Bay Area Beaches
Video courtesy of Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Find the Perfect Beach in the Bay Area
Recognizable by visits from Carl (the fog), hills dotted with ice plants and frigid water, the Bay Area’s beaches may be unique to your typical tropical beach, but still promise stunning views and sandy shores. Some are dog friendly and cater more towards those in favor of long walks on the beach, while others encourage a more involved beach day. But whether you have a preference or not, every Bay Area beach is worth a visit. Not sure where to go? Our curated list below is a great place to start.
San Francisco
Even though it’s known as “The City” by locals, San Francisco isn’t just any city — among the tall buildings and industrial feel you’ll find a few great beaches. They aren’t necessarily fan favorites for swimming given the freezing waters, but the views of the Golden Gate Bridge that some of them have make it worth it.
Daina Bucher
North Bay
The North Bay spans as far as Sonoma County and down through Marin County, which means it claims much of the coast found within the boundaries of the Bay Area. The many beaches found along the way, both popular and more hidden, represent what the Bay’s all about.
South Bay
As the name might suggest, the South Bay lives just below San Francisco and while many people think of it as a tech hub, Marin’s natural beauty hasn’t left it behind. Among these gems are a few beaches, and we’ve done the research to find the best ones.
Last But Not Least — Safety First!
The ocean is powerful and unpredictable and sadly, too many visitors learn about this power, the hard way. To ensure a safe, injury free experience, select beaches with lifeguard towers, and always check for and read the signs on the beach about the water’s currents and conditions. Ask locals and lifeguards if you have any questions. Here are some quick tips:
- Never swim alone, in high surf, or in murky waters near the river mouths.
- If there aren’t any people in the water, there’s probably a reason for it.
- Never turn your back to the ocean, and always remember, when in doubt, don’t go out into the surf unless you are completely confident of your abilities.
For more info check out beach safety info from the National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/beach-safety-practices.htm
Photo: Subtle Cinematics
More in the Bay Area
Are You Prepared?
Make sure you’ve got all your travel essentials from sustainable swimwear, reef safe sunscreen, and coverups. Check out the Local Getaways Shop below.