North Baker Beach in San Francisco, CA

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About North Baker Beach in San Francisco, California

North Baker Beach is the clothing-optional north end of Baker Beach in San Francisco. This secluded area has excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge so it attracts tourists who walk toward it from Baker Beach.

Starting at Baker Beach, as you walk north it becomes more likely that you’ll see beachgoers sans clothes. The far north end is below a steep bluff and is the clothing-optional area. There is even a hidden area over some rocks at the north end, but watch for rising tides if you go there. Fixed ropes are sometimes in place to help getting over the rocks. Swimming in this area is unsafe due to cold water and rip currents and is not advised.

Baker Beach is popular so if you plan to park there and walk north on the sand, get an early start or all the parking spots might be taken. Another option is to hope for one of about ten parking spaces along Lincoln Boulevard between Kobbe Avenue and Pershing Drive. The Sand Ladder Trail descends steeply from this small parking area to North Baker Beach.

Battery Crosby, an impressive military gun placement that ended service in 1943, is on the bluff above North Baker Beach and can be reached by walking north on the Battery to Bluffs Trail from the Sand Ladder Trailhead.

If you are interested, there are more clothing optional beaches in the San Francisco area.

Address: Gibson Rd & Bowley St
San Francisco, CA 94129
Phone: 415-561-4323
Park Name: Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Other Names: Sand Ladder Beach, Coyote Gulch, Battery Crosby, North Bakers, Battery to Bluffs Trail
Owner: National Park
Pet Details: Dogs allowed off leash if under voice control
Fees: Free parking
Activities: Sunbathing, Hiking, Photography
Amenities: Trails, Volleyball Court, Bridge Views, Military Structure, No Facilities
Links: Tide Chart
Water Quality
Water Temps