Heat waves shouldn’t be the only waves in your summer (even if that summer comes in September). This is your sign to leave behind the air conditioning and slip into your swimsuit for a refreshing splash.
See also: The Best Breakfast Sandwiches To Start Your Day In San Francisco
From hidden beaches to public piers, there are endless options in the bay area for a quick dip to escape the summer heat. A quick beach vacation doesn't require hours of travel, so put on your goggles and floaties (or your wet suits), and dive into these San Francisco swimming spots for a quick cooldown.
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Ocean View Blvd. and 17th St.; 831-648-3100 / Website
Lovers Point Park and Beach boasts more than four acres of park for fun in the sun and relaxation. Protected from heavy winds and large waves by cliffs, Lovers Point is a small cove perfect for swimming, surfing, cliff jumping and exploring tidepools. In addition to swimming, there are beach volleyball courts, windsurfing, running and bicycling on the concrete pier. After visitors take a dip, they can choose to picnic at the park, go to The Beach House Restaurant and Cafe, or The Grill at Lovers Point for a meal overlooking the water after an activity-filled day.
Aquatic Park Pier, San Francisco; 415-298-8826 / Website
Located right by the touristy Fisherman’s Wharf, Aquatic Park Cove is a gem of an oasis to swim and enjoy the bay. Both the lagoon and beach are protected by the 1,400-foot Municipal Pier, creating a safe and calm beach surrounded by bleachers to sit and watch the water. While not a pool, the protected cove is the perfect place for open water swimming that is safe from rough tides and currents. Whether taking a long stroll along the waterfront path, taking advantage of the free admission to the Maritime Museum, or viewing Alcatraz from the shore, this scenic spot offers activities from sunrise to sunset.
19th Ave. and Wawona St.; 2695 19th Ave.; (415) 661-6327 / Website
Following a $17 million renovation, Sava Pool is a true oasis. The eight-lane pool can be used for recreational or competitive swimming and only requires the purchase of a pool pass or membership with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department. With a south-facing window wall and ceramic tilework by Catherine Wagner, the building sheds natural light over the pool to give your indoor swim an outside feel.
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201 Cantera Way; 415-473-6388 ext. 4 / Website
A 55-Acre Park located in San Rafael, this swimming spot provides stunning views of San Pablo Bay from its shore. Parking costs $5, but there are tennis and pickleball courts, volleyball courts, carry-in access for kayaks and canoes, pier-fishing and a free swimming pool. After swimming in the bay and the pool, visitors can use the locker rooms with bathrooms, showers and lockers, then picnic and barbecue on the expansive lawn with ample tables. The park is also a designated trailhead on the San Francisco Bay Water Trail. There are no extra fees for the courts or pool, but they have maximum capacities that can often be met on busy days.
6500 Broadway, Oakland; 888-327-2757 ext. 4561 / Website
Temescal Regional Recreation Area is a swimming spot for all ages with its large variety of activities and places to hang out. There is a swimming area with lifeguards on duty during posted hours, a Beach House available for rental, and playgrounds for children. Kayaks and personal watercraft are not allowed, but there are restrooms, beach wheelchairs, and fishing for catfish and trout in the stocked lake, which is perfect for kids or adults learning how to fish. Fees range from $2 to $3 with a $5 parking fee, but bring cash or check because no credit cards are accepted.
Eighth St. and Otis Drive, Alameda; 888-327-2757 ext. 4522 / Website
Warm and shallow waters make Crown Beach a swimming, fishing and picnicking destination. A bathhouse is available for changing into swimsuits, and rental equipment and lessons for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Naturalist-guided programs and an 800-gallon aquarium system at the Crab Cove Visitor Center offer a chance to learn about San Francisco Bay. Every summer, there is an annual Sand Castle Contest on Crown Beach. Check out past winners online!
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1100 Pierce Point Road Inverness; (415) 669-1140 / Website
A 40-mile drive north of San Francisco, Tomales Bay is a popular day trip for picnicking, boating and swimming. The park boasts some of the most pleasant beaches for swimming because Inverness Ridge shields the shore from cold winds and large waves. While the beaches can get crowded, the gentle waters are perfect for wading and summer relaxation. The most popular beach is Heart’s Desire, but there are other beaches accessible only by hiking trail that offer more exclusivity during the busy summer months, including Shell Beach. Parking fees are $8 per vehicle at Heart's Desire Beach, and there are picnic areas and restrooms.
Explore the Bay Area without breaking a sweat this summer by ditching the layers and jumping into the water. For more ways to escape the heat, try and get to all The 15 Best Ice Cream Shops in San Francisco.
