- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
China Beach
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Outer Richmond
490 Sea Cliff Ave
(at El Camino Del Mar)
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 561-4323
490 Sea Cliff Ave
(at El Camino Del Mar)
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 561-4323
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
74 reviews for China Beach
Amazing views of the pacific and the bay. And Golden Gate from a far.
I saw a pack of dolphins in the distance, yes dolphins!
Cozy romantic spot to visit.
This is one of the most pristine beaches in SF. Amazing views of the GG Bridge and surrounding "mansions": Robin Williams lives up the street and you more than likely will pass his house on the way here.
Not only are the views breathtaking here but this is also a great place to BBQ or picnic and lay out on the deck in the stark!!!! Make sure if you do this, you apply sunscreen on your balls, etc...
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
I was lucky enough to grow up in Southern California near the beach. Nearly every weekend and summer day of my young life were spent on the sand and in the water. The beaches were always packed -- it simply was what everyone did. Living in San Francisco, I've never much thought of it as a beach town. I mean, I knew there were beaches...but I thought they were just for looking at, it didn't occur to me that people here in SF actually put on bathing suits and make bodily contact with the ocean.
My thoughts changed when I recently discovered China Beach on a hike to the Sutro Baths. I stopped there to use the restroom, and do some quick nature admiring and scenic picture taking. We were only here for a few minutes, but I kept thinking back to this beach. Then suddenly, as if on cue, August arrived and the San Francisco summer weather made its grand appearance. Off to China Beach I went!
China beach is rather small. It's also pretty hidden around a curvy road in the Seacliff neighborhood, with just a tiny "Public Beach" sign pointing people in the right direction. Not sure if any beach is really wheelchair accessible, but this one is definitely not, as you've got to go down a long flight of stairs built into the cliffside to get to the sand. The stairs don't have a steady railing, just a loose cable. So if you've got old people in tow, or people who aren't so good on stairs, be prepared for the journey down to take awhile.
There are some picnic tables and BBQs above the beach, along with a pretty nice and surprisingly large bathroom....multiple stalls, showers and changing areas, all kept relatively clean. The showers have some serious outward spray action, even when they look like they are just pointing downward (which I quickly learned when I entered fully clothed and attempted just to rinse my feet).
There were only a few other fellow beach-goers when I arrived circa 11 am, but it got more and more crowded as the afternoon went on. So I guess some people do know about China Beach?
I was curious about the name, so I did a little research (read the sign at the entrance) and learned that "Since Gold Rush times, this cove was used as a campsite by many of the Chinese fishermen who worked in and around San Francisco Bay". Very interesting.
I kept seeing children fearlessly frolicking in the waves, so I got curious about the water. I waltzed up, stuck my foot in, and ran away....it's freezing!!!!!! So while I do now accept that San Francisco has some beaches that are great for sunbathing, I still don't believe these beaches are for swimming.
People thought this was:
- Useful (18)
- Funny (12)
- Cool (15)
My BF and I hiked through the Lands End Trail and the Presidio up to China Beach the other day. I'm so happy we kept going because it was absolutely beautiful there! There is a little picnic area right along the beach, great for kickin back with a group of people, some beers, and some good grub. The best part is the the awesome views! You see the Golden Gate Bridge, even though it was a bit foggy the day we went it was still an awesome view! I can't wait for our friends and family to come visit because this will definitely be a spot we will bring them!
Check out some of the pics we took at China Beach....so pretty!
http://www.sanfrancisc...
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
My friends and I ended up in a limo because we couldn't find a round trip ride to Half Moon Bay. That's another story...
We had to stop by China Beach so the newlyweds will have a very thick wedding photo album.
I realized that it's a very hidden beach! Small and uncrowded! I loved it so much that I convinced my friends to come back the next day in a much more comfortable clothes. They loved it too so of course we went.'
BUT damn the San Francisco weather! It was nice and warm on the wedding day then the next day it got windy and cold! ugh!
But we did took a lot of great photo!
I was visiting San Francisco with a few girlfriends. We are from San Diego and on our last day we couldn't find a bathroom. We saw signs pointing to a public beach, found parking immediately and ran down a flight of stairs. By accident we had found this local beach and fell in love. The view was breathtaking and it was not crowded. It looked untouched by tourists,... except for us. I will definately visit this beach once again and keep it a secret.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
China Beach is my favorite beach in the city. Granted, I'm only really comparing it to Ocean Beach and Baker Beach... but it is better! It would get 5 stars, but it evidently is not dog-friendly, which means I can't take my baby there! But, it is beautiful, with stunning views of the GG bridge. I love the general lack of crowds, and especially how it is tucked away in the gorgeousness of Seacliff. There is always parking too! My husband and I took our engagement photos there, and the beach made for a stunning backdrop. It's a great place for locals, so check it out if you get a chance!
