Ocean Beach guide

Ocean Beach is a beach that runs along the west coast of San Francisco, California, United States, at the Pacific Ocean. It is adjacent to Golden Gate Park, the Richmond District and the Sunset District. The Great Highway runs alongside of the beach, and the Cliff House and the site of the former Sutro Baths sit at the northern end. The beach is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and operated by the National Park Service. The beach throughout the late spring and summer is almost always enveloped in San Francisco's characteristic foggy weather leaving average temperatures there at 50 - 55 ºF (9 - 12 ºC), thus scaring away many tourists and beach goers. Conversely, the beach is popular with surfers, campers and bonfire parties. More beach-friendly weather occurs in late fall and early spring, when the fog dissipates. The water at Ocean Beach is noteworthy for its strong currents and fierce waves, which makes it popular among many serious surfers.

The water is also quite cold, due to a process known as upwelling, in which frigid water from below the ocean surface rises up to replace the surface water that moves away from the beach as a result of the Coriolis effect. The rapid rip currents and cold water make the ocean dangerous for casual swimmers or even for those who simply want to set foot in it, and many swimmers have been swept away and drowned as a result. Nevertheless, this still attracts many surfers, making it one of the bay area's top surfing spots. The Ocean Beach surfing community is equipped with four of their own surf shops, several popular beach-themed cafes, as well as scores of local surfers devoted to its cold water and dangerous break. Seal Rock is a prominent local feature of the area.


Latest Tweets featuring Ocean Beach

  • FunnyJokeBook

    What did the ocean say to the other ocean? Nothing they just waved. Did you sea what I did there? I'm shore you did, beach.

    May 28th, 14:53

  • VanessaGrey

    I wanna go to the beach again and stare at the ocean .

    Yesterday, 20:29

  • DMVFollowers

    22 Year Old Towson University Student Hit and Killed by Drunk Driver in Ocean City. Read here: http://t.co/9sMftKAV Beach Week be careful.

    Today, 01:26

  • envirga

    I'm at Ocean Beach Recreation Center (San Diego, CA) http://t.co/hH0QtuGV

    Today, 05:29

  • Getem23

    Just got in from walkin on the beach & swimming in the ocean.

    Today, 05:27

  • apodemouse

    Photo: jeffreykekoa: Josh and I spent the day at Brighton Beach! So stoked that my boy loves the ocean!... http://t.co/o6eyMtC7

    Today, 05:27

  • aiyisssh

    I'm so dark! X3 Ocean View Beach Resort gave me a real hangover. Still waaaaaaviiiiiiiiiing! :3

    Today, 05:27

  • therealjoycelin

    @_jeffreyk Indeed! Not as pleasant as an indoor air-conditioned beach supplied with books and jigsaw puzzles in Ocean City though, hehe.

    Today, 05:24

  • mplunkert

    It'd be nice to be there right now #ocean #beach http://t.co/PHKhlKPR

    Today, 05:24

  • IridescentAlibi

    #50ThingsIHate 35. The ocean. It scares the shit out of me but I still go to the beach anyway. xD

    Today, 05:24

  • SimplyNessa12

    Beach Day After My Quince :) Ooh Yeah . #Tanning , #BeachBoys , #Boardwalk , #Ocean , #LateNightWalks , #Sand , #Bikinis ,#Freedom , #Fun :)

    Today, 05:23

  • Jillybeanerr

    RT @KingEman13: Just blue #sky #ocean #florida #keys #resort #beauty #htc #sand #beach #life #enjoy http://t.co/z5ipt1GF

    Today, 05:23

  • Tweet_X_deeze

    RT @TsssUppp_Holmes: Beach Week ...Ocean City

    Today, 05:22

  • ChocolateFilled

    Beach (done) Six flags trip planned. Next up is Ocean City, National Harbor, and ATL to see my Meena. This summer is gonna be Epic. 😜

    Today, 05:21

  • Annie_Pancoon

    Spending the day with my bae the day after prom I be damn if I go back to the beach I've seen enough of ocean water since Friday

    Today, 05:21

  • Diannaaa87

    Me and my friends had an amazing day at the beach yesterday! The ocean water wasn't even cold! Love #SanDiego http://t.co/FLEalwo2

    Today, 05:21

  • TsssUppp_Holmes

    Beach Week ...Ocean City

    Today, 05:21

  • Mickievp6

    beach theme baby bedding : Discount Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Gentle Waves Musical... http://t.co/oRDGXQj9

    Today, 05:21

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