Compared to most big cities, San Francisco is positively small and quaint. Still, there are plenty of tucked-away nooks and crannies to discover. Marshall’s Beach is one such spot, a hidden stretch of sand that offers iconic views and a serene setting that’ll quickly take you far away from the concrete jungle. Here’s how to find this blissful hidden beach in San Francisco…

First Stop: Baker Beach

Mike Procario/Flickr We like to start this adventure at the beautiful, expansive Baker Beach, nestled along the southwest corner of the Presidio.

Climb the Sand Ladder and feel the burn.

Big & Small Travel Toward the northern end of Baker Beach is this intimidating set of stairs built into the sand. Yes, it’s tough, but worth every step.

At the top, travel north on the California Coastal Trail.

The Presidio The California Coastal Trail is actually a 1,200-mile route that runs along the Pacific coastline from Mexico to Oregon. You’ll hit just a tiny segment of it here, along the picturesque bluffs that look out onto the Marin Headlands.

Then, quickly turn left to jump onto the Batteries To Bluffs Trail.

Tim B./Yelp Follow the sign toward Battery Crosby, and you’ll wind your way along this gorgeous trail, which takes you back toward the edge of the coastline.

Take a little time to explore Battery Crosby.

Tim B./Yelp From 1902 to 1943 this battery was armed with two guns to protect underwater minefields.

Now head down these wooden stairs…

The Presidio To get to Marshall’s Beach, you’ll walk past Battery Crosby and start winding your way down these scenic steps.

Watch for this sign!

Ann S./Yelp Here, the trail veers off slightly. Follow the sign to the left, and stay on the trail so as not to disturb the sensitive vegetation.

Look out below…

Big & Small Travel Catch a glimpse of Marshall’s Beach at the top of the stairs, with the Golden Gate Bridge looking on.

More wooden steps take you down to the beach.

The Presidio You’ll snake your way down the cliff to reach the sand.

Welcome to Marshall’s Beach!

Kevin Y./Yelp This narrow stretch of sand is one of the most tranquil spots in the city. In fact, it’s so hidden and serene, it’s become a favorite hangout for nudists—hey, it wouldn’t be San Francisco without ’em!

Get out that camera…

Tim L./Yelp …and capture one of the world’s most iconic landmarks—in absolute peace.

Remember you took those stairs down, so…

Tim B./Yelp … prepare for a steep incline back, just 0.3 miles to reach the California Coastal Trail / Lincoln Blvd.

Have you been to this hidden beach in San Francisco? After exploring Marshall’s Beach, be sure to check out these other little-known beaches in and around San Francisco.

Mike Procario/Flickr

We like to start this adventure at the beautiful, expansive Baker Beach, nestled along the southwest corner of the Presidio.

Big & Small Travel

Toward the northern end of Baker Beach is this intimidating set of stairs built into the sand. Yes, it’s tough, but worth every step.

The Presidio

The California Coastal Trail is actually a 1,200-mile route that runs along the Pacific coastline from Mexico to Oregon. You’ll hit just a tiny segment of it here, along the picturesque bluffs that look out onto the Marin Headlands.

Tim B./Yelp

Follow the sign toward Battery Crosby, and you’ll wind your way along this gorgeous trail, which takes you back toward the edge of the coastline.

From 1902 to 1943 this battery was armed with two guns to protect underwater minefields.

To get to Marshall’s Beach, you’ll walk past Battery Crosby and start winding your way down these scenic steps.

Ann S./Yelp

Here, the trail veers off slightly. Follow the sign to the left, and stay on the trail so as not to disturb the sensitive vegetation.

Catch a glimpse of Marshall’s Beach at the top of the stairs, with the Golden Gate Bridge looking on.

You’ll snake your way down the cliff to reach the sand.

Kevin Y./Yelp

This narrow stretch of sand is one of the most tranquil spots in the city. In fact, it’s so hidden and serene, it’s become a favorite hangout for nudists—hey, it wouldn’t be San Francisco without ’em!

Tim L./Yelp

…and capture one of the world’s most iconic landmarks—in absolute peace.

… prepare for a steep incline back, just 0.3 miles to reach the California Coastal Trail / Lincoln Blvd.

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