Stunning Views and Good Surf at Baker Beach
Although San Francisco doesn't have the intensity of the hot Baywatch beach culture that people associate with California (that's definitely SoCal), there are still some beautiful beaches in the City by the Bay. While Ocean Beach is probably the more visited of the San Francisco beaches, my favorite is Baker Beach.
With rugged rocks on each side and an amazing view of Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin headlands in the distance, this beach is like a photographer's dream. The cold water, rugged surf and rip tides make it dangerous for swimming, but the beach is ideal for sunbathing and the surrounding park has tables and grills for picnics or gatherings. More conservative folks will want to stay to the south side of the beach, as the north side is a nudist beach.
On a clear day, the sunset can be spectacular, but if the fog is rolling in, you should probably choose another activity, because this is one of the first places to get cold and foggy. To get there, take 25th Avenue to Lincoln Boulevard, take a right and follow the signs to Baker Beach.
