10 Ways To Make Your Bay Area Beach Day Amazing

Spring has arrived, and with it comes the task of planning the ultimate beach day. As the parks reach capacity and summer appears on the horizon, daydreams drift towards the Pacific. In order to help make the most of your seaside sojourn, we have come up with 10 ways to enhance your beach day.

Sunbathe at Baker Beach

Northwest of San Francisco, the beach lies just south of the point at which the Golden Gate Bridge meets the peninsula. The iconic view paired with the Pacific Ocean make it a splendid destination for much-needed R&R. As a clothing-optional beach, the northern section tends to be frequented by head-to-toe sunbathers. Whether this is your style or not, you are sure to have the freedom to sunbathe as you please.

1504 Pershing Dr, San Francisco CA +1 415 561 3000

1. Take a Spontaneous Stroll Along Ocean Beach

Park

Close to home for San Francisco natives, Ocean Beach is a 3.5-mile stretch on the westernmost border of SF. The beach’s proximity to San Francisco makes it an easy escape for a serene retreat on a whim. With such a stretch of sand, Ocean Beach provides pleasant strolling ground supplemented by the meditative sound of crashing waves. During very low tides, shipwrecks from the 19th and 20th centuries may be spotted at the end of Ortega Street. Crown State Beach | © Jeremy Noble/Wikipedia Commons

2. Pack a Picnic for Crown State Beach

Pack a Picnic for Crown State Beach

Grab a few sandwiches and a few friends before heading to this Bay Area state park. Featuring picnic tables, barbecue pits and lawn space, Crown State Beach presents a prime location for picnicking. Some picnic areas allow for reservations by phone call. Swim in the warm, shallow and kid-friendly waters, take out the fishing rods or learn about the history of the area at the Crab Cove Visitor Center.

Crown State Beach, Alameda, CA + 1 888 327 2757

Stinson Beach | © Kglavin/Wikipedia Commons

Hike at Stinson Beach

One of the cleanest beaches in the state, Stinson Beach also offers immaculate views. About a half-hour drive from the Golden Gate, visitors will arrive at a coastal, cliff-filled scene home to a small surfing community, adventurous pathways and an adorable neighboring town. Several hiking trails, including the popular and lengthy 9.5-mile Dipsea Trail, are available for the explorers among us. Both quaint and more upscale eating options are nearby in the town of Stinson Beach. The ability to hike before a dip in the ocean provides a true California beach day.

1 Calle Del Sierra, Stinson Beach, CA +1 415 868 1922

3. Surf in Santa Cruz

Surf in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz has earned the nickname ‘Surf City‘ for a reason. The city’s beaches offer manageable waves for both beginner and advanced surfers, making it a premier destination for all ability levels. For those just looking to get their toes wet, Cowell’s Beach Surf Shop is a classic location for novice surfers. With its clothing shop, board and wetsuit rentals and surf lessons, Cowell’s has everything necessary to hit the waves. If visiting on the weekend, make sure to arrive early, as rentals go on a ‘first-come, first-serve’ basis.

Cowell’s Beach Surf Shop, 30 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA +1 831 427 2355

4. Have a bite at 'Burger.'

Restaurant

Have a bite at ‘Burger.’

Burger. (Burger Dot) boasts the burger of a meat lover’s dream between two buns. With 22 unique burger options on the menu, six choices of sliders, hot dogs, sandwiches and salads, this cozy hamburger joint has something for everyone. Moreover, the restaurant’s ingredients for burger bliss are wholesome and nutritionally superior to many other vendors. The restaurant uses grass-fed beef whenever possible and purchases produce locally. After a day on the sand or surf board, ‘the dot’ will surely hit the spot.

1520 Mission St Santa Cruz, CA + 1 831 425 5300

Santa Cruz Boardwalk | © Baynk/Wikipedia Commons

5. Head to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk

Laser Tag, Shop

Head to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is centrally located right on the beach and is host to a multitude of activities. From the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and 1911 Looff Carousel to mini golf and laser tag, the Boardwalk guarantees fun for friends and families of all ages. During the months of April and May, rides are generally open from 12pm-5pm, with longer hours on the weekends. Stores such as O’Neill Surf Shop and the Beach Shack, as well as many food vendors, are also located right on the Boardwalk.

400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA +1 831 423 5590

6. Have a Bonfire at Seabright State Beach

Market

Have a Bonfire at Seabright State Beach

With ten fire pits and ample roaming room, Seabright State Beach is conveniently located near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The sandy expanse delivers a spectacular sunset to admire over s’mores. Dogs are allowed on a leash and the beach has free parking, making Seabright a fun place for the whole family. Make sure to be nearby at sunset in order to claim the fire pit of your choice.

E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA +1 831 427 4868

Visit the Half Moon Bay Farmers’ Market

On every Saturday from May through December, the Coastside Farmers’ Market in Half Moon Bay is open to the public. From 9am-1pm, the Coastside Farmers’ Market connects visitors to Coastside farmers, ranchers, fisherman and culinary artisans who sell diverse, healthy selections. Baked goods, fresh berries, vegetables and live music will feed your senses and appetite.

225 Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay, CA

Scuba Dive in Monterey

If ‘Learn to Scuba Dive’ is still on your bucket list, invest a few days and dollars in Monterey, a long-time favorite getaway spot. The city has many local businesses that offer scuba instructions and diving opportunities, and the stunning city is sure to make for a premier scuba experience. While there, don’t miss out on trying the clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf, tasting wine at the Ventana Vineyards and exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Fisherman’s Wharf, #1 Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey CA

Ventana Vineyards, 2999 Salinas Hwy, Monterey CA +1 831 372 7415

Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey CA +1 831 648 4800
By Jenna Shapiro

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.