This week, we’re all going to need to cool off one way or the other. The traditional “12 Seasons of the Bay Area (opens in new tab)” doesn’t historically account for a March heat wave!
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory (opens in new tab) for the region — in effect from Monday to Friday — noting that “much above normal temperatures in the upper 80s to mid 90s are expected next week across the Bay Area and Central Coast.”
Reportedly, this is the first time the NWS (opens in new tab) has issued such a warning for the Bay Area in March. In the coming days, Oakland will likely break 90 degrees repeatedly, while other regional locations may break their historic temperature records for dates in March — San Rafael (opens in new tab) reached 83 recently.
According to the NWS Bay Area’s X account (opens in new tab), it’s likely that San Jose will top 89 degrees Friday.
San Francisco is set to reach around 80.
Here’s our guide to 10 regional beaches — the best places to cool off on days like these.
Ocean Beach is a destination for bonfires for all occasions. | Brant Ward/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images | Source: Hearst Newspapers via Getty Imag
Best all-ages beach
Crissy Field East Beach (opens in new tab)
(Monday to Friday forecasted max: 70 to 72 degrees)
It’s hard to beat this world-class and expansive shoreline with endless amenities, all within a short walk, including Tunnel Tops playground (opens in new tab). Plus, it’s easy to get to by public transit: There’s a Muni bus stop (No. 30) just a quarter-mile away. Come early, grab a picnic table, and fire up your grill. Bring a pop-up tent to create your own shade.
Best beach for after-dark vibes
Ocean Beach (opens in new tab)
(Monday to Friday forecasted max: 66 to 70 degrees)
It’s a rite of passage for San Franciscans to enjoy beachside fire pits during the spring and summer. With the weather unseasonably warm, they may become even more popular after a day on the water. So here’s how to do it: There are first-come, first-served fire pits (opens in new tab) between Fulton Street and Lincoln Way, between stairwells 15 and 20. Come early, haul over some firewood (grab some at Safeway), and share your drinks and snacks. Just be aware, all fires must be extinguished by 9:30 p.m.
Best beach with tide pools
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Moss Beach (opens in new tab)
(Monday to Friday forecasted max: 67 to 70 degrees)
Head south for some cooler weather. Nestled between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, Moss Beach is a little patch of coastline that is full of marine life. Remember to check the tide chart (opens in new tab), as the sightings are best when the tide is low. Remember what the Friends of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (opens in new tab) advise: Don’t collect rocks or shells, or disturb local wildlife — just leave things as they are.
A Mission high school student catches a wave at Linda Mar State Beach in Pacifica. | Source: Autumn DeGrazia
Best beach with surfing for beginners
Pacifica State Beach, Pacifica (opens in new tab)
(Monday to Friday forecasted max: 67 to 70 degrees)
Everyone knows about the greatest Taco Bell on Earth — so lauded because of its incredible location right on Pacifica State Beach, also known as Linda Mar (opens in new tab). This shoreline is the Bay Area’s favorite place to catch waves, and is best for both beginners (along the southern end) and intermediate surfers (central and the northern end). When you’re done, Soul Grind (opens in new tab) is a great place to warm up. Pacifica’s usual cooler weather isn’t set to crack 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the week, which will likely draw some out-of-towners.
Best secluded beach
Black Sands Beach, Marin County (opens in new tab)
(Monday t0 Friday forecasted max: 70 to 72 degrees)
If you want a little privacy — and don’t mind a little bit of a hike to get there — head north to the Marin Headlands and find Black Sands Beach (opens in new tab). You’ll have to haul your beach gear down the Upper Fisherman’s Trail, approximately one-third of a mile, and it’s steep. (And it’ll feel longer on the way back.) But when you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with an unusual expanse of dark sand. If you go midweek, you may be one of the few brave souls out there.
Best cute beach town
Stinson Beach, Marin County (opens in new tab)
(Monday to Friday forecasted max : 70 to 73 degrees)
Stinson Beach, a Marin town with only a few hundred people, welcomes hundreds of thousands to its shores every year. There are a couple of eateries in town – we’re partial to the Parkside Café (opens in new tab), which has a delicious plate of eggs, rice, and beans to make breakfast tacos. Stinson Beach Market is a block away and has just about everything that you would ever need for a day of surfing, sunbathing, or just lounging around.
Next to an East Bay industrial park is Good Hot, whose five hand-built saunas can fit up to eight people. | Source: Good Hot
Best dog-friendly beach with a side of funky art
Albany Beach, Albany (opens in new tab)
(Monday to Friday forecasted max: 72 to 78 degrees)
Bring your pup to this sandy shoreline full of driftwood and wander up the neck of the bulb itself — an old industrial dumping ground that’s been turned into a warren of trails, trees, and art often made from discarded materials (opens in new tab). Our favorite installation is the marble run on the northern side. If you see anyone swimming, chances are high that they’re a member of the local open-water swim group the Albany Bulb Blue Boobies (opens in new tab).
Best beach to get to by ferry and bike
Crown Beach, Alameda (opens in new tab)
(Monday to Friday forecasted max: 74 to 80 degrees)
Ditch work, scope the ferry schedule (opens in new tab), load up your bike, and head from the Ferry Building to Alameda Seaplane (opens in new tab). From there, it’s a flat and chill 3-mile ride to Crown Beach (opens in new tab), a shallow and generally calm spot that’s perfect for water sports and swimming. This beach is nice for children, as there are minimal waves and plenty of space to spread out. If you need to burn some time before your ferry back, there are no less than three breweries within a short bike ride of the ferry terminal.
Best beach accessible via private sauna
Good Hot, Richmond (opens in new tab)
(Monday to Friday forecasted max: 74 to 77 degrees)
If for some reason you want to spend the week seeking even warmer temperatures, look no further than Good Hot (opens in new tab). This funky little business, which sits at a strange patch of industrial land directly opposite the East Brother island (opens in new tab) (and historic lighthouse), offers a handful of private sauna cabins for rent. Book ahead, bring snacks, and when you’re done sweating it out, jump in the adjacent bayshore, which these days is around 60 degrees. The only others at this beach will be sauna goers and perhaps some curious seals.
Best beach for kids, swimming, and adjacent hiking
Keller Beach, Richmond (opens in new tab)
(Monday to Friday forecasted max: 74 to 77 degrees)
This calm beach is great for little ones — and for a nice picnic with views of Angel Island. If you choose to swim, there is a small rinse shower, though the public restrooms leave something to be desired. But if you’re already in the East Bay and don’t want to go too far, it can be a good option. Keller Beach is close to Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline (opens in new tab), which has both flat and steep sections of trail and isn’t far from the cozy neighborhood of Point Richmond – we love Kaleidescope Coffee (opens in new tab) for a quick pick-me-up.