Basking, bikinis and boardwalks: A breakdown of the Bay’s greatest seashores

From surfs to silky sands to glowing blue waters, the Bay Space has a seaside for everybody. However for these new to the realm, selecting from the lengthy listing of locations could also be a frightening job. Here’s a native’s choice of seashores worthy of a day journey from Stanford. 

The next seashores are reviewed based mostly on their cleanliness, magnificence, location, facilities, sand high quality, accessibility and admission prices. 

Half Moon Bay State Seashore 

Only a 40-minute drive from Stanford, Half Moon Bay State Seashore is a go-to for a lot of Bay Space natives for its pure magnificence. The 4-mile-long strip, comprised of a number of separate seashores, incorporates a slim stretch of sand to calm down on earlier than the beautiful blue waves of the ocean. 

Although the seaside’s blue water and mushy sand are nice, the spotlight of the Half Moon Bay expertise is the scenic drive and breathtaking flowers atop the coastal cliffs.

Beginning at Stanford, the route guides you over the glowing Higher Crystal Springs Reservoir and thru tall timber and luxurious inexperienced mountains. Merely sitting within the automotive and listening to a mild playlist whereas staring on the attractive flowers and distant waves was undoubtedly the most effective a part of my go to to Half Moon Bay.

Pacifica State Seashore

Standard for its browsing (and “the world’s most lovely Taco Bell“), Pacifica State Seashore provides a stark distinction to the quiet great thing about Half Moon Bay. Although I lack firsthand expertise browsing, I can confidently say that the surfers swaying atop the waves regarded like they had been having a blast.

The seaside is extensively preferred past the browsing crowd. Regardless of visiting on a cloudy weekday, the seaside was full of households taking part in frisbee or lounging in chairs, all accompanied by pop music taking part in from any person’s transportable speaker. 

Baker Seashore

Identified for its proximity to the Golden Gate Bridge, Baker Seashore is the one spot I knew I couldn’t skip on this evaluate. The impeccable view of the historic bridge establishes its place as one of many Bay’s most iconic shorelines. Situated on the northern tip of the town, it borders the well-known Presidio, permitting easy accessibility to scenic trails and museums filled with California’s historical past.

The seaside is a feast for the eyes in all instructions. On its proper is the long-lasting and larger-than-life Golden Gate Bridge, forward lies the inexperienced Marin Headlands of the North Bay and, trying left, I used to be greeted with homes in all colours of the rainbow dotting the cliff aspect. 

Montara State Seashore

Montara State Seashore’s magical appeal lies in its glimmering blue-green waters and light-weight, pristine sand. The smaller customer inhabitants in comparison with different Bay Space seashores is a bonus. The peaceable atmosphere and mesmerizing surroundings make this the right place to spend a day.

If you wish to hike, park close to the northern finish and watch your step as you head down the steep, slim path resulting in the quieter aspect of the seaside. In any other case, park on the southern aspect and both cool down within the extra crowded areas, or trek 10 minutes northward to arrange camp within the extra serene setting.

General, Montara State Seashore is unparalleled in its pure magnificence, from the sunshine spotless sand to the breathtaking coastal cliffs. I’ll positively be again with my complete household, lounge chairs and a seaside umbrella. 

Santa Cruz Seashore 

After I visited Santa Cruz Seashore on a Saturday afternoon, practically each sq. foot of sand in entrance of the water was occupied by solar tents and umbrellas. The ambiance was unequalled: music blasted from audio system in all course, mixing with the sounds of individuals laughing with their pals.

The historic boardwalk incorporates a various choice of rides that may both pack a punch, just like the thrilling Fireball, or entertain the entire household, just like the relaxed Sea Swings. 

Santa Cruz Seashore is right for these trying to spend a day of unbridled enjoyable. I like to recommend visiting on a weekday or early on a weekend so parking isn’t too tough. Go on rides till you’re dizzy, then sit on the seaside having fun with lunch from the distributors as you gaze out on the glowing water. Discovering a spot could also be tough, although!

Editor’s Word: This text is a evaluate and contains subjective ideas, opinions and critiques.