Neptune Beach (California) facts for kids
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Neptune Beach was a popular amusement park in Alameda, California. It was located right on the shore of San Francisco Bay. The park was open for fun from 1917 until 1939. People could get there by train or by ferry from San Francisco. Many called it the "Coney Island of the West."
Neptune Beach first opened its gates in 1917. It was built on a beach area now known as Crab Cove. The Strehlow family originally owned and ran the park. It only cost a dime to get inside! The park was a great spot for picnics and had a clubhouse for dancing. There were even barbecue pits for cooking. You could also rent small vacation homes called Cottage Baths. The park often held dances on Friday and Saturday nights.
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Fun Rides and Attractions
The Strehlow family made Neptune Beach even bigger. They filled in part of the Bay to add more attractions. This included a huge Olympic-size swimming pool. They also built a thrilling roller coaster with amazing views of the Bay.
Swimming Stars and Pools
Neptune Beach had two large outdoor swimming pools. These pools were famous for hosting swimming races. Many well-known swimmers performed there. One was Johnny Weissmuller, an Olympian. He later became famous for playing Tarzan in movies. Another was Jack LaLanne, who later started many health clubs.
Classic Rides and Treats
The park also featured a beautiful, hand-carved carousel. This carousel was made by the Dentzel Company. There was also a tall Ferris wheel for great views.
Neptune Beach was also where two popular treats first appeared. Both the snow cone and the popsicle were first sold here in 1923. The popsicle got its name from Frank "Pop" Epperson. He sold his frozen treat as "Pop's Sicle."
Why Neptune Beach Closed
Neptune Beach closed its doors in 1939. Several things led to its closing. The Great Depression meant people had less money for fun. Also, the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge was finished. This changed how people traveled.
Changes in Travel
Once the Bay Bridge was built, fewer people rode trains. The train lines that went past Neptune Beach lost many riders. People started using their cars more often. They could now drive further away for vacations. Alameda became less popular as a resort spot. Other places became more attractive to tourists from San Francisco.
Sneaking In and Other Issues
Young people also found ways to get into the park without paying. Strong swimmers could sneak in from the bay side. They would swim around the park's fence. This meant the park lost money from admissions.
Most of the park's structures were sold off in 1940. This included the carousel, Ferris wheel, and roller coaster. They were sold for much less than they were worth. Some of the old resort homes from Neptune Beach still exist today. You can see them near Crab Cove. During World War II, the government bought the park's land. They used it for offices and called it Neptune Pointe.
