China Beach

This small cove between Lands End and Baker Beach provides a welcome, uncrowded, dog-free retreat. (On clear days, you’ll still see the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.) The beach is said to be named after Chinese fishermen during the Gold Rush-era, who would dock their boats along the coastline and camp out on the sand; you’ll find a stone monument devoted to them at the edge of the parking lot. Today, it’s the haunt of middle-aged swim clubs who take their frigid laps in the morning. There are several tall, craggy rocks jutting out of the water that hoodie-clad beach-goers claim as personal islands, as well as shallow, sandy caves along the shoreline. The beach isn't large, so get there early if you want a spot in sun.