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Ocean Beach

4 star rating
based on 379 reviews

Category: Beaches  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Outer Richmond
Fulton St & Great Highway
Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 561-4323
Good for Kids:
Yes

379 reviews for Ocean Beach

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53

143

HY C.

SOMA, San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/26/2009

i LOVE the new firepits!!!  Bonfires are my absolute favorite, esp. on nights where it's not too windy.  

If you're staying past 10pm, park on JFK (next to Beach Chalet).  Also, no bottles or open alcohol beverages.

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Elite '09

17

166

Clarence A.

Daly City, CA

2 star rating
10/25/2009 2 photos

2 stars if not less, it is close to home so maybe because it is close to home I do not appreciate it as much,

this beach is located in the sunset, fog covers this beach majority of the year maybe a handful if not a total of 4 weeks of good sun at this beach,

spot is good for bonfires, dont really recommend swimming in the water super cold year round and you will smell funky after you get out of water haha.

also at night you will hear huge rats scurring all over the concrete walls and trash cans

on semiwarm nights this place has its litter of folks, younger crowd and older crowds if you get there early you can guarantee yourself a designated bonfire spot

Always Always Always bring a sweater and maybe a blanket or something warm this place cools down quick and also place closes at 10pm so if you are going to bonfire you have to park by the golden gate park entrances or side streets any of the cars parked at the beach will be towed.

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Oliver D.

Union City, CA

4 star rating
9/29/2009 1 photo

Definitely an entertaining place to walk around and chill with friends!

I haven't even tried swimming here yet, since my friends and I always just go here to chill (also because the beach is usually cold, even during summer). If you're daring, there's somewhat of a rocky little mountain at the side of the beach; have fun climbing it! hahaha.

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Bekkah R.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/4/2009

I love the beach and the ocean, so I also love Ocean Beach! My boyfriend and I walked all the way from the Zoo to the Cliffhouse & Sutro Baths. I think it took us about four hours and at the end of the day we were exhausted. But who wouldn't be after going to the zoo, walking over four miles of beach and at the end climbing the stairs at the Sutro Baths. Great workout though. Had a great day and took about eight hundred+ pictures. Only downside were the jellyfish on the beach, but that's July for you.

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Elite '09

16

238

Kylie L.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
Updated - 9/26/2009 7 photos

I like sitting up or looking from here http://www.yelp.com/bi...

I saw a cute doggy, and decided to take pics of it.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I found that same dog near the water http://www.yelp.com/bi... it was running around in the water, very cute.

I also saw another dog in a lobster costume, but it kept moving so it was hard to take a clear pic of it.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    8/14/2009

    DIRTY
    SMELLY in certain areas
    BONFIRES
    SAND CASTLES
    DEAD JELLYFISH
    KITES
    CLIFF HOUSE
    RUNNERS WITH DOGS

    I… Read more »

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Elite '09

375

394

Janice C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/15/2009

A dirty beach is a sad looking beach.  

People!  take your trash with you when you leave!!

* Ok. I'm done with my PSA *

The 4 mile stretch of coastline that is Ocean Beach is easily accessible from the Great Highway and has plenty of parking spots.

You can see all types of crowds here, from the teenagers around the bonfire, to couples with their dogs, and children flying kites.

I come here to watch the surfers ride the waves of the Pacific Ocean.  They're amazingly brave to be in that frigid water and from what I've heard -- dangerous undertow, so swimming here is definitely not a good idea.

Don't forget to bring your sweater (or significant other who gives great bear hugs) it's usually cold and windy here.

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Elite '09

815

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David B.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
9/14/2009

I'm originally from Florida. West Side of the state where the sand is like powder white and crunches under your feet. Not going to find that here my friend. Nope.

