From my Alaska travels, here are a couple of images of Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) cruising the beaches of Hallo Bay:
Why do they travel on the beaches? One reason is that often they are looking for a good place for some low-tide clamming for razor clams. In other instances, they are likely using the beaches because they are smooth, easy to walk on, and give a clear view all around you as you walk. Thirdly, just because they want to (and who’s going to stop them?)!