that there's a beach here unless you're one of those polar bear swimmers willing to risk hypothermia for a dip in the cove. The Municipal Pier cradles the cove from the turbulent bay waters, but you couldn't convince me to put a toe in there. Nope, the views from the bleachers are enough for me. RELATED - Exploring the Marina and Fisherman's Wharf? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HyFdzC read more

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I really like this park, from warm crowded days (like during events such as fleet week/blue angels) to cool winter days when the sand is moist and the beach is empty. We walked around recently, and enjoyed the views and fresh air. What I like about this area is you can get that isolated beach feeling but also it's in close proximity to great venues like Ghirardelli Square, and delicious seafood. Yes, the tourist factor brings hoards of pedestrians sometimes and parking can be difficult/expensive, but it's always worth it if you're with the right person/people. There are concrete bleacher seats, a grassy area, and of course sandy beach on the water. Lots of options for seating and picnicking. read more

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From Bathhouse to a great hangout! The Aquatic Park is a great area to walk around and enjoy the beautiful scenery, or just hangout and people watch. And then there is the Maritime Museum. Did you know that Maritime Museum building that was built in 1936 to be a bathhouse?! There is so much history all around which I won't go into here, but here is a challenge for you! Look for California Historical Landmark 236 in the Larkin and Beach corner in the park. Before COVID-19 era, there were many pubs, restaurants and other stores to visit, but now one has to be satisfied with takeout where available. You can get something to drink or eat and hangout in the park and enjoy the view. I have been frequenting the Buena Vista Cafe and enjoying their Irish Coffee to go! If you are a walker, keep walking all the way to the end of Municipal Pier and get a view of the city from over the water! It is beautiful. Before you go, here is another little trivia! Did you know that the lagoon between the Maritime Museum and the Municipal Pier is man-made? read more

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I wish I was an Ocean swimmer, it looks like fun and is a good workout. BUT I wouldn't be able to handle the cold cold chilly water and I would be fearful of any creatives swimming around me... even if it's just a guppie. Nice little beach to hang out at. Glorious views, especially, on a clear sunny day. Seagulls do not fear humans at all. I saw one snatch an ice cream cone right out of a ladies hands. If they see it, they want it, they go for it. So, watch out! NOTES: Lots of seats for you to sit at. Not sure how clean the water is but I see people in there. Prime place to watch the Blue Angels fly through doing tricks in the air. read more

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I'm not an open water swimmer, but it seems like this is a great and safe place for swimmers who do enjoy the open water to swim at. I come here to kick back and relax, and watch the swimmers from the concrete stadium style seating area doing their laps in the water. This Park is right below Ghirardelli Square, and although it's a heavily trafficked area with walkers and bike riders, the Bay gives it a relaxed feel here. I usually come over here when the east bay is having a heatwave, it's a great way to cool off and people watch at the same time!! read more

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Beautiful place to relax and sit a spell in San Francisco. There's a tiny beach right at the edge of the Bay. Even on a cool 65° day, I saw a couple people going for a swim and a few others sunbathing. There's lots of grassy knolls to spread out of blanket and have a picnic. Directly behind the park is Ghirardelli square which has lots of shops and restaurants... perfect if you want to grab a bite and dine in the grass, al fresco. There are also a couple of benches in park, if grass is not your thing. Wonderful for people watching, enjoying a nice book, or just sitting back and watching the world go by. read more

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Great park to take in sights of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate! We would walk our dog here multiple times a day. She loved it! There are signs posted that dogs are not allowed on the beach FYI. Everyone was very friendly that we talked to. read more

Aquatic Park Cove - Dog doing dog stuff at the park. - Beaches Near Me - San Francisco, California

It's interesting it's basically a beach in the middle of the city. You see people swimming and it's definitely pretty. It seems clean too. So yeah great place to hang out and just listen to the small waves because it's blocked off you won't get big waves here. read more

Aquatic Park Cove - Beaches Near Me - San Francisco, California

What's not to like here? You've got a large stretch of walkable open space, you've got the bleachers when you want to take a rest and just people watch, and there's a lot of people to watch! You've got the beach and bay with people who actually swim in there at those cold water temperatures and it's a tradition to ring in the New Year with a mind shocking freeze swim! You've got the Aquatic Park Pier aka Muni/Municipal Pier that stretches far into the bay where you can take in panoramic views of San Francisco from the Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate Bridge. You've got the well celebrated Alcatraz Island right out there in the Bay. And a little known history hidden in plain sight in the smaller pier next to the Aquatic Pier, it's Pier 4 Original Alcatraz Pier where prisoners, staff, and supplies embarked enroute to Alcatraz Island back in the days. Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and Fort Mason is just a hop skip and a jump away, and if you rode your bike, you can continue on the pedestrian/bike friendly route all the way under the Bay Bridge onwards to Oracle Park, and if you're really gamed, continue onto the home of the 2022 NBA Champs, the Golden State Warriors' Chase Arena. Or go the opposite direction and soak in Crissy Field then continue up the hill onto the Golden Gate Bridge......but I digress! Just Do IT! https://sanfrancisco.wingsdomain.com read more