I left that behind years ago and moved West. In search of life's journeys, lessons, fortune and of course another ocean. The Pacific to be exact. Never warm, always foggy and cold this beach epitomizes the Northern California beaches or at least those I have been exposed to.
I run out to this beach every other day from Kennedy Drive and stare for a minute at the beauty.
Firepits in the summer with BBQ going on. Beer bottles that were once shared with friends and forgotten in a stupor left to be broken and mar this sandy shore. Its sad really what has become of this beach. I mean it is the focus the first Sunday of each month by the Surfrider Association beach cleanup. I've helped them and I know the things you will find simply amaze!
If you can get past all that and sit on the shore and listen to the waves or see the tide washing the sandollars in and out. You can listen to a sound that you will never duplicate on a CD you'd buy at your favorite record store or download online. This is the sound of the ocean. White frothy waves sweeping all the troubles and worries away. Without even getting your feet wet you can sit there and have the cool wind blow until your cheeks turn red from the brisk wind.
Surfers enjoy the ride but dare to brave it without a wetsuit and you will experience severe shrinkage. Guaranteed.
Although, I've never had a bad day at the beach, this beach surely has seen better ones. I love California but does California love its beaches enough to show that love.
Love the Sunset!!

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Photo of John M.

 

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John M.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
7/14/2009

I was landlocked for most of my life. Now I live 2 miles away from the edge of the western world and I love it! I go here almost anytime the sun allows a fiery sunset, and the waves are calm enough to walk around in.
The other day I took a group of local friends to the Sutro Bath Ruins and they were shocked that this kind of beauty existed in San Francisco. They must not get out much, good thing they know me!  It is a nearby reminder of why I live here and that no matter how shitty my day has been, or if my wallet is empty at the time, that this awesome stretch of coast is there to always welcome me.

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Jessica I.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
6/29/2009

For my 100th review, I wanted to write about the place in San Francisco that has been most significant to me over the years.  I considered nightclubs, restaurants, coffee shops, etc, but I realize that there is one place that has always comforted me when I'm down, and that place is Ocean Beach (and this sounds like the beginning of a 9th grade essay).

In all seriousness though, where do you go in San Francisco when you are down and out, emotionally distraught, and need clarity?  You don't go to Union Square (too touristy and crowded to think).  You don't go to Twin Peaks (too cliche).  You don't go to Fisherman's Wharf (because it is in the Marina and where would you park).  No, you put on the most depressing music in your ipod, and walk/run/drive to Ocean Beach.  Or at least I do.

Ocean Beach is beautiful, of course, but so are most beaches.  I would say that the draw for me, when I'm self-pitying and emo, is that it is a SERIOUS beach.  No sunny view of the bridge or naked butts like Baker Beach.  Just (usually) gray skies, crashing waves, and vast expanses of ocean that help you contemplate how big the world really is, and how small and insignificant your problems are in comparison.  

If you REALLY want to indulge the tortured soul within you, walk up to Cliff House and stand out on the viewing area that looks down on the surf breaking against the rocks...and cry.  Think about all things that could have been.  Think about the one that got away.  Think about your f*cked up relationship with your family.  Whatever.  LET IT OUT.

I'm sure some people associate Ocean Beach with happy times, but for me, it will always be my go-to location when I'm feeling massively sorry for myself and am too embarrassed to admit it to my friends.  And for that, I will always appreciate Ocean Beach...it doesn't judge the way you people do.

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Elite '09

56

190

Vicky L.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/17/2009

I'm a fan of beaches at night, since I don't like overly crowded places.  I rarely go to Ocean Beach during the day, especially when it's warm outside, because I know that a) parking will be a bitch, b) it'll be way too crowded up the wazoo for me to thoroughly enjoy myself, and c) the water is always freezing anyway, so it's not like I'm going there to swim or anything.

The beach itself is kind of dirty and smelly in certain spots.  Yesterday, my friend told me that he was glad he wore sneakers, because he didn't want to get any needles stuck in his feet.  Psh.

However, it's great for sand dollar-collecting, and it was here that I saw and picked up my first ever sand dollar (call me deprived, I don't care).  We also saw dead jellyfish, which kind of looked like condoms.  Anyway.

This place is great for my dog because he zips around happily, kicking up sand everywhere.  It's a nice long stretch for people to walk and run, and I'm bringing my running shoes next time so I can get a good workout.

The best thing about this beach (well, specifically yesterday) is that the water ISN'T THAT COLD after a nice day.  I waded in yesterday, expecting to cringe (it was about 7 PM) but was pleasantly surprised by how not freezing it was.  In fact, I wanted to stay IN the water and completely regretted not bringing my swimsuit, even though it was like 60 degrees outside.  It did get cold and windy though, especially after the sun set.

