Every time I'm out there, this 2mile swath of sand has stunned me with it's beauty and power. I've seen dolphins and seals not 100 ft from the water's edge. I've seen people caught in rip tides. I've seen 30+ ft waves. On the rare, clear night with a full moon, I can still see the entire length of beach, empty but for a few bonfires, and the mysterious ocean twinkling as the water undulates. Ocean Beach is amazing at any time. But you'll have to see it for yourself. read more

Ocean Beach - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

Yes it was cold and foggy but it's SF! What do you expect lol. Other than that, it was pretty okay, view was okay and the hiking spot was awesome, and a little bit adventurous even. Might reconsider coming back, even better clothed the next time. Trust me, the water is very cold and also can be very windy. I wish I could've dressed better to suit the weather, and a hair brush.. read more

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On May 8th 2019 we went to the Lands Ends visitors center and the park ranger mentioned a whale beached in Ocean Beach. So I had time to kill and drove there to see a beached whale for the first time. From the parking lot we could not see any major crowds, nor any signs of whale. After walking 3 major blocks along the sidewalk of the Great Highway we saw something and a small crowd. No one know why but the whale beached and the scientists took some samples for testing because you can see areas that were removed by cutting. By this time the whale has been there for days and rotting away. You can see some remains of the whale fat and skin spread out on the beach perhaps due to the waves action breaking them off. I have seen whales from far away in California, Oregon and Alaska but never so close and seeing the huge gut and internal organs were quite unforgettable. Plus the smell is--you know--smelly! The only stupid thing was there were no signs warning people of the bacteria that surround the whale as nature takes its course. So we learned that it is best not to walk around bare feet (nor stand on the dead whale.) I heard the next day the whale was removed. Not sure who did that and how. read more

Ah, yes. Summer bonfires at the beach. I've only been here twice - once last summer, and once a few days ago. If this were last year, I would've given this place 5 stars. No problems here. Come early enough, probably before 5PM, & you can claim a fire pit before peak bonfire hours. There's a Safeway across the street & you can buy firewood, s'mores supplies, food, etc. The beach "closes" at 11PM, but you may be able to stay a little past midnight if you're lucky (which, we were). This year, however, police started roaming the parking lot at 10PM. Odd. My friends & I had a run-in with the cops. Yeah, they caught us for having alcohol. They just told us to pack up & leave. They arrested a guy at the fire next to us for being drunk & defiant. Packing up our cars, the cops were issuing tickets to all the cars there. It was only 10:30 & they claimed that the parking lot closed at 10. Yeeeeah, suuuuure. Again, we were lucky enough that we didn't get tickets. It's a great place to chill with your friends by the fire, but sometimes the popo can come & rain on your parade. You could be fortunate enough to come on a day where the cops don't show up at all though, where you can kick it way after midnight. read more

3.5 stars for quality and .5 extra for home field advantage :D Good beach to run, bonfire, and play but just beware that the water is extremely cold so it would not be ideal unless you have a wetsuit or its one of those heat wave days. There no fee so you dont have to pay to play but there are not many shower places or bathrooms to wash off. Overall I would rather go to san diego or santa cruz beaches but since i live 7 blocks, i should be happy i live close by. They have bonfire pits but just get there early as they tend to occupy fast and police usually come around 10pm ish to put them out. read more

yay!!! i been yearning to go to the beach, and I finally made it!!! Not the greatest beach, but I was in a good mood, and everyone there was really nice. Mostly soft sand and great place to ppl and dog watch =D We went on a Sunday (around 4pm), and parking wasn't that bad either! I suggest parking a few streets below the beach--parallel to the beach. read more

One of the most iconic places in San Francisco. From time to time, I run along the beach for training, Bay to Breakers, and Kaiser Permanente half marathon. Sometimes I'm spoiled but running along beaches reminds me how lucky I am that I can live in the Bay Area. read more

