Public beaches near Stanford, CA offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with their wide expanses of sandy shoreline and tranquil waves lapping at the shore.
There is something for everyone!
The beautiful coastline of Stanford, California offers some of the most spectacular beaches in the United States.
With miles of picturesque shoreline, visitors can explore all the wonders that the coast has to offer.
From stunning views of the Pacific Ocean to miles of pristine sand, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax, a spot for a beachside picnic, or an opportunity to get wet and wild, public beaches near Stanford, California offer something for everyone.
Explore the many public beaches available and take in the breathtaking scenery of this magnificent coastline.
In this blog post, I’ll offer a guide to the best public beaches near Stanford, CA.
Table of Contents
Why do People Love Public Beaches Near Stanford CA
There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and other activities.
Whether you’re a local looking for a quick break or a visitor searching for the ideal place to enjoy the California sunshine.
The public beaches near Stanford CA offer a variety of beach experiences, from sheltered coves to rugged shores.
The thriving city of Stanford, California is renowned for its picturesque surroundings, top-notch education system, and cutting-edge technology.
But many people don’t know that Stanford is also close to some of the most magnificent beaches in the state, which is another thing about it that they don’t know.
You’ll discover the ideal location to fit your needs, whether you’re looking to swim, surf, or simply rest in the sun.
In this article, we’ll examine the many beach types close to Stanford in further detail, as well as the numerous things you can do while you’re there.
We’ll also point you a few additional nearby attractions that merit your time during your visit.
So be sure to check out these gorgeous beaches if you’re planning a trip to Stanford and are looking for a little bit of sun, sand, and surf. You won’t be disappointed!
So, Where are Public Beaches Near Stanford CA
Lakeshore Beach
Lakeshore Beach in San Mateo, California is a beautiful and popular destination for locals and tourists alike located 1 mile from San Mateo.
It is one of the closest beach to Stanford.
The beach, which sits on the banks of Marina Lagoon, provides breathtaking views of the water and surroundings.
The views of the water and surroundings from the beach are breathtaking.
The length of the soft, sandy shoreline at Lakeshore Beach is one of its most distinctive features.
The beach is kept up nicely and has lots of room for sunbathing, playing beach games, and other activities.
Swimming, boating, and other water sports are ideal in the typically calm and clear water.
Visitors have access to a number of amenities in addition to the beach itself.
The park is a great place for families to spend the day because it has many playgrounds, picnic spots, and BBQ pits.
Additionally, a sizable parking area makes it simple to drive to the beach.
The beach can be very busy in the summer, but it’s still an excellent destination to spend the day.
There are various food vendors providing snacks and beverages, as well as lifeguards on duty to protect the safety of swimmers.
In general, Lakeshore Beach is a great place to spend a day having fun in the sun.
There is something for everyone at this lovely spot, whether you want to unwind on the beach, play in the water, or enjoy a picnic with your loved ones.
Check it out if you’re in the San Mateo area.
Amenities: Barbecue equipment, free parking, playgrounds, restrooms and picnic tables
Kiteboard Beach
Kiteboard Beach in San Mateo is a popular spot for wind and water sports enthusiasts located 1.28 miles from San Mateo.
This beach, which is close to San Francisco, is ideal for stand-up paddle-boarding, surfing, and kiteboarding and among the best public beaches near Stanford CA.
The constant winds at Kiteboard Beach are only one of its many unique qualities.
The beach’s location in a region with frequent, strong onshore winds makes it a fantastic place for kiteboarding.
If you want to make the most of your time on the water, it’s a good idea to schedule your visit for later in the day because the winds here tend to be highest in the afternoon.
Kiteboard Beach, where kiteboarding is popular, is also an excellent place to go surfing.
This place is suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers because the waves here typically are small and manageable.
The calm waves make it simple to maneuver around the beach when stand-up paddle-boarding, which is also very common in this area.