Too bad this place is way on the other side of SF though.  I definitely wish I lived closer, now that I have a beach-loving dog!

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98

Crista Y.

New York, NY

5 star rating
9/28/2009

i can't say that comparatively OB stands up against Hawai'i or FL or the rest of the CA coast in terms of it's sand standard, weather patterns, surf, or general prettiness (or lack there of) BUT like an evil mistress you can't help but go back and get treated like shit.  

I learned to surf at this beach and have been going there since I was a kid in a ridiculously cute bathing suit with my little floaties.  As an experienced OB goer I understand the concepts of rip tides and undertows.  I've been caught in both here.....and if you aren't experienced or smart enough to know the difference then you shouldn't be in the water here....not that many people except those with wet suits and children who don't know any better go in this 50F water......but hey just an FYI.

Oh yea, don't bother the crabs when they come around in summer.....you will get a hefty fine.....also watch your feet....they aren't too fond of being stepped on.

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tamama s.

Arlington, MA

5 star rating
8/25/2009

I live in Boston and have to drive for 50 min to go to beautiful beach and have to pay 25 bucks for parking.

it was not like that. ocean beach was 20 min ride by street car.It was so easy and nobody thinks about charging for parking there.

I miss the blue sky and strong sand storm. I miss the sunset at the foggy day.

the reason why the people in san francisco tends to be nice is because it is beautiful and people are happy to live there.
I have missed it so much. I wish I could go there on my dream every night.

Photo of Jackqueline L.

 

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Jackqueline L.

Pasadena, CA

5 star rating
8/22/2009

Ocean Beach is most definitely the neglected stepchild in the family of California beaches. It's cold, windy and everything is tinged a murky gray - from the water to the sand to the sky. Graffiti is etched along the walls/steps that lead to this desolate beach and many a time I've shrieked from the wind kicking sand grains in my eyes. And yet...I have so much affection for this place.

I no longer live in San Francisco - though I did leave my heart there - but I adopted my dog from the SFSPCA and would take him along on my beach jaunts. I once got him to climb the wide ledge looking out to the ocean and that one time was enough to get him hooked. Subsequently, every time I'd  take him he'd have to climb the ledge and walk along it, much to the shock of people leaning on the edge watching the waves. I would also use Ocean Beach as my jogging track, alternating from dry, loose sand to wet, packed sand near the shoreline.

Hobbling up to the dunes to sit offered a thin veil provided by the tall stalks of shrubbery and many a morning, afternoon and evening was spent there reading or just listening to the waves crash and reflecting.

It is a quiet, less crowded beach, though I remember  nighttime beach parties with my friends there, music thumping, beer in hand and a fire roaring away giving this beach a dual personality of shy guy/party dude.

Yet another time I attended an on-the-beach art exhibit with sculptures and headphone narration touting the benefits of beach visits. This beach may not be the sunniest or the prettiest, and it may not sell touristy t-shirts or have street performers clamoring for your attention like its Southern California beach counterparts, but if you visit, it will do  what it was made to do - provide sand, ocean and a place to sit. You provide the rest.

Photo of Matthew D.

 

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134

Matthew D.

South San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/13/2009

I like this beach.  There's no entrance fee, but there's a LOT of sand to walk across before you get from the parking lot to the ocean.  It doesn't have any pebbles and rocks like some of the beaches in Pacifica have--the sand is quite smooth.  However, the waves and undertow are much stronger here than what you find down the coast, so there is kind of a trade-off here.  Since the force of the waves was stronger, you end up getting more sand on you as you go further into the waves.  The water also felt a bit sticky on your skin, which is not something that you find at other beaches.

Still, this is a pretty enjoyable beach.  My family and I had a good time.  I was hoping to find sand dollars here and did locate a few broken ones, but no whole ones.  This place is recommended if you're in the mood for aggressive surf to take a dip into.

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Elite '09

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Jennifer R.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
9/18/2009

Like a moody bedfellow or a holiday falling on the elusive Hebrew calendar, Ocean  Beach is not the kind of thing you can enjoy just any time.  It's hard to predict when the weather timing will be just perfect, but when it is - this long stretch of dog-and-kite-friendly sand easily lends a smile.  You wouldn't love it as much if it was perfect all the time.

