China Beach is about a half mile off of the beautiful Coastal Trail, and a great way to end a short day hike. It is also perhaps the only place in San Francisco where it is legitimate to feel actual melancholy. There is one craggy rock. When I am here I am usually the only person on the beach. Maybe one other person, also looking a bit "whyfore hath you forsaken me." In front of the craggy rock, nothing but shock and awe, sublime sublime. The giant blood-colored bridge, the cold foggy bay, and far off, the umm stale promontory of Marin. I always get the urge to swim towards it, which is when I know I am going all Percy Shelly. That's when I go home, back through the unravish'd Coastal Trail. read more

This was the third and last beach we went to on our trip. I think this was my favorite. The sand was very soft and the kids loved playing in it. Wasn't crowded at all. It's a steep walk down from the road. You can stay on the service road provided or walk down some steps. The views were so beautiful too. I would highly recommend this beach! read more

China Beach - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Finally got a chance to explore China Beach with my boyfriend on our anniversary. Heading down the beach was an adventure only because there were about 50 steps to walk in order to get to the site. We brought food in hopes there would be a place to eat, and there was! A few benches/tables scattered around the beach. It was VERY scenic and enjoyable. If you're looking for a relaxing place where you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and beautiful houses..this is the place! Even driving to the beach was great! Although we came on a day where it wasn't so busy, we can assume that many people like to go surfing there. We found several sea critters scattered along the beach and we climbed on some reachable cliffs just to get an even better view of the ocean. Love it! read more

Crowd control = nice. It's not too packed here. Views = nice Photos = nice (good place for weddings, engagement, etc pictures...please do not send tourists here!) Walking = nice, it's not too hilly and the stairs that are there, are actually easily accessible, even though I was limping with a sprained ankle. :) Actually looking down at the beach = crap. Broken tires, and other trash left here. read more

One of those secret places soo many of us never knew about and now that we know about it will make it a regular spot. Absolutely a sweet spot to take pix, have a picnic, BBQ, enjoy some time on the beach, or just relax. Private parking lot so no need for street parking on side streets. Only drawback of this amazing place is there are like 1000 stairs down to the beach so while getting down is not bad coming up is no joke... I think I needed an inhaler! =) Also, wish they had better ways for handicap or elderly to access the beach since the only road going down is for service vehicles ONLY. You could use the road for wheelchair etc if the dirt stairs wont work but pushing someone down or up that hill would be madness. Guys... serious mad romantic points for taking your girl here, I think I got AT LEAST two "get out of jail" points for future use for this visit alone. read more

Best beach. This beach doesn't​ have a ton of parking spots. They usually are all taken by 11AM on a good day. There is some street parking in the nearby neighborhood but you may have to trek to the beach. The beach has a picnic​ table which is nice. Usually, this beach is family-friendly​, you may seem some nudies if you go towards the golden gate bridge. The beach does offer really nice views of the bridge on a clear day and you don't hear the traffic which is nice. Bring sunscreen because it does get a little toasty. There also aren't​ facilities that I would use anywhere nearby and it can seem weird that this beach is at the edge of a very nice neighborhood. You can get some amazing Instagram-able​ pictures here. Just be warned when its a clear day with the full view of the bridge it may seem like the entire city comes out. read more

Views to take in....Rocks to climb...Waves to soothe. Go to China Beach. read more

Sssh....don't tell tourists about this spot. Let's try to keep this beach a local's secret. Anyhow, what can I say about China Beach that hasn't been said before. It's simply a piece of paradise in this urban metropolis. I love the view of the bridge. And this beach is so much cleaner than the other beaches in the city! And because it's secluded, it's never that crowded. I saw dolphins here once, they were swimming so close to the beach! Truly a magnificent sight. They have restrooms and showers. Others have said parking is limited, however I've never had to wait for a spot here. Oh, and since dogs aren't allowed, no one has to worry about stepping in doo doo. read more

Beautiful spot for picnics, sandcastles and walks. Swimming is very enjoyable with views of the bay. When clear you can see Monterey coastline! Go you will not be disappointed! read more

Majestic views, next to Robin Williams' house, and sea lions. What more can you ask for? It's a good place to have a fire at night. Although, I don't think we were allowed to do that, but I'm not sure. Don't jump in the water here. There's rocks under the water line. My friend learned the hard way, trying to swim with the sea lions. I don't suggest trying that either. read more

a very cozy beach in a cove with excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge , looks like a nice place for a picnic at the beach it's like a hidden gem out of the way place to go enjoy a sunny day and relax or do some fishing it's a small area so it could get a little crowded especially on a nice sunny day also because of the interesting California Gold Rush era history: Legend has it that local residents named China Beach for the Chinese fishermen who, long ago, anchored their junks in the cove and camped on the beach. You can see a monument to these early residents at the trailhead near the parking area at the end of Sea Cliff Avenue. read more

