Baker Beach

Why go

Baker Beach is defined by serpentine cliffs, surf, sand, and the bridge's ocean side. Another layer comes from weather moving through the strait and Marin Headlands. Plan Baker Beach by remembering to check surf and wind and never treat the water as sheltered. After Baker Beach, choose the Presidio or Battery Chamberlin; this keeps Baker Beach geographically coherent and avoids forcing Baker Beach into an unrelated crossing.

What to look for

• Look closely at serpentine cliffs, surf, sand, and the bridge's ocean side.
• Notice weather moving through the strait and Marin Headlands.

The full story

Baker Beach is a public beach on the peninsula of San Francisco, California, U.S.. The beach lies on the shore of the Pacific Ocean in the northwest of the city. It is roughly a half mile long, beginning just south of Golden Gate Point (where the Golden Gate Bridge connects with the peninsula), extending southward toward the Seacliff peninsula, the Palace of the Legion of Honor and the Sutro Baths. The northern section of Baker Beach is "frequented by clothing-optional sunbathers". As such it is considered a nude beach. Baker Beach is part of the Presidio, which was a military base from the founding of San Francisco by the Spanish in 1812 until 1997. In 1904, it was fortified with disappearing gun installations known as Battery Chamberlin, which can still be viewed today. When the Presidio was decommissioned as a U.S. Army base, it became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which is administered by the National Park Service.

Useful to know

• For Baker Beach, check surf and wind and never treat the water as sheltered.
• Pair Baker Beach with the Presidio or Battery Chamberlin when the route and opening conditions align.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.