Crissy Field
Water Access
Access Description: A broad, sandy beach provides ideal access for boardsailors, with sufficient space for kite rigging and launching. Launching is from the east end of the beach.
Parking: 300+ parking spaces located adjacent to the beach. Parking is free and there are no posted time limits.
Restrooms: ADA accessible restrooms with running water.
Other Amenities: Outdoor shower, water fountain.
Parking: 300+ parking spaces located adjacent to the beach. Parking is free and there are no posted time limits.
Restrooms: ADA accessible restrooms with running water.
Other Amenities: Outdoor shower, water fountain.
Site Conditions
Prevailing Winds: WSW, WNW
Peak Season: March - October
Mudflats Affect Use?: No.
Currents Affect Use?: Yes, strong currents can carry boardsailors out to sea.
Peak Season: March - October
Mudflats Affect Use?: No.
Currents Affect Use?: Yes, strong currents can carry boardsailors out to sea.
Boardsailing Use
Users: The site is popular with kiteboarders and windsurfers due to the optimal wind conditions at this location.
Level of Use: High – 70+ kiteboarders on peak season weekends.
On-Water Experience: Excellent wind conditions with views of the Golden Gate, San Francisco, Angel Island, and beyond.
History of Use: In use by boardsailors since the 1980s – prior to GGNRA development.
Skill Level: High – Due to fluctuating winds, strong currents, and high levels of commercial and recreational vessel traffic.
Nearby Concessions: Calikites (Calikites.com)
Level of Use: High – 70+ kiteboarders on peak season weekends.
On-Water Experience: Excellent wind conditions with views of the Golden Gate, San Francisco, Angel Island, and beyond.
History of Use: In use by boardsailors since the 1980s – prior to GGNRA development.
Skill Level: High – Due to fluctuating winds, strong currents, and high levels of commercial and recreational vessel traffic.
Nearby Concessions: Calikites (Calikites.com)
Compatibility
Sensitive Habitats: Snowy plover habitat located west of East Beach. Sailors must launch from East Beach only.
Other Site Use: Crissy Field is a highly popular tourist and recreation destination. The beach is shared with sunbathers, walkers, dogs, and other beach-goers
Other Site Use: Crissy Field is a highly popular tourist and recreation destination. The beach is shared with sunbathers, walkers, dogs, and other beach-goers
Expert Tips
Safety: Do not attempt to learn at this site. Leave the beach as soon as you have the kite in the air. Do not stand around on the beach with the kite in the air. Be aware of vessel traffic.
Etiquette: Be friendly and talk to other site users. Make sure people around you are aware when you are launching and landing
Etiquette: Be friendly and talk to other site users. Make sure people around you are aware when you are launching and landing
Planning and Management
Management: National Park Service. Bay Plan: Yes. Plan Map 4: “Preserve the existing beach for water-oriented recreation.”
Water Trail Plan: Identified High Opportunity Site. Not yet designated.
Local Management Plan: Golden Gate National Recreation Area General Management Plan.
Water Trail Plan: Identified High Opportunity Site. Not yet designated.
Local Management Plan: Golden Gate National Recreation Area General Management Plan.
Site Recommendations
Importance: Long history of boardsailing use in a world-class location. Winds are frequently offshore and wide beaches are rare in the Bay Area. Recommended Improvements: Update safety signage. Work with US Coast Guard and National Park Service on kiter docent program to help with safety education and to manage use on busy days.