There is nothing that special about Ocean Beach except its excellent proximity to San Francisco. The beach itself is a standard Northern California beach - cold and gray - but it has a rather wide beach groomed by the city. On a sunny day, this is the place to be with everyone enjoying the warm sun and having fun. On a cold day, you will need to bundle up with the wind and cold coming off the great Pacific. Still, I am always drawn here to see the majesty of the ocean during a San Francisco trip. The extensive promenade and Cliff House areas are great for walking and promenading. It can get messy and attracts all kinds of visitors, so the experience may vary. At least hiking the sand dunes is a great workout! read more

Since 2/3rd of the world is water decided to talk to some other species here. Didn't have to wear a cover suit! They just accepted me as I am. No real complicated rules, just an regular eco system - except .... While swimming with some locals, they indicated they don't see their own as much as they used to. Once in a while the species that uses sonar gets confused by the people's water vehicles. They say it hurts really bad. Sometimes friends or mates just go missing. Found out later, people eat dolphins and kill whales for various reasons. Other mammals - I just don't get it. Also they say it's gotten warmer but don't know why. Occasionally, they get things caught on them. Later I found it was land people's plastic and other trash. Shame, so far this has been the best part of the trip. Locals here are much more friendly and accepting. People could take a que from these guys. read more

Really enjoyed coming here this weekend, despite the fact that it was, as usual, super cloudy, completely overcast, and chilly as heck. BUT I actually dressed appropriately for SF for once, wearing a sweater and a scarf. AND we built a really kickass fire in one of their fire pits, which kept us pretty toasty! I didn't try to swim. I know my limits. They were about a foot outside the fire pit. I still smell like smoke two days later and I regret nothing. read more

This is a great beach for all people. It is huge (5 miles long), a diverse crowd visits and it doesn't have that yuppie feel of Baker Beach (hello rich people and tourists - thank you for crowding up a beach I can't surf at). Ocean beach has it all - surfing (I prefer South OB for surfing, try by Noriega), bonfires (I think there are restrictions now, but this was my party spot during college at USF), chilling in the sun, and running on decently packed sand. Sometimes it can get a little ghetto at night, but I've never experienced any problems. So come down, enjoy the free parking, and don't let city living prevent you from experiencing some nature. read more

Ocean Beach - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

It's a free beach in a city and I can take a bus here, this comes with pros & cons. Very accessible for being nature, I can have a free bonfire for 15 of my closest friends, picnics, watch the surfers, bring a dog, bring a kite, beautiful sunsets or sunrises. It's always windy, there is trash on the beach, the bonfires on the 4th of July here are scary, the upper pathway can get sand blasted. read more

BEAUTIFUL as always, and always manage to find parking! read more

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What can I say to describe the best beach near my house? I LOVE this beach and it's one of the top three reasons I live where I do. Come here every weekend both Saturday and Sunday and go for long walks by it or on it every weekend. It's my favorite beach in San Francisco. Foggy days or sunny days, it's always wonderful. read more

Finally a large beach in the SF area with some parking.... After seeing Baker Beach I was starting to think a beach girl from So Cal like me would have to flush my dreams of one day living in SF down the drain, but after seeing Ocean Beach and visiting Pacifica my faith has been restored. Now if I can only get myself to get used to the idea of dark sand! read more

2 stars if not less, it is close to home so maybe because it is close to home I do not appreciate it as much, this beach is located in the sunset, fog covers this beach majority of the year maybe a handful if not a total of 4 weeks of good sun at this beach, spot is good for bonfires, dont really recommend swimming in the water super cold year round and you will smell funky after you get out of water haha. also at night you will hear huge rats scurring all over the concrete walls and trash cans on semiwarm nights this place has its litter of folks, younger crowd and older crowds if you get there early you can guarantee yourself a designated bonfire spot Always Always Always bring a sweater and maybe a blanket or something warm this place cools down quick and also place closes at 10pm so if you are going to bonfire you have to park by the golden gate park entrances or side streets any of the cars parked at the beach will be towed. read more

Ocean Beach - sunset... dont get alot of these due to the fog - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I love this beach! When I need to clear my mind and soul this is the destination I run to. I find sand dollars every time! The beach is cold but the beauty makes up for it. Bring a blanket and coffee or a little champagne OJ mix and you have yourself a good day! Mother Nature at it's finest. Stop by and thank me later! read more

