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The beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, but camping and campfires aren’t allowed, so it’s mainly a place for day trips. Also known as McNee Ranch, Montara makes up the northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains. You can’t miss the Montara mountain range – both because it’s worth checking out and because it’s so big you literally can’t miss it. It’s only a few hours away from the San Francisco Bay Area but feels like a completely different world with clean sand and cliffs that act as natural sound barriers. Head north of Half Moon Bay on State Route 1 for eight miles to find the pristine Montara State Beach. Visit the park in July and August to see the chicks first fly from home. You’ll see their nests dug into the sides of the sandstone cliffs. These beautiful birds only nest in two sites: Ano Neuvo and here. While you’re at Fort Funston Beach, keep an eye out for the bank swallows.
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See also 11 of the Best Family Resorts in Northern California It makes for an exciting area to explore. However, the park is still family-friendly, as long as everyone sticks to the designated trails. The 200-foot bluffs along the western edge do pose potential falling hazards, especially for kids and pets. Note that the park does have some unique risks. It’s also well-known for hiking trails, including trails friendly for both dogs and horses. Today, the park is one of the most popular spots for hang-gliding in the entire state. Fort Funston Beachįort Funston has a fascinating history as a former harbor defense installation known as the Lake Merced Military Reservation. If you’re looking for a public pool, one is available in nearby Glenn Hall Park. Paradise Beach is mainly used for swimming, although fishing is also popular in the off-season. It’s open year-round from sunrise and sunset, and no entry fees are charged. You’ll find it at the intersection of Carlson and Sandburg Drives, near Glen Hall Park. It’s also a great spot because it’s easy to reach. Instead, it’s in a cove along the American River, near California State University and the Commerce Gardens neighborhood.īecause it’s a beach in a cove, the water is typically slow and reasonably gentle, making the spot an excellent choice for families and novice swimmers. During his time in the state legislature, he campaigned vigorously for preserving the beach, then known as Alameda Beach, as a public park. The park is named after Robert Crown, a California State Congressman, and WWII platoon leader. Stop by in June for their annual sand castle and sand sculpture contests. On the west end, a bathhouse and changing rooms are available for visitors.
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The Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary is on the east end of the beach, while the north end is home to Crab Cove, where you’ll find a wide variety of protected plant and animal life. Wildlife fans will find lots to love here. In 2013, a $5.7 million project added over 82,000 cubic yards of new sand, expanding the beach’s footprint to levels not seen since 1982. The Crown Memorial State Beach is a beautiful example of how communities can revitalize beaches for continued enjoyment.
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