The Pacific here sits around fifty five degrees and most of this coast has no lifeguard, so this is a list about walking, not swimming. Four stretches of coast, ranked, from a mile of sand directly under the Golden Gate to a cliff trail where shipwrecks surface at low tide.
A short list for now, and I would rather say so than pad it. Ocean Beach and Fort Funston belong here and are not written up yet.
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1
Lands End
A coastal trail at the northwest edge of San Francisco, about 1.5 miles one way. Cypress trees, shipwreck remains visible at low tide, and a cliffside labyrinth above Mile Rock Beach.
Plan your hike around low tide and you can spot shipwreck debris below the overlooks.
680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121 Full write-up → -
2
Baker Beach
A mile of sand at the southwest edge of the Presidio, with the Golden Gate Bridge visible from the beach.
Walk to the north end for the cleanest bridge view; that stretch is also the clothing-optional one.
1504 Pershing Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129 Full write-up → -
3
Crissy Field
A restored tidal marsh and waterfront promenade in the Presidio with ground-level views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Flat and easy walking from the Marina to Fort Point.
Walk the flat path to the Warming Hut at the far end for coffee, then watch the windsurfers launch off the beach.
1199 East Beach, Presidio, San Francisco, CA 94129 Full write-up → -
4
Shipwrecks of Lands End
Rusted shipwreck remains visible at low tide along the Lands End Trail. Check tide charts before you go. The 3.4-mile coastal path with Golden Gate views is the reason to go even without the wrecks.
The coast between Lands End and the Marin Headlands has sunk more than 300 ships since the Gold Rush. At low tide, follow the Lands End Trail south of Mile Rock Beach to see the rusted remains of three ships: the Lyman Stewart, the Frank H. Buck, and the SS Ohioan.
680 Point Lobos Avenue, Lands End Full write-up →
Last checked August 17, 2026
