China Camp Beach is a beautiful coastal destination nestled in San Rafael, California. Known for its serene atmosphere and proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area, this beach offers a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and relaxation. Whether you're looking to enjoy the water, hike through scenic trails, or simply spend time with family and friends, China Camp Beach provides a variety of activities to suit all interests.
This charming spot is celebrated for its stunning views of the bay, making it an ideal location for photography, picnics, and outdoor adventures. The beach is particularly popular among locals who appreciate its convenience, as it offers a rare opportunity to enjoy coastal beauty without spending hours traveling to reach the coast.
In addition to its natural beauty, China Camp Beach has a unique charm that makes it memorable for visitors. One visitor shared their experience of witnessing a special moment—a baptism on the beach, adding anextraordinary touch to their visit. The warm weather and relaxing atmosphere made it a day to remember.
As one local enthusiast mentioned, "It's right in my backyard! You don't have to spend half the day driving to the coast to enjoy a nice day at the beach." This sentiment is echoed by many who appreciate its accessibility and the variety of activities available on-site.
Onsite services
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Biking
Birdwatching
Hiking
Jogging
Out-and-back trail
Trail difficulty
Walking
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
We have been coming to China camp beach for many years. This day was special not our normal kayak day. As we pulled in the driveway to park we heard singing in Spanish and saw about 50 people standing on the beach. To our surprise it was a baptism right on the water. It was amazing to watch the few folks in all white getting dipped into the bay.
It was a beautiful warm relaxing day. The great part about going to China camp is its right in my backyard. You don't have to spend half the day driving to the coast to enjoy a nice day at the beach. It's a great place to bring your kids. Great hiking trails and to have birthday parties 🥳
We left our home in our city S.F. and headed North across the Golden Gate Bridge and within minutes we were in San Rafael on thru the East End for a couple of minutes more arriving at the China Camp Beach of which we had presicllay chosen to chase after the beautiful colors in the sky to capture on camera with our Samsung S23 Galaxy phones late Sunday night 🌙 it was a winning choice.!
I went hiking all the way up to China Camp beach. It was a wonderful hike with interesting vegetation. The beach area was also very nice and relaxing. A great easy-level hiking experience.
We had such a wonderful time here. Strongly recommend! Make sure you hike some trails. So many of them and they are easy, but gorgeous.