Aquatic Park Cove - Beaches Near Me - San Francisco, California

I walked through this little beach front property as I was walking to Pier 39 from Ghirardelli Square. From here, I took a few photos of the Ghirardelli building. Facing the bay, you can sit in the stadium like seating to blissfully watch the beach goers, take in the crisp air, and people watch. It has a great view of the bay and the GGB. Although, the bridge is pretty far and photos of the bridge will look like it's so far away in the horizon. Otherwise, as a tourist, I pretty much breezed through this park with taking a few pictures here in there. read more

I love this park is really huge go walk around get your exercise you can see the beach you can see the bridge people swimming it gets cold here so bring a jacket. Can take great pictures the turnaround cable car is here at the beginning of the park. Do have a lot of benches where you can sit down just enjoy if the Sun is out and get a suntan. But be advised there are few homeless people that walk around and come up to you and ask for money or food so just be careful of your surroundings. read more

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The beauty of returning to your childhood home is magnified when you return with your own children and basically do a highlight reel of places from some of your favorite childhood memories. San Francisco is one of the world's great cities and one I wish I explored more during the first 25 years of my life when I lived just across the bay. So on every visit back to visit family and friends, we do some of the things we never bothered to do as locals as well as return to some of our old favorites. And you never know which place will resonate with your own child and become one of their magical memories. One of my favorites from this trip will be our time at Aquatic Park. After our nice (relatively formal) dinner at McCormick & Kuleto's it was the perfect place to let the boys burn off some steam. We brought a football, so the boys kicked off their shoes, rolled up their pants and played touch football on the beach at sunset with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. It really doesn't get any better than this. read more

Aquatic Park Cove - When the lights go down in the City and the sun shines on the Bay... - Beaches Near Me - San Francisco, California

Whenever I'm in the city and want to swim, this is my go to place! It's a great place for open water swimming for all levels. The water is usually calm and relaxing. There are 5 buoys parallel to the beach and what I have been told is that 3 loops equal a mile. Swimmers go either direction and mind their own business. Besides swimming, on weekends you may see groups of people exercising on the bleachers. Cyclists, runners/walkers and tourists pass through the area frequently, as the wharf is not so far away. Across the street is Ghirardelli square. So after a nice swim you can have instant gratification by ordering a sundae or some hot chocolate. Oh yeah! Public bathrooms are not far since its on the other side of the museum but if your heading for some dessert, there are restrooms also located in Ghirardelli Square. Parking maybe a challenge on weekends. Van Ness street gets pretty packed quickly since its free for 4 hours or else there is metered parking for .25cents per half hour.. Not bad considering your in SF. read more

Aquatic Park Cove - Beaches Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Aquatic park is at the foot of Polk Street on the Bay. With a fantastic view of Alcatraz and Hyde St. Pier it hardens to the historic periods that existed here. In the morning what a great place to start the day with the sound of the tide, the wind blowing and the stunning view of the Bay. Locals and tourists frequent the Park & it's an inspiring place to be. read more

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Cool spot for a relaxing day by the water. Good views of Alcatraz and really close to lord of restaurants and activities.

Fleet Week in San Francisco is truly a great time: we get to honor and interact with the naval staff who work so hard for our country, visit the ships, but we all know that the stars of the show are the awesome Blue Angels. Once a year, the blue skies are interrupted with the roaring of these powerful jets. The squadron flies the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet and the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. (Fat Albert!) Seeing these in action, being around aviation enthusiasts and photography fans while taking in the gorgeous views of San Francisco bay and Alcatraz make for a spectacular Sunday. And there's no other place to do it than Aquatic Park. 5 "I love San Francisco" Stars!!! read more

I come to Aquatic Park when I'm in the Ghirardelli square area. In particular, I like to walk the end of the Hyde Street Pier and maybe take a walk on the Beach. And with yet another unique view of Golden Gate Bridge and the associated waterfront, I am truly blessed to live in the Bay Area. You'll also find the San Francisco Maritime Museum in a Streamline Moderne (late Art Deco) building. The building was originally built (starting in 1936) by the WPA as a public bathhouse, and its interior is decorated with fantastic and colorful murals. The Steamship Room illustrates the technological evolution of maritime power from wind to steam, while the second floor displays include photomurals of the early San Francisco waterfront, lithographic stones, scrimshaw and whaling guns. The third floor gallery is used for visiting exhibitions. This cool area is sometimes forgotten among the tourist hordes around the nearby Fisherman's wharf. And if you're doing the long walk along the water, it's a very worthwhile stop before you head up and through Fort Mason and onwards to Marina Green and Crissy Field. read more

