China Beach

Located in North San Francisco, China Beach is one of San Francisco’s most underrated beach destinations. Small and centrally located, it’s the perfect beach for travelers and locals who want an easily accessible beach just minutes from San Francisco’s action. The beach’s green hills and baby blue waters create the beach’s peaceful and picturesque setting. On its smooth sandy shores, beachgoers can marvel at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Despite being the closest beach to Downtown San Francisco, China Beach is less popular, making it an easily accessible paradise with abundant street parking.

Although enjoyed mainly by locals, China Beach has amenities for all types of beachgoers. With picnic tables, showers, restrooms, and well-maintained sand, China Beach is a comfortable place to lounge on the beach, sunbathe, and spend time with loved ones. Prefer a more active beach day? Beachgoers can explore the beach’s tide pools to watch marine wildlife, and hike at the nearby Land’s End hiking trails.

If you're looking for a restaurant, visit Ilana Coffee, an intimate neighborhood spot that serves top-notch Vietnamese coffee, bubble tea, and espresso. For authentic old-school Italian food, head to Gaspare’s Pizza House & Italian Restaurant, a casual local spot serving excellent thin-crust pizzas and Italian comfort food. For a more upscale dining experience, dine at Cassava, a local hotspot serving excellent Californian cuisine with excellent wines and beers.

If you are looking for a hotel, head to the 5-Star Hotel Fairmont Heritage Place - Ghirardelli Square – it’s a 15-minute drive from China Beach, and It provides exceptional amenities including ocean-view rooms, bicycle rentals, and a fitness center. You can also try the Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square, a 4-Star hotspot known for its legendary location, stunning classic design, and trademark Westin hospitality. We also like The Laurel Inn, a 3-Star hotel that offers spacious rooms.