San Francisco Beaches

Chinese fishermen used to retreat to China Beach to camp during the years following the Gold Rush. People are still rushing to this Pacific Heights cove for a little recreation, but they prefer to swim and sunbathe there nowadays. Lifeguards are stationed on the beach, located at the intersection of Seacliff and 28th avenues, during the summer months. This family beach features barbecue grills, changing rooms, and a sundeck.

The only baking that occurs on this beach is the kind conducted by the sun. The sun bakes the skin of beachgoers who recline on its white sands for a suntan. Sunbathers enjoy beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge while they soak up the sun at Baker's Beach, which is located in Presidio.

Swimming is not allowed at Land's End, but you can hike its winding trails until you drop. Hikers can access this rugged shoreline from Point Lobos Avenue and Merrie Way, just west of Lincoln Park. Be careful around the cliff edges. You might also want to consider wearing a jacket, because it gets chilly in this area.

Surfers love to challenge the monster, fast-breaking waves at Ocean Beach, which is on the west side of San Francisco. The 4-mile-long shoreline supposedly leads to San Mateo. Ocean Beach is the city's largest seashore.

Surfs up at the spot that once marked the location of Playland-at-the-beach amusement park, which closed in 1972. Diehard surfers congregate at the beach in front of Playlan's former grounds and at the foot of the historic Cliff House.