The San Francisco Bay has a lot to offer, and Kiteboard Beach is a terrific place to spend the day relaxing in the sun.
Showers, bathrooms, and a small parking area are among the many amenities present.
Additionally, there is a grassy area where you may have a picnic or simply unwind while admiring the breathtaking scenery.
All things considered, Kiteboard Beach is a must-go destination for anyone seeking to take in the great outdoors and engage in some thrilling water sports.
There is something here for everyone, regardless of whether you are an expert kiteboarder or just curious about trying something new.
So gather your equipment and proceed to Kiteboard Beach in San Mateo for a day of outdoor fun.
Amenities: Paved bike path, golf course in the vicinity, benches and picnic tables
Naples Beach
Image courtesy of Trulia.com
Naples Beach in San Mateo is a hidden gem on the San Francisco Bay located 0.45 miles from Miramar and has a beach length of 0.373 miles.
Located just a short drive from the city, this beach offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Naples Beach’s tranquil surroundings are only one of its many distinctive features making it among the best public beaches near Stanford CA.
Since a natural reserve surrounds the beach, it’s a great location for anyone who enjoy the outdoors.
The seashore is home to a variety of animals, including birds, fish, and small mammals, and there are several pathways to explore.
Naples Beach is a fantastic place for water sports in addition to its natural beauty.
The beach is an excellent place for kiteboarding and windsurfing because it is situated in an area with constant winds.
It’s a fantastic place for kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding because the seas are tranquil.
Amenities: Picnic areas, playgrounds, pavilions, cabins, tents, nature trails, walking paths, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, baseball fields and horse trails
Pet policy: No dogs allowed on beach, but OK on Coastal Trail if leashed
Dunes State Beach
Image courtesy of californiabeaches.com
Dunes Beach in San Mateo is a beautiful and secluded stretch of coastline located 0.77 miles from Miramar.
It’s a great spot for a day trip or weekend getaway, and it’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Long and broad, with silky white sand and crystal-clear blue water, the beach itself.
Swimming, surfing, and other water sports are very popular.
It is a wonderful spot to unwind and enjoy the sunshine.
Even on hot, sunny days, there is plenty of room to spread out and find a place to call your own at the beach, which is typically not too crowded.
The natural beauty of Dunes Beach is one of its unique qualities making it among the best public beaches near Stanford CA.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the beach is bordered by undulating hills and dunes.
There are several pathways to discover, and you might come across some local animals like pelicans and sea otters.
Dunes Beach is also home to a small population of beachgoers.
There are several small businesses and food trucks that serve tourists, and many people sleep out on the beach.
It’s a fantastic place to make new friends and experience belonging to a tiny, close-knit community.
Amenities: Dunes, restrooms, paved bike path, parking available at a fee
Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on beach, but OK on Coastal Trail if leashed
Venice State Beach
Image courtesy of californiabeaches.com
Venice State Beach is a beautiful and serene spot located on the San Francisco Peninsula 0.95 miles from Miramar.
It provides a variety of leisure activities, such as swimming, surfing, fishing, and picnics, for people of all ages.
This beach’s breathtaking natural beauty is one of its distinguishing qualities that make it among the best public beaches near Stanford CA.
A leisurely day by the sea is made possible by the golden dunes and clean waves.
Hills that roll in all directions around the beach, adding to its scenic location.
The Western Snowy Plover and the imperiled Ridgway’s Rail are just a couple of the unique and endangered species that call Venice State Beach home.
The beach is carefully managed to preserve the conservation of these species and is home to a number of protected habitats.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of drink to stay hydrated if you intend to visit Venice State Beach.
In the summer, the beach can get rather heated, so it’s crucial to take care of yourself while taking in the scenery.
The location of Venice State Beach is one of its outstanding features.
It’s simple to get to from just about everywhere in the Bay Area because it’s only a short drive from the busy city of San Francisco.
Venice State Beach is a great option whether you’re a local searching for a nearby beach to enjoy or a visitor looking to see everything the area has to offer.
