China Beach (James D. Phelan Beach)

China Beach, officially James D. Phelan Beach, is a small sheltered cove in the Sea Cliff neighborhood on the northwest edge of San Francisco, California. The sand is soft and tan, and the cove is tucked between rocky headlands, which shields it from much of the wind and surf that batter the city's open Pacific beaches. On sunny days it is among the calmest and warmest beaches in San Francisco, with a view across the Golden Gate to the Marin Headlands. The water remains cold, about 52-58F, and lifeguards are not routinely posted, so any swimming is at the visitor's own risk; the cove is better suited to sunbathing, picnics and paddling. The atmosphere is relaxed and local, drawing neighborhood residents, small groups and families rather than large crowds, in part because of its limited size and parking. The National Park Service manages the beach as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and the facilities are comparatively good for such a small spot: restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables and barbecue grills are available, and a small parking lot sits at the end of Sea Cliff Avenue near 28th Avenue. There is no food service at the beach, so visitors usually bring their own supplies. Access involves a flight of stairs from the parking area down to the sand. By public transit, the Muni 1 California bus runs to 25th Avenue and California Street, followed by a walk of about 15 minutes through the Sea Cliff neighborhood to the stairs. Driving is easier but the small lot can fill on warm weekends, and street parking in the residential area is limited. July through October generally offers the best chance of a clear, still day, and the cove is a good stop when combined with a walk along the Lands End coastal trail nearby. Visitors can also watch container ships and fishing boats crossing the strait.