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!! I swam aquatic park all last summer getting ready for my Alcatraz swim. C-c-cold in spring, gets better by the end of the summer. I just swam there last weekend (1st week in March) and it was about 52 degrees. For those who don't wear a wetsuit like me, it's pretty cold, but bearable. It's an experience unlike any other. If you are a swimmer, you must have this experience. If you swim out to the opening, you have a view of the city, gg bridge, bay bridge and alcatraz, unlike anywhere else in San Francisco. If you are lucky, a few sea lions will pop their heads up near you :) Quick tip: Hit up the Buena Vista for Irish Coffees after your swim! Warms you right up! read more

Aquatic Park Cove - Beaches Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Picturesque spot to walk off dinner before the temperature drops. Concrete bleachers for sitting, waves for watching, small strip of sand for drawing, building, or running from waves. I like jealously watching the occasional wet-suited swimmers swim back and forth in the distance. The waves tempted my offspring so we had to bathe the kid after we got home. Despite the chill, he loved it. I did not love vacuuming my car afterward but that's the cost of happiness, I guess. read more

1. Go to Ghirardelli Square 2. Order a sea-salted mocha (sm: $4.25, lrg $4.75 splurge for the large, extra hot) 3. Walk to Aquatic Park 4. Find a place to sit 5. Sit 6. People watch I find this a great people watching place -- all kinds of different people cross this path everyday. All of those people put on a great show. This is a great place for conversational dates. It's beautiful on a summer/fall day, just don't forget to pack a sweater, and enjoy your mocha! read more

Aquatic Park Cove - From the amphitheater! - Beaches Near Me - San Francisco, California

Despite being in the middle of Maritime Museum's much needed face lift, AP, you are still worth a nice stroll along the Bay. I frequented the park as a child with my family, eating at a long gone snack shack, fishing for nothing along the wooden piers, playing in the bits of sand along the beach, and running up and down the stadium seating. It's fun to people watch, including the crazy swimmers who brave the water (for being icy cold and incredibly dirty) and just being thankful for water access and some of the most beautiful views. Amongst the debris and construction signs, this park will rise once again. Watch out for those sea gulls now. PS Even though we took transit, we saw beaucoup free parking spots-on a non-event Sunday am. read more

So pretty but sooooo cold! Parking for a Saturday night wasn't bad. We actually found a spot or two that weren't too far from the entrance. Not sure if I should call this a dock but I feel like I want to call it that so here it goes. The dock was 1/3 gated off because you can see that the sea breeze was eating away at the metal on the dock. The walk all the way to the end wasn't bad. It was windy but that's how it is whenever you are near the water, so it was expected. The view as you're walking towards the end of the dock was gorgeous. You could get a perfect shot of Ghirardelli square on one side & a close view of Alcatraz on the other. There were a lot of "Watch for Swimmers" signs, come to find out, this is where the Polar Bear Club meets & swims. That is crayyy because it was sooooo cold! I can't imagine even putting my feet in the water, let alone swimming in it (Oh, I can't swim fyi) They had benches for people to sit that had high backs to shield you from some of the wind, I'm guessing. Walking back towards the shore, there is a man-made beach that has a little 2-3 stairway to step down to the sand. There was also what looked like stadium seating to watch a boat show. It's pretty cool. People were watching the sunset while sitting on it. From there it's a straight shot to Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39. read more

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This is such a lovely park, the views are great, and the place is just beautiful. There are public restrooms, lots of places to eat or grab a snack nearby. It almost feels like you are in a forest if you get the top of the hill. It gets crowded on weekends during the day, and despite clear marking, watch out for bicycles. There are a number of bicycle renting facilities in the area, and sometimes out of town bicycles riders can veer onto pedestrian paths. That's hardly the park's fault though, perhaps companies who rent bikes should explain it more clearly. Overall, one of my favorite spots in t read more

Aquatic Park Cove - Beaches Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nestled in front of Ghirardelli, a less frequented (but sometimes windy) park not as busy but with great views and lush greens. read more

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I finally did it, I swam in Aquatic Park!!!!! So getting in is the initial shock, so COLD! I waited till my heart rate went down before I started to swim out. The water visibility wasn't clear at all, so I swam with my head up and switched off to backstroke. It was so beautiful to stare up at the sky and watch the clouds go by. I love to be in the water so this was a big treat for me. I recommend for those who are amateur swimmers and who are not tri-athletes, to bring along a pair of good fins, so you can actually get somewhere. Have fun in San Francisco If you don't feel like getting in the water, the beach is cute to lay on and read a book. Or if you want to get your feet wet you can wade in the water to the point of your comfort. read more