Ocean Beach - Valentines day on Ocean Beach. My boyfriend surprised me with a steak dinner while the sun set on Ocean Beach 2013. - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

Ocean Beach is the standard beach of San Francisco. The main reason why people go there is probably because it's not too hard to get there and because of the bonfire pits. The first few times I've been there, it's been cold and windy and sand always blew in my face at some point. It's miserable to have bonfires there compared to bonfires at say Huntington Beach in SoCal. To be fair, you can't really compare San Francisco weather to SoCal weather. You can be sure that whenever you go, it will be pretty chilly and the water will always be cold. It's nice to go on sunny days view wise (you get to see a lovely sunset) but overall, the beach itself is pretty bland. There isn't much to look at, there tends to be more trash, and the people who go tend to be less than wonderful. I've had several careless dog owners who don't pay attention to their dogs or don't keep them on leashes and witness said dogs trample over my friend's things and proceed to eat whatever they think is food. Anyway, the main reason I go here is for bonfires but...be wary of cooking food because as I said, it gets windy and cold. Sand will for sure find it's way in your mouth. If you're looking for a nicer beach, go somewhere else. read more

So it doesn't have the clear blue waters and beautiful sands of Hawaii...Ocean Beach is still beautiful in its own way. The gray waves still calm and inspire me, and although the brownish gray sand is full of rocks, it still feels soft underneath my skin. (Of course, I still have to watch out for broken glass and syringes, but let's not talk about that....) From bonfires on a cold, winter night to a walk on a cold, summer day in SF, Ocean Beach is the place to go. When I look at the ocean, it seems so vast and never-ending, that whatever worries I may have that day seem so tiny. I am relieved by the grace and rhythm of the constant and dependable waves. I love watching the waves on the sand or reading a book alongside the cement walls (just ignore the graffiti). All in all, I like it!! read more

Ocean Beach - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Soft sand, nice people and long walks on the beach your thing? Then this is for sure the place for you. I have been to some pretty nice beaches that are quite a drive away from the city (Stinson), so it is surprising to find that this beach is in the city and is hella nice. Bathrooms were fairly clean and there was even a station for washing off your feet. A nice way to end off a day at the zoo too! read more

Ocean Beach - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

Let me start of by saying that I'm not a beach type of gal. I don't like sand in all of my crevices and I don't like salty sea spray drying out my hair and skin. But while staying with the Bf I've been coerced into jogging the six mile stretch of beach between the parking lot and the Sutro Baths nearly everyday this week, and I have to say that this whole sand and water thing is catching with me. The weather, while generally overcast and a little chilly, is perfect for once you start exercising and get your heart rate up, and the view of the sun setting over the ocean is so beautiful that it makes my day every time I see it. I also appreciate that all of the people who come are very considerate of the fact that they're sharing the beach, which translates to beach goers never having to worry about dog poo, garbage, or glass! Always a huge plus. Definitely a nicer touristy beach. Looking forward to my next workout here already! read more

Ocean Beach - The Bf admiring a perfect sunset at ocean beach on 2/15/13 - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

as far as a normal beach this is a bit different. The closest bathroom is by the N train but sometimes there is a mobile pit stop Albeit rare. Also safeway has a restroom. Parking is free and usually easy overall. read more

The menu here is fire! From lil buttery Bois to gnarly rippers, there's something for everyone. Cool visual effects most evenings

