Baker Beach Tours

Baker Beach showing rocky coastline, landscape views and a bridge


This mile-long stretch of beach offers striking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands.

Baker Beach, a mile (1.6 kilometers) of prime San Francisco coastline in the southwest corner of the Presidio, attracts a diverse crowd. Nestled in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, this sandy promenade offers exquisite views of the Pacific Ocean.

It’s not just the majestic scenery, though, that draws visitors. People come here to sunbathe, play Frisbee or go fishing along the shore. The north end is a famous and popular nudist beach. On hot days in summer, Baker Beach becomes crowded, so getting there early is highly recommended.

Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at the picnic spot, sheltered by sand dunes that keep the ocean winds at bay. The barbecue pits and tables go fast in the high season, especially on weekends.

Head up to Battery Chamberlin at the north end of the beach, where a 97,000 pound (44,000 kilogram), six-inch (15-centimeter) “disappearing gun” is on display. On the first weekend of every month you can see a demonstration of the great rifle, which is similar to those that were originally set up here in1904.    

Baker Beach’s dramatic setting amid the coastal bluffs is home to some of California’s wildlife. Flocks of brown pelicans grace the sky, while migrating shorebirds explore the shoreline for food. Dolphins and harbor seals can sometimes be spotted surfacing nearby.

For visitors traveling by car there is a free parking lot close to the beach, but this fills up fast. Buses regularly stop in the upper parking area too. Reaching the beach by foot can be tricky in poor conditions. You can hike around the rocks to the north of the beach at low tide, but the surf can make this a hazardous pursuit. Be sure and pay attention to the tide level.

Baker Beach also serves as a gateway to the rest of the Presidio trails, and makes a pleasant stop-off point when exploring the rest of the region.

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Hotel Stratford San Francisco - Handwritten Collection
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

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Best Lodging Options Near Baker Beach

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Geary Parkway Motel
Geary Parkway Motel
2 out of 5
4750 Geary Blvd, Richmond District, San Francisco, CA
Geary Parkway Motel
Stanyan Park Hotel
Stanyan Park Hotel
3 out of 5
750 Stanyan Street, San Francisco, CA
Stanyan Park Hotel
The Laurel Inn, part of JdV by Hyatt
The Laurel Inn, part of JdV by Hyatt
3 out of 5
444 Presidio Ave, San Francisco, CA
The Laurel Inn, part of JdV by Hyatt
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
2700 JONES STREET, San Francisco, CA
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel
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
Fairmont San Francisco
Fairmont San Francisco
5 out of 5
950 Mason Street Atop Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA
Fairmont San Francisco
Inn at Golden Gate
Inn at Golden Gate
2 out of 5
2707 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
Inn at Golden Gate
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
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.