01
Best overall pick
Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline
Martinez Waterfront • Family-Friendly Shoreline Park • Local Favorite
Martinez’s waterfront park offers grassy picnic spots, walking paths, and small bayside beaches just minutes from Alhambra Valley.
For sheer convenience, this is the go-to shoreline for Alhambra Valley residents. The paths along the marina open up to views of the Carquinez Strait, with pockets of sand and shoreline where kids can explore and adults can unwind on a bench. It’s more about relaxed strolling, bird-watching, and fishing than serious swimming, but the easy parking and mellow vibe make it an easy win.
02
Best small-town escape
Benicia Point Pier and Beach
Downtown Benicia Waterfront • Compact Neighborhood Beach • Best For Quick Escapes
A small sandy beach tucked beside the pier at the end of Benicia’s First Street, with big views of the strait and refineries in the distance.
Benicia’s waterfront has just the right mix of charm and grit, and the little beach by the point is where locals come to dangle their feet in the water. After a stroll down First Street’s shops and cafés, you can drop onto the sand, watch ships slide by, and let kids play at the water’s edge. It’s not large, but its close-knit, small-town feel is hard to beat for a short outing.
03
Best scenic cove
Keller Beach
Point Richmond • Scenic Cove Beach • Great For Sunsets
Sheltered below the road in a pocket cove, Keller Beach offers a sandy curve of shoreline with Golden Gate and bridge views on clear days.
Tucked into Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, Keller Beach feels like a small discovery even though it sits right off the road. A short walk down brings you to a sandy strip framed by bluffs, with gentle bay water that’s more for wading and cooling off than true surf. The slant of evening light here can be gorgeous, making it a favorite spot for low-key sunset picnics.
04
Best relaxed bayfront
Albany Beach
Albany Waterfront • Urban Bayfront Beach • Best For Breezy Walks
A casual, dog-friendly stretch of sand along the Albany waterfront with long views toward San Francisco and the Golden Gate.
Albany Beach is where East Bay residents go when they want bay views without the formality of a big resort-style park. The sand here is broad enough for tossing a frisbee, watching kites, or just settling into a camp chair while the wind comes off the water. Paths connect the beach to the rest of the shoreline, so you can easily combine a walk, a bit of bird-watching, and time on the sand in one visit.
05
Best classic bay beach
Crown Memorial State Beach
Alameda South Shore • Wide Sandy Bay Beach • Best For All-Day Lounging
A long, gently curving bay beach with shallow water, wide sand, and a laid-back, retro beach-town feel along Alameda’s south shore.
If you are willing to drive a bit farther from Alhambra Valley, Crown Memorial rewards you with a true classic beach-day setting. The sand stretches for more than a mile, with enough room for umbrellas, sandcastles, and casual games without feeling crowded. Shallow, usually calm water and nearby picnic areas make it a solid choice for families and anyone looking to spend several unhurried hours by the bay.