Crown Memorial State Beach

Managed by the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), the showpiece of Crown Memorial State Beachis its 2.5-mile beach, with sand dunes bordering a bicycle trail.

Access point: Eighth Street and Otis Drive, Alameda

Parking fee: $5 per vehicle when kiosk is attended; $4 per trailered vehicle.

More information: www.ebparks.org/parks/crown_beach

Activities: Swimming, boardspoarts, picnicking, biking, strolling, sandcastle-building.