1. China Beach

    1. China Beach

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    San Francisco, CA

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    China Beach

    4.3 (213 reviews)

    China Beach Photos

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    Shane S.

    Me and my friend both recently went to China Beach along with Baker Beach. Both beaches are close to one another. China Beach is much more compact while Baker Beach has a lot more sand making it a better beach if you want to go for a nice long walk. China Beach has an awesome view of Golden Gate bridge that is similar to the one you get on Baker Beach. The coolest thing me and my friend experienced on China Beach while we were here was people watching. We watched some of the polar bear club members swim laps in the Pacific Ocean with simple bathing suits. Although it was August when we were here the air was quite cool. I had on several layers with a hoodie and even then felt like I would have liked a nice wind breaker jacket. It was pretty awesome seeing those folks swim laps in the ocean. Other people watching we saw were a family on rocks over the ocean doing cannonballs and front flips from a rock into the ocean which am sure will make a lovely memory for them for years to come.

    China Beach
    Vivienne C.

    There are so many hidden gems in San Francisco and China Beach is definitely one of them. Most people know Baker Beach but just one rock away is this cute little beach surrounded by all the beautiful Presidio/Sea Cliff houses which I definitely recommend looking around. The views are comparable to Baker Beach with far less people. Hot tip: Come early in the morning as parking can be difficult to find later on. The Beach is also connected to Land's End through a trail and would highly recommend visiting there too. Also during wintertime, it's crab fishing season and there are a lot of people fishing for it early in the morning which is pretty cool to watch.

    Carmina R.

    Have I been in the city all my life without setting foot at China Beach? Perhaps so. I didn't get any childhood flashbacks as we tried to find the small little ol' parking lot them followed the fishermen and tourists to the shore. Not only was this little adventure so refreshing, but it was also not crowded at all. We saw a couple of people fishing, a family or two playing in the (cold) water, 1 surfer, and a few tourists that knew the place better than I did apparently. After you park your car, walk down the steep steps to get to the ruins, then walk down more steps to get to the shore. There's 2 sets of steps, but if you look to the left, there's a cute little cove that's worth checking out. We thought it was going to be freezing and windy, but not even! Wear a jacket, yes, but "spare the snow jackets, mom!" So not necessary. The view of the Golden Gate Bridge is truly breathtaking here. It's one of those places you visit, so you can stop time, and remind yourself you're standing in one of the most beautiful cities. While the kids are busy running up and down the steps, you can use that 45 seconds of quiet to just ...reflect. The crisp air, the blue skies, and the bright international orange colored bridge pillars...ahh, so nice! There wasn't much to do there, but it's still worth the trip! We spent maybe 30 mins tops before we realized we were hungry and wanted birria tacos :)

    China Beach - Golden Gate Bridge view
    Mary V.

    China Beach is a hidden gem of a beach with the most spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge! It's a small, clean, generally quiet beach. It would be the perfect spot for special moments/photographs (engagement, family photo, holiday card photo...). Park in the small free lot, walk down the steep steps, inhale the ocean air, exhale your worries, and enjoy the view!

    This place has history to it! Used as a campsite of Chinese fishermen during the gold rush
    Jodie M.

    Nice little secluded cove with views of the Golden Gate Bridge tucked away in the affluent neighborhood of Seacliff. It looks like Baker Beach, but much more private. This is the first time I've been here despite living in SF for 8 years now. Nice to know there are still hidden gems that I can take visiting friends and family to :)

    Hank C.

    A local beach, steep stairs down and a rock formation to the left and a longer beach facing the outside of the Bay Bridge area to the right. Good views for pictures though not a beach that I saw many hanging put at. The facilities here are pretty minimal, and parking is limited. This is deeply embedded into a neighborhood, off the main road, so I expect not as much traffic. Saw a swimmer in the water, but the signs warn against it. A steep road down if you can't take the stairs. The beach itself is simple and though some reviews have tidal pools here, I would say that's limited to some moss and a couple bivalves here and there. Not very populous at all. A monument stone and a quick description at the top reveals the history of Chinese fishermen/laborers *(Janey E. with more details in her review).

    Preciosa playa
    Mary A.

    Preciosa playa limpia no hay mucha gente ni perros me encantó mucho hermosa vista del puente Golden gate

    Vinod A.

    Small beach with great view of Golden Gate Bridge Parking is street side You see lots of surfers practicing It is windy and foggy lots of time. Great time to catch the sunset by the Bay.

    View from the bench
    Cecilia O.

