01
Best overall pick
Crown Memorial State Beach
Alameda Shoreline • Family-Friendly Bay Beach • Best For Relaxed Swimming
A long, shallow, and usually calm stretch of sand that feels like the East Bay's classic beach day.
Crown Memorial is often the first choice for Clyde and Concord locals who want actual wading and warm-ish water without driving to the outer coast. The broad sandy beach, gentle bay waves, and long walking and biking paths behind it make it easy for mixed groups and families. Bring layers for the afternoon wind, but otherwise this is a low-stress spot with straightforward parking and plenty of room to spread out.
02
Best quick ocean escape
Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar)
Pacifica Coast • Laid-Back Surf Beach • Great For Beginner Surfers
A crescent of sand right off Highway 1 with consistent surf, moody cliffs, and an easygoing beach-town feel.
Pacifica State Beach is one of the closest true Pacific beaches to Clyde where you get real surf and a classic Highway 1 backdrop. It is popular with beginner and intermediate surfers, and you will find board rentals, coffee, and casual food options right across from the sand. The water is cold and the parking lot fills on sunny weekends, so aim for a morning arrival and pack a good wetsuit if you plan to get in.
03
Best for a full-day outing
Half Moon Bay State Beach (Francis Beach)
Half Moon Bay Coast • Wide Oceanfront Strand • Best For Long Walks And Picnics
A spacious, scenic beach with room to wander, picnic, and watch waves without feeling crowded.
Francis Beach, the main unit of Half Moon Bay State Beach, is ideal when you are making a proper day of it from Clyde. A blufftop trail runs above the sand, there are picnic tables and restrooms, and the beach stretches far enough that you can usually walk away from the busiest areas. Expect cool water, variable fog, and sometimes strong afternoon winds, so pack extra layers and anchor your picnic well.
04
Best classic coastal town beach
Stinson Beach
Marin Coast • Charming Village Beach • Great For All-Day Hangs
A long sandy beach paired with a tiny town, ideal for making a full outing with food, shops, and sweeping views.
Stinson is farther from Clyde than East Bay spots, but it rewards the winding drive over Mount Tam with a true Northern California beach-town experience. The sand is wide, there is plenty of space for Frisbee or volleyball, and the adjacent village has small cafes and general-store staples for last-minute snacks. Summer and holiday weekends can bring heavy crowds and limited parking, so go early or target shoulder-season weekdays for a more relaxed visit.
05
Best for views
Baker Beach
Near Golden Gate Bridge • Scenic City Beach • Perfect For Golden Gate Photos
A dramatic San Francisco beach with a front-row view of the Golden Gate Bridge and rugged coastal bluffs.
If you are willing to push a bit farther past the East Bay, Baker Beach delivers the kind of postcard view that impresses out-of-town visitors. The sand itself is pleasant for lounging and picnics, but currents and cold water make it more of a look-and-linger spot than a swim beach. Parking can be tight on clear days, and the northern end has a clothing-optional reputation, so most families tend to stay closer to the main lot and central stretch.