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J H.

San Lorenzo, CA

1 star rating
8/29/2009

Broken bottles? check. Marijuana aroma every 5 steps? check. Trash littered everywhere? check.  More cigarette butts than sand? check. Urine smell? check. Graffiti? Check. GHETTO people? check.  Sure sounds like a nice beach to me.  FUN TIMES!  The freaks DEFINATELY come out at night here...  They have a sign that say "people have drowned here"... They need to add "People have been shot here" , "People get high here" and "People gangbang here"...

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Jonathan C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
7/18/2009

Nice, huge, long Northern California Beach.  The sand is nice and not pebbly like some other beaches, and it pretty well kept and clean.  This is a great place to watch sunsets with the sun slowly disappearing over the horizon.  There's a fair amount of parking both in lots and on the street, but on busy summer days it's not enough; however there are several MUNI routes that will take you right to the beach.  There's also a bunch of fire pits right on the beach, which are great for having bonfires with a group of friends.

The only bad things are the water is cold and there are known rip currents and strong "under toe" which claim unsuspecting victims every year, so it's not the greatest for swimming.  If you are careful and vigilant, then there's nothing to worry about and you will definitely enjoy your visit.

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Anna U.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
7/8/2009

YEA OCEAN BEACH YEA!!!!!!!!!!
WOOO!!!!!!!!!!

you gotta love it though...kinda gotta hate the jellyfish on the sand, but everything else! .. i love being able to drive to ocean beach,go up a tiny little hill, and viola! ocean view!..

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Cat K.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
4/28/2009

Beach bonfires with good friends and cold beer = thumbs up.

We always meet some random and awesome person/people here - and whoever brought those giant speakers and disco ball gets props from me.  Impromptu beach party whaaadduppp??

And now I have sand on everything.  Sigh..

Ah well, totally worth it.

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Cloudy C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
6/16/2009

This past Saturday I scored!  The weather was clear and crisp and was able to enjoy the beautiful ocean.  The parking was a bit tight but that's to be expected on a great day.  I have many  memories of this beach thru out my life.  I love SF and can boast that within a month I was able to experience the good ol' USA from sea to shining sea.  
P.S. South Beach Miami is spectacular too!

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eric k.

Hayward, CA

4 star rating
6/5/2009

Yeah... this is a pretty cool beach.

The weather here was a little overcast, but it was still in the high-60s to low-70s when we were there, and the sand was on the warmer side.

this beach is largely level with a nice taper towards the ocean.  Not any bugs or critters that I saw in sight.

the sand is consistently fine, and pretty clean, and it had a nice consistency to a pretty good depth.  For digging around, it was quite pleasant to be able to get a good mix of light fluffy stuff along with some wetter stuff down maybe a foot or so.  

Not too crowded when we were there(ok... 11AM on a thursday), and a nice walk from Louis' and the Cliff house.

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Stella B.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 4/19/2009

Currently 72 degrees

7:18pm

Wind 11 mph NW -- all thanks to http://weather.com

What a beautiful day for walk on Ocean Beach.

It's such a San Francisco gem especially at sunset.  A great place to relax, people watch, chat, or take a stroll while being bathed by the warmth of ebbing sun rays.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    2/19/2009

    Sounds of the waves gently crashing.

    Watching surfers float  with the currents waiting for a wave to… Read more »

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Jay L.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
7/20/2009

Poor man's beach. The sand is dirty and littered with crap that sandals/flip-flops are necessary. There are bonfire pits but only a few, and they are only legal from Judah St. to the Cliffhouse I believe. Great place for bonfires but usually there are a lot of people down there and you are not allowed to park in the parking lot at night.

The Great Highway which runs parallel to the beach is really nice though, good for a jog.

Photo of Laura R.

 

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Laura R.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
5/9/2009

You have waves and sand, therefore I love you.

Unfortunately, you usually don't have sun and your water is too cold for swimming. I've also seen a lot of dead things washed up on your shore (including a rotting sea lion).

When the gray skies in the San Francisco Bay Area part, sweater and thick blanket in tow, I'll be seeing you.

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Rachel A.

