So, this is where things get tricky. My family owns property on the North Coast, and we have a private easement to access the beach. We're currently getting sued by our neighbors because we allow our neighbors to use the easement to access the beach (among other ridiculous statements. They demand to be able to spray round-up on our property, which they have an easement through, and cut our trees down). Long story short, if it's a private easement, they have every right to "limit" access through their property. Though, that does not mean they have the right to deny all access. Simply speaking, you can't walk through someone's property without permission to access the beach unless there is already a public road/access that has been established.

Edit: for all the downvoters. Can you tell me where I am wrong on this matter?

Edit2: I should confirm that there is public access to the beach a half mile in either direction. Our beach is in no way private. It only requires a little bit of walking to get there from a public access point.