Things to do at Baker Beach
Baker Beach is an ideal place to take a break from the city, be it kicking around a soccer ball or playing frisbee with your dog — once you’re done taking a million pictures, of course. When the weather is warm, locals flock to the shores to sunbathe and grill food near the picnic tables. Should you feel so inclined, the northern end of the beach is clothing-optional.
If nature trails are more your thing, an easy 0.15–mile trail leads to the Battery Chamberlin, an army cannon built in 1904 to protect the harbor. There’s also the Lobos Creek Trail, an accessible boardwalk loop that takes you through the sand dunes for a taste of what the area was like before the development. For more exercise, hike 200 stairs up the “sand ladder” for an epic ocean view.
Though a California beach may bring to mind hours of surfing, Baker Beach is unsuitable for swimming, as there are large waves and rip currents. But if you don’t mind the cold water, feel free to dip your toes in the Pacific. While you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for sea lions and harbor porpoises popping their heads above the water.
What to know before you go
Baker Beach is free for visitors along with the entire Presidio all year round. You can access the shore with a bike, car, or the Presidio Go Shuttle via the South Hills Route. It’s no secret that this is one of the best places to view the Golden Gate Bridge, so be prepared for crowds and limited parking spots, especially on the weekends.
You’ll need to bring your food and water, as limited restaurants and shops are within walking distance. Also, be sure to dress in layers, as San Francisco is known to be chilly when Karl the fog rolls in (yes, that’s its real nickname). To avoid throngs of tourists, the best time to enjoy Baker Beach is during the shoulder seasons, either from April to May or September to November. But no matter when you visit, even if the bridge is draped in a moody mist, the view from the beach is well worth it.
