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Thornton State Beach - Photo 1
Photo: Cliffs along Thornton State Beach, March 2020 by Pi.1415926535 (CC BY-SA 3.0) License

Thornton State Beach

Beach · Daly City, California

Cool todaypet-friendly

Established in 1955, this rugged, 58-acre oceanside park features hiking & scenic views.

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Current water conditions

Water temp
68°F
20°C
Cool water — ease in carefully. Cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry. Get in gradually, let your breathing settle, and keep an eye on weaker swimmers.

Live data from NOAA buoy AAMC1 (11.9 mi away), as of Aug 20, 10:30 PM UTC. Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly — always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories before swimming.

Weather at Thornton State Beach

H: 59° L: 53°
Overcast
Overcast
59°
|
Feels like 53°
Precipitation
49%
Humidity
100%
Wind
15 mph
UV Index
4.1
Water Conditions:
🥶Too cold for most swimmers🏄Good for surfing/sailing
12 AM
Patchy rain nearby
55°
3 AM
Overcast
53°
6 AM
Patchy rain nearby
55°
9 AM
Fog
56°
12 PM
Overcast
58°
3 PM
Overcast
59°
6 PM
Overcast
57°
9 PM
Overcast
56°

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Thornton State Beach?
Thornton State Beach is a beach in Daly City, California.
What is the water temperature at Thornton State Beach?
As of August 20, 2026, the water temperature at Thornton State Beach in Daly City, California is 68°F (20°C), measured by NOAA buoy AAMC1, 11.9 miles away.
Can you swim at Thornton State Beach?
There is no fixed answer for Thornton State Beach: whether it is safe to swim there on a given day depends on the water temperature, recent rainfall, and any advisories posted at Thornton State Beach in Daly City, California. Check current water conditions before you go, and follow posted signs and local guidance.
How is Thornton State Beach rated?
Thornton State Beach in Daly City, California has an average visitor rating of 4.7 out of 5, based on 741 reviews.
What amenities does Thornton State Beach have?
Visitor-listed amenities at Thornton State Beach include pet-friendly.

Visitor Reviews

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Been here? A quick note helps the next visitor plan their day. Handy things to mention:

Water temperatureCrowds & parkingBest time to goSafety & access

Best Times to Visit

🧥
Right Now
Cool weather - dress warmly
🏖️ Swimming Beaches Tips:
  • Arrive early for best parking and beach spot selection
  • Check for lifeguard schedules and swim only in designated areas
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
  • Watch for beach flags indicating water conditions
Best Seasons:
☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug)🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov)🌸 Spring (Mar-May)

Location & Contact

Thornton Beach Rd, Daly City, CA 94015

Daly City, California 94015

Popular Times

Monday
Morning
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11a
Afternoon
12p
1p
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Evening
6p
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Not busy
Moderate
Busy
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People Talk About

💬 trails💬 dogs💬 ocean💬 cliff💬 jacket💬 park💬 horse back riding💬 leash💬 vista point💬 public restroom

Amenities

🐾 Dog-friendly