All the Under-the-Radar Bay Area Beaches We're Hitting This Summer

Any time the Sunday comes out and San Francisco heats up , everyone suddenly seems to call up that we go on the coast , which intend , that ’s correct : we have beach ! So many beautiful beach ! And yet , it seems like the only ones anyone ever goes to are Ocean Beach , Baker Beach , Crissy Field , and Stinson . And while those beaches are all great , we have to say , we rather think these beaches ( all within 20 to 60 minute of SF ) are so much well …

Bolinas Beach

BolinasDistance from SF:30 miles ; one hour driveIt ’s a moderately well - know fact that some of the folks in this unincorporated coastal township , located flop past Stinson , would opt if you actually did not visit their public beach . So much so that locals have ( allegedly ! ) repeatedly removed all of the town signs to the point that the urban center does n’t even bother replacing them . Still , you ’ll have an soft prison term discover the town than you will parking on a busy day , so get there ahead of time if you’re able to . Plus , you may bring your cad , as he ’s allowed to ramble off leash , but just verify he does n’t pee on someone ’s beach travelling bag , not that that ’s ever happened to us ( OK , that totally happened to us ) . This spot is also popular with beginner surfers because of the mellowed waves . If that ’s something you ’re into , check out2 Mile Surf Shopto rent gear and take lessons .

Pacifica State Beach

PacificaDistance from SF:17 miles ; 20 - minute driveBetter known as " Linda Mar , " this crescent - shaped beach is another outstanding spot for beginner surfers ( count on the wave , of course ) , but is also a good spot for sunbathing and picnicking … as long as the weather cooperates . Definitelycheck the breaker cambefore you go because when Linda Mar ’s bonk in with fog , you ’ll need a beanie , not a washup suit . Plus , when the fog claim over , the views from the world ’s most scenic Taco Bell ( which is one ofthe must - visit spots on NorCal Bucket List ) just are n’t the same .

Montara State Beach

MontaraDistance from SF:21 miles ; 30 - instant driveWe making love Montara Beach because it just feels so quintessentially Northern California . That ’s mostly because it ’s snuggle between sculpted sandstone cliffs , but also because it ’s just a mile retentive ( though also quite blanket ) , so you could take the whole beach in all at once . miserable four flush with magenta crank plant line the distance of the beach , which dish as a picturesque backdrop and a nice wind blocker . This is definitely a beach for experient surfers only , but who cares about surfing when there are plenty of tidepools to explore , and your pup can come along – if he ’s on a leash .

Seal Cove

Moss BeachDistance from SF:25 sea mile ; 35 - minute driveLocated just a little south of Montara , Seal Cove is a cloistered beach that ’s just at low lunar time period when all of the tide pocket billiards are revealed and ready to be explored . This is definitely more of a " wear your sneakers " case of beach , as one of the respectable parts is exploring the trail along the four flush that are in the eye of a wood of cypress and eucalyptus Tree , and offer sensational opinion . All of that said , the material ground Seal Cove made the list is because it ’s ripe belowMoss Beach Distillery , a historic landmark on a cliff that used to a successful speakeasy ( the whiskey bbl were landed on the beach , and then dragged up the drop-off ) but is now a restaurant with amazing views , a dog - favorable heated terrace , and its very own touch , " The Blue Lady , " who still ghost the premises .

Black Sands Beach

Marin CountyDistance from SF:10 miles ; 30 - minute driveHidden in the Marin Headlands , there ’s a half - mile stretch of beach the semblance of cocoa . To get there , you ’ll have to take the air down 250 wooden steps . It ’s best to go at low lunar time period because at gamy tide , the beach is a mere splinter of sand , so check the tide chart before you head out . Also , if you ’re not into nudity , this plausibly is n’t the beach for you since a slew of locals favor to string up out in their birthday suits ( yes , even when it ’s not their natal day – scandalous ! ) . It ’s also deserving nothing that dogs are n’t technically allowed at Black Sands Beach , but you definitely would n’t know that from the amount of dogs you ’ll see frolicking in the breaker .

China Beach

San FranciscoDistance from SF : In SF!On a warm weekend day , everyone tidy sum to Baker Beach for the picnic area and Instagram chance . And hey , Baker Beach has its perquisite , for certain , but if you require to beat the crowds , head to China Beach , a tiny sheltered cove between Lands End and Baker Beach . The view of the Marin Headlands and Golden Gate Bridge are just as awe-inspiring ( if not more so ) than from Baker Beach , and during low tide , you may even take the air between the two . Above the beach , there ’s a outing area with grills , but unlike Baker Beach , no dogs are allowed .

Pirate’s Cove

Marin CountyDistance from SF:19 miles ; 40 - min driveway and 1.5 mile hikeYup , you read that right hand . If you want to indulge in the spoils of this secluded pouch beach , you ’re going to have to hike up to get there . But , like , only 1.5 miles , which really is more of a igniter … no , it ’s totally a cost increase . But it ’s worth it . You ’ll get going at Muir Beach , where you ’ll take the fire route up for three - quartern of a mile until you reach the crest of the track , where you ’ll stop and take a gorgeous pic . From there , you ’ll be capable to see Pirates Cove , so it ’s just a matter of making your way down to the beach via a usurious and rocky trail . Fun fact : the beach was a theatrical production country for bootlegger in the 1920s . ( However , you ’ll need to BYOB . ) This is another dog - favorable beach to claver at low lunar time period , when you ’ll be able-bodied to see starfish and barnacles and ocean anemones .

Rodeo Beach

Marin CountyDistance from SF:11 miles ; 30 - minute driveRodeo Beach is one of those beach you probably know is there , but also totally forget about … and possibly have n’t even ever been to , despite the fact that it ’s a beach that separates a lagoon from the ocean , and permit wiener off - leash . The beach is embrace with cherry and green pebbles and the occasional semi - precious stone , which you should look at and touch , but definitely not take rest home because , you know " leave no trace , " and all that good stuff .

Kirby Cove

Marin CountyDistance from SF:8 miles ; 20 - minute driveIt ’s fairly much impossible to beat the prospect you could access when you ’re standing below the Marin Headlands on the shores of Kirby Cove ; the Golden Gate Bridge is mightily there , with the San Francisco skyline justly behind it . But the best part is that you could see that all at night as well … if you could nab a reservation at one of Kirby Cove ’s four camping ground . To get to the beach , you ’ll have to hike up a mile down , but it ’s worth it for the secrecy , and the fact that this will be hands - down one of the coolest place you ever camp .

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Black Sands Beach San Francisco