Known by the locals only as “South City”, South San Francisco isn’t part of San Francisco at all, but rather it’s own separate city. Shielded by the fog, this city offers fantastic bay views and new offerings, thanks to the Oyster Point Park and Marina. Located on San Francisco Bay, this new recreational pursuit offers a place to launch your boat, cast a line from the fishing pier, set up a picnic or stroll along the sandy shores of Oyster Cove. Visit beautiful South San Francisco CA today. For a list of all the great area beaches, click here.
Weather – When to Visit South San Francisco
The best time to visit South San Francisco CA is from September to November. Believe it or not, fall offers some of the city’s warmest temperatures year-round, not to mention fewer crowds than summer. Spring is another good time to visit thanks to its mild temperatures and lack of rain. You’ll find a surge in tourism during the summer as people head west in search of sun, sand and surf. Winter in South San Francisco draws bargain-hunters with lower hotel rates and less people. If you decide to travel in the wintertime, protect yourself from the chilly temperatures with plenty of layers.
Best Beaches of South San Francisco
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Half Moon Bay State Beach is a popular for swimming, surfing, and fishing. There are four separate beaches within the state park, each with its own unique features. Amenities vary by beach but may include restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Parking can be limited on weekends and holidays, so arrive early if possible.
.
Pacifica State Beach
Pacifica State Beach, also known as Linda Mar Beach, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Its long stretch of white sand is perfect for sunbathing, beach combing, and playing in the waves. There are plenty of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Parking can be tough on busy days, but there are several pay lots nearby.
.
.
Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach Located in the heart of Pacifica’s Rockaway Beach neighborhood, this beach is known for its stunning ocean views and easy access to nearby shops and restaurants. The beach is also a popular spot for surfers, and there are several surf schools nearby for those who want to give it a try. There is ample parking, including a large lot at the north end of the beach
.
Montara State Beach
Montara State Beach is a quieter alternative to the more crowded beaches closer to the city. The beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. There are restrooms and showers available, as well as a small parking lot that can fill up quickly on weekends.
.
Gray Whale Cove Beach
Gray Whale Cove State Beach Located just south of Montara State Beach, Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a secluded gem that offers breathtaking views of the coastline. The beach is accessed via a steep path from the parking lot, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Once you reach the beach, you’ll find plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sun and surf.
.
Best Restaurants in South San Francisco
$-Inexpensive $$-Moderate $$$-Pricey $$$$-Ultra High End
Ristorante Buon Gusto $$ – $$$
Ristorante Buon Gusto is one of the oldest Italian restaurants in South San Francisco. They offer traditional Southern Italian cuisine, an excellent wine menu, and a full bar, all served in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere reminiscent of the best North Beach & Little Italy’s decades; the Fifties and Sixties. Telephone: 650-742-9776 Web: Ristorante Buon Gusto
Cafe Half Bistro $$ – $$$
They serve freshly grilled BBQ Yakitori plus Japanese inspired favorites including Omurice, Donburi and hearty curries, perfect for dining in or on the go. They also offer delicious wheelcake, a beloved Taiwanese street-style dessert. Telephone: 650-873-5478 Web: Cafe Half Bistro
Cafe 382 $$ – $$$
They offer chicken & waffles, Bananas Foster French Toast, 6 Benedicts, Fresh Fish, Chicken, Steaks, Salads, House Ground Burgers, Shakes, Fresh Squeezed Juices, Beer & Wine, and much more! Telephone: 650-763-1640 Web: Cafe 382
New England Lobster Market & Eatery $$ – $$$
This is an authentic east coast seafood experience in San Francisco. Whether you’re shopping at the market or grabbing a meal at the eatery, when you visit you’ll discover live Maine lobsters, dungeness crabs, mussels and more. Diners at their restaurant love the dressed lobster rolls, lobster corn chowder and crab nachos. Telephone: 650-443-1543 Web: New England Lobster Market & Eatery
Amoura Restaurant $$ – $$$
They are a Mediterranean-style fine-dining restaurant offering ‘farm-to-table’ fresh ingredients and fantastic old-world recipes by their glowingly reviewed chef that are a pleasure to serve. Their full service bar has a wide selection of liquors and beers on tap. Telephone: 650-754-6891 Web: Amoura Restaurant.
