China Beach Tours

China Beach featuring general coastal views and rocky coastline
China Beach showing a suspension bridge or treetop walkway, a beach and general coastal views
China Beach which includes landscape views, a lake or waterhole and a sunset
China Beach which includes rugged coastline and general coastal views
China Beach which includes a sunset and a sandy 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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Fitzgerald Hotel
Aqua Breeze Inn
Bay Landing San Francisco Airport Hotel

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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
My Rosegarden Guest Rooms

My Rosegarden Guest Rooms

2 out of 5
75 20th Ave, San Francisco, CA
My Rosegarden Guest Rooms
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
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
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
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
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
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
The SeaScape Inn

The SeaScape Inn

2 out of 5
4340 Judah St, San Francisco, CA
The SeaScape 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

China Beach in San Francisco offers a serene beach area perfect for sunbathing and building sand castles. Visitors can enjoy stunning ocean views while relaxing on the sand. For those looking to explore further, nearby hiking trails provide scenic routes with breathtaking vistas. It's an ideal spot for a peaceful day by the water, blending relaxation with outdoor adventure.

Shopping

Only 4 miles from China Beach, Ghirardelli Square offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family-friendly vibes. For unique gifts, visit Winery Collective and Boudin Bakery, both also 4 miles away, where you can find delightful local products and treats.

Recreation

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 4 miles from China Beach, offers vibrant concert experiences that energize the spirit. Enjoy the scenic Presidio Golf Course, 2 miles away, perfect for a day on the greens surrounded by nature. Kezar Stadium, also 2 miles away, is ideal for sports enthusiasts seeking excitement.

Adventure

Embark on the Coastal Trail, a scenic hiking experience located 0.5 miles from China Beach, where adventure awaits in stunning landscapes. Enjoy ice skating at the Union Square Ice Rink, situated 5 miles away, or explore the outdoor vibes along Perimeter Road, 6 miles from China Beach.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife at China Beach with a visit to the Orpheum Theatre, just 4 miles away, offering a mix of culture and romance. For a unique twist, explore the Morrison Planetarium, 2 miles away, or catch a film at the charming Castro Theatre, also 4 miles away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near China Beach

China Beach in San Francisco offers a blend of urban parks, scenic streets, and beautiful beach views, making it a perfect spot for travelers seeking culture and family fun. Explore the local attractions that highlight California's stunning coastline and immerse yourself in the area's unique atmosphere. Whether you're interested in beach activities or simply enjoying the natural surroundings, China Beach has something for everyone to enjoy.

  • Golden Gate Park: This expansive urban park offers a serene escape with lush gardens, scenic lakes, and vibrant flower displays. Enjoy family-friendly activities, outdoor sports, and the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture amidst stunning landscapes, all just 2 miles from China Beach.
  • Golden Gate Bridge: An iconic symbol of San Francisco, this historic bridge features breathtaking views and rich cultural significance. Walk or bike across the 1.7-mile span, capturing unforgettable photos of the bay and skyline, located 2 miles from China Beach.
  • Lombard Street: Famous for its steep, winding turns, Lombard Street is a unique street that attracts visitors with its charming gardens and picturesque views. Experience the vibrant city vibes while navigating this iconic San Francisco landmark, situated 4 miles from China Beach.

Best time to go to China Beach

The best time to visit China Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around China Beach falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around China Beach falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for China Beach

To save money while visiting China Beach, consider traveling in February or November to December when hotel prices are lower. Fridays are the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by filtering for the lowest rates and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Lastly, explore the beach and nearby areas for free outdoor activities to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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 Friday. 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 hotel type. To find the most affordable prices and great deals, simply arrange 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.
  • 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.

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