Ohhhh, Ohhh...... Ohhh God, this is the place to definitely go to clear the mind. Seriously for real, day or night, this place is paradise. I'd die to live in the Apartments across the street of the beach. If I had a bomb ass salary/hourly job I'd move to at least a one bedroom. And during my days off, and day off work, I'd just bring a banig (straw weaved mat from the Philippines) and just sit down on the sand near shore, and chill. Just listen to the Ocean Waves crashing, seagulls chirping or cawing or whatever.. see the other people also having a good time, maybe girls in bikinis but I dunno since the Bay Area is kinda cold but hey I could be wrong.. and just deeply breathing in the Ocean Salty Air.. You'd probably have ZERO allergies here. BUT THAT'S JUST A DREAM I LIVE IN THE FLATLAND VALLEY!! But, this is a great spot when you go out of town. This place is mainly notable for bonfires that start out in the late afternoon (5ish or so) and unfortunately nowadays cops tell everyone to go home at 10. If your car's still parked after 10 very late in the beach's designated parking lot, it gets towed. I think, you can park somewhere else, by Safeway which is a couple blocks down this one street past the Windmill if you're coming from Skyline, and then foot it to the beach. Not a bad walking distance. Anyhow, I been here about a total of 4-5 times I think.. I think I think.. I think the first time with my family when I was young. Second and third times was with a friend of mine that moved down to my hood originally from the bay, fourth time with some CompUSA coworkers, and fifth time just last night celebrating my friends birthday, Bonfire style. And yes did I mention there is a Safeways? For your firewood and marshmallows and graham cracker needs? Its on some street just ask the locals. Of course after every bonfire, of course if you're near it or when your in the way of smoke, you and your clothes smell like mainly firewood. Many bonfires are lit at night, pshhh and probably more on special occasions like new years or fourth of Julys, I haven't been to the beach on those celebrations, but no doubt it'll be cracking. Getting to the beach, there's many many routes and many roads stop at the Great Highway (that's where its at).. but I got somewhat lost and had to ask a Gas Station Clerk for directions, I though I had to keep going down skyline blvd, after getting off of daly city route signs from 280s from 101s.. I missed what was called the Great Highway, so I had to come back as I went to freakin far, then saw a sign that said Zoo, then Great Highway, then I had an instinct telling me to go to The Great Highway... and kept going, kept going.. boom right there on my left hand side, turned into the parking lot. The sandy ground, tough to walk but a great workout (legs still sore from yesterday). And the concrete walls with the stairways leading to the parking lot above, there's graffiti but kind of nice artistic graffiti. And the most beautiful sight of all...... the sun setting... exhilarating. All I gotta say, is to come out here, and relax... just relax... let the sounds of the waves, seagulls cawing, and ocean air work its course for you.. read more

Forget about the dirty sand, the leftover wood from last night's bonfire, the dogs' pee. I go here to find peace in myself and from people around me. At sunset, time stops. The crowd at the beach snuggle with their loved ones, photographers wait for the moment the sun touches the horizon, as the waves continue to crash against the shore. A sudden breeze pulls my hair back and I shiver in response. The air isn't as crisp as the North's but it's inviting. So if you ever find yourself in the area on a fine, sunny day, don't think twice about going here. It'll leave you feeling breathless. read more

Ocean Beach - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I always run off to Ocean Beach if I need to get out of the house...which to me is only a couple of blocks away... There is a plethora of people out walking, watching the waves, walking their dogs and biking. I like to go park and sit and watch grown men flying their remote controlled airplanes or people flying kites. There is never a dull moment at Ocean Beach! Gotta love it! read more

Ocean Beach - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Ok, in comparison to beaches in say, Texas, Ocean Beach is amazing. So what if its too cold to swim in, I don't get in oceans anyways (fish poop). Its nice to just sit out here and do nothing...or, if you're me, feed cashews to the ravens hanging around. read more

Ocean Beach - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

Beautiful beach with lots of parking. Found a few sea shells. There is plenty of beach so you dont feel like you are crowded next to others. read more

Ocean Beach - Beautiful beach - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

No matter rain or shine - this beach is great for larger waves (better than Baker beach) in SF. I enjoy it for what it is, but it has not been the beach I would run to (unless the waves are huge) since I was a kid. It is just too run down, dirty and uncarred for. I give it 4 stars because: 1. Only beach in SF I will visit rain or shine. 2. It is 5min from my house. 3. Memories It get's 1 less star because: 1. It's dirty 2. It normally smells bad 3. The water treatment center across from it at times drifts horrid smells over for all us beach go'ers to enjoy - NOT read more

