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Summer guide to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Discover summertime things to do, places to swim & more

Surfers walk along Ocean Beach with Sutro Tower in the background
Surfers walk along Ocean Beach.

Ryan Curran White/Parks Conservancy

Winter is here...oops, we mean summer. Don't let the fog fool you—just because it'll (probably) be gloomy until September doesn't mean your parks are hibernating. Summer in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is full of beaches, bonfires, coastal trails, and moments worth showing up for. We've got the insider picks to make this your best Bay Area summer yet.

GGNRA's Only Swimming Beach

Stinson Beach is Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s only designated swimming beach and features a seasonal lifeguard program to help ensure visitor safety during the busiest months. While your coastal parks look inviting for cooling off, ocean conditions can be unpredictable, making it important to swim near a lifeguard and stay informed. Before you visit, check out these important beach safety tips and rip current information from the National Park Service.

Stinson Beach
Marin County
Stinson Beach

Summer Events in the GGNRA

Don't miss a splendid summer in the parks.