Perles Beach

Though this south-facing Angel Island beach is windier than its east-side counterpart, Quarry Beach, it’s also considerably less packed. Walk or bike one and a half miles along Perimeter Road, an old military road that originally connected the forts of the island, then veer down the unmarked path just past Battery Ledyard. There, you’ll find this lovely, wide-open beach. The breeze—and current—can be strong, but views stretching from the Golden Gate to the Bay Bridge make it all worthwhile.