Rodeo Beach

Rodeo Beach is a wide pebble shore with dark stones in shades of brown, red, green, and blue that separate a lagoon from a cove. The stones come from local minerals, giving the beach its distinctive coloring and textured surface.

Fort Cronkhite, located near the beach, was built during World War II as a military installation to protect San Francisco Bay. The historic buildings from that era remain standing today as reminders of that period.

Local photographers gather at the south end to capture the offshore Bird Rock formation with its natural arch, while visitors explore the shoreline and notice the layered pebbles.

The beach is easiest to reach from the Alexander Avenue exit and Baker Barry Tunnel, where parking areas are available. Visitors should expect uneven ground and wear appropriate footwear for walking on pebbles.

The adjacent lagoon contains brackish water that provides habitat for protected birds, frogs, and rare fish species. Visitors can observe this wildlife diversity from the beach without disturbing the sensitive areas.