Place

Ocean Beach and Climate Change

Colored photo of Ocean Beach looking south. Oval inset image of the riprap installed at Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach and the riprap installed on the southern end of the beach.

Like Stinson Beach to the north, Ocean Beach is threatened by rising sea-level as well as shoreline erosion. Over the last century, sea level has risen by 8 inches at the nearby Crissy Field tide gauge, and rates are predicted to increase dramatically over the next century.

The shore is already protected by rip rap at the beach’s south end to slow the Great Highway’s collapse into the sea. This popular beach could be inundated and eroded away in years to come. The park is partnering with the California Coastal Conservancy and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to develop and implement an Ocean Beach Open Space Design that addresses erosion and infrastructure protection while improving public access in the changing landscape.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Last updated: January 21, 2021