Being able to go to the beach whenever I want really makes me appreciate living in San Francisco. Although Ocean Beach isn't as clean as other beaches such as Hawaii or the Carribeans, it is still nice enough to walk on the sand and have a picnic (when its not windy). I also like this beach because they have a designated spot for runners and bikers. Also people are pretty respectful. I love going running and generally people know to stay to the side and not form a huge line talking to friends and blocking traffic. Overall, great beach and great people. O yeah there's also a lot of "hidden" places you can visit near the beach house. Theres a few caves and a trail to hike. read more

No matter the many complaints people will hurl at it, e.g. it's "cold," "windy," "dirty," etc., all of it true--the fact is: for our city, it's what we have, and it's pretty damn awesome, a majestic sweep of ocean, spritz and never-ending infinite waves of motion, what's not to love? A beautiful stretch of water love, alongside running it is highway one, we're so incredibly lucky we have the ocean ... I have a special place in my heart for this ocean beach--my husband and I went here for our first kiss, where he found two rocks in the sand, each shaped like a heart, which he etched with a knife (photo attached). So many decades later, it remains a glorious thing of beauty, and I love that it has toilets nearby. Despite that it realistically too cold to go inside the water, just sitting in the car and gazing out at what makers up most of our planet, is awe-inspiring. read more

Ocean Beach - Heart shaped rocks/stones found in the sand on Ocean Beach--in 1983 :-)! - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

Surfers paradise at ocean beach.   The sands may not be white in the water maybe a little cold but any avid surfer falls in love with ocean beach.  The crowds are small and the waves are full.   People are peaceful and you're right in the city.   There is an endline Muni train the rise on from all the way downtown directly to the beach in about 20 minutes.  If the weather is right, Sunday mornings feel like the best vibe on the beach.   Relatively clean with limited trash even with the large crowds it draws.  Just touch your bare feet in the cold water and walk on the sand 45 minutes and you'll feel alive again  Full of joy the way nature intended you.  5 stars for ocean beach all day everyday read more

Ocean Beach - Sunny warm Superbowl Sunday at Ocean Beach - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Best place to watch the sunset and have a bonfire party in San Francisco. Mind your glasses! They don't belong to the beach! Bring your dogs and surfboards! They usually are good photo materials! Suggested routine for those who work on a computer on a Sunday: Go to Java Beach Cafe during the day, get your work done Go watch the sunset at the Ocean Beach Walk down to Taraval after sunset Watch some country music at Riptide read more

Ocean Beach - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Ocean beach is great. Its historically old. A part of the culture of this city. Clean public bathrooms with warm water! Golden gate oark right next door. But parking lots are ridiculously torn apart... You think any of these production companies or design houses or federal agencies that a use the shit out of it are ever going to cough up cash for improvements so us locals can drive in the lot and not damage out vehicle? To your emergency drills and your marathons and your tents and your fence lines and the potholes they create, I say give back... At least google repairs the roads at shoreline when they tear them up with those shuttle busses At least outside lands replaced the irrigation and the sod on the polo fields at least once every five years read more

Ocean Beach - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I am from So-cal, and believe it or not barely ever surfed growing up right on the coast... but up here, times have been slow for the past month and decided to head out with the roomies board... which I have already broken the main fin off from eatin it last week... bummers i know... but the surf there is flippin sweet... I love the ocean and spent lots of time down south just heading out for body surfing and boogie boarding... Up here is different though since its flippin freezing, to me anyways, so the first 10 or 15 min your in the water, even with a full body suit, are pretty much just acclimating the hands and head to the freezing temperatures... besides that though its awesome, or as me and the kids like to say down south... Flippin Chawesome!... and im looking forward to when the boards fixed so i can head out again... although im still just begining but F-it... I'm gonna be a pro ya know... =)~ read more

