Golden Gate Park Beach

Golden Gate Park Beach is technically the northern part of Ocean Beach within Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The beach in front of the park stretches from Lincoln Way to Fulton Street and then continues north a bit farther to the Cliff House on Point Lobos. In between the beach and Golden Gate Park is the Great Highway and the adjacent pedestrian walkway called The Esplanade.

Golden Gate Park has so much to offer including gardens, museums, trails, sports facilities, and outdoor activities. Set aside an entire day to explore the park if it’s your first time.

The sandy beach below Golden Gate Park is very wide and inviting even on cold days (just bring a jacket). So if you are visiting the park and can make it to the west end, it’s worth crossing the road to walk on the sand. The water at the beach is super cold, not that you’d want to go swimming here. The ocean here has strong rip currents and is infested with great white sharks. That said, windsurfers and kite-surfers might be playing in the waves while you are there.

Look for a large free parking lot on the Great Highway next to Golden Gate Park which makes it easy to get to the beach. Also on the Great Highway is the Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant which is above the Golden Gate Park Visitor Center located at 1000 Great Hwy. The visitor center is a great place to start if you plan to explore the park.

Address

1000 Great Highway
San Francisco, CA 94121

Park Name

Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Owner

National Park

Pet Details

Dogs allowed off leash on beach if under voice control

Fees

Free parking at the beach

Activities

Walking, Biking, Running, Golf, Disc Golf, Tennis, Horseshoes, Beach Walking, Birdwatching

Amenities

Grass Park, Walking Paths, Golf Course, Sports Fields, Sport Courts, Botanical Garden, Japanese Garden, Museums, Fly Casting Ponds, Carousel, Playgrounds

Links

Water Quality
Water Temps
Tide Chart