I was in the area and looked for a place to walk and unwind, without all that jazz of Fisherman's Wharf. Aquatic Park to the rescue! There's a beach where people swim in every given water temperature, a large square-like seating area, and a looong pier. Yes, the pier. It really helps you to unwind. Walk to the end of it and get a fantastic view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, and the San Francisco skyline. I do get why some Yelpers complain about the cleanliness but it's a city park after all. I tolerate. read more

Aquatic Park Cove - Beaches Near Me - San Francisco, California

Jumpy Jump Ocean. "Daddy, let's go back to the beach," he says, "we can run freely on the warm sand, build sculptures and swim in the refreshing ocean." My son and I. The best connection ever. I adore the privilege of being a parent. Too much love never spoils children. Children become spoiled when we substitute presents for presence. Oceanic play-crafted with pride at San Francisco's iconic Aquatic park. A vast lion with strong feelings on west coast fresh, monied, handsome, healthy exuberant, extrovert, third generation only child a peaceful rebel An ocean rumbles where sharks can be found every wave must be earned possibilities of perfection cornerstone of society surrounded with love as the stars and galaxies that rest above A dog barks to a false witness most things in life change some don't someone is either friendly or enemy their road mirrors the ocean our road never really ends endless play living in abundance no trespassing. read more

Aquatic Park Cove - Daddy And Child Or Mommy And Son - Beaches Near Me - San Francisco, California

Awesome little beach area right next to Ghirardelli Square! Spent time here following the chocolate festival, and would go back- calm little area with a bunch of free grass to lay on or amphitheater style seating to watch the water, in addition to a few rows of seating down in the sand. Saw a few seals in the water- they actually came pretty close to shore! Close to many restaurants and bars (albeit overpriced touristy ones), which is convenient for meeting up with friends. read more

A magical place to produce magical music, surrounded by the elements of water, earth, wind and fire(sun light), Flora and fauna. All you need is your lover, a musical instrument or your dog to share special moments, day or night, just make sure you dress warm. My favorite thing to do at the Aquatic Park is to play my hand drums and would like to see more drummers join me just about every Sunday afternoon, I play at the stairs and I do it for free, just for the love of music and the love of life; children usually get closer to me and listen to my music as I play along different kind of Caribbean rhythms from my mini boom-box, others just come by and dance to the groove. I hope to see you there, bring your camera and binoculars, it's worth it. Peace. read more

Aquatic Park Cove - Beaches Near Me - San Francisco, California

Aquatic Park is a great place to get in an open water swim and then grab a bite in the area afterwards. Pros: -Protected cove w a buoy line and lots of other landmarks to use for navigation/sighting. -Relatively clean...it IS the bay, so you're not going to get pristine waters with 70 ft visibility (go to Tahoe for that - it's totally worth it!), but the beach is pretty clean, there aren't usually visible trash or pollutants in the water and the bottom isn't full of slimy weeds in the shallow area. -Parking before 10 is easy. Admittedly later than that, it can get challenging. In desperation, there are parking structures very nearby. -There are several post swim options nearby in Ghiradelli Square for brunch, hot chocolate etc. -It's never all that crowded in the water, even if there is a race from Alcatraz or the like going on. -You really can't beat it on a warm sunny day--the bay looks gorgeous and Alcatraz and the Marin headlands are a great backdrop for swimming. Cons: -When the parking is difficult, it contributes to people sharking for spots. I'm never a huge fan of being stared at by someone waiting for my spot while I basically get naked in public. -If you're not a dolphin club member, there really aren't any facilities for you to use like at a lot of public beaches. But, never fear, you'll get good at changing in the parking lot at your car. -It's cold, but not bad if you're prepared. Some brave souls swim without wetsuits, but a full wetsuit, silicone cap and goggles and you'll warm up after about 5 minutes of swimming. -Two sea lions live in the cove. Most of the time they stick themselves and hang out on the west side; occasionally they like to join the swimmers in the buoy line. While some may view them as a pro, I like to keep my distance in the water...they seem a lot bigger and less friendly when you're face to face with them in their living room. I'll admit, they are pretty cute--especially from shore. read more

This is one of my favorite spots in San Francisco. It is one place that you must give a try. Sure, it definitely gets its share of tourists wandering over, but I still love it. It's great for swimming, running and just sitting and taking in the beautiful views of the Bay and the Golden Gate. This is one of those places that I could spend hours. For some reason coming here always makes me (even more) happy that I live in SF. I live up the street so I come often. read more

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