Who knew this place existed? Well apparently at least 60 other yelpers out there that reviewed it!
The fiance and I took some pictures here for our engagement shoot and we felt like we were on our own private beach :)
Great background view of the Golden Gate Bridge...
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (6)
China Beach is about a half mile off of the beautiful Coastal Trail, and a great way to end a short day hike.
It is also perhaps the only place in San Francisco where it is legitimate to feel actual melancholy.
There is one craggy rock. When I am here I am usually the only person on the beach. Maybe one other person, also looking a bit "whyfore hath you forsaken me."
In front of the craggy rock, nothing but shock and awe, sublime sublime. The giant blood-colored bridge, the cold foggy bay, and far off, the umm stale promontory of Marin. I always get the urge to swim towards it, which is when I know I am going all Percy Shelly. That's when I go home, back through the unravish'd Coastal Trail.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
W H A T A V I E W ! ! !
In a quiet section of Sea Cliff just off 28th Avenue you can take a walk through neighborhoods of sprawling beautiful homes and landscaped lawns. Keep walking towards the Ocean and soon you will find a small parking lot with a fence and steps leading down to the beach. A huge granite pillar marks the area with "China Beach" in bold black lettering.
I'm lucky to live in the adjoining neighborhood of Outer Richmond where after dinner I can take a brisk walk and skirt the beach. In the evening you'll see some famous people strolling the area with their floofy pets or holding hands and enjoying the view beside you.
From the view point you can see the entire span of Golden Gate Bridge and that outer-most point of San Francisco Bay across to the Marin Headlands. So peaceful to listen to the waves lapping against the rock strewn shoreline. There are benches to sit down and no one really bothers you here. You won't hear cars or traffic. You won't hear sirens or screaching tires. Its a place to get away.
I come here on occasion to breath, recenter, relax and remember why I am just so lucky to live in such a beautiful city.
People thought this was:
- Useful (10)
- Funny (9)
- Cool (13)
The BEST beach I've been to since the one in Monterey Bay. It's view is BREATH TAKINGGGG! I'm literally stunned by how gorgeous the beach's landscape was. The most upside for me is the clean environment. Yes there are some little bits of trash near the staircase but it's trash free once you're a few feet away from it.
This beach is worth every ounce of gas to get there. You won't regret it.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
What a beautiful, hidden gem in the city...Breathtaking views of the GGB add to the beauty of this place. Good place to sit down and let out a big sigh. *Sigh
We stumbled on to this great beach that's tucked away in a great neighborhood near Lincoln Park. It seems private because it's really not that big and it has a view of the GG Bridge. We weren't supposed to but we drove all the way down because we are adventurous and daring! Just one of those fun days where you drive around, find hidden gems and fun things to do!
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (3)
I absolutely LOVE China Beach!! This is one of my all time favorite spots in the City! I call it my "date beach" - i bring all my dates here :) more so my out-of-town dates when i want to show off my beautiful city... :) it's really pretty here. the views are so gorgeous that even a not-so-professional camera can capture some awesome photos. it's beautiful during the day, and really gorgeous when the sun goes down too... i'm a girly girl and find this place to be very romantic... guys, if you have a girlfriend you would like to propose to - this is a perfect spot! :)
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
I've heard of China Beach and seen it on maps, but I've never been there until today. I should have made more of an effort to go there since I'm Chinese? It's somewhat hidden in a fairly swanky residential neighborhood and walkable from the Legion of Honor. The beach area is quite small with one large yellow building with restrooms and cans for recyclables (I half expected to see a Chinese person poking into the trash looking for cans and bottles). There are a few picnic tables and one outdoor grill.
It's called China Beach because Chinese fishermen used to have a campsite there. I'm not sure if the fishing is any good but I did see one fisherman.
There isn't much to do given the size of the beach. Of course you should stop to admire the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the waves crashing onto the shoreline. It seems to be less crowded than other beaches but I've only been there once so I can't say for sure. I didn't see many shells in the sand but there were some large rocks and plenty of seagulls. At first I thought the white circles were sand dollars but they were actually seagull droppings. Ick!
No pets, fires or glass. Ample free parking.
