Gay-popularOfficialTier 2 · Accepted in the cities

Baker Beach

Presidio, San Francisco · United States

A clothing-optional beach with the Golden Gate Bridge in the frame. The north end is the boys' end, and the view is the best in the city.

Status
Official nude beach
Crowd
Gay-popular
Country
United States
City
San Francisco
Water
Sea
Best time
May to October, fog permitting
Confidence
High

Find it

37.7940° N, 122.4845° W
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors, tiles by OpenFreeMap.
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The gay end

The north end, closest to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Crowd A nude beach for everyone with a gay end everyone knows about. Walk in the direction the guide says and you will find the boys.

Getting there

Bus 29 to the Presidio or park at the Baker Beach lot and walk north. Cold water, strong currents: sun, not swimming.

The rules

Official nude beach. Designated by law or by the council. Nudity is allowed and expected on the marked stretch, and nobody will ask you to cover up.

No photos of anyone, sunscreen everywhere, cover up the moment you leave the nude stretch, and go home with the light. It is a beach: sunbathe, swim, talk, flirt. Anything more belongs somewhere private.

Questions people ask

Is Baker Beach a gay beach?

It has a gay end. The north end, closest to the Golden Gate Bridge. A clothing-optional beach with the Golden Gate Bridge in the frame. The north end is the boys' end, and the view is the best in the city.

Is it legal to be nude at Baker Beach?

Yes, on the marked stretch. Designated by law or by the council. Nudity is allowed and expected on the marked stretch, and nobody will ask you to cover up.

How do I get to Baker Beach?

Bus 29 to the Presidio or park at the Baker Beach lot and walk north. Cold water, strong currents: sun, not swimming. Best time: May to October, fog permitting.

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Method

Status says what the law and the locals allow; crowd says who is on the sand. Both come from gay-travel guides, the national naturist federations and members who were just there, scored on sources, recency, crowd, legal footing and safety. How we rank. Pins mark the beach; the gay end is described above. Last reviewed September 2026.