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When Ocean Beach is a little too windy or crowded or if you just want to relax at what seems to be your own private beach, this is the spot to come to. It's perfectly located for me since I live within walking distance, but more importantly, it's a little bit off the beaten path so it's hardly ever crowded; most city dwellers will go to Baker Beach or OB before they ever come here (if they know it exists). Which reminds me..there used to be this hottie who would pull up on her Japanese super-cycle, walk down the path in her leather cycle suit, and strip right there on the beach only to unveil the tightest yellow bikini - mmm...that girl was Tee-Tastee! Damn, I should make that scene into a Coke commercial or something... read more

BEAUTIFUL. I came here around 4:45pm on a Saturday night just so my boyfriend and I could watch the sunset AND view the Golden Gate Bridge! On the way there, you'll pass gorgeous houses. Parking is free! You'll be led down a long flight of stairs. It's a tiny beach, but it's good because you feel somewhat cozy and private. The sand wasn't soft... I'm not sure if the water goes all the way to the ledge or if it was the weather. We stood right over the balcony thing. You can't actually see the sun from this side, but it's good enough. Otherwise, you would have to actually cross the bridge, which may seem like a hassle and run into traffic. My boyfriend and I were both pleased to end our 5 year anniversary with an amazing view! read more

China Beach gets my vote for best hidden San Francisco GEM read more

China Beach - How awesome is this view ? - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing, rustic beach with great views. It's pretty awesome that areas like this in super high end neighborhoods are protected and available for the public. We took a nice little morning walk to here from where we were staying in the Richmond District. We hung out and climbed on the rocks a bit and just took in the natural beauty for a good long while. We were here on a Monday morning. It wasn't crowded at all. Hardly anyone else was there. There was a small group of four seasoned swimmers that regularly swim here. We had a really nice chat with one of them who happened to be a fourth generation San Franciscan. read more

DON'T GO HERE, Head to Bakers - much better people watching there. I like it when it's not too crowded. Watching the waves in the rain here is AWESOME. I prefer the view of the beach & bridge. People are overrated. read more

We were hiking the Lands End Trail and came here for a rest. Fantastic views, nice breeze, few people. The bathhouse or building was being renovated, which it badly needs. It was closed and port-o-potties were there. It is in the middle of a luxury neighborhood, so the environment is nice. read more

China Beach - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

Perhaps not as interesting as Baker Beach, but way, way better than Ocean Beach. BUT, I saw a KGB-type harassing some people about this and that. The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy seems to take themselves too seriously as the so-called "Guardians of the Wilderness", and all they do is act like land-based Sea Shepherds. ( My apologies to those who really care about this beach, as opposed to those who care only about their egos. ) This place was a lot nicer several decades ago. read more

One of my favorite, quite and peaceful parks in SF that is still a bit of a secret. A lot of people know about China Beach but it certainly isn't nearly as busy as most other parks in the city nor has it been degraded with litter, graffiti and other random damage that comes along with being a public park in a big city. I come here for the peace and quiet to rest, relax and think while taking in the scenery. Many times you come here and all you can hear are the birds and waves coming in and hitting the sand. I usually bring my dog here but I'm actually not sure if they're allowed or not. I haven't seen any signs that prohibit dogs nor has anyone ever given me any trouble about having him and he sure loves to run on the beach. I imagine many of you can do the same as I do and not have a problem so long as you clean up after your 4-legged friend. read more

My BF and I hiked through the Lands End Trail and the Presidio up to China Beach the other day. I'm so happy we kept going because it was absolutely beautiful there! There is a little picnic area right along the beach, great for kickin back with a group of people, some beers, and some good grub. The best part is the the awesome views! You see the Golden Gate Bridge, even though it was a bit foggy the day we went it was still an awesome view! I can't wait for our friends and family to come visit because this will definitely be a spot we will bring them! Check out some of the pics we took at China Beach....so pretty! http://www.sanfrancisconoobs.com/08-03-2009/china-beach-sea-cliff/ read more

Small and secluded beach away from the city. NO DOGS ALLOWED! It's a pretty scenic drive getting to the beach. You drive through a grip of beautiful big houses. There is limited parking, but once you park it is an easy walk down to the beach where you can enjoy the quiet ocean front. The Golden Gate Bridge is in the backdrop. read more

This is such a beautiful area....I don't come here to get in the water...in my 30 years in the Bay area, I have hardly put a toe in the water....but I do love the spectacular scenery from this quieter side of San Francisco. I like it best on a weekday morning, when there is hardly any one around - I can just walk and daydream, with my thermos of hot tea or something more potent, and ponder the mysteries of life. read more

This is the newest place for surfers and crabbers to go. Coming out here you see people carrying either fishing gear, surfer board or both down the hill. It is no longer just a public beach where people sat around enjoying the beach and the water. read more

China Beach - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing. I've been here a couple times, and every time there's maybe 5 people max who are there. It feels like one of SF's best kept secrets. The view of the Golden Gate Bridge is incredible, and this is definitely a place to get away from it all. read more