People thought this was:
- Useful (19)
- Funny (15)
- Cool (17)
The reason to go here is because it is slightly hidden and therefore uncrowded. Great views and a place to relax.
I would always walk down the pathway to the beach and right before turning right down to the sand, I would hop the little brick wall, and climb up the huge rock, which I call Meditation Rock. I would sit there and relax above the beach. The top of the rock is fairly flat. Truly awesome. Best time to do this is mid to late morning when there are even less people there.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
China beach really is as good as it gets. This place is like a little oriental secret known to some San Franciscans and isolated from the incoming flood of tourists (thank God, those Japanese tourists would really screw things up.) It is a small beach but the sunset here is incredible and beyond compare. I have uploaded a few pictures, which I took, into the collection of images. You are free to take a look!
Anyways, from China beach you can see the Golden Gate bridge. Yes, THAT Golden Gate Bridge. Not that there is any other one in the area. During the evening, if you wait at the correct time you can watch as the bridge lights up. It isn't dramatic but it is a good sight to see. Maybe something to put in your bucket list if you are old and senile. That ought to cheer you up a bit. It is a good place for photographs because there is minimal light pollution if you want to call it that.
Overall, I must give a disclaimer that a Cialis commercial was shot on this beach so if that makes you feel dirty then maybe you should avoid this area, but hey maybe you are into that sort of stuff.
Enjoy the beach people, there is none like it in San Francisco. Ocean beach is hardly comparable.
One more thing to note: There is only one way in to the beach and one way out. Narrow is the gate and few find it but it leads to a great time.
Have fun locating it.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
My boyfriend and I spent months up and down the Northern California coast trying to find Star Fish in their natural environment. We had all but given up hope when we happened to find ourselves at China Beach during low tide. I informed my boyfriend I was going to search this one final beach for Star Fish while he took a nap in the sun, which didn't last long, because about 2 minutes after I left that makeshift bed on the sand I hit the jackpot.
There are literally hundreds of Star Fish clinging to the rocks: pink, orange, purple. Absolutely amazing. We've also found if you go to watch the sunset, you can often spot a pod of dolphins jumping just off the coast.
This beach really is a hidden treasure.
In the early 1900's, China Beach was used by my people (that's the Chinese for those who didn't realize I was Chinese by stalking me and/or looking at my photos), as a campsite for those who worked mainly as fishermen in/around the Bay Area. Hence the name, China Beach.
I enjoyed a fantastic day here this past Saturday, soaking up the 70+ degree weather. This tiny stretch of beach offers many a safe haven from the brutal San Francisco wind. As you wind down the paved road, make sure that you stop along the way to pick some sun ripen blackberries. The blackberries were so amazingly delicious, that my friend and I couldn't stop picking them!
Many of you may not be aware of my love of dolphins, so much so, I actually have a few tattooed on my body. Growing up, I wanted to major in Marine Biology, so I could study/work with dolphins. My goal in this life, is to be reincarnated into a dolphin in my next life. Why all this dolphin talk?
Well, as my friend and I descended down the road towards the beach, my friend shouts excitedly, "Do you see those dolphins?!". Sure enough, just 60 feet from the beach, near the cliffs, a dorsal fin popped up. Then another, then another, then another. An entire pod were frolicking in the water! One even performed a full breach!!
Since this was my first time at China Beach, it was a wonderful omen of the GRAND day I were spend here.
With its long Chinese history, this beach and I have a natural affinity!
People thought this was:
- Useful (24)
- Funny (23)
- Cool (26)
First we should establish that this isn't a pretty beach. It has an old concrete structure that is a lifeguard station, chain link fences blocking view from the parking lot, and oil/ash in the sand.
However, this is my favorite beach to go to in SF. It's generally pretty quiet, the views are nice, and there's no nudists (I'm talking to you, Baker Beach).
This past week I took the 2 mile walk down there and sat and watched the sun set. I'm usually not patient enough to sit somewhere for so long, but this place has a charming effect that I haven't yet experienced in any of the other parks and beaches in the city, as good as they are.
The cats that come here are verry friendly and they'll act as if they've known you for years. They're seriously part of the beach, so say hi when you see one of them. And remember the best way to get a cat to trust approaching you is to crouch and hold your finger out so they can sniff you :)
-The Future Old Cat Man
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (5)
- Cool (5)
Wow, what a view!
This beach is located in the hotey-toyey neighborhood of Sea Cliff, where celebs like Robin Williams, reside. A couple of homes for sale in the neighborhood are well over $2 milliion and one was asking for over $4 million. But, you can purchase a condo for a "mere" 800K!
