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The views from overlooks, the miles of surf, the myriad of plants and animals—all these elements contribute to the unique visitor experience. At the same time, recreating in natural areas has inherent dangers and responsibilities. The information below can help you have a safe and responsible visit so that you, and future visitors, can enjoy the park to its fullest.
If you observe suspicious activity or experience criminal activity in the park, call our 24-hour park dispatch center:
Non-Emergency: 415-561-5505
Emergency: 415-561-5656
Beach Safety
For visitors expecting the classic California beach as portrayed in Hollywood movies, know that the filming likely took place in Southern California. With Stinson as a notable exception, most of the beaches within the GGNRA are not recommended for swimming and some, like Ocean Beach, present hazards for waders. If you do choose to venture into the surf, here are some of the possible dangers along with tips for staying safe.
Beach Water Quality
Water quality is tested by each county. Visit the specific county's website to view water quality information for the beach you plan to visit.
High Surf: National Weather Service issues warning for high surf when conditions characterized by much larger than normal waves breaking in the surf zone with sufficient energy to erode beaches, move large logs, wash over jetties or exposed rocks. It will always be very dangerous to people in the water or along the immediate beach. High surf can rush up quickly and well above the typical high tide waterline. It can knock people over into the pull of the rough churning currents and result in drowning.
Rip currents: Rip currents are strong, swift-moving channels of water rushing from the shore out to sea. Rip currents are extremely powerful—even the strongest swimmers have drowned in them. Children and adults have been swept away even in shallow water.
Sneaker waves: Unexpectedly large waves can wash farther up the shore, pulling people in. Although a sudden lowering of the water level often precedes a sneaker wave, they can occur anytime without warning.
Shorebreaks: Waves which quickly peak and break onshore to a relatively sharply sloping beach; also known as: inside break, insiders. Shorebreak occurs where you have a relatively sharply sloping beach so that incoming waves, rather than breaking gradually as they find bottom, instead break quickly and steeply onshore. The primary hazard of shorebreak is trauma injuries, notably neck injuries. The hazard typically increases as wave height increases.
Hypothermia: Cold water is another serious hazard. In a short time, immersion into this cold water can lead to numbness, confusion, disorientation, loss of body control, unconsciousness, and death.
Beach Safety Tips
Never turn your back on the ocean!
Be aware of changing tides and weather conditions.
Keep children within easy reach.
Swimming is only recommended at beaches with lifeguards and only when there is a lifeguard on duty. Visit the links listed below to learn about the safety of specific beaches.
If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the current, then swim toward the shore with incoming waves. If you need assistance, wave your arms and yell for help.
Watch for floatinglogs and debris, which may be taken up by strong waves and tossed on you.
Avoid slippery rocks. Rock outcrops can be slippery from mist, rain, or spray. Large waves can knock people off rock outcrops and severely injure them or knock them unconscious.
Wear shoes to protect your feet from sharp rocks and debris.
Do your part to keep beaches clean of trash, especially sharp objects.
Leave the glass at home! For everyone’s safety, glass bottles and containers are PROHIBITED on:
ALL beaches & within 15 feet of beaches
ALL historic coastal defense structures
Crissy Field, north of the promenade
Upper Fort Mason Great Meadow
Even though much of GGNRA lands are alongside urban areas, many visitors feel transported to a pristine wilderness area. While the true extent of people's isolation from the city may be limited, the dangers that exist in natural environments are more or less present. Take note of the information below, in order to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Outdoor Hazards
Wildlife
Mountain Lions:Generally, mountain lions are calm, quiet and elusive. However, if a mountain lion feels threatened—or if you get between a mountain lion and her young—it may attack. Additionally, dogs will be considered prey by mountain lions.
Coyotes: Coyotes are small and rarely pose a threat to humans. However, coyotes may harm or even kill your dog. Always keep your dog on leash unless in a zone specified for off-leash dog walking. Learn how to stay safe when coyotes are present.
Rabies: Rabies is a disease that humans can catch from the bite or saliva of an infected animal. Rabies is always fatal if medical care is not given in time. Any mammal can get rabies, but bats, feral cats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks are more likely to get sick with rabies. Animals sick with rabies may lose their fear of humans, act strangely, or become aggressive. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, you should immediately see a physician to see if you need medical care to prevent rabies. You cannot tell if an animal has rabies without laboratory testing.
Terrain
Cliffs: Some cliff edges are unstable and can fall. Never stand on a cliff's edge and abide by signs warning of unstable ground. If you see cracks in the ground do not go beyond them. Watch where you are going. Keep your dog leashed unless in an off-leash area.
Roads: Many roads are narrow and windy. Drive slowly, observe speed limits and allow passengers to enjoy the scenery.
Plants
Poison oak: Poison oak has three smooth, shiny leaflets and is usually bright green, but often has a red coloration in new shoots and in the dry season. Thoroughly wash any skin that may have come in contact with the plant with cool water and grease-cutting dish soap or poison oak soap. Be sure to also wash all clothing before wearing again.
Stinging Nettles: Stinging nettle is a tall weedy plant with needle-like projections that inject a chemical into your skin, creating a burning sensation for up to 24 hours.
Outdoor Safety Tips
Stay on trails!
Do not hike alone. Many areas do not have reliable cellphone reception and/or are far from help.
Keep your dog on leash, unless you are in an off-leash/voice-control area. See our Dog-Friendly webpage for more information.
Keep children within reach.
Wear appropriate clothing—hiking shoes, long pants, a hat, sunglasses etc.
Pack accordingly, bring water, sunscreen, an epinephrine injector (EpiPen) if you are allergic to bees, or anything else you might need.
Never touch, approach, or feed wildlife; this can make them aggressive and threaten the safety of you and the animal.
Report sick, dead, or strangely acting wildlife to a park ranger immediately.
Drive carefully; deer and other wildlife are often hit by cars. Windy roads, with tight turns also present hazards.
