Amazing! This state beach have everything you can ask for! Picnic area, barbecue grills, dog park, little lake, shower and a little garden! It was such a nice walk on a Saturday afternoon. No wind, warm sand and cool water! The perfect combination that makes me excited for the summer! Parking can be touch but they have a large lot on the other end and street parking near crab cove side. I'll definitely be coming here more often as it was very relaxing and just nice to be out. Highly recommend paying this beach a visit! read more

This place is great if you just want a little spot to dip your toes in the water, jog on some pavement or sand, or lay and relax. This beach is near an apartment complex so there are always quite a few people jogging around, having picnics, or just chilling. They do not allow dogs in this place, which is a bummer, but that does not deter some people because you still see dogs around! There is a little bit of trash buildup, but that's simply the result of disappointing individuals who feel it's too hard to walk their trash to a trash can (there are a good amount of trash cans around). I definitely recommend coming here if you want to get your fitness on, breathe some fresh air, and chill out while listening to the waves! read more

Nice beach-like area. The sand is more gritty and coarse. Much different than the sand you would find in South Carolina. There's tons of room for parking alongside the street and in a parking lot at the beginning. Plenty of space to lay out and get a tan, and good for those who like windsurfing, bring your pets. It's beautiful. read more

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What a great little gem in Alameda! This reminded me of Mission Bay (not Mission Beach,ew) and Crowne Point in San Diego, where the atmosphere was relaxed , there were lots of grassy spots and it included a paved path in addition to the beach itself. No alcoholic beverages are allowed (according to signs) and so this becomes a family friendly and peaceful mecca. Parking on nearby streets was easy, late in the afternoon a Sunday. There is a parking fee if you want to pull in the lot, but only when an attendant is present at the booth (and I didn't see any posted hours.) Lots of picnic tables, kite flying and friendly folks walking around. Beautiful views of the bay and SF Skyline (from certain angles.) We spent just a short time there walking the paved path, taking Instragram shots of the small pond with ducks and having a laugh over the little coastal squirrels scurrying about. It was a perfect end to a great day in Alameda (antique fair and lunch earlier in the day.) I'd definitely want to go back and spend more of a day there, bringing a picnic, a kite and some reading. On the day I went it was breezy and not overly chilly-a welcome respite from the heat that was east of the Caldecott. Beaches in Northern California are all about calibrating your expectations-it's not going to be stretches of pristine sandy white beaches and swimming in warm crystal clear waters. It's more about the scenery, wildlife and the interesting surrounding areas. Robert Crown scored high on all of these and I am jealous of the locals who can make this a regular spot. read more

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Great place to fly a kite. A decent view of the City. It wasn't crowded. Seems like a great place to chill. I saw folks in kayaks, so there's that if that's something you're into. I also saw a camper or two setting up for a relaxing day from the edge of the parking lot. I really just wanted to see the view of the City from the beach. Not too bad, but it was distant and the shipyard was in the way. Views are better from Rock Wall Wine Company. This place isn't what I'd call beautiful, but it was A-OK. read more

Crown Memorial State Beach - Pampas grass - Parks Near Me - Alameda, California

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I had a great afternoon walk along the beach from one end to the other, and the views were fantastic. I took some great photos of San Francisco and the peninsula, a few snapshots of cool birds and amazing pine trees as thick as my car. The park is well-kept, and there is a great dog run nearby, with separate sections for big dogs and little dogs. There is also a little pond with signs to educate you about where storm drains empty and the flora and fauna it supplies. There are plenty of bathrooms conveniently located. There are also plenty of picnic areas, and a small native garden full of California poppies. I have to dock a star because every now and again on the beach, I caught the scent of rotting seafood/sewage. I wouldn't recommend swimming here but definitely a nice place to run along the waterfront. Even on sunny days, there's lots of wind so consider bringing a jacket. This park is just a short walk from Webster- a great street to find a lunch dive or grab an ice cream cone. read more

I love this place. There is a nice long path by the beach and it goes on for a while. My dog and I took a nice leisurely walk along the path and enjoyed the views and people watching. There's plenty of parking and a great place to enjoy a beautiful day outside. #LocalAdventureChallenge @yelpeastbay read more

Crown Memorial State Beach - Paddleboarder - Parks Near Me - Alameda, California

Not a summer goes by that we don't visit this beach. I love alameda beach as it's quick and easy trip from Fremont. The water currents are low so the little ones can play freely without worrying of high waves. It's pretty clean and not overly crowded. All depend on the day you go. They have bathroom pretty clean Benches and bbq areas. Ranger driving around and checking No life guard on duty They offer various water Summer camps for teenagers. Water temperature is perfect. Yes the water has sea weeds. Certain area of the water did have sharp rocks that many of our kids came out with minor cuts on their feet. So water shoes would be a plus. read more

I like this beach. Clean, not too crowded. Parking is everywhere...although u have to pay at one area. $5 I think on d weekends. The beach is always clean. The kids can play and be pretty safe. No crazies around just bunch of squirrels hiding behind d tall grass. Alameda can get pretty warm so this beach is great for people around the area who is looking for a good beach time. I think my only complain that is that dogs aren't allowed closer to the water. read more

It's a nice place to have a beautiful stroll walk This is a great place if you like to meditate there's a lot of places where you can be alone I'm guessing the crowd comes in in the late afternoon but right now at 11 AM on a Saturday morning ha ha it is wonderful read more

Crown Memorial State Beach - BEACHFRONT - Parks Near Me - Alameda, California

"This place has so much potential!" No doubt many people have said this: the people who put landfill here, the developers who built the apartment complexes, the city who saw the incredible view of The City and the Peninsula, and those who drive up and down the shoreline. The downside: If it has potential, then it likely hasn't met its potential yet. That's the case with Crown Beach. it's a long, safe beach with small waves and cold water. Good place for building sand castles, running the dog, playing volleyball, throwing the Frisbee. Large lawn area. Narrow paved jogging path. Occasional events like free concerts and kids activities hosted by East Bay Regional Parks. And don't pay the $5 to park, just park on the street and walk in. I think Alameda was hoping that Crown Beach would attract other Bay Area residents and maybe some tourists. That has not happened. It's a locals beach, although the locals don't turn the rest of us away. The city of Alameda has some surprisingly run-down areas and few high-rent districts, and this reflects in the vibe of Crown Beach. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it explains why there are few bed & breakfasts and romantic restaurants within a block of the beach. Potential unreached. But basically, if you're in the East Bay and hunkerin' for a beach, don't feel like driving at least an hour over a major bridge, and are okay with braving the narrow streets through the tube or bridge and through the old island city, then you could do well at Crown Beach. read more

My family had great time at Crown Memorial State Brach, I love this quiet and peaceful beach. Free parking on the street. read more

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Crown Beach is the spot! On a week day you're likely to find free parking on the lot. On a weekend you can always park along the street. You will also find a nearby bathroom and showers to rinse off. There's a dog park nearby for dog owners and calm waters for mothers and fathers with small children. In the times I've been there's been plenty of people but not so packed that I can't find a place to lay my towel and soak in the sun. I do wish the water was cleaner but I guess that's just kind of the state of the majority of ocean water here in the West Coast. read more

Crown Memorial State Beach - Come get your tan here! - Parks Near Me - Alameda, California

Just discovered this little gem. First off, I don't make it over to Alameda very often because I literally have no reason to do so. I think the last time I came was for St. George Spirits Tasting several years ago (which was awesome), but the 5+ shots of infused vodkas impaired me enough that any sightseeing afterward didn't register. So anyway, Alameda has a beach! Who knew? While SF has a beach too (Ocean Beach) it's so freakin' chilly/windy/foggy (take your pick) that I'm not often inclined to trek over there. The fiancé suddenly got it into his head that he wanted to learn to windsurf so he could go next time he's in Hong Kong (my question to him: "Is windsurfing popular there?" his response to me: "Not really"). Since it was a beautiful sunny day in the Bay, I decided to tag along and hang on the beach while he took a lesson from Board Sports. This beach is definitely popular for the windsurfing, kiteboarding, and SUP crowd. There were a few kayakers as well. I think Board Sports rents equipment for all of these activities, and I might be back to try out SUP for the first time. This beach is really nothing special, but it does have the two key ingredients for any self-respecting beach park: sand and sun. No, the sand is not beautiful and white and fine, but it's good enough. And the sun, well, as noted it's much hotter than Ocean Beach. If I find myself with an empty weekend day to fill (and I'm feeling lazy), I'll definitely consider coming back here to lay out. Oh and also, it's not too crowded (which is saying something for any Bay Area location). read more

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I haven't had the chance to explore the Alameda downtown yet but had the opportunity to be invited to a birthday bbq where actually my birthday was also celebrated, yay! What a nice locate and see all those kite surfers in action. Pretty views of the bay and tons of grassy areas and picnic tables. For some reason the area my friends choose was very empty which gave a visual rhythm to the scenery. You won't find a resort style type of beach here. In fact, I don't think this is even a beach to swim, but the whole landscape/big spaces/grassy areas/gathering spots is an awesome collection for anyone wanted to live the Bay Area breeze summer days. read more

