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There's a free parking lot...just walk down a flight of stairs to this semi secluded beach/cove with a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It also seemed like a great place to go crabbing/fishing off the shore without having to deal with crazy crowds on the pier; as we saw several groups of people casting their poles out and reeling in Dungeness crabs!
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.
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.
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 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!
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 :)
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 limpia no hay mucha gente ni perros me encantó mucho hermosa vista del puente Golden gate
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 :)
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".
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!
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.
5 years ago
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. read more
Unlike neighboring Baker Beach, China Beach is much smaller and almost feels hidden among the mansions in tony Seacliff. Like China Cove across the bay in Marin, this spot was named for the Chinese fishermen who arrived in the throes of the Gold Rush. What's ironic about the name is that the beach was established at the behest of one of San Francisco's most racist mayors whose campaign slogan was "Keep California White" In fact, it was named after him (James D. Phelan Beach) until he died in 1930 and eventually got the current name. Isn't it ironic, y'think? It's a tiny cove at the end of a lengthy staircase and divided into two tinier beaches by a huge rock. At the same time, there's a large shuttered building that flanks the beach and looks to function now more as an observation deck for the great views. I saw restrooms and showers were operating as well. There's also a concrete driveway that goes right to the sand and offers additional shelter from the high winds. I wouldn't say there's that much to do here unless you're a kite surfer or a polar bear. However, it's a worthwhile climax to a hike on the Land's End Trail since it's just a short stroll away, or if you're here at low tide, I heard you can walk directly to and from Baker Beach. I'd wear your inflatable water wings if you plan to do that. RELATED - Going to the beach? Here's a collection of beaches I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3rMOJ7b read more
Great little local beach in San Francisco After admiring the beautiful homes in the Sea Cliff neighborhood we drove towards the end of Sea Cliff Avenue and parked our car at the small (free) parking lot... wow! to be able to live in the few oceanfront homes and see this view of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge 24/7. View to left is the entrance to SF Bay. To the right is a nice view of the Golden Gate Bridge. China Beach is not as big as Ocean Beach but it's a nice, clean beach located west of Baker Beach (between Baker Beach and Lands End). Before heading down the steps toward the beach be aware of the warning sign. You can head down to the beach either by a long paved ramp or take the stairway. We took the wooden stairs and it led us to the Park Recreation Building with a rooftop deck and restrooms (during the pandemic the restrooms are closed. Porta potties only). Anyway, just be aware that it isn't safe to swim and wade at the beach. There are no lifeguards. The rip currents that form just off the beaches are dangerous, beware of cold water and strong currents. The small cove, hidden away in an exclusive neighborhood, is protected by rock walls on both sides. There is actually a history behind China Beach and how it got its name. This area was once a camp for Chinese fishermen during the Gold Rush Era. Chinese Americans have erected a monument to honor this history. No food concessions but there is a picnic area with tables and grills... Life's a Beach. Enjoy! Review #2040 read more
4 years ago
There's a free parking lot...just walk down a flight of stairs to this semi secluded beach/cove with a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It also seemed like a great place to go crabbing/fishing off the shore without having to deal with crazy crowds on the pier; as we saw several groups of people casting their poles out and reeling in Dungeness crabs! read more
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. read more
6 years ago
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. read more
6 years ago
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 :) read more
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! read more
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 :) read more
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). read more
3 years ago
Preciosa playa limpia no hay mucha gente ni perros me encantó mucho hermosa vista del puente Golden gate read more
6 years ago
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 :) read more
7 years ago
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". read more
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! read more
6 years ago
3 years ago
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. read more
11 years ago
