Located just north of the highly popular Ocean Beach past Land’s End is Baker Beach, which, while still definitely popular for the locals, is more secluded, rich with interesting history, and is considerably more risque.
This picturesque northern San Franciscan cove continues to be a must-see site known for its fun and challenging hike to reach its serene half-mile span, as well as its stunningly rewarding view of the Golden Gate Bridge, yet few know of its origins as a catalyst for one of the most beloved music festival- Burning Man.
See also: The Hottest Bay Area Beaches With Firepits For A Perfect Summer Bonfire
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When hearing the name “Baker Beach,” many locals immediately know its connotations as one of San Francisco’s few openly nude beaches, found on the furthest end of the beach by the rocks at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. However this otherwise notorious oasis is also notable for its sweeping views of the Pacific, which bolstered it as a prime military base within the Presidio since the 1890s.
As a natural method of gathering in this subtle fortress, convivial bonfires were typically lit, yet one of these grew too large in 1933 and immolated many of its surrounding cliff’s shrubbery and bases. This led to the prohibition of fires here now and its integration into the national park system in 1997.
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While still an active military post in the summer of 1986, Baker Beach’s hot connections to fire once more ignited a tradition that would eventually be known far past its humble sandy origins.
Along with a group of 20 friends, Burning Man founder Larry Harvey, then a member of the counterculture Cacophony Society composed of “free university,” proponents, epically set ablaze the first-ever iteration of the 8’ tall effigy now synonymous with the desert music festival.
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Michael Mikel, Harvey’s colleague and co-founder of the Cacophony Society, reminisces that “"San Francisco was ripe for something like Burning Man." After the then-untitled event circulated the Cacophony Society's newsletters, participation into this tradition flourished for years after, with the title now honored as “Burning Man.”
From 1986 to 1990, Baker Beach was the only site to host this festivity, with each year adding numerous more attendees.
After the lighting grew to be outlawed by the park police, Burning Man was moved to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert where it continues to remain. Today many San Franciscans still flock to Burning Man, which has reached worldwide recognition, even magnifying the scale of the fiery man to over 60 feet.
While Larry Harvey passed away in 2018, and Michael Mikel now residing in Reno close to Black Rock Desert, the festival continues to grow in Harvey’s honor, with Mikel returning to San Francisco periodically, warmly referring to the Presidio as “a beautiful place.”
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Baker Beach holds a unique backstory uplifted by its current intriguing notoriety. Aside from its judgment-free “clothing optional” section, the beach also provides an exclusive view and plenty of space for when it becomes packed on hot, Karl-free days.
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You can access Baker Beach via 1770 Gibson Road, and is open until sunset. We also recommend conquering its famous Sand Ladder to the hill’s summit, and seeing Golden Hour drag shows that are occasionally hosted here!
See also: Take A Tranquil and Meditative Hike At This Hidden Presidio Nature Sculpture
Photography by: Justin Oliver/Unsplash