Jersey City, NJ

4 star rating
4/18/2009

I like holding seashells up to my ears and listening to the sound of the ocean. Tonight I am cupping my hands and trying to replicate that sound. I hear the ocean. It's like a distant echo, a cool breeze, misty from the waves, and crunchy. Yes crunchy. The memories come back and I can taste the sand encrusted hot dogs. Don't ever try cooking at Ocean Beach. It's so windy that all of your food will end up dusted with earth particles. I'm actually choking right now from the memories.

But without bitter taste, Ocean Beach is a rite of passage in San Francisco. Its where teens go to celebrate friendship, alleviate boredom by setting night fires, and occasionally getting their drink and skank on sometimes not so discreetly.

Bonfires at Ocean Beach are amazing. Back in the day there were no fire pits. We dug our own pit and filled it with logs from Safeway and no matter what, there would be no amount of wood or lighter fuel that could hold up a flame to the strong winds of the Bay. Damn, the nights are cold in SF. That's part of the fun- shivering, busting out the bubble jackets, gripping the wrists of your hoodies to keep your hands warm, and taking advantage of snuggling time for just a little bit of body heat.

The bonfire past time continues on. It used to be no bonfires allowed before the 13th stairwell. Now it's past the 15th. It's not unlikely that random strangers will join your fire. SF is filled with love.

I love Ocean Beach. It's an awesome backdrop down the Great Highway,  the draw of Beach Chalet, slightly (but a long shot) reminiscent of an LA beach on a warm day, and no matter how many people are chillin (families and all) or hoodlums loitering, it's peace. Ocean Beach is pretty peaceful.

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341

Cathy K.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
5/19/2009

I love Ocean Beach even when it's foggy and gray.  Whenever I jog on it, I like to picture myself as a wild mare...

~ just kidding ~

It's a nice, flat stretch of beach bookended by the Zoo on the South and the Cliff House on the North.  

If you're hungry, Cliff House is a more formal establishment, followed by Beach/Park Chalet brew house where there is a visitor's center with historical murals.  There are a few casual coffee houses such as Java Beach at Judah, across from the beach.  They also have a sister Java Beach near the Zoo.  I'm sure there are many others that I'm not aware of.

If you're looking for sand dollars, they seem to congregate more towards the South side.

The smell of bonfires harkens my youth.  Bonfire rings are North of Fulton only.  Bring your graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows and hangars.

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S R.

Oakland, CA

3 star rating
7/1/2009

Sure, when people say the Bay Area's beaches don't compare to SoCal's, they speak of this one in particular, which is often cold, gray, dirty, desolate, and everything else negative mentioned in the other 353 reviews.

If you know where to go, though, the Ocean Beach experience gets better. Head south towards the Sloat Blvd end, and it's less crowded, cleaner, and feels more like a Pacifica or Half Moon Bay-type beach. Stick to the area near the end of Golden Gate Park and the parking lot (especially the really gross area near the seawall) and, well, you deserve what you get.

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tasha s.

Hayward, CA

5 star rating
5/4/2009

Ok fine. I'll write about Ocean Beach ... yeah it rocks ... in a weird sort of way ... like still being in your 30's (barely), and still digging a good BonFire on the beach. And walking down to the ocean on a foggy SF night, and still feeling the LOVE from the beach, just making your toes curl & twist in the sand, as the lights of the bonfires light up the sky, and the darkness of the Ocean calls to you in front of you.

Yes, stand there, and let the Ocean wash away your problems, renew your spirit ... start fresh again. Love the Ocean, Call the Ocean. The mist hitting your face, your hands are cold, the dogs are still running in the dark, people just stand there & watch the Ocean ... the water calling your name ... whispering to you ... it will be ok ...

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Cassie J.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
3/17/2009

Ocean Beach surely isn't the best place to walk barefoot on the sand, but on a pretty day, it's easy to ignore the sand, and enjoy the beautiful sun and water.  

It's definitely a different feel from the Southern California beach scene.  Ocean Beach is uniquely a Northern California Beach.  It's most beautiful to me when it's a bit overcast and foggy.  With the splashing waves on the shore has a great relaxing effect to it.