Love China Beach! Cute, cozy, great view of the GG bridge, romantic and it is just gorgeous when the sun is out! I have never seen it get crowded, so that's a plus as well! I don't think a lot of people know how gorgeous this beach is!;) It can get a little windy at times but still worth it! This is my fav. after Ocean Beach! Go and enjoy a lazy picnicy day w/ your friends, you'll like it!;) read more

If it weren't for the fact that it's always foggy, windy, and cold, this would really be something. If you're able to find a nice day in Seacliff, you'll find this small sandy beach surrounded by rock cliffs to be a real gem. You can get down to the beach from the limited parking above on a driveway that traverses down or on the stairs. Big sign warning you that people have drowned and died here. Big granite monument memorializing the Chinese fishermen who used to use this beach over a hundred years ago. The monument was donated by the family that owns Henry's Hunan restaurant. read more

Beautiful! A quieter place to sit. Id like to own property here. Its a sercret surf spot when the swells are huge and everyplace is unmanageable to paddle out! Beware.....localism and a pecking order if you decide to surf here! Not for the faint of heart. Have an understanding of etiquette and right of way. read more

You get practically the same view as you do from Baker Beach, sans naked men. Stop by for a picturesque view on your way back from Robin Williams' house. read more

China Beach, thank you for allowing me to be a SF beach bum! Top 3 reasons to go to China instead of Ocean: 1. The cat with the blue toenails. 2. The stairs down to the water are perfectly spaced out for a non-rest-needing walk back to the car. 3. It will actually be sunny and warm. Don't love that tourists tend to appear, but hey good on them for knowing about it. read more

Pretty small beach but perfect to cool down from the 100 degree heat in the north bay. Baker beach was packed today so we came next door. It's not as crowded & perfect for kids especially on a hot day! read more

China Beach - Baker Beach was packed today & China beach was right next door! Fun in the sun - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

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It was a good little place to go and just relax I like it nice place to come hang out and eat something small

A very peaceful and calm beach. I'd recommend this beach over Ocean Beach any day. It's a lot cleaner too. The only downfall is it's harder to get to than Ocean beach if you take the bus. read more

There are some gorgeous views from this beach. Enough said.

I went to this beach because Muir beach was packed. The beach is kind of small. There is a good view of the bridge. Also, there is lots of space to tan both on the building roof and the beach. The beach is located in a really nice area and there is ample street parking. Nice if you're not looking for a very busy place. read more

I forgot all about this place until today because we visited the Bonita Lighthouse Beach in Marin. Anyway, this beach is small and dirrrty. ...maybe we went on a bad day... but it's not worth the drive. It was a waste of gas! minus uno star. read more

Been coming here for years. I adore this beach...it's crazy when the tide is low. Have you met "Lucky" the cat yet? He's always around. I live down the street. I may be biased. But nothing trips me out more than sitting on one of those rocks with my honey watching fins come up in the water. FINS of what...I'm not sure. But to me, it's perfectly IMperfect. It beats Ocean Beach. All ye locals would agree with me in saying, "I hope those tourists never figure out which street to make that sharp left on." I'll disregard the one time a few friends and I saw a couple "relating" to one another near the hollowed out rocks (can't really call it a cave). Um, yeah. But hey, that's SF for you! read more

My boyfriend and I spent months up and down the Northern California coast trying to find Star Fish in their natural environment. We had all but given up hope when we happened to find ourselves at China Beach during low tide. I informed my boyfriend I was going to search this one final beach for Star Fish while he took a nap in the sun, which didn't last long, because about 2 minutes after I left that makeshift bed on the sand I hit the jackpot. There are literally hundreds of Star Fish clinging to the rocks: pink, orange, purple. Absolutely amazing. We've also found if you go to watch the sunset, you can often spot a pod of dolphins jumping just off the coast. This beach really is a hidden treasure. read more

My friends and I ended up in a limo because we couldn't find a round trip ride to Half Moon Bay. That's another story... We had to stop by China Beach so the newlyweds will have a very thick wedding photo album. I realized that it's a very hidden beach! Small and uncrowded! I loved it so much that I convinced my friends to come back the next day in a much more comfortable clothes. They loved it too so of course we went.' BUT damn the San Francisco weather! It was nice and warm on the wedding day then the next day it got windy and cold! ugh! But we did took a lot of great photo! read more

China beach is one of my favorite place to take photos. It is unique and can take shots with the sunset. You also can take a look of other locations backer beach for example. http://www.pashadelic.com/photos/97331 read more

I don't know. A beach isn't supposed to be cold and windy for the most part, but this beach has such a great view. While this is more of a snuggie-on-a-warm-day with your significant other kind of a beach, it still lends itself to a great time of its own kind. There are lots of jagged rocks and the sand tends to be on the rough side and the water is super cold, but this is such a romantic spot, and so peaceful, and on a sunny day, it is warm and breezy and can't be beat! read more

China Beach - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California