Baker Beach: Golden Gate Views and Coastal History
Iconic San Francisco beach with Golden Gate views, a military past, and a spot for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
Baker Beach, nestled in San Francisco's Presidio, offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and a glimpse into the area's military past. Once the site of a coastal defense installation and the original Burning Man festival, it's now a popular spot for recreation and relaxation.
A brief summary to Baker Beach
- San Francisco, California, US
Local tips
- Arrive early on sunny days and weekends to secure parking and a good spot on the beach.
- Check the northwest end of the beach at low tide for interesting finds, but be aware of clothing-optional sunbathers.
- Visit later in the afternoon to avoid fog that can obscure views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown San Francisco, take the 38-Geary bus to Geary and 25th Avenue. Transfer to the 29-Sunset bus northbound. Get off at the Bowley Street & Gibson Road stop. Walk through the parking lot to access the beach. A single ride on Muni costs $3.
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Driving
From downtown San Francisco, take Lincoln Boulevard southwest to Bowley Street. Turn right onto Gibson Road and follow the road to the beach parking areas. Parking is free in the Baker Beach parking lots. Parking lots close one hour after sunset.
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Ride Share
From anywhere in San Francisco, use a ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) to Baker Beach. The destination address is 1770 Gibson Road, San Francisco. A ride from Union Square will typically cost $25-30.
Discover more about Baker Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sea Cliff
1.0 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Sea Cliff in San Francisco, where breathtaking ocean views and serene parks provide a perfect escape from city life.
Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point
1.7 km
Experience stunning panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge at the Vista Point in San Francisco, a must-visit for any traveler.
Pershing Square
2.2 km
Explore the historical marvels of Pershing Square in San Francisco's Presidio, a serene destination rich in culture, stunning views, and engaging stories.
Presidio of San Francisco (California Historical Landmark #79)
2.7 km
Explore the Presidio of San Francisco, a historical landmark blending military history with breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Wayburn Redwood Grove
2.8 km
Explore the breathtaking tranquility of Wayburn Redwood Grove, a serene park in San Francisco's Presidio, surrounded by majestic redwoods and natural beauty.
Golden Gate Bridge
3.0 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and historical significance of the Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic symbol of San Francisco and a must-see for every traveler.
California Historical Landmark 760: Laurel Hill Cemetery Site
3.2 km
Discover the poignant history of San Francisco's former Laurel Hill Cemetery, a 'city of the dead' transformed into a vibrant neighborhood, marked by a California Historical Landmark.
Lombard Gate Presidio
3.2 km
Discover the historic Lombard Gate in San Francisco's Presidio: a charming landmark offering scenic views, access to trails, and a glimpse into the area's rich military past and natural beauty.
Palace of Fine Arts
3.3 km
A San Francisco architectural masterpiece originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, offering a serene escape with its iconic rotunda, colonnades, and tranquil lagoon.
Sundial
3.3 km
Discover the Sundial in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco—a historic landmark blending beauty and nature in one serene experience.
Dutch Windmill
3.4 km
Discover the charming Dutch Windmill in Golden Gate Park, a historical landmark surrounded by stunning gardens and rich cultural heritage.
501 Stanyan St
3.5 km
Explore the architectural elegance of 501 Stanyan St in Golden Gate Park, where nature and history intertwine in the heart of San Francisco.
McLaren Lodge
3.5 km
Discover the historic McLaren Lodge in Golden Gate Park, home to the SF Recreation & Parks Department and a monument to John McLaren's vision, showcasing stunning Richardsonian Romanesque architecture.
Alvord Lake Bridge
3.7 km
Explore the beauty of Alvord Lake Bridge in Golden Gate Park, a serene escape for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts in San Francisco.
1709 Broderick St
3.7 km
Discover the historic charm of 1709 Broderick St, a stunning building in Lower Pacific Heights, showcasing San Francisco's rich architectural heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Lands End Trail Eagles Point
1.2 km
Discover the stunning coastal views and natural beauty at Lands End Trail Eagles Point in San Francisco, a must-visit for all travelers.
Lincoln Park Playground
1.6 km
Discover Lincoln Park Playground – a family-friendly haven in San Francisco, with play areas for kids and stunning views of the Pacific and Golden Gate Bridge.
