Emerald Isle – North Carolina, USA
- Bogue Inlet Drive, Emerald Isle, Carteret County, North Carolina, 28594, United States
- +1 (252) 354-3424
- October 13, 2025
About This Beach
Tucked along San Francisco’s rugged Presidio coastline, Baker Beach offers one of the city’s most breathtaking coastal experiences — with golden sands, rocky cliffs, and iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
This one-mile stretch is ideal for picnics, walks, and dramatic sunset photography, blending natural beauty with the urban energy of San Francisco. While the surf can be rough, the scenery makes it a must-visit stop on any Bay Area itinerary.
Baker Beach’s west-side location gives visitors panoramic vistas of the Marin Headlands, the Pacific Ocean, and the Golden Gate, all framed by steep coastal bluffs and cypress trees.
📜 History & Unique Features
Originally part of the U.S. Army’s Presidio, Baker Beach has long been a key landmark in San Francisco’s military and recreational history.
Named after early settler Henry Baker, who ran a dairy farm nearby in the 1850s.
The beach gained fame for postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, completed in 1937.
Site of early Burning Man festivals (before the event moved to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert).
The north end is historically known for clothing-optional sunbathing.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Mar–May): Cool breezes, lush green hills.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Foggy mornings, mild afternoons.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Best weather — clear skies and warm sunsets.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Dramatic surf and fewer crowds.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Foggy mornings, mild afternoons.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Best weather — clear skies and warm sunsets.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Dramatic surf and fewer crowds.
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- Photography: Capture the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands — best light is early morning or golden hour.
- Picnicking: Picnic tables and grills near the parking area offer scenic lunch spots.
- Beach Walks: Enjoy peaceful strolls along the shoreline.
- Fishing: Popular for surf perch and rock cod (CA license required).
- Wildlife Watching: Look for dolphins, harbor porpoises, and seabirds.
- Relaxation & Sunsets: Bring a blanket — the sunsets here are unforgettable.
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Restrooms near the main parking lot
- Picnic tables & grills
- Limited parking (Free lots fill quickly)
- No lifeguards on duty — swim with caution
- Accessible trail connection to Presidio bluffs
- Trash & recycling bins provided
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
odge at the Presidio: Boutique hotel inside Presidio park (closest option).
Inn at the Presidio: Historic and eco-friendly stay with views.
Seal Rock Inn: Affordable motel near Lands End.
Downtown San Francisco Hotels: 30-min drive away.
Inn at the Presidio: Historic and eco-friendly stay with views.
Seal Rock Inn: Affordable motel near Lands End.
Downtown San Francisco Hotels: 30-min drive away.
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
Beach Access: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Presidio grounds: Open 24 hours for walking and cycling
Presidio grounds: Open 24 hours for walking and cycling
Pricing
Pricing
Beach Access: Free
Parking: Free (main lot limited)
Picnic Area Use: Free (first come, first served)
Parking: Free (main lot limited)
Picnic Area Use: Free (first come, first served)
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
Marshall’s Beach: Just north of Baker; steeper hike but even closer view of the bridge.
China Beach: Smaller cove with lifeguards and restrooms.
Presidio Trails: Eco-friendly walks connecting Battery Chamberlin and Lands End.
Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoints: Less than 10 minutes north.
Crissy Field & Fort Point: Perfect for families and picnics with bridge backdrop.
Legion of Honor Museum: European art and panoramic views above Lands End.
China Beach: Smaller cove with lifeguards and restrooms.
Presidio Trails: Eco-friendly walks connecting Battery Chamberlin and Lands End.
Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoints: Less than 10 minutes north.
Crissy Field & Fort Point: Perfect for families and picnics with bridge backdrop.
Legion of Honor Museum: European art and panoramic views above Lands End.
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
No food vendors on the beach itself, but great nearby options include:
Presidio Social Club: Upscale comfort food in a historic barracks.
The Warming Hut Café: Coffee and soups near Crissy Field.
Baker Beach Picnic Area: Bring your own BBQ or snacks.
Outer Richmond District Eateries: Great Asian and seafood spots along Clement Street.
Presidio Social Club: Upscale comfort food in a historic barracks.
The Warming Hut Café: Coffee and soups near Crissy Field.
Baker Beach Picnic Area: Bring your own BBQ or snacks.
Outer Richmond District Eateries: Great Asian and seafood spots along Clement Street.
Events & Festivals
Events & Festivals
Presidio Picnic (April–October):
Weekly Sunday gathering on the Main Parade Ground near Baker Beach — local food trucks, live music, yoga, and family-friendly fun hosted by Off the Grid.
Fleet Week San Francisco (October):
One of the city’s most iconic events — U.S. Navy Blue Angels air shows thunder above Baker Beach and the Bay, offering spectacular viewing from the sand.
Golden Gate Half Marathon (November):
Runners trace scenic coastal trails near the Presidio and Baker Beach — great to watch or photograph early morning.
Bay to Breakers (May):
The legendary costumed footrace finishes near Ocean Beach; Baker Beach is a quieter alternative for post-race relaxation.
Fourth of July Fireworks (San Francisco Waterfront):
While the main show launches from Fisherman’s Wharf, Baker Beach’s high bluffs sometimes provide partial, crowd-free views of the celebration.
Presidio Twilight (Summer Evenings):
Evening pop-up dining events with fire pits, acoustic music, and food trucks just 5 minutes from Baker Beach.
Earth Day Coastal Cleanups (April):
Locals and visitors gather for volunteer cleanup drives organized by Presidio Trust and Surfrider Foundation.
Tip: Check the Presidio Trust Events Calendar for pop-up concerts, historical walking tours, and outdoor film screenings happening within walking distance of Baker Beach.
Weekly Sunday gathering on the Main Parade Ground near Baker Beach — local food trucks, live music, yoga, and family-friendly fun hosted by Off the Grid.
Fleet Week San Francisco (October):
One of the city’s most iconic events — U.S. Navy Blue Angels air shows thunder above Baker Beach and the Bay, offering spectacular viewing from the sand.
Golden Gate Half Marathon (November):
Runners trace scenic coastal trails near the Presidio and Baker Beach — great to watch or photograph early morning.
Bay to Breakers (May):
The legendary costumed footrace finishes near Ocean Beach; Baker Beach is a quieter alternative for post-race relaxation.
Fourth of July Fireworks (San Francisco Waterfront):
While the main show launches from Fisherman’s Wharf, Baker Beach’s high bluffs sometimes provide partial, crowd-free views of the celebration.
Presidio Twilight (Summer Evenings):
Evening pop-up dining events with fire pits, acoustic music, and food trucks just 5 minutes from Baker Beach.
Earth Day Coastal Cleanups (April):
Locals and visitors gather for volunteer cleanup drives organized by Presidio Trust and Surfrider Foundation.
Tip: Check the Presidio Trust Events Calendar for pop-up concerts, historical walking tours, and outdoor film screenings happening within walking distance of Baker Beach.
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Dress in layers — fog and wind can change quickly.
Parking fills early on weekends. Arrive before 10 AM.
The north end is clothing-optional; families should stay south of the lot.
Swimming is not recommended — strong rip currents.
Dogs allowed on leash only (except north end where off-leash is tolerated).
Parking fills early on weekends. Arrive before 10 AM.
The north end is clothing-optional; families should stay south of the lot.
Swimming is not recommended — strong rip currents.
Dogs allowed on leash only (except north end where off-leash is tolerated).
Safety & Rules
Safety & Rules
No swimming — strong rip currents and cold water hazardous year-round.
No fires or barbecues on the sand. Use designated grill areas only.
Dogs allowed on leash in main areas; off-leash tolerated north end.
Alcohol prohibited.
No glass containers or smoking.
Tide awareness: High tide can narrow the shoreline quickly.
Stay off cliffs and unstable bluffs — erosion zones.
Respect wildlife (seabirds & marine mammals protected).
No fires or barbecues on the sand. Use designated grill areas only.
Dogs allowed on leash in main areas; off-leash tolerated north end.
Alcohol prohibited.
No glass containers or smoking.
Tide awareness: High tide can narrow the shoreline quickly.
Stay off cliffs and unstable bluffs — erosion zones.
Respect wildlife (seabirds & marine mammals protected).
FAQs
Are dogs allowed?
Yes (on leash south end, off-leash north end unofficially accepted).
Can I barbecue or light a fire?
Only in designated grill areas — no fires directly on the beach.
Is there a nude section?
Yes — the northern end of the beach is clothing-optional.
Is it accessible by public transport?
Yes — Muni lines connect to the Presidio; expect a 10-minute walk down from the stop.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Website URL
Location
Beach Address
1770, Gibson Road, Seacliff, Richmond District, San Francisco, California, 94129, United States
Access Points
Directions:
From Downtown SF: Take Lincoln Blvd through the Presidio and follow signs to Baker Beach.
By Transit: Muni Bus PresidiGo Shuttle or 38R Geary to 25th Ave, then walk 20 min.
Parking: Free lot at end of Gibson Rd + overflow along Lincoln Blvd.
From Downtown SF: Take Lincoln Blvd through the Presidio and follow signs to Baker Beach.
By Transit: Muni Bus PresidiGo Shuttle or 38R Geary to 25th Ave, then walk 20 min.
Parking: Free lot at end of Gibson Rd + overflow along Lincoln Blvd.
1770, Gibson Road, Seacliff, Richmond District, San Francisco, California, 94129, United States
Media
Review
Write a ReviewThere are no reviews yet.
Leave a Review
Carolina Beach – North Carolina, USA
- 100, Cape Fear Boulevard, Carolina Beach, New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28428, United States
- +1 (910) 458-8434
- October 13, 2025
Wrightsville Beach – North Carolina, USA
- 23, East Salisbury Street;Salisbury Street East, Parmele Isles, Wrightsville Beach, New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28480, United States
- +1 (910) 256-7925
- October 13, 2025