Ocean Beach

 

Picture a 3.5-mile stretch of white beach with few tourists and no highrises. It's just you and the waves and the seabirds at Ocean Beach, on the westernmost border of San Francisco, adjacent to Golden Gate Park. Great for strolling and flying kites, but the water is frigid and the currents hazardous for all but the most experienced surfers.

Tips and Highlights

• The sunniest months for a beach walk are September and October.
• The beach is almost always covered in fog throughout late spring and summer, with average temperatures in the 50s.
• Beach Wheelchairs are available upon request
• Please do not trample fragile plants on the dunes.
• Pack in and pack out your trash: "Leave No Trace".
• The possession or discharge of fireworks is prohibited on all NPS property.

Fire Pit Regulations
Fires permitted March 1 - October 31 (NO FIRES permitted November 1 - end of February). The No-Burn Season avoids burning during the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's (BAAQMD) Winter Spare the Air season. Fires are allowed only in provided fire rings between Stairwells 15 and 20. Do not make fire rings with rocks, logs or other items found on beach. See Beach Fire Regulations for more details.

Nature
Snowy Plover
Look for the small, shy Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) - a threatened species that rests here in the winter. In California, there has been a significant decline in breeding locations as a result of various forms of human disturbance. The species is being strictly monitored and protected by the National Park Service. For more details see the Superintendent's Compendium and Exhibits (maps) on the Laws & Policies webpage and the 2008 Special Regulation codified at 36 CFR 7.97(d).

Ocean Beach Snowy Plover Area

Dogs must be restrained on a leash not more than six feet in length starting July 1 and ending May 15, in Ocean Beach Snowy Plover Protection Area. Dog walking restricted to on-leash only in the area which encompasses the shoreline and beach area west of the GGNRA boundary, between Stairwell 21 to Sloat Boulevard, including all tidelands and submerged lands to 1,000 feet offshore.

 

Looking For More Information

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  Beach Fire Regulations

  If you love beach fires, please learn more before visiting!

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  Ocean Beach Accessibility

  GGNRA has constructed accessible routes which led from the parking lots to the Promenade.

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  Ocean Beach of the Past

  Learn stories of Ocean Beach

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  Driving to Ocean Beach

  Click here for more information on how to drive to Ocean Beach.