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Visitors on the sand at East Beach in the Presidio enjoying the Golden Gate Bridge views.

Crissy Field East Beach

Play in the waves and enjoy a picnic with Golden Gate views at Crissy Field East Beach.

Region

Crissy Field Region

Type

Recreation & Wellness, Beach

Interests

Recreation

Top Amenities

Accessible Parking, Accessible Restrooms, Free Parking, Paid Parking, Wheelchair-accessible Picnic Tables

Popular with families, joggers, and kite surfers, this stretch of San Francisco Bay shoreline is known for iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Crissy Field East Beach is where the locals come to play. This scenic spot where kids frolic in the sand offers ample recreation opportunities, as well as amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and grills. Crissy beach is also one of the world’s best kite surfing spots.

Getting to Crissy Field East Beach

Crissy Field East Beach, San Francisco, CA

Map of the Presidio

By Public Transit

Muni Route: 30 Stockton

Stop: Mason Street & Yacht Road

By Presidio GO Shuttle

Route: Downtown Route

Stop: Presidio Transit Center (10-minute walk down Halleck Street)

Parking

Free parking is available at the Crissy Field Beach parking lot. Additional paid parking can be found in a lot just across Mason Street.

Why We Love Crissy Field East Beach

Great for dipping your toes in the waves, fantastic for people-watching, and perennially packed with locals enjoying leisure time, Crissy Field East Beach crackles with a community vibe. On the weekends, it’s an epic family destination.

Accessibility at Crissy Field East Beach

To learn about accessibility at Crissy Field East Beach, visit the National Park Service website.

Insider Tip

If you fancy a stroll, stretch your legs on the Presidio’s majestic Golden Gate Promenade/San Francisco Bay Trail. In just over a mile, you’ll pass by must-see birdwatching at Crissy Marsh, enjoy the big lawn near the Crissy Field West Bluff Picnic Area, and ultimately arrive at the Warming Hut Park Store where you’ll find a snack and fun shopping. Bring a jacket as it can get windy.

Visitors picnicking and grilling at East Beach in the Presidio.Photo by Myleen Hollero.

BEACH NEAR THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

This Crissy Field beach is among the Presidio’s most well-known and beloved destinations. It’s one of San Francisco’s best beaches.

Beachgoers on the sand at East Beach in the Presidio, with Alcatraz in the background.
Photo by Myleen Hollero.

Crissy Field Kitesurfing

Thanks to thermal winds and storm fronts that roll in through the Golden Gate, Crissy Field East Beach is one of the planet’s best spots for kitesurfing. Visitors love to sit on the sand and watch as these incredible athletes skate the water’s surface at lightning speeds.

Presidio Food at East Beach

If you didn’t pack a picnic, pick up a great meal from the Presidio Pop Up food trucks, typically located just west on Mason Street next to the Outpost playground.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Accessible restrooms and changing areas are available.

No, picnic tables and grills at Crissy Field East Beach are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to reserve a picnic area in advance, learn about the Presidio’s Picnic Place.

Yes, there is a free parking lot next to East Beach. Right across Mason Street, there is a paid parking lot available to all.

Park Itineraries

Need help planning your day at the Presidio? We’ve put together some itinerary ideas for things to see and do in the park. Whether you’re planning to spend a few hours or an entire day, there’s something for everyone at the Presidio.