Baker Beach Tours

Baker Beach showing rocky coastline, landscape views and a bridge
Baker Beach showing a sunset, a beach and landscape views
Golden Gate Bridge showing waves, a sunset and a bridge
Golden Gate Bridge showing a bridge, a sunset and waves
Baker Beach which includes general coastal views, a sunset and landscape views


This mile-long stretch of beach offers striking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands.

Baker Beach, a mile (1.6 kilometers) of prime San Francisco coastline in the southwest corner of the Presidio, attracts a diverse crowd. Nestled in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, this sandy promenade offers exquisite views of the Pacific Ocean.

It’s not just the majestic scenery, though, that draws visitors. People come here to sunbathe, play Frisbee or go fishing along the shore. The north end is a famous and popular nudist beach. On hot days in summer, Baker Beach becomes crowded, so getting there early is highly recommended.

Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at the picnic spot, sheltered by sand dunes that keep the ocean winds at bay. The barbecue pits and tables go fast in the high season, especially on weekends.

Head up to Battery Chamberlin at the north end of the beach, where a 97,000 pound (44,000 kilogram), six-inch (15-centimeter) “disappearing gun” is on display. On the first weekend of every month you can see a demonstration of the great rifle, which is similar to those that were originally set up here in1904.

Baker Beach’s dramatic setting amid the coastal bluffs is home to some of California’s wildlife. Flocks of brown pelicans grace the sky, while migrating shorebirds explore the shoreline for food. Dolphins and harbor seals can sometimes be spotted surfacing nearby.

For visitors traveling by car there is a free parking lot close to the beach, but this fills up fast. Buses regularly stop in the upper parking area too. Reaching the beach by foot can be tricky in poor conditions. You can hike around the rocks to the north of the beach at low tide, but the surf can make this a hazardous pursuit. Be sure and pay attention to the tide level.

Baker Beach also serves as a gateway to the rest of the Presidio trails, and makes a pleasant stop-off point when exploring the rest of the region.

Plan a trip to see Baker Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Fitzgerald Hotel
Aqua Breeze Inn
Merritt House Hotel

Browse tours and tickets to explore Baker Beach

Tours & day trips

See all 300 activities

History & culture

See all 124 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 83 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 52 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 42 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Baker Beach

My Rosegarden Guest Rooms

My Rosegarden Guest Rooms

2 out of 5
75 20th Ave, San Francisco, CA
My Rosegarden Guest Rooms
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
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
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
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
San Francisco Retreat Just Steps from Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach! by RedAwning

San Francisco Retreat Just Steps from Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach! by RedAwning

San Francisco
San Francisco Retreat Just Steps from Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach! by RedAwning
Inn at Golden Gate

Inn at Golden Gate

2 out of 5
2707 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
Inn at Golden Gate
La Luna Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection

La Luna Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection

2.5 out of 5
2599 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
La Luna Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection
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
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 Baker Beach

Baker Beach offers a stunning backdrop for activities like watching breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, making it perfect for a quick staycation. You can also enjoy boating in the nearby waters. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the natural beauty or simply relax, Baker Beach provides a serene escape in San Francisco.

Shopping

In Baker Beach, visit Ghirardelli Square, a vibrant shopping center 4 miles away, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. Don’t miss Winery Collective and Boudin Bakery, both also 4 miles away, perfect for gifts and local treats. If you're up for a drive, check out more options further afield.

Recreation

Oracle Park, located 5 miles away, provides an energetic atmosphere with stunning views and sports events. Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 4 miles from Baker Beach, offers a lively entertainment scene with concerts. For a peaceful day, the Presidio Golf Course, just 1 mile away, invites you to enjoy outdoor recreation and scenic landscapes.

Adventure

Explore the Coastal Trail for a scenic hike with stunning ocean views, located 0.9 miles from Baker Beach. For winter fun, skate at the Union Square Ice Rink, 4 miles away. Additionally, enjoy the outdoor vibes along Perimeter Road, situated 6 miles from the beach.

Nightlife

At Baker Beach, the nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Catch a show at the Orpheum Theatre for a touch of culture, explore the stars at the Morrison Planetarium, or enjoy a romantic film at the Presidio Theater, all within a short distance from the beach.

Find the best attractions near Baker Beach

Baker Beach in San Francisco offers a beautiful coastal experience with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors can enjoy a mix of urban parks, vibrant streets, and the serene beach atmosphere. This location is perfect for those seeking cultural experiences, family outings, or a taste of city life. Nearby, you can also explore Ocean Beach for additional seaside adventures. Baker Beach truly has something for everyone looking to soak up the local charm.

  • Golden Gate Bridge: This iconic landmark is a marvel of engineering, stretching 1 mile from Baker Beach. With its stunning Art Deco design and breathtaking views of the bay, it offers a unique photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate its cultural significance.
  • Golden Gate Park: Located 2 miles away, this expansive urban park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore beautiful gardens, lakes, and trails, or visit attractions like the de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences for a delightful day in nature.
  • Lombard Street: Known as the "crookedest street in the world," Lombard Street is 4 miles from Baker Beach. Its steep, winding turns lined with colorful flowers make for a fun stroll or drive, showcasing the quirky charm of San Francisco.

Best time to go to Baker Beach

Visitor numbers around Baker Beach is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Baker Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Baker Beach falls in September, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Baker Beach falls in December, 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 Baker Beach

Visiting Baker Beach can be budget-friendly with several money-saving tips. Enjoy free access to the beach, and consider traveling in February or November to December for lower accommodation rates. Fridays generally offer the best hotel prices, while Tuesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare room rates and find eco-friendly lodging by applying the "Eco-certified" filter. Look for package deals that combine flights, activities, and hotel stays for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and help you earn cash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Baker 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 Baker Beach is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Baker Beach is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Explore Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, including your budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Baker Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.