San Francisco Beaches and Waterfront Walks with Kids

San Francisco has miles of coastline and almost none of it is a swimming beach. That is the first thing to know. The water is cold, the currents are serious, and there are no lifeguards. What we do have is spectacular sand to dig in and some of the best flat walking in the city.

Beaches

Ocean Beach

Three and a half miles of wide sand along the western edge of the city: perfect for kites, sandcastles, running, and bonfires in season, and wrong for swimming. Fog and wind are the default, so pack more layers than feel reasonable.

The Great Highway · Free · N-Judah to the end of the line, or the 5 Fulton · Street parking along the Great Highway

Baker Beach

The classic Golden Gate Bridge view from the sand, with two free parking lots, accessible restrooms, picnic tables and grills. Currents are dangerous here too. Families usually stay at the south end near the lots; the far north end and neighboring Marshall’s Beach are clothing-optional, which is worth knowing before you wander that way with kids.

Off Bowley St, the Presidio · Free · Lots close an hour after sundown · presidio.gov

China Beach

A small, sheltered cove below Sea Cliff, calmer than Ocean Beach and much less crowded. Stairs down, which matters with a stroller.

Sea Cliff Ave at 28th Ave · Free

Crissy Field East Beach

The family default: free parking, accessible restrooms and changing areas, picnic tables with grills, and calm shallow edges on a protected stretch of bay. Kitesurfers put on a show most windy afternoons. Food trucks up at Tunnel Tops are a five-minute walk.

Mason St at Yacht Rd · Free · Muni 30 to Mason and Yacht Rd, or the free PresidiGo shuttle

Aquatic Park

The one place in the city where people actually swim: a historic cove sheltered by the Municipal Pier, right at the end of the Powell-Hyde cable car line. Still cold, still no lifeguards, and there are boats and swimmers to watch for, so stay close. Restrooms are at the Maritime Museum.

Foot of Hyde St · Free

Fort Funston

High bluffs, hang gliders overhead and a famously dog-friendly beach at the southwest corner of the city. Great for older kids who like wind and drama; keep well back from the cliff edges, which are unstable.

Skyline Blvd near John Muir Dr · Free · On-site parking

Waterfront walks

The Golden Gate Promenade, Crissy Field

A flat, paved mile and a bit from East Beach past the marsh to the Warming Hut, with the bridge getting bigger the whole way. The best stroller walk in San Francisco, and a good first solo bike ride for a kid.

The Embarcadero

Four-plus miles of wide, flat waterfront from the ballpark to Fisherman’s Wharf, with the Ferry Building, the Exploratorium and Pier 39 strung along it, and restrooms and food at every major pier. Take the F-line one direction and walk the other.

Lands End Trail and the Sutro Baths

The city’s most dramatic walk: cypress groves, cliff-edge views, and the ruins of a Victorian bathhouse at the bottom. The full loop is a bit over three miles and moderately strenuous; there is a paved accessible section from the Merrie Way lot if you have a stroller. Watch kids closely around the ruins, where the rock is slick and waves can wash in.

Lands End Lookout, 680 Point Lobos Ave · Free · Restrooms at the visitor center

Heron’s Head Park

A flat wetland trail in the Bayview with birds everywhere, a nature play area and easy parking. Usually sunny when the west side is socked in.

Cargo Way at Jennings St · Free

Prices and hours were checked in September 2026 and can change, so confirm before you go.