Best Nightlife in South San Francisco
The StandBy
They are a classic dive bar with a friendly attitude. They have 14 beers on tap, and emphasize local craft breweries. They also have an extensive spirit selection specializing in whiskeys, Tequilas, and Mezcals. They make cocktails from scratch and only use, fresh fruit, herbs, egg white, and other house made syrups. Telephone: 650-588-8300 Web: The StandBy
Executive Order Bar & Lounge
Espresso Bar & Pastries on Tues, Weds & Thurs 10am-4pm. Cocktail Bar Open: Tues-Sun 5pm til close. Finger Food: Tues-Sun 5pm-10pm. Telephone: 415-699-6545 Web: Executive Order Bar & Lounge
Hometown Heroes
They are a local sports bar and eatery that specializes in a good time. An authentic sports bar feel with specials going on almost every night. They have the best sports games playing live on TVs so you can’t go wrong. Telephone: 650-872-4484 Web: Hometown Heroes
Hula Hoops Restaurant & Bar
They specialize in exotic tiki cocktails and island cuisine inspired from different islands of the world. Happy Hour is Monday to Friday 4-5pm. Telephone: 650-952-3255 Web: Hula Hoops Restaurant & Bar
Molloy’s Tavern
Molloys was built in 1883, the walls are adorned with historic pictures of San Francisco and the Bay Area. They are best known for their Irish Coffee, Guinness, & wide selection of Irish whiskey. Telephone: 650-755-9545 Web: Molloy’s Tavern
This is another beautiful place to think about visiting. It just that the time frame to visit such a place like south San Francisco is very short and might interefer with my personal and office activities at exactly that time. Be it as it may, If I can find time within November and December.
You can visit any time of the year really. It really depends on what type of activities you plan on doing while here. I like the summer the best, because I want the ocean water to not be too cold for me! I love the beach but don’t really like the cold water LOL
I am a beach lover and i love to check on different beaches during my holidays especially summer vacations. This looks gorgeous and I felt like entering the city when i was watching through the video you uploaded. There are so many valuable info about the city which shows you did your assignment very well before ppsting on your blog.
Thanks for your indepth analysis
I do a lot of research for sure, as well as use my personal experiences. South San Francisco is a great beach community, and it is gorgeous…you are right!
Hi! I have wanted to go to University of Surfing. People have told me they have really good instructors. Thank you for including a phone number. I would also like to go to the kite boarding center.
But what I have been advice to not miss is Filoli Gardens. Lovely natural trails and lots of tranquility.
Do you know why they call it South San Francisco if it isn’t part of San Francisco?
No Henry, it is not part of San Francisco and is actually it’s own city. I am sure it is called South San Francisco, because it is south of San Francisco. Oh, the University of Surfing is highly recommended if you want to give it a try. Enjoy!
O my God, This is beyond beautiful. Thanks for sharing this information across. I just stumbled across it and I must say you really took your time to put all these together coupled with the beautiful pictures makes it look more attractive and promising. South San Francisco is really beautiful. Thanks once more for sharing this piece of information. Cheer’s
You are so welcome Tony! Thank you for visiting beach travel destinations and my South San Francisco CA post. I am glad you enjoyed
My wife and I love the beach, we currently live on Cape Cod which has some beautiful beaches as well. When we get our blog rolling we would like to visit beaches all over the world. I could definitely adapt to the lifestyle. Besides San Francisco, are there any other beaches that you would say are a must see? We are going to St Croix in a month but would love to hear what you recommend for other destinations around the Globe.