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I love this beach. So many nice nooks and crannies. Do not like the pruning of all the bushes and lower limbs of trees that has been done in the past two or so years. It's heavy handed and makes the park less park like Whoever is doing the pruning HATES TREES. The trees which had so much character have been chainsawed into boring street trees. All underbrush and habitat is gone. I think the park trimmed the trees to discourage homeless people from sleeping there. Lately I've been spending a lot of time sitting at the picnic tables because my dog is old and just wants to lay down under the table and watch the ground squirrels. The picnic tables are absolutely filthy. Sticky, dirty, covered with old food. They really need to be pressure washed or cleaned. I sat at one yesterday and my pants kept sticking to something. Just disgusting. EBRPD charges for the picnic sites so I think it's reasonable to expect them to be scrubbed down once in a while. If you want to picnic there be prepared. Take some wipes and a picnic table cover. read more

great swimming beach the water is calm and warm I love swimming during high tide because the water is so deep perfect for diving and snorkeling low tide is the best for non swimmers and children read more

Super lovely little spot for picnicking, walking, or airing out children. Since it sits adjacent to other parks and such, there are a variety of parking options, places to pee, places to air out the children, frolic. Tons of nearby parking options. read more

I live a few blocks away from this gorgeous surrounding - where park meets beach. This is where I jog after I get off work, the view is spectacular - you could see the Bay bridge and San Francisco's sky line. During the early evening , you could see the sun set - just breathtaking. There are a lot of joggers, walkers and bikers . There are also windsurfers, kite flyer's and kayak's. And during the evening the city's skyline just gets better. read more

Crown Memorial State Beach - behind the townhouse - Parks Near Me - Alameda, California

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I had a wonderful afternoon at this beach today! The water was warm, there was a lovely breeze, and, best of all, the water stayed shallow for ages. I was visiting by myself so I needed to keep all my stuff with me, and I was able to wade really far out into the water while still keeping my backpack completely dry. I've never been to a beach like that, so this was a fantastic and unique experience for me. There are some waves but they're small, and the water is quite clear at its lower levels which I enjoyed. The sand was very coarse but I'm not really a sand-lover, mostly came because I was itching for some water and sun. Logistics- It's not too bad to get to via public transit if you live near BART, though I was waiting almost half an hour for a bus from the beach back to the 12th St. Oakland station. There are restrooms (yay) and they were clean and modern (double yay). I'd give it 5 stars but the adjacent grassy park areas are full of goose poop and smell like it. Ew - I'd recommend sticking to the beach proper. read more

Crown Memorial State Beach - This far out and the water was still only at my knees! Could have gone out farther too. - Parks Near Me - Alameda, California

If you hop in the water be sure and wash off your bits and pieces soon after... I don't really trust the water and I don't want you sending me pictures of your rashes that developed from here. A few years back there was even a sign that restricted people from going in for a short period of time. I'm sure some little kid drank the water and got sick... or maybe a dog got a stomach issue where stuff was shooting out both ends... The water is shallow and very murky - I've never been in past my knees and probably wouldn't want to drink this water but these days I'm sure many people do and don't worry. This place has a parking lot and a lot of windsurfers go here. There is plenty of space for your VW Bus or oversized SUV here. This is the beach most near to the Gold Coast neighborhood... that's the neighborhood with the big Victorians that are the most expensive on the island. The shore might have a bit of trash but is generally well kept with respectful people and no rif raf. I appreciate the safety aspect of Alameda - cops are bored here. Bring a kite, something to BBQ a few friends and then come here on a sunny day. read more

This place is one of my happy spots in Alameda. There is lots of free parking (usually in the lot - a seasonal parking fee of $5 is required when there is a lot attendant), sand, surf, and peace and quiet. I've been on both a weekday and on a Sunday. Even when there are people, it's never too crowded. There are some really nice views of San Francisco, but the best view of all, at least for me, is of the wind surfers and kite boarders playing in the water. The sails are colorful and eye-catching. Some of the bolder surfers do flips and twists that are fun to watch. If water sports are your thing, rental equipment and lessons are available on spring weekends and during the summer. Per the beach's official website, you can call (415) 385-1224 for more information. There are plenty of picnic tables and grassy spots to take advantage of. At the west end of the beach there is a bathhouse with changing rooms. Swimming is permitted during park hours year round, bur no lifeguards are on duty. I can't attest to the quality of the sun. I never lay out, I'm more of a walking barefoot through the waves kind of girl. The sand is kind of rough, but doable. It would probably make excellent sand castles. The water is COLD, but the waves are small, and the shallows go fairly far out. The signs say alcoholic beverages are prohibited (boo!). I'm not sure about pets, other than I've seen them. I will say, it's probably terrific for kids from babies (a stroll along the paved path) to toddlers (sandcastles!) to bigger kids (whatever floats their boat). Again, I find this a very peaceful, relaxing place to stop for lunch or to take a walk, with or without your shoes. Recommended. read more

