From north to south the state beach is made up of Roosevelt, Dunes, Venice and Francis Beaches, covering 181 acres. Visitors come for sunbathing, fishing and picnics, and surfers like its waves, which are influenced by reflection from the harbor jetty. Francis Beach has a campground with 52 sites.
During Prohibition, rum ships anchored offshore and Francis Beach was a favored place to unload whisky. During World War II the Army set up a post on the beach to guard against Japanese attack.
The beach is known for a rare colony of western snowy plovers. Pilarcitos Creek and Frenchmans Creek both reach the sea along it.
More on this site: the beaches