China Beach Rehabilitation

Nestled between Lands End and Baker Beach in San Francisco, this tiny inlet features open sandy spaces for sunbathing, picnic areas, tide pools, breathtaking views of the Marin Headlands and Golden Gate Bridge, and the ruins of a historic bathhouse. Said to be named for the Chinese fisherman who used to anchor their vessels there, China Beach currently suffers from a dilapidated infrastructure that restricts public access to the site.

In part with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and National Parks Service, Sherwood Design Engineers is engaged in the rehabilitation of the site including restoration of the retaining walls, main road, bathhouse facility, restrooms and additional visitor amenities.

The first phase of the project, which was completed in 2024, has included road and parking lot improvements as well as the development of a new accessible overlook that offers stunning views of the water and Golden Gate Bridge. The retaining wall supporting the bath house and the promenade on the steeply-sloped site has also been strengthened, and utility infrastructure has been improved. Along with upgraded sewer facilities, new biotreatment basins have been added to slow down the flow of the site’s stormwater and filter it through natural soils and plants, reducing pollutants before it’s released through the sea wall into the ocean.

The project’s second phase, scheduled to begin construction in 2025, will include the rehabilitation of the historic bath house and the promenade that links the beach with a plaza and picnic area. The public utility’s water main will also be extended from the primary adjacent roadway to the site’s cul-de-sac, improving water access to the China Beach facilities and to the private residences nearby.