Trash on the beach. Trash in the "supposed to be grassy" areas. Not well taken care of. Five dollars to get in. Across from apartments. Guess you could just walk in. More of a neighborhood beach than anything else. In search of other beaches next few days. Alameda Beach I just a bit down the shoreline. If you can find a place on the street to park, that may be a better choice. read more

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We went to Robert W. Crown Memorial SB for a short walk in the light rain on Sat 5/2/09. Glad it was raining because if the kiosk is manned then it's $5 for parking. Since nobody was there it was FREE. Parking is the the far Right of that thing in the middle. 3 unisex flushed toilets, no sink to wash your hand. There's a outdoor shower for people I think in the summer. Lots of joggers & bikers. Walkers stay to the right. Cute goslings in the Spring. If you go on a sunny day you can see SF pretty good. read more

Love it here! It's great for families. My family and I will pack a bunch of snacks and stay here for hours. The water is not at all deep! You can walk out for at least 100 yards, and it will be knee high. Low tide is fun to search for snails and other sea critters. It's never a bad day here. read more

Not the most clean beach, but pretty nice for views. The tide was really low when I went. Maybe not a place for swimming but walking around.

Came here on an extra sunny day-- seriously, UV 8. The beach has a sandy bank that bottoms out closet to the water. At low tide, you can walk out so far into the water. It was only up to my knees, and I'm 5'4"!! Sandy bottom makes for easy walking, too. Lots of families were playing at the beach as well. Pretty clean. Lovely place to have a picnic, barbecue, or just laying out. Highly recommend. read more

Crown Memorial State Beach - Lovely beach! - Parks Near Me - Alameda, California

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Reason for visit: Office retreat Visit date: August 14, 2013 First time? Yes. What a fun park/beach/area! My office planned the annual retreat here on a weekday; we reserved the bbq pit area close to the parking lot. It was a perfect space for our group of ~25. There were plenty of benches/tables for our picnic feast and we loved being able to bbq on the spot. Even though there are plenty of seats, make sure to bring towels/blankets, beach chairs, and a canopy for sunnier days. Trash cans are nearby and the bathrooms are a short walk away. The bathrooms are relatively decent for being beach/park bathrooms, but be careful of the wet & muddy floors, and BYO soap or hand sanitizer. All we did was eat and lounge, but other beach goes brought kites, volleyballs (there's a net you can use), and paddleboards. This public health professional would like to remind you to check the water quality (there's a sign posted near the bathrooms) before jumping in. :) Also good to note: parking in the lot is $5 per vehicle. read more

Crown Memorial State Beach - Cool waters. - Parks Near Me - Alameda, California

Pretty nice beach & park area. I've been twice so far to do sessions. My most recent on was this afternoon of an older couple which was really sweet. There's picnic tables & I think bbq pits/grills where you can have a bbq. Then lots of nice green grass areas to play ball or whatever you're up for. Sometimes, they charge for parking which is $5. I recommend just going into the residential area which is across from the entrance to find parking. Really easy. read more

We have spent many a lovely afternoon at this East Bay beach. We live in San Leandro so a short drive down Doolittle and we are here. There are plenty of places to chill or take a long walk or run. I prefer to read on a blanket while my little splashes in the water or creates a sand castle. Sometimes we stay closer to the shopping center and grab a lunch for an impromptu picnic. It is always clean, quiet, and safe. read more

It's so marvelous!!!! So retro!!! We got down there last month and it was nice, easy parking short and I mean to say short walk to the beach. Set up the beach tent. Seriously got to go there. It won't disappoint. read more

This is a perfect beach to take smaller kids. The kids had fun making a sand castle. The kids had fun in the water. We had a picnic lunch and had a great time on the perfect sunny day. read more

Crown Memorial State Beach - Sand Castle at the Crown Memorial Beach, Alameda, CA - Parks Near Me - Alameda, California

This place is awesome! There's so many positives for this place. 1. A beach you can go to that's nearby within city. I really don't have to drive far, like to Half Moon Bay and be stuck in traffic, going and coming back. 2. Great for kids. The water in this area is very shallow. I see people walking way out to the bay and it's only up to their knees. Very safe for kids to play in the water. 3. If you're into boating, canoeing or beginner surfing, there's quite a few people doing that there. 4. It's not as winding as in SF Beach or by the coast. 5. There's also running toilet there! Can't believe that I lived in the Bay Area for so long and that I didn't even know about this place until recently. There's quite a lot of people here, but it's not too crowded. People there that I interact with where really friendly. read more

