Crown Memorial State Beach

Crown Beach runs about two and a half miles along Alameda's bay shore, and the park describes its water as warm and shallow. There are no lifeguards, but swimming is allowed year-round during park hours, and the bathhouse at the west end has changing rooms. The park tests the water weekly in season and posts stop-light signs; skip swimming for three days after rain.

Directions

Photo: Allan J. Cronin · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Latest reading · SwimScore 85/100 (Get in) for a typical swimmer: air 21°C, wind 9 km/h, waves 0.4 m, UV 7. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: EBRPD describes the water as warm and shallow.
Getting in: State beach operated by the East Bay Regional Park District; main entrance at Eighth Street and Otis Drive, Crab Cove entrance on McKay Avenue, and a walk-in gate on Shoreline Drive. No beach access fee. Park open 5am to 10pm; the vehicle gate closes at 7pm and restrooms at 6:30pm.
Parking & transport: $5 per vehicle at the pay station (seasonal fee, cashless).
Lifeguards: No lifeguards; swim at your own risk.
Water quality: EBRPD and Alameda County Environmental Health test six sites (Crab Cove, Bath House, Windsurf Corner, Sunset Road, 2001 Shoreline Drive, Bird Sanctuary/Park Street) weekly from April to October and twice a month from November to March.
Season: Swimming permitted year-round during park hours.
Watch for: No lifeguards
Elevated bacteria after rain: avoid the bay for 3 days after a storm
Facilities: Bathhouse with changing rooms at the west end · Crab Cove Visitor Center · Picnic areas · Beach wheelchairs