China Beach and Bathhouse

China Beach bathhouse with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.

Kirke Wrench

Quick Facts

Amenities

4 listed

Beach/Water Access, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Restroom

China Beach is a great place to get away from the city without ever leaving. Tucked away in a cozy cove between Lands End and Baker Beach in the Sea Cliff neighborhood, you'll find a relaxing place to picnic, catch some rays, and play against the scenic backdrop of the Marin Headlands and Golden Gate Bridge.

Tips for a Day at China Beach

- No pet friends on China Beach, please. Same goes for glass containers and fires.
- Because there are no lifeguards on duty here and surf conditions are unpredictable, swimming is not recommended.
- Avoid the wind as you lounge by taking advantage of the small deck on top of the lifeguard equipment pick-up station.
- In the area above the beach, you'll find grills and picnic tables. They're first come first served, so the early bird gets the worm out here.
- Restrooms are open sunrise to sunset.

During low tide, a walk from China Beach to Baker Beach will have you spying starfish, anemones and mussels hanging out on the rocky nooks and crannies of the cliffs. But, as with all beach locations within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, be careful in the surf and never turn your back on the ocean.

 

Chinese Immigration During the Gold Rush

Chinese immigrants came to California beginning in 1849, seeking fortunes in the Sierra Nevada gold mines. Despite the US' inclusive rhetoric, the public sentiment and laws were extremely hostile to non-whites. Because they were easily identifiable and willing to work for low wages, Chinese immigrants were more susceptible to discrimination and treated exceptionally poorly. Many returned from the mountains to the San Francisco Bay and established a fishing industry.

The historical relationship between Chinese fishermen and China Beach is unclear. While we have no clear physical evidence of the beach being used as a campsite, anecdotal evidence points to a Chinese fishermen presence here. Foggy cove conditions aren't suitable for drying shrimp, but the beach may have served as an abalone harvesting site as well as a safe landing just beyond the Golden Gate.
 

A Mysterious Name

For a long time, locals have referred to this beach as "China Beach" or "China Cove." While the origin of the name is unknown, there have been claims that it referenced Chinese immigrants who arrived in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. Chinese immigrant camps were common, but no evidence points to China Beach as a camp. It's possible the beach was used as a launch site for Chinese fishing vessels.
19th century politicians benefited from anti-Chinese platforms, including San Francisco Mayor James D. Phelan, for whom China Beach was named from 1933 to 1974. When China Beach came into the park's possession, the original name was restored to honor the popular history of this place.

Developing China Beach

For many years, China Beach was privately owned. In 1929, a local movement encouraged the city to purchase the land, but the plan was unsuccessful. By 1933, the city and state successfully reached a deal, and plans were made to develop China Beach into a public bath. This plan, however, ended in a development disaster, and remained stagnant for decades.

Not until 1950 did the city start constructing a bath house. By this time the grand vision of the '30s was reduced to a more practical one. Five years later, the China Beach Bath House was finally opened to the public. In 1977, the city transferred the beach to the National Park Service.