china

China Beach

A great find, this tiny treasure will surely become one of your favorite swimming sites. This small beach is nestled in the steep Golden Gate National Recreation Area shoreline, which acts as a sheltered cove against alongshore and rip currents.

If the surf conditions are good, you can enjoy a moderate to rigorous workout amongst the city's finest natural landscapes. Straight ahead, you can see the spectacular Marin Headlands and the Point Bonita Lighthouse. To the right, is the Golden Gate Bridge. There are some clusters of dramatic, jutting rocks that can serve as your markers to practice your sighting along each side of the sandy shoreline.

China Beach is a good place to train for any of the Alcatraz swim events. The water currents will more closely resemble race conditions than Aquatic Park, which is located in the calmer bay. If you are training for Wildflower, be sure to practice your T1 transition on the steep road up to the parking area. Getting out of your wetsuit and running barefoot on asphalt is challenging enough; try doing it when your hands and feet are numb! If you want to do a swim/run brick, lock up your gear in the car, lace lock your shoes and get on El Camino Del Mar. The Escape from Alcatraz run course goes through this tony Sea Cliff residential area. You can view the exquisite homes, or check out nearby Baker Beach. After swimming at China Beach, Baker Beach seems ordinary and it is more crowded. To get there, take Sea Cliff to 25th Avenue North. Turn left, then go to the end and turn slightly to the right for the beach access. You can also pick up the Coastal Trail and head out towards Lands End. Look for the dirt path off of El Camino Del Mar after turning right from China Beach. This trail has steep steps within a myriad of paths that are surrounded by gorgeous scenery,

Facilities: There is a drinking fountain and a working phone at the abandoned beach house. The restrooms are open after 11 AM on weekends.

Tips:

Do not swim alone if a lifeguard is not on duty. Unpredictable surf conditions can make swimming here dangerous.

Bring your family if they like to hang out at the beach. There is a small picnic area with BBQ grills.

Sundays, before 10 AM, you can pretty much have the place all to yourself. This way you avoid traffic, get a parking spot, and have your workout over so that you can spend the rest of the day as your non-athletic loved ones please. The lot gets full around noon.
Take your camera.

See if it will be a sunny day today at the beach. San Francisco City Camera

Directions:

Take 28th Ave. to El Camino Del Mar, turn left and follow the signs.

Tri home.