From the street level parking lot, you walk a few feet thru a gated area and there's an engraved granite slab from the 1980's, commemorating the history of this beach as a campsite used by Chinese fisherman during the Gold Rush days. You get a great view of the ocean from the far west tip of San Francisco, outside and beyond the Golden Gate Bridge. Across the street in one of the "monster homes" is a Swiss flag mounted up front. Perched on top of high cliffs over the beach are several more multimillion dollar "monster homes" with what I can only imagine, breathtaking views. But, there is a drawback with the large blackbirds and seagulls surfing the winds adjacent or above the homes. Can you imagine all the bird turd?
You descend mud slab stairs bracketed by wood onto a platform where you can watch the white tops on the waters. There are a couple of benches. Further down, is a paved area with one BBQ pit and another set of stairs down to the tiny beach. It can be very cold and windy but awesome to watch the ships come into the Bay and under the bridge.
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (5)
We went here last week. Boooooooooo!!!! I forgot all about it until today because we visited the Bonita Lighthouse Beach. Anyway, this beach is small and dirrrty.
maybe we went on a bad day... but boo. I didn't like this place. It was a waste of gas! minus One star. garr.
Crowd control = nice. It's not too packed here.
Views = nice
Photos = nice (good place for weddings, engagement, etc pictures...please do not send tourists here!)
Walking = nice, it's not too hilly and the stairs that are there, are actually easily accessible, even though I was limping with a sprained ankle. :)
Actually looking down at the beach = crap. Broken tires, and other trash left here.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
I'm sorry people with all the 5 star reviews. I really am. I WANTED to give China Beach a stronger rating but I just can't.
I mean granted I'm a little biased about beaches after having lived in Hawaii the past nine months (on the North Shore of Oahu no less) but still. The beach is super tiny and has a lot of rocks. There's also trash which isn't cool at ANY beach. The chain link fence and ugly concrete lifeguard tower detract from the beautiful views. I had fun here and even saw a dolphin which makes me feel like the water was cleaner than I thought initially. Kids were playing and digging up jellyfish that washed up and it seemed a safe family environment but I just wasn't blown away. I still think it's beautiful and I'll probably visit again a time or two but not even the friendly kitty cats around there make it more than 3 stars for me.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
A small but delightful stretch of sand hidden from view.
Small groups of families seem to congregate here. Off from wealthy SeaCliff Drive, it's got one of those picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge & Marin. Nestled among the cliffs is a small stretch of sandy beach & crashing waves. Even a sun deck building for the basic facilities & sun worshippers. Worth the trek for a short respite from City urban life.
Breathe in and enjoy the crashing waves & clean air.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
I love this beach! I've been coming here since middle school, when we'd use a brisk walk down to the beach and back as our PE for the day. Not only do you get to walk through beautiful Sea Cliff to get there, but also because it's Sea Cliff, tour buses aren't allowed; therefore, you never get more than a car-full of tourists here.
The beach is small, especially during high tide, but it's wonderfully relaxing and generally peaceful. I often come here in the morning for a quick jog up and down the 80 or so steep steps down to the beach before continuing my walk elsewhere. However, my favorite time to come is at sunset. It can be absolutely magical, particularly if you are the only one on the beach.
I'm a man..and real men don't sit around the beach talking about puppy dogs and ice cream!!!!!!!!
But when there's such an awesome semi secluded beach by your house how can you resist? Don't get me wrong, this isn't Manhattan Beach in Socal where you're going surfing.
This is a small beach with awesome views of the Golden Gate and the SF Bay entrance. You can see ships go by or just enjoy the sounds of the waves.
When it's high tide you can climb a rock and it feels like your right in the middle of the ocean. If you got a hour to kill and nothing to do you should stop by.
It's also perfect when i take my dog out http://static.px.yelp.... and enjoying the day with some Ben and Jerry's.
People thought this was:
- Useful (12)
- Funny (11)
- Cool (16)
If you want to show your date how romantic you can be, this is the place to do it.
Picture yourself sitting on a huge rock high above the rushing waves, holding her or him tight, protecting them against the cool wind. To the left you see the beautiful sunset. To the right, the Golden Gate Bridge. On a clear night you can point out the constellations. And if the moon is half to full, the natural, romantic lighting completes the scene.
Absolutely perfect.
PS. Just make sure you really truly like your date, because after this experience, they're yours, and you won't be able to get rid of them.
People thought this was:
- Useful (10)
- Funny (7)
- Cool (11)
Great view, great views!
