The longest beach in the San Francisco area is Ocean beach, which stretches four miles along the Great Highway. Although there is plenty of room to sprawl out, you'll see very few beach towels or bikinis here. Ocean Beach is known for its cold, windy conditions and ferocious waves.

Swimming is not recommended here, due to powerful rip currents, although you will see surfers braving the chilly water to catch the "perfect wave." (Be careful you don't get flashed by surfers exposing themselves while changing out of their wetsuits in public. A law was recently passed that forbids this, but enforcement is pretty loose).

This spacious beach is a great place for dogs. Dogs are allowed off their leashes on the northern end. Ocean Beach is the perfect place to watch the sunset and has a fantastic view of Seal Rock, and if you listen carefully sometimes you can actually hear the seals barking. There are public restrooms and a shower only at the southern end. The Beach Chalet and Cliff House restuarants are near the northern end and offer a stunning view to have lunch or dinner.

All told, Ocean Beach is a great getaway for city dwellers who want to stick their toes in the sand and smell the soothing salty air.

Attractions
It's an endless stretch of beach, surfing, sunset, off-leash dog area, plenty of free parking.