Ocean Beach

This long, wide ribbon of sand, which is not far from Cliff House, is a popular spot for walking, running or sunbathing. You should note, however, that its extremely cold and rough waters make swimming hazardous. You may see surfers here when the waves are especially promising, although even they wear insulated wetsuits for year-round protection against the cold.

This beach is home to the Western Snowy Plover, a threatened species of shorebird, that lives here for 10 months each year. Wildlife experts estimate that as much of 5% of the approximately 1,200 birds still in existence live on a single 2-mile stretch of Ocean Beach.

Dog Walking Controversy
Ocean Beach has long been a favorite place for area residents to walk their dogs. The plight of the snowy plover, however, has led to requirements that dog owners leash their pets or have them under "voice control" in certain areas to assure that the birds are not disturbed. While intended by the National Park Service (which is responsible for the beach, since it is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area) to balance the need to protect endangered species while allowing dogs and their masters to continue to enjoy the beach, the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has taken offense at the leash law, insisting that it is "cruel and unnecessary" and threatening a "mass off-leash dog walk" if the law is not changed.

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