Thank You
Jason
Oh boy Jason, that is a tall order. I just came from St. Croix, St Thomas and St. Maartin. I have to say that the beaches in all destinations are wonderful. I am in Florida on the gulf coast, so our beaches are really pretty calm. I loves the beaches of the islands, as the waves were so awesome. I wrote an article on what I felt was the best beaches around the world, you can visit that link here. It will give you the top 20 best beaches in the world
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Thank you for your quick response. I will definitely check out the article you wrote about the Top 20 beaches. We will be looking at properties in St.Pete when we return from our trip and plan on taking a couple days to make it to the gulf. Thank again for responding so quickly.
Jason
If you head to St Pete, please let me know. I live here and I can give you all the information you need
I also have a St. Pete Beach Travel Guide. Please let me know if I can help!
South San Francisco looks so beautiful. I would have loved to hear the sound of the ocean in your drone video. I still love it anyway. For those of us on the east coast, California is another world but those pictures are tempting. Nice post and I look forward to more pictures from you.
I am on the East Coast as well, just a little more cost effective for the cost of living. But the west coast is amazing. I hope you can vacation there someday soon!
Hi leahrae, another good one from you, I must be sincere u have just, made it easy for me to write list of wonderful and interesting places to, visit during next holiday, I have never been to South San Francisco before now, but I think I will, be going soon, Fly Bay Area is one the, thing that will be taking me there,
Glad you enjoyed reading and learning about South San Francisco
Hi Matt,
I’ve never been to South San Fransico and now that I read this post, I will certainly visit this place. We are planning a trip with the whole family next year. Now I have all the information to plan our trip. We love venture jeep and kayaking. Also, I see there are affordable restaurants where we can enjoy dinner.
Are there casinos in this region? My husband loves to gamble, only when we are on vacation luckily:)
Thank you!
Hi Daniella, thanks for your visit to my South San Francisco CA review. Unfortunately, there are casinos in California and fairly close to South San Francisco. You can visit here for a list of the available casinos. I know you will still have a great time. You can drop hubby off at the casino and then the rest of you can head out for your adventure
You truly have a site to bookmark.
So much valuable info on the city and that area.
Only have heard a lot of San Francisco but now you have given me an insight into the lovely city. Especially South San Francisco.
I am ready to pack my bags!
Thank you
Stella
Bush Lady
I am glad you enjoyed reading my South San Francisco CA review. Hopefully you can vacation to this wonderful beach community soon! Thanks for stopping by beach travel destinations.
HI Leahrae. I must say that you are one the best in sharing the vast knowledge to the readers like me. I have been following you for a long time, and every post that you share is very informative and this is is one of your masterpieces. I am going there for sure.
Great, you will have a blast! Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations and for taking the time to leave me comments.
Leahrae,
My brother lived in Oakland during the 70’s and 80’s. I made several trips to this area during this time. The south San Francisco area is very inviting place to visit. The only time we went close to the beach was to watch the wind kites flying off the cliffs.
The weather is not quite as warm for beach wear, I think I still have a sweatshirt that I purchased when I was there last.
Are there any fishing boats to book for a half or whole day trips. I like doing this when in the Florida area.
John
Yes it can be chilly here for sure, but also very nice. Watching the kites flying off the cliffs was an amazing sight I bet! There are several, so I want to refer you to this link for the top fishing charters in the area. Hope this helps, and please let me know if you have any additional questions.
South SanFrancisco truly is an amazing place for everyone from children to adults. I live in bay area and mostly over weekends love to travel to SFO. I’m looking forward to some hiking with friends in Oyster Point Marina soon.
You are so lucky you live so close Demi! Hiking at Oyster Point sounds great
Very informative article and I got a lot of interesting facts from this region of San Franisco. Had a lot of nice beaches, places to eat, hotels to stay at, and it also had a lot of interesting activities to do while you visit there.
You did a great job with your website and article.
Thanks so much Danny. Glad you enjoyed visiting my South San Francisco CA review