Swimming in San Francisco
San Francisco, CA, United States
Best Swim Spots in San Francisco
Ranked by community ratings. Check real-time conditions before heading out.
Aquatic Park
The curved arm of Municipal Pier shelters this small cove at the foot of Polk Street, so the water inside is calmer than the open Bay. It is home water for the Dolphin Club and the South End Rowing Club, whose clubhouses stand beside the cove. There are no lifeguards, so stay near shore, watch for rowers and paddlers, and give harbor seals and sea lions at least 50 feet.
Crissy Field East Beach
East Beach sits on the Bay side of the Presidio with the Golden Gate Bridge in view, and it has the easiest setup on this shoreline: a large lot, restrooms and drinking water a short walk from the sand. There are no lifeguards, and the Bay here is cold with tidal currents running toward the Gate, so check the tides, stay close to shore and don't swim alone.
Ocean Beach
Popular beach with strong currents
Open Water Swimming in San Francisco
San Francisco offers 3 open water swimming locations across Ocean environments. Whether you are a beginner looking for a calm, sheltered swim or an experienced open water swimmer seeking a challenge, there are options for every level.
Before heading out to any swim spot in San Francisco, check current water conditions on SwimPass. Our SwimScore combines real-time weather, marine data, tides, and water quality into a single 0-100 rating so you can make an informed decision in seconds.
Ocean swimmers in San Francisco should pay attention to tide schedules and swell forecasts. Swimming around slack tide typically offers the calmest conditions. Check our guide to reading water conditions for tips on interpreting local marine forecasts.
New to open water swimming? Start with our safety guide and first swim guide before heading to any new spot.
Swimming Guides
Prepare for your swim in San Francisco with these guides.
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