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 showing a lake or waterhole, a sunset and landscape views
China Beach featuring rocky coastline and general coastal views
China Beach which includes a beach and a sunset


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
1 Hotel San Francisco
The Andrews Hotel

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Popular places to visit


Top China Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
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
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
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
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
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
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 stunning views and a serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for relaxation. While there are no major resorts directly on the beach, visitors can enjoy nearby attractions like the scenic Golden Gate Bridge and the lush Presidio National Park. Ideal for sunbathing, picnicking, and photography, this charming beach is a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful coastal experience.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots near China Beach include Ghirardelli Square and Union Street, both 6.4km away, offering a mix of business and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out Westfield San Francisco Centre, located 8.0km away, for a larger variety of shops and experiences.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, just 6.4km from China Beach, where you can enjoy live music events. For a relaxing day outdoors, head to Presidio Golf Course, located 3.2km away, offering a fantastic golfing experience amidst beautiful scenery.

Adventure

Explore the Coastal Trail, a scenic hiking track 805m from China Beach, offering stunning ocean views and adventure vibes. For a unique experience, head to the Union Square Ice Rink, located 8.0km away, or enjoy the outdoor atmosphere at Perimeter Road, 9.7km away.

Nightlife

At China Beach, the nightlife buzzes with cultural flair. Just 6.4km away, the War Memorial Opera House and Marines Memorial Theater offer captivating performances, while the Castro Theatre presents charming films, perfect for a romantic night out or a family adventure.

*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 delightful mix of urban parks, scenic streets, and beautiful beachside experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture and enjoy family-friendly activities. For those keen on exploring further, consider nearby attractions like Patong Beach, the wonders of the South China Sea, and a variety of other stunning beaches. It's a perfect spot for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

  • Golden Gate Bridge: A historic landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge offers breathtaking views and a unique opportunity to walk or cycle across its iconic span. At only 3.2km from China Beach, it’s a must-see for its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural significance.
  • Golden Gate Park: This expansive urban park, also 3.2km away, is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With beautiful gardens, serene lakes, and recreational areas, it’s a fantastic spot to unwind and enjoy nature amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
  • Lombard Street: Known as the “crookedest street in the world,” Lombard Street, located 6.4km from China Beach, features a series of eight sharp turns lined with beautiful flowers, making it a unique and picturesque experience in the heart of San Francisco.

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 slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 SunnySlightly LowSlightly 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 between November and December when accommodation prices drop. Fridays tend to be cheaper for stays, while Tuesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare prices and refine your search for budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels. Look out for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for added savings. Additionally, keep an eye out for last-minute deals and free night promotions to maximise your budget while enjoying all that San Francisco has to offer.

  • 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 for you to choose your budget, preferred location, and other preferences. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your China Beach hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.