Have you looked outside San Francisco? Another gorgeous, beautiful, sun-filled weekend is upon us and it’s time to celebrate that with a classic outdoor BBQ. An old Google Map from The Bold Italic in 2015 still pinpoints 18 SF park spots where you’ll find BBQ pits ready for any grilling needs.
In our map below, we've created a new one that has 33 locations total:
Where to Grill in San Francisco
Showing 33 of 33 spots
Sources: SF Recreation & Parks and the National Park Service (GGNRA).
But like all great things in life, many of the BBQ pits do not come for free and must be reserved. It’s pretty easy to do so: find a park where you’d like to use the pits and claim it by calling the San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department (415–831–5500) or visit them at Pioneer Log Cabin during regular office hours. There have also been price points, and it’s all dependent on how many people you expect to come — as well as the location of the site.
Check SF Parks and Rec for rental fee information, but simply: for groups up to 50, it's $52 for a standard rental and $98 for a premium one. Here are more details, as of May 2026.
If you’re not into paying, there’s also the option of visiting areas managed by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, which oversees Baker Beach, China Beach, and Crissy Fields — three parks with BBQ pits and no reservation system or fees. But if you plan on grilling burgers for more than 25 people, you’ll have to apply for a permit, which will cost money. And please don’t leave any of these places looking like Dolores Park after a sunny day — clean up after yourself and follow fire safety rules.
Enjoy the weather San Francisco — it’s only a matter of time before summer rolls around and we’re surrounded by fog for days on end.
Original story (and maybe, map) from 2015 by Ann-Marie Alcántara. Top photo courtesy of Thinkstock. Saul Sugarman updated this story with a new map in 2026. Check SF Parks and Rec for rental fees.
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