China Beach Monument

View of the China Beach Monument with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.

Chuck Dunkerly

Quick Facts

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot

The China Beach monument commemorates the legacy of the early Chinese community in San Francisco. Culturally vibrant, the Chinese community helped to shape and grow the city's culture and industry since the 1850s. The China Beach monument is a private memorial.

Henry and Diana Chung purchased their home at Sea Cliff across the parking lot leading to China Beach when it was still called James D, Phelan Beach Park. They were drawn to the area by the unobstructed view of San Francisco Bay and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Once they discovered that “China Beach” was an earlier name for Phelan Beach, they championed restoring the old name to honor the memory of early Chinese fishermen who were said to have camped on its shore.Buoyed by support of citizens, public groups, and government representatives, the National Park Service declared in 1974 that the beach’s name would be restored to China Beach. The 7 foot high granite marker donated by the Chung family was dedicated at a Park Service event on June 5, 1982. 

Today, the impressive granite monument continues to greet visitors and locals alike, informing them of the history of Chinese fishermen in the Bay Area and provides one possible origin for the name “China Beach.”