So why wait? Plan a visit to Venice State Beach today and experience all that this beautiful beach has to offer!
Amenities: Restrooms, Showers, Paved Bike Path, Trails, parking available at a fee
Pet policy: No dogs allowed on beach, but OK on Coastal Trail if leashed
Francis State Beach
Image courtesy of californiabeaches.com
Francis State Beach in San Mateo is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Located just a short drive from San Francisco, this beautiful beach offers a wide range of recreational activities for people of all ages.
Francis State Beach’s breathtaking natural beauty is one of its distinguishing characteristics that make it among the best public beaches near Stanford CA.
A leisurely day by the sea is made possible by the golden dunes and clean waves.
Hills that roll in all directions around the beach, adding to its scenic location.
The waters at Francis State Beach are tranquil and ideal for swimming if you want to cool off.
For your safety and security while enjoying the sea, a lifeguard is also on duty at the beach during the summer.
The waves at Francis State Beach are perfect for surfing if you’re feeling adventurous.
Local surfers frequent the beach, and it’s a wonderful place for newbies to pick up the sport.
Along the shoreline, there are numerous tidepools and rocks to discover.
Fishing is also a popular activity at Francis State Beach.
Perch, bass, and halibut are just a few of the fish that may be found in the waters.
There are numerous possibilities to cast a line at this beach, regardless of your level of experience.
There are many grassy areas and picnic tables available if you just want to unwind and enjoy your meal.
With a variety of seabirds and other species in the region, the beach is also a wonderful place for birdwatching.
Amenities: Campground, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, BBQs, paved bike path and visitor center
Pet policy: No dogs allowed on beach, but OK on Coastal Trail if leashed
Elmar Beach
Image courtesy of californiabeaches.com
Elmar is a small portion of beach located between Francis and Dunes Beaches along the coast of Half Moon Bay.
Elmar is a sandy beach with a calm and welcoming ambiance where friends and families of all ages are welcome, much like the majority of Half Moon Bay’s beaches.
The Coastal Trail, a nature trail that offers stunning views of the ocean, connects visitors to this beach.
It is a well-liked location for both residents and tourists, offering a variety of recreational opportunities and breathtaking ocean views.
Other activities include hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching and beachcombing.
The beach welcomes you with a broad expanse of golden sand and crystal-clear seas.
You’ll have plenty of room to lay out and take in the sun because the beach is very big.
Elmar Beach offers a variety of activities, whether you’re a beach bum trying to unwind or an adventurer looking for some action.
There are several places for sunbathing, picnicking, and water sports like swimming, surfing, and boogie boarding on the beach.
Take a guided kayak tour of the nearby shoreline if you’re feeling really daring, or try your hand at stand-up paddle-boarding.
Amenities: Paved bike path, no facilities, parking available but at a fee
Pet policy: No dogs allowed on beach, but OK on Coastal Trail if leashed
Surfers Beach
Surfers Beach is just outside the rock jetty that protects Pillar Point Harbor across Highway 1 from the community of El Granada north of Half Moon Bay.
Despite being a mile long and having a mile-long expanse of smooth, golden sand, the beach itself is rather tiny.
This location is excellent for beginning and intermediate surfers because the waves are typically moderate.
Additionally, the water is very warm, which makes swimming and playing in the waves enjoyable.
The relaxed environment of Surfer’s Beach is one of its outstanding features making it among the best public beaches near Stanford CA.
Instead of being a congested, touristic area, it is a location where people go to unwind and take in the beauty of the ocean.
Locals can frequently be seen relaxing on the sand, enjoying the sun, or playing frisbee.
The beach might get very busy in the summer, yet it never gets overcrowded.
A few parking spots are available, but it’s important to get there early to get one.
You can also park in the area close by and stroll down to the beach if you don’t mind a little distance.
There is a little concession booth on the beach where you may get a snack or a cold beverage.
They offer a variety of sandwiches, chips, and drinks in addition to beach supplies like towels and sunscreen.
Amenities: Restrooms, paved bike path, free parking available
Pet policy: Dogs allowed on leash
Poplar Beach
Image courtesy of explore1.com
Poplar Beach is a city-run beach in Half Moon Bay, CA.
Poplar is a popular destination among families, dog owners, and even horseback riders.
This destination is a city-run beach in Half Moon Bay, CA.
Poplar is a popular beach with families, dog owners, and even horseback riders which sometimes adds a horse poop smell to the beach access.
Popular activities on the beach include hiking, biking, running, fishing, beach walking and equestrian use.
The beach itself is a wide stretch of soft, white sand that is ideal for sunbathing, making sandcastles, or just going for a stroll.
It’s an excellent area for swimming and paddling in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard because the water is typically calm and clean.
Additionally, there is a well-kept walking path that meanders beside the shore and provides spectacular views of the bay and the region.
Poplar Beach is unique from other nearby beaches in part because of its remote setting.
You won’t have to cope with the crowds and noise that sometimes afflict more popular beaches because it is nestled away in a residential area.
Despite this, the beach is still kept up and clean, and it has lots of facilities like bathrooms and a picnic area.
Amenities: Toilets, paved bike path, trails, horse trails, parking available at a fee
Pet policy: Dogs allowed on leash
Redondo Beach
Image courtesy of beaches.lacounty.gov
In the Ocean Colony neighborhood, Redondo Beach is located close to both the Half Moon Bay Golf Links and the city center of Half Moon Bay.
There are trails for exploring, a reef for tide-pooling, and a long sandy beach with crumbling hills in the background.
It’s a superb location for bird-watching as well making many beach lovers place it on the list of the best public beaches near Stanford CA.
If you want a more laid-back beach experience, choose a space on the sand and have a picnic or read a book while admiring the stunning scenery.
There is a large tract behind and to the north of Redondo Beach that contains Wavecrest Open Space, which has been protected by the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
Beginning at the beach parking area, the Wavecrest Trail meanders up the bluff to the north until it reaches Poplar Beach.
Hiking, biking, horseback riding, and dog walking are all permitted on the Trail.
One of the things that makes Redondo Beach so special is the vibrant community that calls it home.
The city is home to a diverse mix of people, and there are always events and activities going on.
You can find everything from live music and art festivals to farmers markets and parades.
Amenities: Tide Pools, trails
Pet policy: Dogs allowed on trails and beach
Conclusion on Public Beaches Near Stanford CA
Public beaches near Stanford, CA, offer a variety of options for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the California coast.
From the wide, sandy beaches of Redondo Beach to the picturesque views of Half Moon Bay, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and more.
These beaches also provide a great way to connect with the local community, with events and activities happening throughout the year.
Whether you’re a student at Stanford or just visiting the area, public beaches near Stanford, CA are a must-visit destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lakeshore Beach is the closest public beach to Stanford. The beach is located 11.03 miles away.
YES, you can swim in Stanford, California. There are a variety of pools, lakes, and beaches where you can swim in the area. Additionally, there are pools at Stanford University. The Avery Aquatic Center is a recreational facility with several pools and a spa.
YES, you can swim at Forrest Beach. The beach features a long sandy beach with views of Orpheus Island and the Palm Island Group. During the summer months, it is patrolled and has a stinger net constructed on the beaches for safe swimming.
Malibu Beach is public. The world-famous Malibu coastline offers 27 miles of scenic public beaches. Spend a day in the sun on one of the beautiful all-public beaches.
I am Monica, the enthusiastic explorer behind funthingsworld.com. With a degree in Leisure and Recreation Management and over 5 years of diving into thrilling adventures, I’ve made it my mission to uncover the best and most exciting activities around the globe.
Stay connected and get a sneak peek into my adventures on Instagram: @mongjerde