Strauss Statue
1.8 km
Honor the visionary engineer behind the Golden Gate Bridge at this inspiring statue, offering a tangible connection to San Francisco's most iconic landmark and its remarkable history.
Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center
1.8 km
Discover the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, your essential guide to exploring San Francisco's iconic landmark and its rich history.
Legion of Honor
1.8 km
Experience the elegance of the Legion of Honor, a premier art museum in San Francisco showcasing European masterpieces and breathtaking views.
San Francisco National Cemetery
2.0 km
Explore the serene beauty and historical significance of the San Francisco National Cemetery, a tribute to military service nestled in the Presidio.
Fort Point National Historic Site
2.0 km
Experience history and nature at Fort Point National Historic Site, a stunning landmark beneath the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Warming Hut Park Store
2.0 km
Cozy cafe and gift shop at Crissy Field with iconic Golden Gate Bridge views, offering local treats, park mementos, and a warm welcome.
Crissy Field
2.0 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Crissy Field in San Francisco, where stunning views meet outdoor adventure along the bay.
Ecology Trail
2.2 km
Discover the serene Ecology Trail in San Francisco, where nature, stunning views, and ecological education come together for a perfect outdoor escape.
Presidio Officers' Club
2.2 km
Explore San Francisco's military history at the Presidio Officers' Club, a heritage museum and cultural center nestled in stunning landscapes.
Essential places to dine
Chapeau
2.3 km
Experience exquisite French cuisine at Chapeau in San Francisco's Richmond District, where elegance meets exceptional flavors.
Spruce
2.8 km
Discover Spruce: A premier New American restaurant in San Francisco's Presidio Heights serving exquisite seasonal cuisine and elegant ambiance.
Atelier Crenn
4.2 km
Experience the artistry of French cuisine at Atelier Crenn, where each dish tells a unique story crafted by Chef Dominique Crenn.
Nopa
4.6 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of New American cuisine at Nopa in San Francisco's Alamo Square, where organic ingredients meet Mediterranean flair.
State Bird Provisions
4.6 km
Discover innovative American cuisine with a Californian twist at State Bird Provisions in San Francisco's Fillmore District.
The Progress
4.6 km
Discover innovative Californian cuisine at The Progress in San Francisco’s charming Fillmore District—an unforgettable dining experience awaits!
Petit Crenn
5.4 km
Discover the artful blend of tradition and innovation at Petit Crenn, a premier French restaurant in San Francisco's Hayes Valley.
Suppenküche
5.4 km
Experience authentic German cuisine at Suppenküche in San Francisco's Hayes Valley - where every dish tells a story.
Street Restaurant and Bar
5.4 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of New American cuisine at Street Restaurant and Bar in San Francisco's Polk Gulch—where every dish tells a story.
Acquerello
5.5 km
Discover Acquerello: An exquisite Southern Italian dining experience in San Francisco, where culinary artistry meets elegance.
a Mano
5.6 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at a Mano in Hayes Valley - where fresh ingredients meet culinary creativity.
Starbelly
5.6 km
Experience fresh Californian cuisine at Starbelly in San Francisco's Castro district - where seasonal ingredients meet innovative flavors.
Monsieur Benjamin
5.6 km
Experience exquisite French cuisine at Monsieur Benjamin in Hayes Valley - where modern flavors meet timeless tradition.
Chez Maman West
5.6 km
Savor authentic French cuisine at Chez Maman West in Hayes Valley - where culinary passion meets inviting ambiance.
Blind Butcher
5.6 km
Experience innovative New American cuisine at Blind Butcher in San Francisco's lively Castro district - where fresh ingredients meet creative flair.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Golden Hour
2.3 km
Discover vintage treasures and unique finds at The Golden Hour, San Francisco's charming vintage clothing store in the heart of Richmond District.
Foggy Notion
2.3 km
Explore Foggy Notion, a charming boutique in San Francisco, offering a captivating selection of unique gifts and artisanal treasures.
Button Down
3.1 km
Explore Button Down, a charming clothing store in San Francisco’s Presidio Heights, offering unique apparel and accessories for the fashion-savvy traveler.
Land of the Sun
3.9 km
Explore the vibrant Land of the Sun gift shop in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, for unique clothing, accessories, and local souvenirs that capture the city's spirit.
