Baker Beach

San Francisco's best characteristics are its beautifully rocky shores - not sunny, soft, sandy beaches. This is why Baker Beach is such an anomaly here - this wide expanse of the coast is the perfect place for Northern Californians to take their kids and dogs. While it's still not as sunbather-friendly as the southern beaches, the fresh and breezy summers are the most popular time here. (Submitted by Lizbeth Lopez)