Been coming here for years. I adore this beach...it's crazy when the tide is low. Have you met "Lucky" the cat yet? He's always around.
I live down the street. I may be biased. But nothing trips me out more than sitting on one of those rocks with my honey watching fins come up in the water. FINS of what...I'm not sure. But to me, it's perfectly IMperfect. It beats Ocean Beach. All ye locals would agree with me in saying, "I hope those tourists never figure out which street to make that sharp left on."
I'll disregard the one time a few friends and I saw a couple "relating" to one another near the hollowed out rocks (can't really call it a cave). Um, yeah. But hey, that's SF for you!
I'm as red as the five stars I gave it.
I burned my legs hella bad.
I'm emitting heat as we speak....and yes, I do sizzle when you touch me.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (5)
China Beach, thank you for allowing me to be a SF beach bum!
Top 3 reasons to go to China instead of Ocean:
1. The cat with the blue toenails.
2. The stairs down to the water are perfectly spaced out for a non-rest-needing walk back to the car.
3. It will actually be sunny and warm.
Don't love that tourists tend to appear, but hey good on them for knowing about it.
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
You get practically the same view as you do from Baker Beach, sans naked men.
Stop by for a picturesque view on your way back from Robin Williams' house.
People thought this was:
- Cool (3)
Wedged in between Baker's Beach and Lands End, but not connected to either by trail, and hardly visible at all unless you're already right on top of it, you're unlikely to ever find China Beach by accident. Sure, it's a great little pocket of nature with views of the GGB, but the overbearing infrastructure here (giant parking lot, chain link fence, driving ramp, huge concrete bulwarks, and that crumbling, yellow eyesore of a building) detract a lot. If you really want a pristine spot, I recommend walking out to Mile Rock Beach. But China Beach is still an essential addition to any local's box of secret spots.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
I like this beach because it's kind of hidden from the public . It's surrounded by the houses of rich people . Rich people are so lucky .. it's as if they get their own beach !! lol . You can even see the butlers and servants through the window of the house across from China Beach . The windows are big and aren't curtained or anything . It's so unreal .. I thought you just see those kind of houses in movies or TV ! It makes me kind of glad I didn't grow up in one of those houses though .. I don't know , maybe just because it seems so unreal . Anyways , you have to walk down a good amount of steps to get to the beach .. the view of the beach is okay but it's kind of small . It's nice though because there's not much people so it's really quiet . It's just kind of creepy at night because it's super dark and there's like no one there . Btw , bonfires are prohibited which I think is really because then the beauty of the beach is really preserved .
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (1)
Some parts of the beach is pretty, some places are really dirty. I got attacked by a seagull (MINE! MINE! MINE!) that wanted my sandwich. I threw it and the seagull thought he was a bad ass and tried to carry the heavy mofo sandwich in his beak and fly away. Instead more 'Mine Mines' surround him and fought over the sandwich. He ended up with one piece of bread and one little piece of lettuce.
All in all, I like this beach, I don't think I'll visit this beach regularly, though
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
No pets allowed on China Beach.
After reading some reviews on yelp that mentioned dogs, I brought my two little 6-pound dogs to China Beach. There was a sign saying "no pets allowed." Three separate people were kind enough (:P) to inform me on my walk down to the beach that no pets are allowed, and I was told to leave and go to Baker Beach. Which I did.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
I went to this beach because Muir beach was packed. The beach is kind of small. There is a good view of the bridge. Also, there is lots of space to tan both on the building roof and the beach.
The beach is located in a really nice area and there is ample street parking.
Nice if you're not looking for a very busy place.
This is such a beautiful area....I don't come here to
get in the water...in my 30 years in the Bay area, I have
hardly put a toe in the water....but I do love the spectacular
scenery from this quieter side of San Francisco. I like
it best on a weekday morning, when there is hardly any
one around - I can just walk and daydream, with my thermos
of hot tea or something more potent, and ponder the mysteries
of life.
When Ocean Beach is a little too windy or crowded or if you just want to relax at what seems to be your own private beach, this is the spot to come to.
It's perfectly located for me since I live within walking distance, but more importantly, it's a little bit off the beaten path so it's hardly ever crowded; most city dwellers will go to Baker Beach or OB before they ever come here (if they know it exists).
Which reminds me..there used to be this hottie who would pull up on her Japanese super-cycle, walk down the path in her leather cycle suit, and strip right there on the beach only to unveil the tightest yellow bikini - mmm...that girl was Tee-Tastee!
Damn, I should make that scene into a Coke commercial or something...