San Francisco Mercantile
4.0 km
Explore the essence of San Francisco at San Francisco Mercantile, your go-to shop for unique gifts and local artisan creations in Haight-Ashbury.
Things Lucky Handicraft
4.1 km
Explore the vibrant Haight-Ashbury district and uncover unique gifts and handcrafted treasures at Things Lucky Handicraft.
Held Over
4.1 km
Explore unique vintage fashion at Held Over, where every piece has a story and reflects the vibrant spirit of San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury.
Welcome Haight & Ashbury
4.1 km
Explore the heart of Haight-Ashbury with unique gifts and local treasures at Welcome Haight & Ashbury, San Francisco's iconic visitor center.
True
4.2 km
Discover unique fashion at True Clothing in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco's iconic store for eclectic styles and local designer pieces.
Current
4.3 km
Explore San Francisco's Current Boutique for unique women's fashion, from chic dresses to stylish accessories in a vibrant shopping atmosphere.
Nikoniko Gifts
4.3 km
Explore Nikoniko Gifts, a charming San Francisco gift shop offering unique souvenirs and local artisan creations that capture the city's vibrant spirit.
post.script.
4.4 km
Explore post.script., a charming gift shop in San Francisco offering unique greeting cards and stationery, perfect for any occasion or souvenir.
FRAME
4.4 km
Explore FRAME in Pacific Heights, a chic clothing store offering a curated collection of contemporary fashion for every style.
The Perish Trust
4.5 km
Discover unique gifts and local art at The Perish Trust, a charming shop in San Francisco's Fillmore District that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship.
Rare Device
4.5 km
Explore Rare Device in San Francisco for a unique gift shopping experience with local art and eclectic finds.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Brioche Bakery & Cafe
4.0 km
Indulge in artisanal pastries and exceptional brunch at Brioche Bakery & Cafe, a must-visit gem in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury.
The Interval at Long Now
4.7 km
Discover The Interval at Long Now: a San Francisco cocktail bar that fuses mixology with thought-provoking exhibits, perfect for curious travelers.
The Majestic Butterfly Lounge
5.2 km
Experience the art of mixology at The Majestic Butterfly Lounge, a stylish cocktail bar in San Francisco's Cathedral Hill, perfect for a vibrant night out.
Noc Noc
5.2 km
Discover Noc Noc, a vibrant bar in San Francisco's Lower Haight, offering creative cocktails and a unique atmosphere perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Bar Iris
5.4 km
Discover the vibrant fusion of cocktails and Japanese cuisine at Bar Iris, a must-visit culinary gem in San Francisco's Polk Gulch.
Smuggler's Cove
5.5 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere and exquisite cocktails at Smuggler's Cove, San Francisco's premier cocktail bar and rum haven.
Kozy Kar
5.5 km
Experience the unique charm of Kozy Kar, a vibrant bar in San Francisco's Polk Gulch, known for its water mattresses and friendly atmosphere.
Tara Indian Cuisine
5.6 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of India at Tara Indian Cuisine in San Francisco's Castro district, where tradition meets modern dining.
Blackbird
5.6 km
Experience the best of San Francisco nightlife at Blackbird Bar, where craft cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere await.
Rye Cocktail Bar
6.1 km
Discover Rye Cocktail Bar in San Francisco, a cocktail haven with expertly mixed drinks and a lively atmosphere perfect for any evening out.
ABV
6.2 km
Discover ABV in San Francisco: a vibrant bar and restaurant known for its craft cocktails and seasonal dishes, perfect for any culinary adventure.
Bourbon & Branch
6.2 km
Discover the speakeasy charm of Bourbon & Branch, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a vibrant San Francisco atmosphere.
Dahlia SF
6.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of San Francisco at Dahlia SF, a bar known for its creative cocktails and lively atmosphere in the heart of the Mission District.
Sweetie's Art Bar
6.3 km
Experience the artistic vibe and creative cocktails at Sweetie's Art Bar, a beloved local bar in the heart of San Francisco's North Beach.
Owl Tree
6.3 km
Discover Owl Tree, San Francisco's cocktail gem known for its cozy ambiance and innovative drinks perfect for any night out.