While San Francisco finds new ways to tax, toll, and fee its residents into submission, the stretch of sand beneath the Golden Gate Bridge continues to put on one of the most spectacular light shows on the West Coast — no $18 cocktail or $35 parking garage required. Just show up, point west, and watch the Pacific do its thing.

For photographers, Baker Beach at golden hour is basically cheating. The bridge catches that warm amber light, the Marin Headlands go deep purple, and if the fog cooperates (big if), you get the kind of shot that makes people on Instagram think you have your life together. Even on your phone. Even if you don't know what aperture means.

But here's the thing worth saying: places like Baker Beach are a reminder of what San Francisco actually does well when it gets out of its own way. The National Park Service maintains the beach, the access is straightforward, and nobody's proposing a "sunset equity surcharge" — yet. It's a public good that works because it's simple. No committees. No multi-year environmental review for sand maintenance. Just a beach.

In a city where the median rent makes grown adults weep — where, as the housing market stands, even dual-income households pulling over $300K get rejected from apartments — Baker Beach is a rare equalizer. Tech worker, barista, tourist, longtime resident: the sunset doesn't care about your credit score.

So if you haven't made the trek out to the Richmond District side of the Presidio lately, consider this your nudge. Bring a jacket (it's still San Francisco), leave before it gets dark and sketchy in the parking lot, and enjoy one of the last truly free experiences this city offers.

Some things in SF are still worth it. This is one of them.