Fort Point is a surf spot located directly beneath the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge. It offers a unique surfing experience, especially due to its proximity to downtown San Francisco. It can get crowded when the waves are good, which often means you'll be sharing the water with a mix of surfers and bodyboarders. The area provides free parking and has toilet facilities nearby, making it relatively convenient for surfers looking to catch a session.
This spot is known for its quality left-hand waves that typically break over boulders. The best conditions usually happen during larger winter swells, particularly with northwesterly swell directions. Fort Point can handle swell sizes around 5 feet (about 1.5 meters) and is best surfed on low tide incoming. The ideal wind direction is from the south, which helps to create cleaner and more manageable waves. This spot is geared more towards intermediate surfers, so it's a good place to push your skills.
While the surf can be fun, be mindful of the rocks in the lineup, as they can create hazards if you're not careful. Also, watch out for the tide, as it can pull you out towards the bay. Overall, Fort Point can be a solid choice when the ocean beaches are too big or messy to handle.