Located in SF's Sea Cliff neighborhood, China Beach boasts gorgeous views of the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge. This is our special little cove tucked away between Land's End to the west and Baker Beach to the east. The beach is accessible two ways from the parking lot - via a paved accessible path or a steep stairway. Before you descend to the cove, you'll find a memorial to the Chinese fishermen and early residents who camped and anchored here during the Gold Rush. Facilities with restrooms and cold water showers are available from sunrise to sunset for everyone's convenience. Although the frigid temps keep us out of the water most months, we love this family-friendly spot to lay out and a have a picnic with our children. As with most SF beaches, there are *no lifeguards on duty.* If you don't want to lay out on the sand, you can sunbathe atop the small deck located above the lifeguard equipment pick-up station where it's less windy. Fires and glass containers are not allowed on the beach, however there are grills and a small picnic area available on a first-come, first-served basis above beach level. Note: China Beach is one of two San Francisco beaches that does NOT permit dogs, unless it is a service animal (Marshall Beach is the other location). Pro-Tips: * Check out the tide charts (via your favorite free app / search engine) and plan a low-tide walk from China Beach to Baker Beach. You'll find plenty of starfish, anemones, and mussels clinging to the rocky cliff crevices - but please don't make souvenirs of the marine life. * "Leave No Trace": kindly take with you what you brought down to the beach. Trash receptacles are available near the restrooms and in the parking lot. Let's minimize our impact and Leave No Trace of our visits to wilderness, parks and beaches. Help protect precious natural and cultural resources and preserve the experience for you and for future visitors. To learn more about the "Leave No Trace" program by the National Park Service, visit nps.gov read more
Peaceful, quiet, and definitely a hidden gem in San Francisco. Across from Robin Williams' old home (RIP), the beach seems fairly unknown. This is great as it'd be a wonderful spot to relax on the sand, listening to the waves. The view is as gorgeous as that of Baker Beach. The beach is also much cleaner with plentiful parking in its small lot. There is a sharp turn that's easy to miss if you are following Google maps, so beware! I'll be back fairly soon to unwind after a long week! read more
Very, very chill beach. This beach is located about 1.5 miles away from Ocean beach and it's around a lot of residential zones. If you set it on your gps, it should be fairly easy to go here. There is also a small parking lot for this beach so parking is very easy to do. If anything, this beach is mostly just for relaxing and chilling. There's a sign that says no glass and no fires which put a damp on my friends' idea of having a bonfire, but we still had fun. Once you park your car, you have to walk down steps in order to get down to the beach. And there are about 3 tables to the right side along with a grill if you ever want to do a picnic or something. And there are bathrooms! Yay! The beach itself is nice. The sand is soft and there's not a whole lot of rocks so walking on your bare feet isn't a pain. The beach is a bit small, but it's cozy looking and I'm guessing not a lot of people know about it so it wasn't crowded. There's also a large rock off to the left side right behind a wall. I went on top of it with a friend and my boyfriend and it gave us a great view of the beach altogether. Overall, decent beach. Would definitely come back just to chill. read more
9 years ago
Bring a jacket. Of course, this is San Francisco.. always bring a jacket!!! Parking was easy.. the sand was warm.. the gusty winds were unbearable.. the scenery/view was just lovely.. you'll see people sunbathing (though there were no sun!), people walking, people in the water, dogs running around, people going surfing, kites in the sky.. Overall this is a very decent place to come.. if you don't mind the wind. read more
5 years ago
This was a nice get away. Free parking, wheelchair accessible/ ramp so we took a wagon down full of snacks and beach toys . read more
Hello everyone! A few weeks ago, I was on this beach. It was allowed to be here and there were no restrictions for visitors. You can park your car in the parking lot. It is not too big, about 20 cars. You should know, that your experience completely depends on weather conditions. The weather changes five times a day in San Francisco and when I was there, as you can see in my pictures, I wasn't lucky. There was windy and cloudy, I barely could see the Golden Gate. In these circumstances, I definitely recommend you to get a jacket or something warm with you if you plan to spend more than 10 minutes here. When I was there, I saw five people literally. One of them was a fisherman, and two were a couple and two guys of the rescue crew. That's all. If you love rocks and cliffs, you love this place. They surround this place. I have to say, the amenities there were poor. Public restrooms were closed, you are not allowed to change your clothes privately if you want to swim. The beach itself is not so dirty, but you can see some garbage there. The beautiful view is slightly damaged by graffiti. Unfortunately, this place is kinda hidden from tourists. It sits mostly in residential areas. You can't buy a coffee or anything else somewhere near the beach, so be prepared to go there if you want to enjoy this place. Right now I wouldn't recommend you visit this place unless you are really missing the ocean. The only pros of this place right now, it is completely empty. read more
9 years ago
6 years ago
Not overly crowded and easy access to the beach. 10 AM on Friday not perfect weather nonetheless still a beautiful sf day! read more
