By Cove Johnson Rabidoux
San Francisco’s Ocean Beach may be cold, but its dramatic coastline and nearby attractions make it worth bundling up for.
Aerial View of San Francisco’s Coast. Mikhail Nilov. Pexels.
The West Coast is often associated with sunshine, golden beaches and palm trees. But it’s also home to one of the United States’ coldest beaches: San Francisco’s Ocean Beach.
As a San Francisco native, I’ve seen firsthand the mistakes visitors make when they come to our coast. The most common is dressing for the California portrayed in the media rather than the reality of San Francisco.
But with air temperatures often in the 50s, Ocean Beach is typically gray, windy and downright cold, so a jacket and layers are essential. The city’s notorious fog only intensifies the chilly conditions. Even during the summer, when much of California is experiencing warm weather, Ocean Beach can feel more like a winter coastline than a classic California beach.
It’s no surprise, then, that the water itself is just as frigid. Averaging 52 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, the water at Ocean Beach is much colder than at other Atlantic beaches at the same latitude. These low temperatures are largely a result of coastal upwelling and the California Current. The California Current flows south from Alaska, carrying cold water toward Northern California, while coastal upwelling makes the water even colder by bringing deeper, colder water to the surface.
So while you will see experienced surfers in the waves, the water is definitely not conducive to swimming. Think thrashing waves, dangerous rip currents and, of course, frigid temperatures.
Ocean Beach in San Francisco, California. Wally Gobetz. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Thankfully, though, there are plenty of ways to experience the beach without getting in the water or freezing!
One of the best ways to spend an afternoon at Ocean Beach is simply to walk along the shoreline. The beach stretches for 3.5 miles, making it a good place to take a stroll, watch the waves or go fishing. On clear days, you can also look for marine wildlife. It’s common to spot harbor seals, pelicans and even humpback whales.
Additionally, from March 1 through Oct. 31, Ocean Beach becomes one of the few places in San Francisco where you can gather around a bonfire. The beach has designated concrete fire pits where groups can warm up and enjoy the sound of the waves without ever having to brave the cold water.
But Ocean Beach isn’t just a beach destination. Its location on the city’s western edge puts it close to several notable attractions, such as Golden Gate Park and the Cliff House.
Cliff House from Ocean Beach. Brocken Inaglory. CC BY-SA 3.0.
First constructed in 1863 as a resort for wealthy residents, the Cliff House has had many iterations throughout San Francisco’s history. Its second version, opened in 1896, was perhaps its most famous, featuring an elaborate Victorian design with an observation deck and decorative turrets. Although that structure no longer exists, the Cliff House remains a historic landmark. Perched above the ocean, the Cliff House offers stunning views of the Pacific from the edge of the coast.
So while Ocean Beach may not be the sunny, palm-tree-lined beach many picture when they think of California, it offers visitors a different kind of beach day well worth experiencing. With the right layers and a plan for what to do beyond swimming, Ocean Beach is truly a memorable stop for anyone exploring San Francisco. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bundle up!
Cove Johnson Rabidoux
Cove is an English student at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her writing can be found in the Daily Bruin, The Teen Magazine, Piece of Cake Magazine, and other publications. In her free time, she enjoys reading and traveling.