Marshall's Beach

Located in San Francisco’s Presidio park, which encloses an area of historic military installations at the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marshall’s Beach is the closest beach to this icon of California and the United States.

Offering exemplary views of the bridge, as well as of sunsets over Helmet Rock and the Pacific Ocean, its rich golden-brown sands are reached via boardwalk-style steps that lead down the low cliffs. Though some 300 metres long, it is relatively narrow, meaning it largely disappears with the high tide.

Marshall’s Beach only has limited amenities, but this obviously doesn’t put off the naturists you might find enjoying the sun here. All the same, they rightly avoid the waters, which are not only cold but are also known to have strong currents.

Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marshall’s Beach can only be reached from a path leading off the Batteries to Bluff trail, which runs from the Golden Gate Bridge down to Baker Beach and vice versa. This all helps makes it secluded despite the views of the bridge and the fact it is well signposted with distance markers.