Ocean Beach, exposed to the open Pacific, offers the most dramatically varied conditions of all San Francisco beaches. In the summer, bright, hot days with tidy rows of waves are possible, and so are frigid, fogbound afternoons with the sea convulsing in angry chaos. In winter, the waves are often big, attracting a diehard group of wet-suited surfers who swear by the ever-changing tide. To watch them practice their art, park near Taraval Street toward the north end of the beach. For a picturesque hike along the dunes, head for Fort Funston at the southern end. Dress in layers and finish off with a microbrew at the historic Beach Chalet at 1000 Great Highway.

© Images courtesy of Gim Bully and Devery Sheffer“