While I'm not crazy, there is no way in hell that you will ever get me into that cold water.  What I do enjoy are walks along the bike and walk path; walking especially between the streets of Quintara to Noriega the path is elevated a bit so you get a great view of the whole shoreline all the way up to the Cliff House.  No artificial palm trees here.  It's beautiful!

Going for walks the path defintely is one of my favorite places to come when I need some peace of mind, and relaxation alone.

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16

135

James L.

Sunnyvale, CA

4 star rating
6/10/2009

Frisco weather is always chilly. Be sure you grab your jacket on the way out even if the forecast predicts hot sunny day.

Along Ocean avenue,  there are several pockets for parking. If you drive toward the city (facing the ocean, it would be your right) there are a few small cozy restaurants for good eats. A park behind it which you can sneak up to the top and watch sunset, sunrise with a significant other.

Across from the old dock, there is a hidden stairway which you have to put in a little effort to climb. A secret spot where you stand and will be able to see a huge piece of rock from afar that looks like a heart shape.

The beach is not as clean as before when I used to go back in high school, but its a very nice beach with a nice drive on ocean, even better if you have a convertible.

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Danielle S.

West Covina, CA

4 star rating
6/16/2009

Huh. Beaches on San Francisco? Kind of unlikely, but yes, Ocean Beach DOES exist, and it IS, indeed, located in Fog City.

As expected, you rarely ever get sunny days at this place, so this beach isn't exactly the hot spot for bikini-sporting ladies and ab-bearing surfer dudes wearing floral trunks. And you can't actually swim in the water, seeing as it's cold as hell, but it's fun to take a barefoot stroll and let the waves try to pull you down. And it's fun for surfing.

It's dog-friendly, has very soft sand perfect for the people who hate wearing shoes and flip flops to the beach, and if you want the perfect place to hold hands with your special someone while watching the sunset in San Francisco, then hey, Ocean Beach is your spot.

Very nice place to relax, and there are some restaurants across from this place if you ever get hungry. But if you're looking for some swimming and some fun in the sun, then what the hell are you doing in San Francisco?

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Susan D.

Sunnyvale, CA

5 star rating
3/16/2009

Ocean beach is where I went to my first bonfire... and met my boyfriend the same night.  It rocks because you can legally have bonfire parties on the beach and let your dogs play off-leash.  Make sure to put your 'drink' in nondescript bottles, don't bother others and use an actual pit for your fire and you should be good-to-go.  

We've also been back a couple of times with my doggie.  It's not the best sunning or vacation beach but for bonfires and doggies... it's 5 star!

A couple weekends ago, we went back for another bonfire, 6 months after our first.   We'll definitely be back.

See ya there!

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Elite '09

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Daniel M.

Dublin, CA

1 star rating
3/18/2009

When a girl says she enjoys "long walks on the beach," I'm pretty sure she's not thinking about Ocean Beach.

Plus, this is the only place where in high school, I saw a massive Asian gang fight with people being punched in the face (in their cars), and beer bottles being thrown across the parking lot (hitting their cars)!

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Elite '09

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234

Helene K.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
3/29/2009

I'm lucky enough (for now, at least, before an earthquake or tsunami hits) to live by Ocean Beach: the stretch of the beach that I'm familiar with (Richmond part) seems a little dirty with the graffiti upon the beach walls, but the view of the Pacific Ocean makes up for the man-made messes along the beach.

Ocean Beach is a great place to go with friends and family; I've been a few times with groups and every time has been a new adventure. Once, my cousins and I attempted to rescue a jellyfish that had washed ashore; in the meantime, we ended up soaking our jeans. Another time, my friend and I wrote our names in the sand and walked close to the waves. The most recent time, my younger brother and I acted as hobby photographers while we took pictures of the beautiful descending sun.

When I'm in need of some time with nature, I usually walk down to Ocean Beach since it's easier for me to access than Lands End Park. When I have the time for a long, long walk (and more gorgeous views), I go to Lands End. However, ample free time is rare for me these days, so I'm perfectly satisfied with a short walk to the beach.

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Elite '09

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Danielle S.

Mill Valley, CA

5 star rating
2/18/2009

One of the many reasons we all live in this area is for the plethora of activies we are surrounded by. We have mountain in Marin county, snow just a few hours away in Lake Tahoe, the city itself, hustling and bustling with different characters, but the one thing we just can't get away from (because we're surrounded by it obviously) is the water.

