China Beach Tours and Activities

China Beach featuring general coastal views and rugged coastline
China Beach featuring a suspension bridge or treetop walkway, a beach and general coastal views
China Beach which includes a sunset, a lake or waterhole and landscape views
China Beach which includes rocky coastline and general coastal views
China Beach which includes a sunset and a beach


Enjoy sun, surf and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge in this tiny secluded cove between Lands End and Baker Beach.

Discover the hidden gem of China Beach. Although it’s just a few miles away from the bustle of downtown San Francisco, it feels a world away. Rocky walls with sweeping vistas across the Pacific Ocean shelter the small and secluded area. Escape to a little getaway in the midst of the city.

Find China Beach in San Francisco’s exclusive Sea Cliff neighborhood. It is sandwiched between the rocky shores of Lands End to the west and lively Baker Beach to the east. Follow trails leading all along the San Francisco coastline, with some of the most beautiful views in the city. Look across China Beach to the gleaming Golden Gate Bridge and the wild Marin Headlands across the water.

Learn about the rich history of China Beach. Note the large stone monument near the parking area. During the Gold Rush, Chinese fishermen congregated and camped on the beach. The monument pays homage to those early settlers.

Swim with extreme caution as there are no lifeguards. Riptides and strong currents are fairly common. Instead, wade in the shallow water. At low tide, look for the starfish, anemones and other sea creatures along the beach.

Park your car in the parking lot for China Beach at the end of Sea Cliff Avenue. Note that the lot is small and fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider taking a bus. Several lines for Muni, San Francisco’s public transportation, have stops near the beach.

China Beach has no refreshment stands and the area surrounding it is residential, so pack a lunch if you think you’ll be hungry. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue on the grills located above beach level. Find restrooms and showers near the picnic area. Stairs and ramps connect the parking and picnic areas to the beach below.

Visit China Beach throughout the year during daylight hours. There are no fees for entrance or parking.

Plan a trip to see China Beach

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Best Lodging Options Near China Beach

32nd Ave Casa next to Legion of Honor Museum, park, restaurants, bus, playground

32nd Ave Casa next to Legion of Honor Museum, park, restaurants, bus, playground

San Francisco
32nd Ave Casa next to Legion of Honor Museum, park, restaurants, bus, playground
Spacious 2br Near Ocean & Sutro Heights Park

Spacious 2br Near Ocean & Sutro Heights Park

San Francisco
Spacious 2br Near Ocean & Sutro Heights Park
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Motel 6 San Francisco, CA – Great Highway

Motel 6 San Francisco, CA – Great Highway

2 out of 5
1234 Great Highway, San Francisco, CA
Motel 6 San Francisco, CA – Great Highway
Quiet Garden Apt., geographic center of The City

Quiet Garden Apt., geographic center of The City

San Francisco
Quiet Garden Apt., geographic center of The City
The SeaScape Inn

The SeaScape Inn

2 out of 5
4340 Judah St, San Francisco, CA
The SeaScape Inn
Sunset Edwardian Bed and Breakfast at Golden Gate Park

Sunset Edwardian Bed and Breakfast at Golden Gate Park

2 out of 5
1471 18th Ave, San Francisco, CA
Sunset Edwardian Bed and Breakfast at Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park Escape | 4BR + Garage + Metro

Golden Gate Park Escape | 4BR + Garage + Metro

San Francisco
Golden Gate Park Escape | 4BR + Garage + Metro
Ocean Inn

Ocean Inn

2 out of 5
4211 Judah Street, San Francisco, CA
Ocean Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near China Beach

At China Beach in San Francisco, immerse yourself in the rich history of the area while enjoying the stunning coastal views. Explore military shows that showcase the region's naval heritage, providing a fascinating lesson in history. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll along the shore or engaging with the exhibits, China Beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural insight, making it an ideal spot for any visitor.

Shopping

In China Beach, enjoy shopping at Ghirardelli Square, a vibrant shopping centre 6.4km away, featuring family-friendly entertainment. Also nearby is Winery Collective and the famous Boudin Bakery, both offering unique gifts and souvenirs within the same distance.

Recreation

Explore Oracle Park for an exhilarating sports experience, only 9.7km from China Beach. Enjoy live music at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, located 6.4km away. For a refreshing outdoor activity, head to the Presidio Golf Course, just 3.2km away, perfect for a leisurely round of golf.

Adventure

Embark on the Coastal Trail, a scenic hiking route located 805m from China Beach, where adventure awaits amidst breathtaking views. Enjoy skating at the Union Square Ice Rink, situated 8.0km away, or explore the outdoor vibes along Perimeter Road, 9.7km from the beach.

Nightlife

Experience the charm of the Orpheum Theatre, a cultural gem 6.4km from China Beach, perfect for family and romantic outings. Alternatively, enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere at the Morrison Planetarium, just 3.2km away, or catch a film at the romantic Castro Theatre, also 6.4km distant.

Find the best attractions near China Beach

China Beach in San Francisco offers a delightful mix of urban parks, scenic streets, and beautiful shoreline, perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Visitors can explore the actual China Beach, enjoy the views, and seek out attractions that showcase the area's charm. With a variety of activities and places to discover nearby, it’s an ideal spot for a memorable vacation experience.

  • Golden Gate Park: This expansive urban park, located 3.2km from China Beach, offers a blend of family-friendly activities and lush outdoor spaces. Explore beautiful gardens, serene lakes, and various recreational facilities, making it a perfect spot for picnics or leisurely strolls.
  • Golden Gate Bridge: A symbol of San Francisco, this iconic historic bridge is 3.2km away and showcases stunning views and rich cultural significance. Walk or bike across to appreciate its majestic architecture and the breathtaking scenery of the bay.
  • Lombard Street: Renowned as the "crookedest street in the world," Lombard Street is 6.4km from China Beach. Its unique winding design is a must-see, offering a picturesque backdrop for photos and a delightful stroll through the charming neighbourhood.

Best time to go to China Beach

Visitor numbers around China Beach is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit China Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for China Beach

Visiting China Beach in San Francisco is budget-friendly with no entry fee and access to nearby attractions like Golden Gate Park and Pier 39 for free. For cost-effective accommodation, consider visiting in February or from November to December when prices are lower. Saturdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to find eco-friendly hotels and package deals combining flights, activities, and stays for added savings. Sorting by price from lowest to highest will help you snag the best deals.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around China Beach are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around China Beach is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around China Beach is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at China Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.