Beach Park
A scenic park with gentle bay waves, perfect for family swims, picnics, biking, and stunning sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Beach Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic park with gentle bay waves, perfect for family swims, picnics, biking, and stunning sunset views.
"Hidden gem for sunset lovers with breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere."
🚗 Parking Strategy
The Crown Beach parking lot is often accessible and less crowded. Arrive early on weekends.
💰 Parking Fee
There's a $5 parking fee payable in the lot. Have cash or check for card options.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gentle Waves & Shallow Waters
Main beach area
Perfect for families with young children, offering safe and clear swimming conditions.
Kelp Forest & Clear Waters
Beyond the shoreline logs
Venture past the washed-up kelp for clearer waters and a refreshing swim.
Sunset Views
Walking trail
Breathtaking sunsets over the bay, offering a peaceful and magical end to the day.
Paved Biking & Walking Trail
Along the shoreline
Enjoy a scenic ride or stroll with views of the bay and kite surfers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Parking
Family Fun & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
The Crown Beach parking lot is often accessible and less crowded. Arrive early on weekends.
💰 Parking Fee
There's a $5 parking fee payable in the lot. Have cash or check for card options.
🌊 Kelp & Clear Water
Go beyond the shoreline logs for clearer water. Gentle waves are great for kids.
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. The sun can be strong, even with a breeze.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
The Crown Beach parking lot is often accessible and less crowded. Arrive early on weekends.
💰 Parking Fee
There's a $5 parking fee payable in the lot. Have cash or check for card options.
🌊 Kelp & Clear Water
Go beyond the shoreline logs for clearer water. Gentle waves are great for kids.
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. The sun can be strong, even with a breeze.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
The beach is dog-friendly, but keep them leashed and clean up after them.
🧺 Picnic Spots
Designated picnic areas are available, perfect for a family meal.
🚰 No Showers
Bathrooms are available, but there are no showers to rinse off after swimming.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Beach Park for its family-friendly atmosphere, gentle waves, and beautiful sunset views. The paved trail is a hit for walks and bike rides. Some note the presence of kelp and seagulls, and the lack of showers, but overall, it's considered a relaxing and enjoyable spot.
"Super fun beach with gentle waves. We went in from the Sand Castle picnic area section of the beach.
The sand is soft and has some small rocks mixed in
The beach slopes down to the waves. The edge of the waves have huge logs of Kelp and seaweed that are washed up, once you go beyond those, the water is clearer. The water is shallow for quite a bit of distance which is nice for families with smaller kids.
We visited on a Sep Saturday and it was very sparsely crowded.
There is a paved trail on the outside and this is a dog friendly beach. But we saw may be 2 dog families.
There is a $5 parking fee, to be paid in the lot.
There were bathrooms but no showers.
Beach picks up some wind but it wasn't crazy for this time of the year.
Lot of kite surfers and wind surfers in the water. Saw a few planes passing by which was a treat.
LOTS of seagulls and pigeons on the beach, some kids were scared of them as they fly super low. But they didnt bother anyone.
Overall, great beach with gentle waves and sand!"
Pranali Lad
"We had a great time at Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach..The kids absolutely loved it…it’s a totally kid-friendly spot with plenty of space to play and enjoy. The picnic area was really convenient. There were a few groups around, and while some tables were taken, we found a couple that were empty and sat down with our friends to eat.
One family came over and mentioned that the table was reserved, and kindly asked us to use the next one. We were happy to move, of course..,but their kid made us smile by saying, “We are Americans, we have reservations everywhere!” 😄 That moment definitely made us laugh, and we just moved over to the next table with a smile.
Overall, it was a lovely day …peaceful atmosphere, friendly people, and lots of fun for the little ones"
Vasu Bandaru
"Love this beach. Family friendly. There's a place to rent sailing boards. A cool trail for joggers and walkers."
Iyana Blackwell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Beach Park is accessible by car, with parking available in designated lots. Public transportation options may vary, so check local transit schedules.
There is a $5 parking fee in the Crown Beach parking lot. Arriving early on weekends is recommended to secure a spot.
Yes, Beach Park is generally well-signposted. Use GPS navigation for precise directions to the main entrance or parking areas.
Absolutely! There's a paved trail perfect for biking and walking, offering scenic views along the way.
While specific routes vary, checking local bus or train schedules for stops near Beach Park is advisable for public transport users.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no general entrance fee for the park itself, but parking does have a fee of $5.
Park hours typically align with daylight, but it's best to check official park information for specific opening and closing times.
No advance ticket booking is required for general park entry. Parking is first-come, first-served.
Standard park rules apply, such as leash laws for dogs and regulations regarding fires or BBQs in designated areas.
The parking fee is typically paid in the lot. It's wise to have cash on hand, though some lots may accept cards.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming in gentle waves, picnicking, biking or walking on the paved trail, and watching kite surfers.
Yes, the beach has gentle waves and shallow waters, making it ideal for families and casual swimmers.
Restrooms are available within the park, but there are no showers for rinsing off.
Beach Park is dog-friendly, but ensure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them.
You'll likely see many seagulls and pigeons. Kite surfers and wind surfers are also common sights.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no on-site restaurants or cafes within the park itself. It's recommended to bring your own food for picnics.
Yes, Beach Park has designated picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a family meal.
There are dining options available in the vicinity, including a sushi restaurant across the street from the beach.
Pack your favorite foods, drinks, and any necessary utensils or blankets for a comfortable picnic experience.
While not directly in the park, you can find shops and eateries in the surrounding areas for food purchases.
📸 📸 Photography
The walking trail offers stunning sunset views over the bay, and the shoreline provides opportunities for capturing beach scenes.
Absolutely! The park is a hidden gem for sunset lovers, with breathtaking views across the bay.
Landscape photography, especially during sunset, is very popular. You can also capture action shots of kite surfers.
Generally, casual photography is allowed. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography.
Late afternoon into sunset offers the best light for photography, creating a magical atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider arriving early on weekends to secure parking, as the Crown Beach lot can fill up. The paved trail is also great for strollers or for kids to ride bikes on. The abundance of seagulls might be a concern for some children, but they generally don't bother visitors.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Relaxation Seekers
Bring a book, enjoy the sound of the waves, and soak in the tranquil environment. The nearby sushi restaurant also offers a convenient option for a solo meal after a day of relaxation.
📸 Photographers
Beyond sunsets, the park offers dynamic scenes with kite surfers and wind surfers in action, providing opportunities for capturing movement and energy. The natural coastal landscape, including the shoreline and the walking trail, also provides a picturesque backdrop for various types of photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Family-Friendly Waters
Beyond the water, the park offers ample space for kids to run around and play. The soft sand, though occasionally mixed with small rocks, is generally pleasant underfoot. While there are no specific playgrounds, the open environment and the natural elements of the beach provide plenty of opportunities for imaginative play. The presence of bathrooms adds to the convenience for families managing young children throughout the day.
The Breathtaking Sunset Experience
The view of the San Francisco skyline across the bay adds another layer of beauty to the sunset. This panoramic vista, combined with the tranquil atmosphere, makes Beach Park a must-visit for anyone seeking a moment of serenity and natural spectacle. Even though the park might be considered small by some, the quality of the sunsets here is truly exceptional, making it a memorable part of any visit.
Active Pursuits: Biking and Water Sports
The waters off Beach Park are also a hub for kite surfers and wind surfers. Their dynamic movements against the backdrop of the bay and sky create an exciting visual spectacle. While not an activity for everyone, watching these skilled athletes navigate the wind and waves can be quite captivating. For those interested in water sports, the conditions here are often favorable for such activities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit