Scores of Bay Area beaches beckon travelers with promises of azure waters, picturesque sand dunes with waving wildflowers,
excellent nature hikes and ample bird watching. There’s so much to love and do where the sand meets the water that the
options can seem overwhelming. They extend to remote island getaways, big-city beaches and family-friendly shores perfect
for shelling and sandcastle building; seaside activities also abound from kayaking to surfing to biking and beyond. With that
in mind we sifted through the sands to find the best beaches for each pursuit from Marin to Monterey County. Dive into our
top selections, pack a lunch and beverage and you’re off to stretch out and soak up some vitamin D or burn calories as you
paddle or pedal. One tip: however you decide to celebrate sun-drenched scenery, remember to slather on the SPF.
17-Mile Drive,
Pebble Beach.
D.E. Pabst
Photography
August/September 2017 65
