Ocean Beach

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.

12 °C


Clouds, few clouds


Wind1.54 m/s
Cloudiness20 %
Temperature (min/max)11/13 °C
Pressure1022 hpa
Humidity86 %
Last update: 14 Dec 2024 @ 06:52

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