Of course, we all know about San Francisco’s Baker and Ocean beaches, plus the famous Stinson Beach in Marin County, but there are plenty of other less crowded beaches of San Francisco Bay that are well worth the visit and the hour drive – making for the perfect day trip during your stay in San Francisco.
Beaches south of San Francisco
Pistachio Beach
Located an hour south of Inn San Francisco, in Pescadero, and just north of Pigeon Point Lighthouse State Park is Pistachio Beach. Its nice sandy beach makes for the perfect spot to lay out and enjoy the sun without the crowds. During low tide, explore the beach in both directions with the lush greenery and flowers that meet the sandy shoreline.
Ross Cove Beach
Found near Half Moon Bay, Ross Cove Beach is part of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. For those who are looking to stretch their legs, Pillar Point Bluff Park is located above the cove and offers trails for walking and dog walking. During high tide, this beach may not be accessible, so check before you go.
Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar)
Located 15 miles south of San Francisco, Pacifica State Beach is located in the southern part of Pacifica, CA. Visitors will find wide long sandy beaches with beautiful dunes to compliment. At the north end of the beach, at Rockaway Point, there are a variety of trails leading to a lookout over Rockaway Beach.
Seal Cove Beach
Also found within the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Seal Cove Beach is perfect for nature lovers. With beautiful tide pools to explore and winding trails behind that lead into a cypress forest, plus great vista views of the ocean once you reach the top, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Seal Cove Beach.
Tip: Make a day of it and stop in at the nearby historic Moss Beach Distillery for some food and one of their signature cocktails.
Gray Whale Cove Beach
Just south of Pacifica Beach, Gray Whale Cove Beach lies below a steep trail leading down to the sandy shoreline. The area features a sheltered cove surrounded by jagged cliffs and trails connecting to nearby McNee Ranch State Park. Enjoy lunch at the picnic area on the bluff overlooking the beach and keep your eyes out for gray whales that can often be seen close to the shore.
Beach north of San Francisco
South Rodeo Beach
Located about 40 minutes north of San Francisco in the Marin Headlands, South Rodeo Beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This less crowded beach of San Francisco Bay is so secluded it is known to be clothing-optional. Its landscape is also what draws in visitors, with a rugged shoreline and hiking trails, it’s a nature’s paradise.
Steep Ravine Beach
Steep Ravine Beach holds true to its name with its steep and rugged access points. Quiet and isolated, the beach is located south of the famous Stinson Beach. During low tides, walks on the beach can be enjoyed along with a hot spring that seeps up from the ground.
McNears Beach
Just under 25 miles from San Francisco, McNears Beach is one of our favorite, less crowded beaches of the San Francisco Bay area. The rocky beach is better known for recreational activities such as kayaking, fishing, and standup paddleboarding, and sunbathing. The nearby China Camp State Park offers trails for those wishing to hike.
Stay at the Inn San Francisco
Make the Inn San Francisco your home base for exploring these less crowded beaches of San Francisco Bay. Plus, avoid the crowds of big hotels with our intimate bed and breakfast and feel like you have the whole place to yourself. Our 1872 Victorian mansion offers 20 rooms, ranging in size, plus the quaint garden cottage. Enjoy the privacy of this cottage apartment equipped with a spa tub, fireplace, kitchen, and French doors leading to the outdoor garden.
When we’re ready to travel again, we’ll be right here to help you begin planning your dream San Francisco vacation!
