China Beach
San Francisco, CA
China Beach is a small, sheltered cove within the Presidio, calmer than the open beaches nearby thanks to the rock outcrops that wrap around it. It's one of the few beaches in the city with lifeguards on duty in summer, a real draw for anyone nervous about San Francisco's usually rough water.
The sheltered water and seasonal lifeguards genuinely set it apart from the rougher beaches nearby, though its small size means it can't match Baker Beach's scale or views.
How we score beachesPick this over Baker Beach next door if you're set on actually getting in the water, the sheltered cove here is genuinely calmer.
Free parking is available near the beach.
A path leads from the parking area down to the sheltered cove.
Dogs are not allowed at China Beach.
Fog is common most mornings year round, with water staying cold even in this more sheltered cove.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.