Crissy Field

About This Spot

World-class but expert-only kite spot on San Francisco Bay, directly inside the Golden Gate with postcard views of the bridge. Season runs March–October, with peak reliability April through mid-September when thermal NW/W (side-shore to side-offshore) wind blows roughly 6–7 days/week as cold ocean air pours through the gate. Stats favor 18–22 mph (~85% of windy days), with gusts spanning a brutal 5–45 mph range; classic window is afternoons, ~3–5pm. Nov–Feb is sparse, only a handful of rideable (mostly N onshore storm) days per month. Wind is deceptive: light, fluky and luffy on the inside near the beach, then ramps hard once you pass Anita Rock into the channel. Expect everything from flat water to psycho chop to real wind swell depending on tide and breeze. Water is COLD year-round — wear a 4/3 (or 5/4) hooded steamer always. Tides are the crux. Ride slack-into-ebb; flood tide is dangerous and very hard to hold ground on. Currents are powerful and do NOT return you to the beach — they sweep you toward the Golden Gate Bridge or out toward Alcatraz, so flawless upwind, jibing and self-rescue plus strong cold-water swimming are mandatory. Coast Guard/sailboat rescues happen regularly here. Launch: set up on the west (bridge) side, west of the bathrooms, to avoid east-end rocks, the blue ADA access ramp, and crowds; clear the rocks. Launch and get off the beach immediately — keep the kite low and go. Hazards: heavy windsurfer, sailboat and commercial cargo/tanker traffic (you give way), Fort Point/South Tower wind shadow that drops kites, Presidio Shoal holes, the bridge itself, and a beach packed with families, dogs and kids. Not for beginners — intermediate-plus with current knowledge only. Part of GGNRA/Presidio; respect posted rules and shared-use etiquette.