Ocean Beach - cliff house - Parks Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The beach is littered with trash, empty bottles, bonfire remains, jellyfish, sandollars, who knows what else.. I'm a little hesitant to go into the water. I saw a dog taking a huge crap in it the other day. I realize that the water near our coast isn't the cleanest (oil spills, sewage, etc), but the image of a fresh pile of dog poop washing back up is enough to keep me from jumping in and splashing about. It's windy and cold, but what else would you expect a beach to be like up here? Just bring an extra jacket and scarf and you'll see how Ocean Beach can be beautiful, especially at sunset (when it's not foggy). You can find nice photo ops sitting atop one of the many grassy sand dunes, or watch pelicans fly by: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPugQtN_od4 Despite its cold, windy, litter-strewn beach and dog-poopy water, this is still one of my favorite places to visit on a nice day. There's nothing like a little sea-breeze and the sound of the ocean. read more

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I have very fond memories of this beach, since it is one of the few beaches avail for the San Francisco bodies. My friend who lives in SF/Oakland introduced me to this beach awhile back. I've been here during the day/night and both times were awesome. They bonfire pits so its perfect for having bonfires since it does get extremely chilly at night. When we had our bonfire, there were this couple who were remodeling their kitchen, so they had all these pieces of boards that they weren't going to end up using so they donated it to us =) how generous. So we had our bonfire burning for hours. It was nice. Not a lot of people come here to dip themselves in the water since its extremely cold.. nor is it a shoe take off beach =X so it doesn't get that much stars. But definitely 4 stars for the memories. read more

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This is my favorite beach in the city. (At one point I really liked Baker Beach, but I lost my keys in the ocean, but that's another story.) When I was sixteen, I got my mom and my sister to assist me in the Beach Cleanup project. It was sad to see all the garbage on the beach but it was neat to see a large group of people working towards the cleanup effort. And it was a good feeling to do something positive for the community. There are recycling bins at the beach now. I've always liked this beach. It was really easy to get to, from my house in Daly City (that bordered the San Francisco city line). Yeah, it's too cold to enjoy the icy waters unless you are a surfer wearing a wet suit not fearful of sharks in the water- even when it's bright and sunny. I've seen dogs and horses here. It's a very active beach- lots of runners. I also see homeless people, locals, and tourists alike. At night, some people have bonfires. Whenever I visit, this is one of my must-visits. Parking is a problem on the weekends. It's easier to find a spot during the week and the earlier the better. Nights are a little tough too. Back in the 1990's there was a ton of graffiti art on the walls- I've got pictures in an old photo album. It doesn't look like that anymore. It's a clean slate now. The homes across the way are brightly colored- jeez, how lucky these people are, to have a home across the beach. The Safeway store across the way, has been there for years. The San Francisco Zoo is nearby. It's funny that the only time I collected shells from this beach was the last time we went over (april/may 2010). We found some good ones- sand dollars that weren't broken. Maybe we were in the right spot. We were at the very end, close to the Cliff House, before tide. Lots of people were around; one lady even washed her feet in one of the tidepools, and some dogs were playing in those tidepools too- that was funny. read more

I miss this place soooo much! Before I moved back to Texas, this was my place. I loved coming out during sunset and just sucking in the ocean air and thinking.....it helped me destress after a long day.....and on weekend mornings, a group of us would run along the boulevard...it was magnificient.. It's prob not the cleanest beach ever but it's on the edge of a huge city that uses it for surfing and playing, so what do you expect?....I use to love to stop by when there were good waves and see the line of black specs of surfers in the distance all waiting for that one wave.... There are so many days that I wish it was still just a 5 minute drive away... (one of my favourite things was driving down Geary towards the beach and for a moment, there was this vast endless view of the ocean...it was an amazing sight...and no matter how long I lived there, every time I saw it, it felt like the 1st time!) read more

Great place to go during the summer when the weather is a little warmer. Yes, it'll still be windy and the waters are still icy cold, so bring a jacket! I wore a fleece jacket over a tank top and shorts and I felt comfy. Ocean beach is expansive and has a great view of the horizon and setting sun, but it's nothing fancy or dreamy. The beach is easy to locate and navigate to, has ample free lot parking, and is dog-friendly. I've never seen Ocean Beach get extremely crowded, so you'll always feel like you have at least some privacy when lounging on the sand. Overall, good no-fuss place to relax and enjoy the sand and Northern California ocean waters. read more