clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Shutterstock

11 SF Parks Where You Can BBQ

View as Map

What with Karl the Fog being less of a presence in San Francisco during the summer months (we do hope that changes, however) and foodie presence spreading life wildfire, choice cookouts are calling. And there are plenty of spaces within San Francisco parks and beaches where you can have a BBQ. Sure, the bigger parks—Golden Gate Park, John McLaren—tend to have more grills available for public use, and there's also the issue of permits with some of these BBQ spots. But if you've got your own grill, and promise to clean up your mess, please check out this guide for the coming warmer months.

Also, if we missed a spot, let us know.

Read More

West Bluff Picnic Area and Beach

Copy Link

Possibly one of the most visually stunning picnic spots in the world—the Golden Gate Bridge is right in front of you—this spot near Crissy Field (also featured on this list) doesn’t come equipped with a grill, so you’ll have to bring your own. But they do have picnic tables, so there’s that.

Mission Dolores Park

Copy Link

This is a tough one, while almost anything and everything goes at the city’s most popular park—from the selling of pot truffles to semi-nudity—the park doesn’t come equipped with BBQs. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your own charcoal grill to get the party started. Just be sure to clean up your mess. Seriously.

Baker Beach

Copy Link

Is a park a beach? Sure, why not. This "park" provides charcoal grills should you be so inclined, or you can bring your own. And at the risk of making any hot dog puns, this is also one of San Francisco’s nude beaches. Just be sure to cover up any private bits that might fall victim to grease splatter from the grill.

Golden Gate Park

Copy Link

There are so many places in Golden Gate Park to grill up some meat that they have a dedicated website showing you where they all are. But, really, the best way to BBQ here is to bring your own. The entire park is ideal for it. We recommend hitting up the area near Stow Lake. Or near the buffalo—just don’t get any ideas.

Bayview Park

Copy Link

Great alternative to the city’s more populated park, Bayview allows for charcoal grilling. Also of note? The excellent views of the Bay.

Lafayette Park

Copy Link

Don your finest threads, grab your Burberry picnic blanket, and get your charcoal grill ready to fry up some meat in one of the chicest parks, located in Pacific Heights. Excellent views of sumptuous houses that border the park are not to be missed.

Crissy Field

Copy Link

They provide both picnic tables and grills. Just get there early because the place fills up right-quick, especially during holiday weekends.

Ocean Beach

Copy Link

While the beach doesn’t provide any grills, you can bring your own charcoal one inside one of their designated picnic areas. Come nighttime you can also enjoy blazing up a fire in one of the fire rings provided, between stairwells 15 and 20. (While BBQing isn’t recommended with the beach fire pits, we won’t stop anyone wishing to roast marshmallows.)

Precita Park

Copy Link

Picnic area near the children’s playground make this an excellent spot for family-grilling time. Even without a family, though, it's an excellent and woefully underrated park. Grills not provided; bring your own.

Holly Park

Copy Link

This Bernal Heights park provides its own grills, not to mention choice views of the city. It also has areas for baseball, basketball, and tennis should you want to work off those five chili hot dogs.

John McLaren Park

Copy Link

The city’s second biggest park, it comes equipped with grills and tables. Lots of them. Perfect opportunity to finally check out this lovely park that often gets ignored for its big brother, Dolores Park.

West Bluff Picnic Area and Beach

Possibly one of the most visually stunning picnic spots in the world—the Golden Gate Bridge is right in front of you—this spot near Crissy Field (also featured on this list) doesn’t come equipped with a grill, so you’ll have to bring your own. But they do have picnic tables, so there’s that.

Mission Dolores Park

This is a tough one, while almost anything and everything goes at the city’s most popular park—from the selling of pot truffles to semi-nudity—the park doesn’t come equipped with BBQs. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your own charcoal grill to get the party started. Just be sure to clean up your mess. Seriously.

Baker Beach

Is a park a beach? Sure, why not. This "park" provides charcoal grills should you be so inclined, or you can bring your own. And at the risk of making any hot dog puns, this is also one of San Francisco’s nude beaches. Just be sure to cover up any private bits that might fall victim to grease splatter from the grill.

Golden Gate Park

There are so many places in Golden Gate Park to grill up some meat that they have a dedicated website showing you where they all are. But, really, the best way to BBQ here is to bring your own. The entire park is ideal for it. We recommend hitting up the area near Stow Lake. Or near the buffalo—just don’t get any ideas.

Bayview Park

Great alternative to the city’s more populated park, Bayview allows for charcoal grilling. Also of note? The excellent views of the Bay.

Lafayette Park

Don your finest threads, grab your Burberry picnic blanket, and get your charcoal grill ready to fry up some meat in one of the chicest parks, located in Pacific Heights. Excellent views of sumptuous houses that border the park are not to be missed.

Crissy Field

They provide both picnic tables and grills. Just get there early because the place fills up right-quick, especially during holiday weekends.

Ocean Beach

While the beach doesn’t provide any grills, you can bring your own charcoal one inside one of their designated picnic areas. Come nighttime you can also enjoy blazing up a fire in one of the fire rings provided, between stairwells 15 and 20. (While BBQing isn’t recommended with the beach fire pits, we won’t stop anyone wishing to roast marshmallows.)

Precita Park

Picnic area near the children’s playground make this an excellent spot for family-grilling time. Even without a family, though, it's an excellent and woefully underrated park. Grills not provided; bring your own.

Holly Park

This Bernal Heights park provides its own grills, not to mention choice views of the city. It also has areas for baseball, basketball, and tennis should you want to work off those five chili hot dogs.

John McLaren Park

The city’s second biggest park, it comes equipped with grills and tables. Lots of them. Perfect opportunity to finally check out this lovely park that often gets ignored for its big brother, Dolores Park.