Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of summer, and warmer weather usually means trips to the surf and sand of the Bay Area beaches.
What is your favorite beach in the region? Why do you like it? Tell us in the comments.
To help you plan your trip, Heal The Bay released its annual grade this past week on beaches throughout the West Coast.
The non-profit organization rated 805 beaches in California, Oregon and Washington based on weekly bacteria levels measured from April to October 2012.
There were 475 beaches listed in California, including nine in Alameda County and three in Contra Costa County.
In Alameda County, all the beaches surveyed received an "A" grade. In Contra Costa County, the beaches surveyed received "A" grades, too.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.