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| Robert Crown Memorial State Beach - Site # 178 | |||
| http://www.ebparks.org/parks/crown_beach Crown Beach is operated by the Park District under a cooperative agreement with the State of California and City of Alameda. It is named in memory of State Assemblyman Robert W. Crown, who had campaigned for its preservation as public parkland. Showpiece of the park is its 2.5-mile beach, with sand dunes bordering a bicycle trail. The beach is a great achievement of landscaping and engineering. After wind and water action had eroded the beach dangerously, it was restored in early 1982 with sand from San Francisco Bay, pumped ashore by pipeline from a barge. More sand has been added since then, and groins have been constructed to keep it in place. | |||
| Background: | From the 1880s until the outbreak of World War II, Alameda Beach was renowned as an amusement center, the largest beach on San Francisco Bay. Known for its beautiful sands and warm waters, the beach was a popular day-trip destination for residents from throughout the region. It earned the name "Coney Island of the West," and bathing spas competed for patronage by staging concerts, balloon ascents, carnival rides, baseball games, prize fights, and other publicity stunts. The carnival is over, but the beautiful beach is back, bordered by lawns and picnic grounds. Some of the area's colorful past is preserved in exhibits at the park's Crab Cove Visitor Center. | ||
| The Habitat: | The natural history of Crown is emphasized in two locations. Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary at the east end harbors aquatic birds and other salt marsh creatures. Crab Cove at the north end is a marine reserve where all plant and animal life is protected. Crab Cove Visitor Center, located on McKay Avenue within Crown Beach, contains exhibits and aquaria highlighting flora and fauna of San Francisco Bay and other marine areas. To read more about the visitor center, visit the Crab Cove Visitor Center page. There are picnic areas nearby; alcoholic beverages are prohibited. There is seasonal parking fee. | ||
| The Experience: | Swimming The water is warm and shallow at Crown Beach. At the west end of the beach is a bathhouse with changing rooms. Swimming is permitted during park hours year round. No lifeguards are on duty. Boating There is no boat launch facility. Only sailboards, kayaks and car-top inflatables are permitted at Crown Beach. For more information, see our Boating and Sailing page. Boardsports Crown Beach is popular with windsurfers and kiteboarders. Rental equipment and lessons are available on spring weekends and during the summer. Call (415) 385-1224 for information. Picnicking Next to the bathhouse are picnic tables, barbecue pits and lots of lawn area for ball games. Some picnic areas are reservable; call 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2 to make a reservation. Fishing Fishing is allowed from shore subject to State Fish and Game regulations. Persons 16 years and older must have a California State Fishing License. No Park District Fishing Access Permit is required. Dogs Dogs are not permitted on the beach. Dogs are allowed only on lawn areas and along the paved pathways. Dogs must be on leash (six-foot maximum) and under control at all times. Please clean up after your dog. Naturalist-Guided Programs Naturalist-guided programs for school groups and other organized groups are available in the Crab Cove Visitor Center Wednesday through Friday by advance reservation. Call (888) 327-2757 x3187 for information. To browse programs online, visit EBparksOnline. Special Events An annual crowd-pleasing tradition at Crown is the Sand Castle and Sand Sculpture Contest, held in front of the bathhouse on a low-tide Saturday morning in June. Open to all ages, the contest attracts hundreds of participants and spectators. High tide destroys the sand creations, but winners receive trophies and ribbons as mementos of their artistry. Concerts at the Cove offer incredible free music and fun! Extended hours at the Visitor Center plus family activities on the deck and beautiful views of San Francisco Bay make our concerts extra special. Bring your blanket or lawn chair; food and beverages available for purchase. For information, see the Special Events page. | ||
| Contact Information | |||
| Managing Agency: | East Bay Regional Park District | ||
| Agency Site URL: | http://www.ebparks.org/ | ||
| Physical Address: | 2950 Peralta Oaks Court Oakland, CA 94605 |
Agency 2: | , CA |
| Manager Phone: | |||
| Site Phone: | 510-544-4522 | ||
| County: | Alameda | ||
| Addition Website: | |||