Sailing in San Francisco 2025
The vast San Francisco Bay has multiple sailing options for both beginners and professionals
Best time: year round (best time: July–September)
San Francisco's Bay occupies over 1600 square miles (4143 sq m) and is known as the ultimate sailing destination. Tours here are impossible to miss as they depart a few times a day from almost every pier around Central Embarcadero Piers Historic District.
The bay is welcoming all year long, with winds being most intense from July to September. Even though they decrease with the onset of autumn and the winter storms are more than possible, sailing during these seasons can be good as well.
The city's nearest sailing route lies around the famous island of Alcatraz and the island of Angels, so if you are a first-timer and don't want to let the shoreline out of sight, the sailing tours from Central Embarcadero Piers Historic District are exactly what you need.
To the north of San Francisco, past the Richmond Bridge, you will have a good chance to observe the bay of San Pablo. Simultaneously, moving to the south, you will discover San Francisco Bay in detail and then reach Redwood City. But if you are fearless enough to go out into the open ocean, Farallon Islands makes an excellent option for experienced sailors.
Numerous companies such as Captain Kirks, San Francisco Sailing Company, South Beach Yacht Club provide multiple sailing packages: from short sunset tours to 4-hour ocean sailing. Depending on the company, you can also book a tour for one person or even rent a whole boat. Drinks and food are usually included in the price of the tour.
