Crab Cove Visitor Center to USS Hornet: SF Bay Trail is a 4.1 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Alameda, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Park Features: Bay Area locals and neighborhood friends have long loved the shores of Alameda. This 2.5-mile stretch of shoreline (once known as the “Coney Island of the West”) is commemoratively named for the late Assemblyman Robert W. Crown. Today the shoreline lacks the roller coasters and thrill rides it once had, but the beaches are popular for swimming, board sports, kayaking and more. Private equipment rentals and lessons are available during the summer season. The shoreline is an important habitat for native birds and sea creatures. At low tide, visitors explore the abundant wildlife that exists below the water’s surface. The Crab Cove Visitor Center offers extensive knowledge about the shoreline to the public and charter groups. Interpretive programs are offered on the weekends, and on weekdays by reservation. Trail Highlights: This featured route follows the SF Bay Trail to Encinal Beach. From Encinal Beach continue for about a half mile to the USS Hornet Museum, which is open daily for tickets, tours, and a comprehensive history exhibit. The trail is mostly paved (gravel just before Encinal Beach). Parts of this route utilize city streets, so double check your understanding of the route before taking off. Trail Directions: Portions of this route are on city streets. Turn right on the paved trail at the end of McKay Ave. (in front of large park office building). Follow through a small gate (this gate and the one at Central Avenue remain open from dawn to dusk). Continue for .4 miles, passing by the private residences of Crown Harbor toward Central Avenue. Upon meeting Central Avenue turn left. Follow the sidewalk for .6 miles. After passing in front of Encinal High School, turn left down the road marked SF Bay Trail and Encinal Boat Ramp to Encinal Beach; this is a long, straight stretch to the parking lot – be aware of cars as you head to the shore. After passing though the parking lot, turn right on the SF Bay Trail and continue for about a half mile to the USS Hornet Museum. Explore the exhibit or retrace your steps back to the Crown Cove Visitor Center. Park Curfew/Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fees: $5 parking fee (when attended)
Website: www.ebparks.org/parks/crown_beach
In Alameda, follow Webster Street across town. Turn right on Central Ave., go one block, and turn left onto McKay Ave. (at Fosters Freeze). Crab Cove is toward the end of McKay on the left.
March 5, 2021Great! Lightly trafficked mostly paved. Beware of the grass as there’s a lot of duck poop. Views are stunning
January 31, 2021Just did the Encinal boat ramp to the Hornet and back. Didn’t want to walk in the streets. Easy walk, gorgeous views of the city and the USS Hornet.
January 30, 2021January 29, 2021easy
January 1, 2021This was a good walk for a New Year's Day. I wish there was a trail along the water the whole way, but the neighborhood was nice. Pier was very quite almost eerie like. Nice view of the city across the bay.
December 22, 2020Amazing views of the bay and San Francisco
November 25, 2020November 6, 2020October 20, 2020August 11, 2020I would say half was on the street, half on the trail. I would probably just split this walk in half, either stick to the bay trail, or stick to crab cove and walk along south shore. I was able to see seals along the bay trail and there was a launch dock so maybe I'll take the kayak there sometime.
August 5, 2020June 20, 2020Beautiful views of the bay but trail stops and starts on public streets for a stint which wasn’t as enjoyable. Ends at the USS Hornet which was very cool to explore. Pretty view of the city from there as well.
May 27, 2020May 8, 2020I wouldn’t recommend this trail. Especially when it’s warm out.
February 23, 2020Nice easy stroll {mostly} along the water. Beautiful weather, variety of birds, and pretty views to take in.
February 9, 2020Definitely categorize this as a walk, not hike, but enjoyed the high tide of crab cove and the epic USS Hornet at the half way point of this out and back trail. Great for a morning weekend followed by brunch on Webster after. Be mindful of windy days as I almost lost my hat!
January 26, 2020
First to ReviewEasy flat trail. Portion along road rather than waterfront.
February 28, 2021February 7, 2021February 6, 2021January 30, 2021January 30, 2021January 23, 2021January 23, 2021January 20, 2021January 18, 2021January 16, 2021January 15, 2021December 11, 2020December 8, 2020