Guess we've come full circle...I remember parking in the lot up above here to eat lunch during high school, back in the day. On an exceptionally sunny and clear day (unlike the weather we've been having lately), I recently had the pleasure of coming here to eat my lunch. And what a lunch it was too...my favorite Deli Board sandwich, the Boca on dutch crunch! Munching on that delicious sandwich at a picnic table down by the beach with an incredible view of the water and bridge, I felt very fortunate indeed. I know you're not supposed to feed the birds, but I couldn't resist giving them a tiny bit and they really loved my food too. Always mellow, laid-back feel to the place. It's not a happening place, just a great place to get away from it all and relax. Convenient bathrooms too! Works for me. read more
I got married on China Beach in early October. It was the most perfect location for the small, intimate, and very private ceremony I had hoped for. For the time that we were there, there were hardly any other people coming and going. It really did feel like our very own private beach! I highly suggest coming here to relax with your friends, partner, or even by yourself. The views of the Golden Gate and sunset are truly remarkable. *If you do get married here, it is recommended to obtain a license.. it's about $225. Sure, no one may check on you, but it would be horrible if they did and ended up kicking you out* read more
8 years ago
First we should establish that this isn't a pretty beach. It has an old concrete structure that is a lifeguard station, chain link fences blocking view from the parking lot, and oil/ash in the sand. However, this is my favorite beach to go to in SF. It's generally pretty quiet, the views are nice, and there's no nudists (I'm talking to you, Baker Beach). This past week I took the 2 mile walk down there and sat and watched the sun set. I'm usually not patient enough to sit somewhere for so long, but this place has a charming effect that I haven't yet experienced in any of the other parks and beaches in the city, as good as they are. The cats that come here are verry friendly and they'll act as if they've known you for years. They're seriously part of the beach, so say hi when you see one of them. And remember the best way to get a cat to trust approaching you is to crouch and hold your finger out so they can sniff you :) -The Future Old Cat Man read more
12 years ago
Tucked between Lands End and Baker Beach, this sheltered beach features a picnic area, sunbathing, good play spots for children, and spectacular views of the Marin Headlands and Golden Gate. The facilities look antiquated and are very rusty. A bunch of graffiti is on all the concrete walls, but it gives the beach its unique character. The surrounding Sea Cliff neighborhood is beautiful and part of the experiences. Access to the beach is via a paved drive or stairway down from the parking lot to water level. Above beach level, grills and a picnic area are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Restrooms and cold water showers are open sunrise to sunset. Take a low-tide walk from China Beach to Baker Beach and find starfish, anemones, and mussels clinging to the rocky crevices of the cliffs. 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. Please note: No pets, fires, and glass containers are allowed. No lifeguards are on duty. Due to unpredictable surf conditions, swimming is not recommended. read more
I LOVE how this beach is secluded! Every time I passed this area down I always thought it was Baker Beach. There's ample parking so you don't have to worry about driving around. Make sure to grab a jacket too because it may be cold. There's a sign just before you start going down towards the beach explaining why it was called China Beach and what it was used for. The sand beneath your feet felt amazing and relaxing! The view of the Golden Gate Bridge was also breath-taking. If you have to go to a beach in San Francisco, make sure to check this beach out! read more
12 years ago
Quickie: + Secluded, romantic, must-see hidden gem of a seaside beach + Nice view from the side of the Golden Gate Bridge + Date spottttt --- Location/Parking: There is a lot you can park in and then you have to walk down a flight of stairs or down the inclined road. From there it's just you and the sand flanked by some rocky cliffs with the Golden Gate Bridge on the far right in the background. This place looked gorgeous at sunset and there was a proposal being set up as we were leaving (very romantic-esque). It wasn't crowded that Friday evening so it'd make a good date spot. Verdict: If I'm back in the area, would definitely include this on my list of brief stops around sunset. What a view. read more
11 years ago
11 years ago
It's a small quaint beach and somewhat private from the main road. Unless you know about it, there aren't any signs directing other than "public beach". It's tucked away in the lavish Sea Cliff neighborhood amongst some stately looking homes. The waves are a bit stronger here with signs giving warning of past drownings. People still swim in the water anyways. A distant view of the golden gate bridge can be seen from afar. This is a nice little escape during the week when there are the least amount of beach-goers. Unfortunately, you only have access to a porta-potty. If it's anything like the one on Baker Beach, I don't recommend it. read more
Not as big as Baker Beach. And the nudes aren't here. China Beach is pretty tranquil, save for the rare hot SF day when everyone heads to the beach. Clear view of the Golden Gate bridge. Some people come fishing. And there are some good big rocks to climb. Limited parking in the small lot, so you may have to wander for street parking. read more
12 years ago
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More info about China Beach
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 the beach free or need to buy a ticket?
It's free! All of the beaches in San Francisco are.
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.
Review Highlights - China Beach
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