Ocean Beach offers a 3.5-mile stretch of sand and surf that offers a quiet and serene way to experience the westernmost shores of San Francisco. Though the average annual temperature is a mere 58 degrees here, it's a great beach for walking hand in hand along mist-covered shores, flying kites, and enjoying a beloved local destination. 

The beach is wide compared to other local beaches, and it forms a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Ocean Beach is a windy beach with strong surf, and watersports athletes can often be seen braving the tides and waves.

Ocean Beach in San Francisco - one of the highlights of 12 Best Beaches in San Francisco (Read all about San Francisco here)

Highlights of Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is known for being covered in fog through late spring and summer. It's popular amongst those who enjoy walking in the mist along the seashore. It's also a spot where the ablest surfers and windsurfers seek to test their skills against some of the more powerful waves and dangerous riptides the region has to offer. 

Occasionally, visitors can stumble upon pieces of a famous shipwreck dating to the Victorian era. In 1878, the King Phillip clipper ship foundered just offshore, and even today, pieces of the relic every so often reappear on the beach. 

What to know about Ocean Beach

Though the region does have a surfing community that's served by a local surf shop and several cafés, Ocean Beach is a dangerous destination for surfers. The surf is extremely rough and high, and the riptides are quite powerful, so surfing is not recommended. For the same reasons, swimming is dangerous here. 

Bonfires are permitted on the beach, but only in designated fire rings that are provided between certain beach access stairwells.  Parking is available at an adjacent car park. The beach also butts up against Golden Gate Park and is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Ocean Beach in San Francisco

Location: Sloat Blvd and Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Where to stay in San Francisco

Terrace/patio
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
8.8 out of 10, (2101)
The price is P7,823
per night
P9,207 total
includes taxes & fees
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, sun loungers
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
8.8 out of 10, (3373)
The price is P7,476
per night
P8,798 total
includes taxes & fees
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Restaurant
Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
9.0 out of 10, (1118)
The price is P11,500
per night
P15,714 total
includes taxes & fees
Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
Exterior
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
9.2 out of 10, (1517)
The price is P10,936
per night
P12,871 total
includes taxes & fees
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
Exterior
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
9.4 out of 10, (1704)
The price is P11,404
per night
P13,422 total
includes taxes & fees
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
Terrace/patio
Fairmont San Francisco
8.8 out of 10, (1134)
The price is P19,673
per night
P25,537 total
includes taxes & fees
Fairmont San Francisco
Front of property - evening/night
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
8.6 out of 10, (815)
The price is P8,464
per night
P9,962 total
includes taxes & fees
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Lobby sitting area
FOUND Hotel Carlton, Nob Hill
8.4 out of 10, (470)
The price is P5,640
per night
P6,638 total
includes taxes & fees
FOUND Hotel Carlton, Nob Hill
Breakfast and dinner served
Timbri Hotel San Francisco, Curio Collection by Hilton
8.8 out of 10, (515)
The price is P7,672
per night
P12,244 total
includes taxes & fees
Timbri Hotel San Francisco, Curio Collection by Hilton
Exterior
Handlery Union Square Hotel
8.8 out of 10, (2186)
The price is P10,279
per night
P12,098 total
includes taxes & fees
Handlery Union Square Hotel

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