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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Aqua Breeze Inn
1 Hotel San Francisco
Inn At Union Square

Browse tours and tickets to explore China Beach

Tours & day trips

See all 299 activities

History & culture

See all 123 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 83 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 52 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 44 activities

Popular places to visit


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, visitors can enjoy a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Explore nearby spa facilities offering various treatments, take part in guided temple tours to immerse yourself in local culture, and engage in meditation sessions that enhance mindfulness. Enjoy immersive experiences that connect you with the stunning natural beauty and tranquility of the beach, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and exploration.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near China Beach, visit Ghirardelli Square, just 4 miles away, offering family-friendly vibes and entertainment. Also, check out Winery Collective and Boudin Bakery, both located 4 miles away, perfect for unique gifts and delicious treats.

Recreation

Oracle Park, located 6 miles from China Beach, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere perfect for active fans. The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 4 miles away, provides an entertaining musical experience. For golf enthusiasts, the Presidio Golf Course, just 2 miles away, features beautiful outdoor settings and a relaxing ambiance.

Adventure

Embark on a scenic hike along the Coastal Trail, located 0.5 miles from China Beach, where breathtaking ocean views await. For winter fun, visit Union Square Ice Rink, situated 5 miles away, or enjoy outdoor activities at Perimeter Road, 6 miles from the beach, surrounded by nature.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near China Beach! Catch a captivating show at the Orpheum Theatre, just 4 miles away, or explore the stars at Morrison Planetarium, 2 miles from your location. For a cozy movie night, visit the Presidio Theater, located 3 miles away, perfect for family and romance.

Find the best attractions near China Beach

China Beach in San Francisco offers a unique blend of urban parks, scenic streets, and beautiful beach views, perfect for visitors seeking culture and family-friendly activities. Enjoy a peaceful day at the beach, explore the local parks, or take a stroll along the picturesque streets. With a focus on providing a rich city experience, you’ll find plenty of attractions and points of interest to make your visit memorable.

  • Golden Gate Park: A sprawling urban oasis, Golden Gate Park offers diverse landscapes, gardens, and recreational activities. With family-friendly spots and peaceful walking trails, it’s perfect for enjoying the outdoors while soaking up the city vibes.
  • Golden Gate Bridge: This iconic historic bridge is a marvel of engineering and a symbol of San Francisco. Walk or bike across for breathtaking views of the bay and city, immersing yourself in the cultural significance and stunning architecture.
  • Lombard Street: Known as the "crookedest street in the world," Lombard Street features eight hairpin turns and beautifully manicured gardens. Stroll down this unique street to experience its charm and vibrant city atmosphere.

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 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 slightly high 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.

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

To save money during your trip to China Beach, consider visiting in February or November to December for lower prices. Avoid traveling on Tuesdays, as it's the most expensive day; Fridays are the cheapest. Utilize Expedia's search tool to compare hotel prices and filter for eco-friendly options. Booking a package that includes flights, accommodations, and activities can lead to additional savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Enjoy free access to China Beach and take advantage of budget-friendly public transport to explore the area.

  • 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: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to customize your travel experience by allowing you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotel options right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase hotels that are sustainable and environmentally friendly, ready for you to book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at China Beach with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • 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.