We’ve ranked bagels. We’ve ranked boba shops. Next up: beaches. Keep reading to see what Midpeninsula Post reporters Deven and Myesha thought about four local beaches, ranging from overhyped hangout spots to underrated gems.
Rio Del Mar Beach
Pink skies, soft sand and warm waters. If you’re an avid sunset lover, this is the spot for you. Ranked number one on our list, Rio Del Mar Beach offers beachgoers vibrant sunrises and sunsets with multiple viewpoints to get the best view. A little over an hour away from Palo Alto, Rio Del Mar presents a perfect day trip opportunity for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley.
Located next to a smaller residential area, there are plenty of local restaurants and cafés for people looking to grab a quick bite or meal. As for the temperature, although there can be a chill in the air at night, the weather is amicable — we recommend bringing a light layer or a blanket to warm you up in the evening.
All in all, Rio Del Mar Beach is our top pick for anyone who likes a quieter beach day, a picture-perfect sunset and warmer weather.
Sharp Park Beach
Sharp Park Beach may not win beauty contests, but it has its own unique charm. Located in the northern city of Pacifica, Sharp Park greets beachgoers with frigid waves. If you plan on swimming here, don’t. But if you must, wetsuits are definitely mandatory, otherwise you might see your hands turn blue and feel your limbs freeze into blocks of ice.
While it may not have postcard-aesthetic white sand, Sharp Park has soft, comfortable sand making for a great place to do some oceanside walking. The nearby Mori Point offers an excellent place for sunset and ocean views at the cost of a short hike. With picnic spots nearby, free parking and a coffee shop down the road, Sharp Park makes for a convenient, local getaway.
Sharp Park Beach may not be the picturesque photo opportunity you were hoping for, but it is perfect for anyone who likes oceanside views and dipping their toes into chilly water.
China Beach
Tucked away in San Francisco’s Sea Cliff neighborhood, China Beach offers a peaceful, scenic retreat from the business of city life. Although not as expansive as the nearby Ocean Beach, China Beach’s clean sands and unbeatable views of the Golden Gate Bridge make it a hidden gem.
Nestled between rock walls, this beach feels like a secret cove. While the cold waters and strong rip currents do not make it ideal for swimming, it’s a great place to enjoy the scenery of San Francisco Bay. A short walk down some wooden steps will leave you with public oceanside grills and picnic tables, perfect for a casual meal. There are no food concessions nearby, but the calm uncrowded atmosphere combined with the occasional local surfer or fisherman creates the perfect ambiance to escape hectic everyday life.
If you are looking for a serene spot with iconic views, China Beach has you covered. Make sure to take a jacket or light outer layer, and at times the cold breeze disappears.
Poplar Beach
A highly coveted spot for bonfires and day-trips, Poplar Beach in Half Moon Bay is a popular spot for teenagers and adults alike. Located around 45 minutes from Los Altos, Mountain View, Palo Alto and other neighboring cities, our fourth-ranked beach is lined with tall, sandy bluffs overlooking the sand and water.
As much of a “go-to” spot as Poplar may be, it falls short of expectations in various ways. Although there is a parking lot next to the beach, it’s small, charges a fee and closes right around sunset — not the best option for late-night beach runs. If you’re looking to spend an evening watching the sunset, this isn’t the beach for you — cloudy and cold the majority of the time, Poplar doesn’t give beachgoers the picturesque sunset they’re hoping for. And like the weather, the water is cold. All the time. Trust us, getting splashed with water here isn’t the experience you’d like it to be. You’re better off finding another beach if what you’re searching for are orangey-pink skies and warm waves.
Overall, there are better beaches than Poplar. Stray away from the crowds and you might find some hidden gems — like our number one pick, for example.
