Crissy Field Beach
San Francisco, CA
Crissy Field Beach runs along a restored former airfield turned national park land, with the Golden Gate Bridge dominating the view to the west and a tidal marsh just behind the dunes to the east. It's one of the most photographed stretches of sand in the city, popular with walkers, kitesurfers, and anyone wanting a bridge photo with actual sand in the foreground.
The bridge view and restored marsh give it real range beyond just another city beach, though the wind that makes it great for kitesurfing can be a lot for a casual visit.
How we score beachesWalk east to the restored marsh if you want a quieter, more ecological side of the same park, most visitors stick to the beach itself and skip it.
Free parking is available at several lots along the field.
A path leads from parking to the beach.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Wind is a near constant here, especially in the afternoon, making it a genuinely good kitesurfing spot. Fog is common most mornings year round.
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