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Robert
W. Crown Memorial State Beach
Eighth Street and Otis Drive, Alameda California
Alameda
Beach sported the best amusement park and the largest beach
on San Francisco Bay from the 1880s until the outbreak of
World War II. People came from all over the region to enjoy
the beautiful sands and warm waters of what became known as
the "Coney Island of the West."
There
is no longer an amusement park on the beach in Alameda, but’s
place has been taken by a beautifully restored beach. It has
been renamed in memory of State Assemblyman Robert W. Crown
who worked to ensure that this treasure would be preserved
as public parkland.
Robert
W. Crown Memorial State Beach features 2.5 miles of beach
bordered by lawns and picnic grounds. A bicycle trail winds
through the park and swimming is allowed - although there
are no lifeguards posted.
This
is a great place to go for a family outing. At the east end
of the park is the Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary which harbors
aquatic birds and other salt marsh creatures. Crab Cove marine
reserve at the North end of the park is a natural marine reserve
where all plant and animal life is protected. The Crab Cove
Visitor Center, located on McKay Avenue within Crown Beach
contains memorabilia from the amusement park days as well
as exhibits highlighting the fauna and flora of the San Francisco
Bay and other marine areas.
Park
Hours, unless otherwise posted are between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
There
is a parking fee of $4.00 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended,
which is sporadic.
Dogs
are allowed and a $1.00 fee is charged if the kiosk is manned.
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