Baker Beach is a mile-long sandy shoreline within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco, California, offering direct access to the Pacific Ocean with iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. Access for paddlers is via the beach itself, with two free parking lots available off Gibson Road, though these lots and nearby street parking fill quickly on sunny days and weekends, making an early arrival advisable. The carry from the parking lots to the water's edge is a short walk across sand. The beach is having surf, and wave patterns can include a slow, rhythmic break. Paddling here is exposed to Pacific Ocean conditions, including strong currents and potential for larger swell. The area is known for significant marine wildlife, including great white sharks, whales, and leopard sharks, and paddlers must be mindful of container ships and other large vessels that have the right of way in the shipping lanes near the Golden Gate. Water temperatures are cool year-round, necessitating the use of wetsuits for most paddlers. The beach has amenities including restrooms, picnic tables, and BBQ grills. Baker Beach serves as a destination or turnaround point for more advanced paddling trips originating from places like Crissy Field. A common advanced route involves paddling from Crissy Field, under the Golden Gate Bridge, and hugging the coast out to Baker Beach, with the option to continue to Kirby Cove. These trips require careful coordination of tides and conditions, as a strong ebb tide can create challenging paddling conditions near the bridge. The beach is dog-friendly, requiring leashes, and is connected to coastal trails like the Batteries to Bluffs Trail via features such as the Sand Ladder at its north end.