Photography by: SVIATLANA BARCHAN / GETTY
Heat waves shouldn’t be the only waves in your summer (even if that summer comes in September). This is your sign to leave behind the air conditioning and slip into your swimsuit for a refreshing splash.
See also: The Best Breakfast Sandwiches To Start Your Day In San Francisco
From hidden beaches to public piers, there are endless options in the bay area for a quick dip to escape the summer heat. A quick beach vacation doesn't require hours of travel, so put on your goggles and floaties (or your wet suits), and dive into these San Francisco swimming spots for a quick cooldown.
View this post on Instagram
Ocean View Blvd. and 17th St.; 831-648-3100 / Website
Lovers Point Park and Beach boasts more than four acres of park for fun in the sun and relaxation. Protected from heavy winds and large waves by cliffs, Lovers Point is a small cove perfect for swimming, surfing, cliff jumping and exploring tidepools. In addition to swimming, there are beach volleyball courts, windsurfing, running and bicycling on the concrete pier. After visitors take a dip, they can choose to picnic at the park, go to The Beach House Restaurant and Cafe, or The Grill at Lovers Point for a meal overlooking the water after an activity-filled day.
Aquatic Park Pier, San Francisco; 415-298-8826 / Website
Located right by the touristy Fisherman’s Wharf, Aquatic Park Cove is a gem of an oasis to swim and enjoy the bay. Both the lagoon and beach are protected by the 1,400-foot Municipal Pier, creating a safe and calm beach surrounded by bleachers to sit and watch the water. While not a pool, the protected cove is the perfect place for open water swimming that is safe from rough tides and currents. Whether taking a long stroll along the waterfront path, taking advantage of the free admission to the Maritime Museum, or viewing Alcatraz from the shore, this scenic spot offers activities from sunrise to sunset.
19th Ave. and Wawona St.; 2695 19th Ave.; (415) 661-6327 / Website
Following a $17 million renovation, Sava Pool is a true oasis. The eight-lane pool can be used for recreational or competitive swimming and only requires the purchase of a pool pass or membership with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department. With a south-facing window wall and ceramic tilework by Catherine Wagner, the building sheds natural light over the pool to give your indoor swim an outside feel.
View this post on Instagram
201 Cantera Way; 415-473-6388 ext. 4 / Website
A 55-Acre Park located in San Rafael, this swimming spot provides stunning views of San Pablo Bay from its shore. Parking costs $5, but there are tennis and pickleball courts, volleyball courts, carry-in access for kayaks and canoes, pier-fishing and a free swimming pool. After swimming in the bay and the pool, visitors can use the locker rooms with bathrooms, showers and lockers, then picnic and barbecue on the expansive lawn with ample tables. The park is also a designated trailhead on the San Francisco Bay Water Trail. There are no extra fees for the courts or pool, but they have maximum capacities that can often be met on busy days.
6500 Broadway, Oakland; 888-327-2757 ext. 4561 / Website
Temescal Regional Recreation Area is a swimming spot for all ages with its large variety of activities and places to hang out. There is a swimming area with lifeguards on duty during posted hours, a Beach House available for rental, and playgrounds for children. Kayaks and personal watercraft are not allowed, but there are restrooms, beach wheelchairs, and fishing for catfish and trout in the stocked lake, which is perfect for kids or adults learning how to fish. Fees range from $2 to $3 with a $5 parking fee, but bring cash or check because no credit cards are accepted.
Eighth St. and Otis Drive, Alameda; 888-327-2757 ext. 4522 / Website
Warm and shallow waters make Crown Beach a swimming, fishing and picnicking destination. A bathhouse is available for changing into swimsuits, and rental equipment and lessons for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Naturalist-guided programs and an 800-gallon aquarium system at the Crab Cove Visitor Center offer a chance to learn about San Francisco Bay. Every summer, there is an annual Sand Castle Contest on Crown Beach. Check out past winners online!
View this post on Instagram
1100 Pierce Point Road Inverness; (415) 669-1140 / Website
A 40-mile drive north of San Francisco, Tomales Bay is a popular day trip for picnicking, boating and swimming. The park boasts some of the most pleasant beaches for swimming because Inverness Ridge shields the shore from cold winds and large waves. While the beaches can get crowded, the gentle waters are perfect for wading and summer relaxation. The most popular beach is Heart’s Desire, but there are other beaches accessible only by hiking trail that offer more exclusivity during the busy summer months, including Shell Beach. Parking fees are $8 per vehicle at Heart's Desire Beach, and there are picnic areas and restrooms.
Explore the Bay Area without breaking a sweat this summer by ditching the layers and jumping into the water. For more ways to escape the heat, try and get to all The 15 Best Ice Cream Shops in San Francisco.
Photography by: SVIATLANA BARCHAN / GETTY
