The Sea Cliff neighborhood is renowned for the large size of its homes (which can resemble large suburban estates) as well as for the impressive views from many of the homes of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands.

A small public beach named China Beach is located in the neighborhood.

Some of the neighborhood's more famous current and past residents include actor Robin Williams, actress Sharon Stone, actor Cheech Marin, real estate mogul Clint Reilly, screenwriter Monica Cliff, real estate/casino tycoon Luke Brugnara, and Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett.