In September of 2020 Crane Cove Park opened to become San Francisco’s most unique urban park, providing unparalleled access to the Bay for recreational purposes in the Dogpatch neighborhood.

Crane Cove Park

San Francisco’s Newest Beach

The Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco was once an industrial center for ship building – home to Bethlehem Steel and Union Iron Works. In the post-war era the neighborhood fell into industrial blight with little appeal to residents or visitors.

Yet, with ever-appealing waterfront access, city planners envisioned a revitalized Dogpatch and set forth on an epic era of urban renewal. Starting with UCSF medical campuses, the Chase Center followed along with restaurants, cafes, and a bounty of multi-unit residential to attract young families.

Crane Cove Park took ten years to realize from vision to ribbon-cutting. It quickly became the crown jewel of the neighborhood with recreational opportunities unique for San Francisco. Today, our home turf is the best place to access the bay for recreational water sports.

  • There is a drop off area for temporary parking at the end of the access road at 18th Street. Otherwise there is street parking around the park. There is a paid lot at 19th Street and a garage on the corner of Mariposa and Illinois.

  • Currently there are no showers, hoses or drinking fountains in Crane Cove Park. Plan accordingly and bring plenty of water for your visit.

  • As of March 2024 the only bathrooms available in Crane Cove Park are the port-o-potties located in the drop off area at the end of the access road. In July of 2024 the public restrooms are scheduled to open on the Northwest side of Building 49.

  • Currently there are no storage options at Crane Cove Park. In the future Dogpatch Paddle will offer monthly kayak and paddle board storage in Building 49.

  • Swimming is not pemitted at Crane Cove Park. Because of potential submerged hazards from the decades of industrial use, the Port of San Francisco has forbid recreational swimming. Wading, however, is allowed.

  • There are plenty of awesome restaurants nearby but nothing immediately proximate to the park. Many places will delivery directly to the park. These are our top picks within walking distance.

    The Ramp is directly next door with a patio overlooking the waterfront..

    Our favorite spot is to grab a waterfront seat is Mission Rock Resort, a block north of the park. Fish and chips, seafood platters, happy hour oysters, and Frozé! Make reservations to eat upstairs or wait in line to snag a spot on the outdoor lower decks.

    Our favorite pizza place is Longbridge Pizza. They are killing it with amazing pies and variations like Detroit-style, bar pies, salads and great sandwiches.

    Grab boozy Drinks and snacks to go from our friends at SeaStar Bar on 3rd Street.

    Wood-fired bagels and hand-paddled butter are great picnic fodder from Daily Driver. They will be our partners in Building 49, offering a selective menu of bagels, salads, coffee, and sandwiches to park visitors.

    Amazing pastries abound at Neighbor Bakehouse.

    The closest market is on 22nd Street between Illinois and 3rd, called Mainstay Market.

    Grab grillables and the most amazing butchery from Olivier’s Butchery on Illinois Street.

    You can get picnic stuff from La Fromagerie on 3rd Street.

    There is a Sandwich Shop and Boba place opposite the park on 3rd Street.

    Grab a bento to-go from Moshi Moshi sushi.

    And never miss a chance to eat dim sum from Dumpling Time at Thrive City.

    There are BBQ pits that get very crowded on weekends on the south side of Building 49.

  • Weekdays are wide open. The park has a nice flow of traffic, but is very manageable, even on sunny days. On weekends, especially when it is warm, Crane Cove has become the Dolores Park of the East. Be prepared for tightly packed mobs of people seeking their slice of sunshine.

So What’s the Big Deal?

The reason Crane Cove Park is so important to recreational paddlers is that it exists in a unique protected recess on the Bay. Bordered by the dry docks to the south and Pier 50 to the north, this area is significantly less impacted by the legendary strong currents of the San Francisco Bay

For beginner paddlers, this means that you’re able to gain skills and build confidence while still having an enjoyable experience replete with stunning vistas, ample wildlife, and a deep connection to the raw aquatic wilderness.

Crane Cove is convenient to the entire city and greater Bay Area, with both the 101 and 280 Freeways having nearby access points. Additionally, public transportation abounds with Muni trains & buses (the KT line goes directly to Mariposa & 3rd), CalTrain (22d St Stop) and a beautiful path along the waterfront to the Embarcadero.