The weather has been so awesome this week, I finally dusted off my running shoes, and headed out for a run along Shoreline Drive. This is a great spot for a quick run. Doing an out and back from Westline Drive to Broadway is about 3 miles. On a gorgeous day like yesterday, you have a great view of the Bay. You can see SF and the Bay Bridge....breathtaking! There are always alot of people out walking their dogs or riding their bikes, so you can people watch to keep you entertained during your run. Shoreline Drive is a pretty busy street, so make sure you have your cute running outfit on because people will be looking at you! Just watch out for the creepy furniture delivery guy ogling you from his truck! read more

I always call it the "beach" because it's on the Bay, but it has everything else down pat. Weather warm enough to wear shorts and get a tan? Check. Water warm enough to dip yer toes? Check. Lots of sand for building castles? Check. Plenty of room to set down a blanket and zzzzzzzzz? Check. Pleasant folks also enjoying the beach? Check. Bike trail nearby? Check. Snacks nearby? Check. Clean public restroom nearby? Check. Plenty o' parking? Check. Pretty view? Check. It's just one more perk of living in Alameda. (Don't tell anyone.) read more

Dear Stinson - I love you but your drive is long. And your fog is thick. Very often. Even when I check your weather forecast beforehand. Fool me once. Ok, then, fool me twice. Yeah, today we packed up and drove to Stinson and had the same fate as last time. Fog. Thick, thick fog. To add insult to my injury, Jack throws out "I bet that beach in Alameda is sunny." Ok then, take us there. And he was right. Gorgeous view of the City's skyline and the coastal fog (ha!) while we basked in the sun and the kids jumped crashing waves. I love watching all the windsurfers. Five dollars to park and the biggest roundabout I've ever seen. You can park on the street and save yourself $5. Unisex bathrooms, lots of areas for picnics, BBQs. And here's what totally sold me on this place... just a stone's throw from my favorite Taco Truck. I ate so many tacos today. read more

There's actually a REAL beach surrounded by a nice park in Alameda! If this were named, say, Dolores Beach and in SF, it would be a legendary hangout for the beautiful and under/unemployed, or Baker, and be a nudie paradise. But it's in quiet little Alameda, so it goes unnoticed by many inner Bay Area folk, including me . . . until now. This just might be the warmest, least windy beach in the inner Bay Area, if not the best north of, say, Santa Cruz or Santa Barbara. You're blocked from the wind that comes through the Golden Gate by the Peninsula, and you don't have the marine layer effect so much, unless it makes its way over the hills. Septermber-November, maybe Baker Beach in SF is better, but I had perfect weather here yesterday. There's a nice small dog park and a sandy larger dog park next to the beach, (I took my dog) and tennis courts, ample bathroom facilities and water, and showers to rinse off. You can't take your dog on the beach, though, so we laid out in the grass, the little dog under a tree, after the dog park. Next time if I want to truly enjoy the beach, I'll have to go sans pup, and I hope to this summer. The stench was only evident in a couple places, in the inlets along the walkway next to the beach, but it soon passed. It's not laying on the beach in Waikiki, LA, or even Santa Barbara, but it's pretty damn good for up here . . . read more

Has a relaxed casual atmosphere, unlike Ocean Beach which is cold and windy. This beach has plenty of parking and benches. It is not as awe-inspiringly beautiful, but is charming. It is like a home cooked meal. read more

Finally a warm beach! The beach is clean and perfect for little ones. Unlike your usual SF beaches, the weather and water is warmer than along the coast. It's pretty shallow and the waves don't crash down on you, so I felt super safe having the kids play in the water. We will definitely visit here again! read more

Crown Memorial State Beach - Parks Near Me - Alameda, California

This is a since alternative in the middle of Bay Area to Santa Cruz and going up north for some beach time. Parking is $5 if you want to park in their private lot. I just really settled down in one spot and chilled there for a while. Here are the PROS: -view of the cities around the bay -a ton of kite surfers! -water is warmer than the ocean by at least a few degress, maybe even more -water is shallow about waist deep for about 20-25 feet out on a average heighted person -small waves, no big durfing waves like out in the ocean -clean Here are the CONS: -kind of ghetto... some people were encouraging their child to pee in the water instead of getting him to a bathroom -pot smokers... Not a shabby spot! read more