Ocean Beach

San Francisco County

Ocean Beach, San Francisco County, California
Ocean Beach, San Francisco County, California

Ocean Beach

San Francisco County


Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach's 3½ miles of sand are a popular destination for those who want a place to enjoy the wild feel of the Pacific Coast away from the congestion of the city. The beach attracts experienced surfers, beach combers, picnickers, hikers, and sun bathers.

Caution: Frigid water and dangerous currents make Ocean Beach especially hazardous. Wading and swimming are not recommended. Before setting out, always check with lifeguards or rangers that conditions are safe for your planned activities.



Ocean Beach map, San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is famous for its summer fog, which is why locals usually head to Ocean Beach in September and October when the sun is most likely to shine. During the summer you can almost be guaranteed to have fog at Ocean Beach.

Due to fickle nature of the ocean and the dredging of the Golden Gate, the northern part of Ocean Beach has accumulated an excess of sand, while the southern end is exposed to erosion. In recent years the National Park Service, the Public Utilities commission, and the Department of Public Works joined to move more than 73,000 cubic feet of sand from the north end to the south. Changes in dredging practices should help to alleviate the problem too.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center at the Beach House after 11:00 AM, and also at the foot of Judah and Taraval streets, inland from the beach. Another restroom is at Sloat Boulevard and the Great Highway.

Coastal Dunes

As in many places along the coast, the vegetation on the dunes at Ocean Beach has suffered from heavy traffic. At one time most of San Francisco was covered by sand dunes. Today only limited areas of dunes with native vegetation known as dune scrub remain. Dune scrub consists mostly of mock heather and Chamissols lupine. Efforts are underway to protect the ecology of the dunes at Ocean Beach. Visitors are encouraged to avoid stepping on fragile dune plants.

Fires on Ocean Beach

Beach-goers are asked to confine beach fires to the provided fire rings. Bring your own firewood rather than collect driftwood. For complete fire guidelines, see the Golden Gate National Recreations Area's information Ocean Beach Fire Rings.

Surfing Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is known for its huge, powerful and relentless waves. Combined with strong rip currents and bone chilling water, Ocean Beach is a dangerous place for the inexperienced. The beach has been the site of several drownings and countless rescues, marking it as one of the most hazardous swimming beaches in the area. Experienced surfers, prepared for the cold water and ready for the challenge of thundering waves, rate Ocean Beach as one of the best surfing spots in the region.

As with any beach, conditions vary. Often, though, the waves are coming in one after another, making it challenging to get beyond them. One of the most popular spots for expert surfers along the beach is the northern end known as Kelly's Cove.

- Ocean Beach, San Francisco, CA


LEAP Sandcastle Classic

Every year LEAP sponsors a sandcastle building events on Ocean Beach to riase funds for Arts in Education. Leap, a non-profit organization, sponsors programs such as architecture, creative writing, dance, music, theater, and visual arts for Bay Area children. The sandcastle contest is a fundraiser for Leap programs. Events and activities spread over a sandcastle season, leading up to a Classic Build in October.

Leap has 3 ways the public can become involved:
Sandcastle Teams are usually 3-5 companies that team up with a local elementary school. Teams submit a $500 registration fee and set a fundraising goal of at least $4,250.
Community Builders are groups of up to 6 people. No registration fees are required, but teams are encouraged to set a fundraising goal of at least $500.
Sand Spectators are welcome to show up for events that are open to the public.

October 26, 2024.
Check their website for information about future events.

Leap - Arts in Education Sandcastle Classic

Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach, San Francisco, CA

Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach


Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing (or kiteboarding) is popular at Ocean Beach. On rough surf days it is a destination only for experienced kitesurfers, but there are times when the waves are mild and intermediates can venture out under the tutelage of more experienced kitesurfers.

An advantage of Ocean Beach is its expansive field of sand where kitesurfers can spread out and prepare their gear. The consistent, on-shore wind can be a problem for beginners, making it difficult to get beyond the surf line.



Nearby Kitesurfing Lessons

  • The Kit School - beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons, jet ski assisted. Located in Foster City.
  • KGB Kiteboarding - certified instruction at all levels. Located in Emeryville.
  • Wind Over Water - one-to-one instruction, jet ski assisted. Located in Burlingame.

Lands End

Lands End is a rocky point at San Francisco's northwestern corner, just north of Ocean Beach. Lands End is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. A new Lookout Visitor Center provides information about the natural and cultural history of Lands End. The California Coastal Trail leads through the area and other trails offer visitors wonderful views of the coast, the Golden Gate Bridge, Seal Rock, and other attractions. The grass at West Fort Miley batteries makes a good place for a picnic.

Shipwrecks

The remnants of three ships that ran aground near Lands End can be seen from various vantage points. The stern posts and boilers of the Ohioan, which sank in 1937, can be seen at low tide at the bottom of the stairs at the Merrie Way parking lot. From places along the Coastal Trail between the Palace of the Legion of Honor and the vista point you can see remains of the Lyman Stewart, which sank in 1922, and the Frank Buck, which met its fate in 1937.

Sutro Baths

Sutro Baths, once a glamorous indoor swimming pool complex, were first opened to the public in 1896. Besides seven swimming pools, the mostly iron and glass structure enclosed a concert hall, a museum, and an iceskating rink. Sutro Baths burned to the ground in 1966, but their ruins remain as part of Lands End and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Lands End Map, San Francisco, CA

Bay to Breakers for 2024

The Bay to Breakers race will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Runners race 12K through San Francisco and finish on the Great Highway by Golden Gate Park. Check their website for details.
Bay to Breakers

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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety