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
Which San Francisco Beach Is Right for Your Day?
There are no lifeguards on any San Francisco beach. Treat the ocean side as scenery and the bay side as the place to let children paddle.
| Beach | Safe to swim? | Parking | Restrooms | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crissy Field East Beach | Calm bay edge, no lifeguards | Free lot | Yes | Young children |
| Aquatic Park | The sheltered cove locals swim in | Street and garages | Yes, at the museum | A proper dip |
| Baker Beach | No, strong currents | Two free lots | Yes | The bridge view |
| China Beach | Sheltered, still no lifeguards | Small lot | Limited | A quiet cove |
| Ocean Beach | No. Rip currents and sneaker waves | Street on the Great Highway | Limited | Kites and bonfires |
| Fort Funston | No, cliffs above the beach | On-site lot | Yes | Dogs and hang gliders |
Local Legend: The Ghosts of the Sutro Baths, Lands End
What is actually true: KQED collects these sightings as ghost stories. The real history is dramatic enough: Adolph Sutro’s baths were among the grandest indoor swimming places anywhere, and the spot has had a long run of bad luck. In 1887 a schooner called the Parallel ran aground below the Cliff House and exploded, the rebuilt Cliff House burned down again, and in 1966 a fire took down the Sutro Baths building while it was being turned into apartments.
Prices and hours were checked in September 2026 and can change, so confirm before you go.
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Read the guide →Questions People Ask About San Francisco Beaches and Waterfront Walks with Kids
Can you swim at San Francisco beaches?
Mostly no. Ocean Beach and Baker Beach have strong rip currents and no lifeguards, and the Park Service advises against swimming at Ocean Beach entirely. Aquatic Park near Ghirardelli Square is the sheltered exception where locals swim year-round, still cold and still unguarded, so keep children close.
Which San Francisco beach is best with young children?
Crissy Field East Beach. It has free parking, accessible restrooms and changing areas, picnic tables with grills, a calm bay edge rather than surf, and a flat paved promenade for strollers and scooters.
Is Baker Beach family friendly?
The main south section is: free parking, restrooms, picnic tables and the classic Golden Gate Bridge view. Worth knowing before you walk north, though: the far north end and neighbouring Marshall’s Beach are clothing-optional.
When is the best time to go to the beach in San Francisco?
September and October. Summer here is the foggy season and the coast is often grey until late afternoon, while the fall brings the warmest, clearest weather of the year. Mornings are calmer everywhere, because the wind builds through the afternoon.
Can you have a bonfire on Ocean Beach?
Yes, in the sixteen designated fire rings at the north end, first come first served and free. The season runs March 1 to October 31, fires must be out by 9:30pm, you have to bring your own firewood, and no fires are allowed on Spare the Air days.
More to Explore
Happening Soon
- Treasures of the Pharaohs Sat, Aug 1, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027 · de Young Museum
- Ferry Plaza Farmers Market Sat, Sep 12 – Dec 31 · Ferry Building Plaza
- Heart of the City Farmers Market Sun, Sep 13 – Dec 31 · Fulton Plaza, Civic Center
- SF State Observatory Public Nights (Wed–Fri, through Dec 4) Thu, Oct 1 – Dec 4 · SF State Observatory, Thornton Hall
Places to Check Out
- Alta Plaza Park Parks & Playgrounds
- Angelo J. Rossi Playground Parks & Playgrounds
- Asian Art Museum Museums
- Bi-Rite Creamery Ice Cream & Treats
Cite this page: Project SF, “San Francisco Beaches and Waterfront Walks with Kids”, projectsf.com/guides/san-francisco-beaches-waterfront-walks-kids/ (updated ).