For the Best Wild Swimming Spot in San Francisco, Ask the Dolphin Club

For over a century, members of the historic Dolphin Club have been braving the chilly waters of the San Francisco Bay. Today, both locals and travelers come together against the picturesque backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge to experience the invigorating benefits of a dip in these frigid waters.

Diane Walton, a 73-year-old with nearly two decades of experience swimming in the bay, recalls her first plunge as intensely cold. "It was so cold that I thought my organs might explode!" she says, sitting on a wooden jetty in the mid-morning Californian sunshine. Despite the brisk 12.7°C water, swimmers around her cheerfully wade into the Aquatic Park, an urban beach on San Francisco's northeast shore.

Diane, who swims here four times a week, is the president of the Dolphin Club, a volunteer-run open-water swimming and rowing organization founded in 1877. Originally a men’s-only fraternity, the club has evolved to include women, who now make up almost 40% of its 2,000 members. The club represents a diverse cross-section of San Franciscans, from young tech professionals to aging hippies, and admits visitors three times a week.

"When I’m out there swimming, the mundane conversations that whirl around in my brain just dissipate," Diane says. The club is a sanctuary for its members, offering a safe and inclusive space. Swimmers often share the water with herons, sea lions, harbor seals, and small sharks.

San Francisco’s history is intertwined with the bay. Today, the city leverages its maritime heritage, with wineries like Treasure Island producing unique wines, and restaurants incorporating local seafood, such as the invasive purple sea urchin at Chīsai Sushi Club.

Long-time members of the Dolphin Club, some with decades of swimming experience, exemplify the benefits of physical activity and community. Diane notes that the happiest people are those who stay active and engaged.

Quinn Fitzgerald, a fellow swimmer, introduces newcomers to the cold waters of the bay. Describing the experience as transformational, he encourages swimming without wetsuits for authenticity. Despite the initial shock, swimmers often find a sense of euphoria and a clear mind after their dip.

Quinn shares the history of the city’s swimming clubs, dating back to the Gold Rush era when civilians would greet incoming ships. He also highlights the iconic New Year’s Day swim from Alcatraz to the shore, a 1.25-mile challenge that attracts swimmers from the Dolphin Club and the neighboring South End Rowing Club.

After their swim, members retreat to the Dolphin Club’s inviting sauna, where camaraderie and conversations about seafaring routes and tidal tables abound. The shared experience of plunging into the cold bay waters fosters a strong sense of community.

In the words of Quinn, "Anyone who experiences the waters of this bay always leaves a better person."