El Cerrito may sit inland, but a surprisingly varied mix of Bay and ocean beaches is just a short drive away. Locals split their time between low-key shoreline walks with the dogs and day trips out to the open coast for real surf and wide horizons. These five picks cover everything from stroller-friendly paths to windswept headlands where you’ll want a jacket and a camera. Use this list to match your beach day to your mood and the weather.
A compact, gently sloping Bay beach that feels like El Cerrito’s home shoreline.
Just down the hill from El Cerrito, Albany Beach offers real sand, mellow Bay water, and easy access from the Bay Trail. It’s a go-to spot for quick sunset walks, low-key picnics, and letting kids dig while you watch the kites and the container ships. Expect afternoon wind, so layers and a hat make the visit more comfortable.
A sprawling off-leash shoreline with rough beaches where dogs rule and views stretch across the Bay.
Point Isabel is less about swimming and more about wide-open Bay access, salty air, and miles of trails where dogs can be off leash. Locals come here to walk laps along the water, let pups splash at the rocky coves, and linger over views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate. It can get muddy at high tide, so sturdy shoes and a towel for the dog are smart.
A long, shallow Bay beach with soft sand, gentle water, and room to spread out.
In Alameda, Crown Beach feels like a traditional seaside day without leaving the inner Bay. The water stays shallow for a long way out, which makes it popular for kids, paddleboarders, and anyone who prefers splashing to surf. Picnic tables, restrooms, and a long pedestrian path behind the sand make it easy to spend a full afternoon here.
A pebbly ocean beach framed by cliffs and headlands, with surf, wind, and big-sky views.
Rodeo Beach trades calm Bay water for open-ocean energy and classic Marin Headlands scenery. The sand here is a mix of pebbles and dark grains, and the waves pound hard enough that most people stick to the shoreline and trails rather than swimming. Combine a beach stop with a short hike up the surrounding hills for sweeping views back toward the Golden Gate and the East Bay on clear days.
A sandy stretch inside the Bay with iconic Golden Gate Bridge views and a lively promenade.
East Beach at Crissy Field is where El Cerrito locals go when they want a beach day that still feels plugged into the city. The water is chilly and often choppy, but the draw is watching sailboats and windsurfers with the bridge rising right behind them. Pack a windbreaker, then wander the restored marsh and flat paths when you’re done sitting in the sand.