    Go! Go! Go! Make sure you park in the correct parking spaces Bc some cars did get a ticket. I suggest to take some snacks and prepare to relax!! If you do take wine, please don't drink and drive :)

    June 2011
    Sivilay T.

    Review #273 - 2019 After our disappointing experience at Crown & Crumpet, I decided to take the girls to enjoy the nice warm weather at the beach. The only time I was here was back in 2011 so I honestly don't remember what this place even looks like from my memory. We showed up at around 3:30 PM on Saturday, October 5th, and it was the perfect day for the beach. The sun was nice, not too much wind and it was 80° and this is very rare for SF during the month of October. My 3-year old daughter and 10-year old niece got to play for a little over an hour, but my daughter refused to leave. She actually didn't get her full 12-hour the night before so she was cranky because of that. The beach is actually much nicer than what I recalled. The water was cold, but it was ok since it was such a warm day. The port-o-potties were not very clean, but it's the beach so one shouldn't expect too much. My only complaint is that I saw a few women sitting around topless. I guess this is a semi-nude beach, but there were so many family with kids around that I thought it shouldn't be appropriate. Thank goodness there weren't any naked men around because I would hate my kids to be exposed to that type of environment. I guess we'll just stick to Baker Beach from now on to avoid any unnecessary inappropriate "scene".

    China beach

    Not many people there at all. Don't think they have bathrooms. Went very early as well..

    I had to put the sunglasses on my picture was looking too bright!
    Ron M.

    This is A beach that is conveniently located near my house here in Seacliff/ Outer Richmond! On a nice and beautiful sunny San Francisco day, there's no place I would rather be. Not a lot of people know about this place so let's keep it a secret! If you see me here (i'm a regular) Make sure to say hi!

    china beach
    Chuck D.

    Great little beach tucked away in the beautiful Sea Cliff neighborhood. I try to go home to the city every month or so and each time I go back, I try to get a different vantage point of my beloved Golden Gate Bridge. China Beach provides that and then some. There is a small parking lot located at the entrance above China Beach. There are clearly marked spaces and you'll notice the mansion behind you in a peach/pink color is probably the Ambassador to Switzerland's residence with the Swiss flag flying in the wind... What a view that household must have every morning! There is also a monument at the entrance that commemorates China Beach as a campsite that many Chinese fisherman used during the Gold Rush. So you get a little history and a view to match it. You make your way down to the beach via 2 routes. The wide steps that are covered in sand or the longer paved path. Either way, it will get you to the bottom. You will see a structure whose inside is no longer open to the public along with its restrooms. But there are 2 bigger sized port-a-potty units near the base of the big set of stairs. I had to use one of them and to my surprise, it was SUPER clean. I think it had gotten changed out/cleaned up that morning. Either way, I was extremely grateful... You can go onto the roof level of the structure and that provides a bird's eye view of the beach. Make your way down some more stairs and you''re on the sand. To the right is the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. It looks great on a clear day or on a foggy day. It's just a gem of a beach. Super peaceful with no one really out on the day we went. It was a little foggy and misty. Just the way I like it. There was a dad with his 2 kids playing on the sand near the stairs but they soon left. We had the beach all to ourselves. I took so many photos. Couldnt help it... I truly enjoy being a tourist at home. China Beach is one of those places I can go back to over and over again.

    Boasting gorgeous views of the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - China Beach

    Are there bonfires allowed?

    Bonfires are not allowed at China Beach. Check here for information on recreational fires at GGNRA: https://www.nps.gov/goga/learn/management/fire_beachfireregs.htm

    Is there any shower, privacy or not?

    There were but due to covid they were turned off when I had visited.

    Is this beach open currently?

    Yes, China Beach is open.

    Is the beach free or need to buy a ticket?

    It's free! All of the beaches in San Francisco are.

    Hi Is this beach open currently?

    Sure is!

    Is there a tide pool at China Beach? Are there any star fish?

    Can we bbq at China beach?

    Above beach level, grills and a picnic area are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No fires are allowed on the beach.

    Can you still access the sand when the tide is high at China Beach?

    Generally, yes.

    I noticed Marshall and Baker Beach are "clothing-optional" places. Is China Beach also a "clothing-optional" location?

    China Beach is not clothing optional.

    Can anyone tell me if there are showers @ this beach?

    Did you fix showers?

    View All 11 Questions

    Review Highlights - China Beach

    to be able to live in the few oceanfront homes and see this view of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge 24/7.

    Mentioned in 57 reviews

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