Ocean Beach takes me back to a time when I was sixteen and drinking underage. To a time when I would come with my family on chilly summer days (for those not from here I understand it would seem like an oxymoron but trust me, some of the coldest winters are summers in San Francisco) and collect the sand dollars that had washed up on the beach.

Going at night is a completely different story. It's my favorite time to go. Parking in the lots, turning up the heat, and rolling the windows down. I'm famous for doing that while driving alone across the Golden Gate during winter. I love the cold air while being nice and toasty (hence the fact when I sleep by myself all the windows are open and I'm warm in bed). Although it's usually frigid, with a wind coming at you from one side, if you dress appropriately, you can just sit and get lost in the city light reflections off of the waves. Pitch black water, with brightly lit caps breaking. It's incredible. You can see forever with no fog (unless you're getting busy, like a kid, and fogging up your own windows if you know what I mean) and the tiny beacons of light flashing far away make your day melt, regardless of how it was.

A short drive from many parts of the bay, it's a great way to get back and balance yourself from the stresses that we all succumb to every now and then in this modernized working world. I came full, tense, and overwhelmed. I left relaxed, breathing easy, and ready to get a good nights sleep.

I think as I turn in bed tonight, I'll maybe catch the smell of the ocean lingering on my hair. What could be more beautiful than that?

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Sharon J.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
3/10/2009

It's not Hawaii so I can't give it 5 stars. It's not the Hamptons, it's not Florida or Virginia..it's cold and windy and the rip tides are dangerous. I have seen much much nicer beaches. But it's a beach and all beaches have their own beauty, hence 4 stars.

A warning to small dog owners. Surfers leave their dogs unleashed on the beach and they hassle small dogs. Daisy does not like Ocean Beach for this reason.

A warning to surfers who leave their dogs on the beach while they catch a few waves..dogs have been stolen there so if you love your dog don't leave him alone on the beach.

People should never underestimate how dangerous that surf is. I have seen a big buff guy come close to drowning and dogs and children have been swept away forever. In one year, 1998, 11 people drowned off ocean beach. It has some of the most powerful rip tides in California.

All that being said, It's a gorgeous place in it's own way. Beautiful sunsets are a big draw. I think I'm kind of used to them but they really are stunning. The silvery glow of a full moon bathing the ocean is also quite beautiful, as is a dark night illuminated by a row of cheery bonfires. Safeway sells all the wood you will need and the pits are pre built. Just remember to dress warm, like in a parka and thermal underwear.

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Vicky B.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
2/16/2009

I love the ocean, and nothing beats the calming affect of those negative ions in the air -- even when the weather is throwing the Pacific into a fury.  This might be a popular destination spot on those warm days, but I think it is in its prime during the "off" days...

Don't miss out on the shipwreck, the dunes, the new fire pits, the colorful graffitti, the peeps with the horses, and the nearby attractions.

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america f.

Marin, CA

3 star rating
10/6/2009

Nice beach great views.  Right next to the park,  zoo  and place to get food.  Birds are everywhere shitting.  The wall looks horribly bad.  Sometimes you see homeless people sleeping on the beach.  Good place to go early in the morning.

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ashley f.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
6/18/2009

Ocean beach is pretty beautiful. I love the fire pits, dunes, and how close it is to gg park and food.  It's also a super close walk from my house! Becasue it's in the outer sunset, the beach can get really windy and sand in your eyes is not uncommon.
Go on a beautiful day!

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Wes P.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
1/25/2009

Ocean beach.... I love you!
Its true, ocean beach is usually foggy and cold. I love it though. I appreciate living in a city and having a beach near by. I find myself coming here almost weekly. Ill get a coffee on my way and just sit along the edge of the beach. I usually sit atop one of the giant cement walls that line ocean beach near where the great highway and fulton meet.

I have come here after break ups and hardships. I simply look out upon the people walking the beach. I see lovers holding hands, the kites and streamers in the air, the surfers in the water, and the children running around. When i come here I feel less alone.  It gives me peace and comfort knowing such beauty is near.
So next time you are feeling down. Come here. Grab a coffee and just enjoy the wonders and nature that make San Francisco such an amazing city.

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