About This Beach
Pelican State Beach holds the distinction of being California’s northernmost state beach, located just south of the Oregon border. This remote, undeveloped beach offers a wild, pristine coastline experience with minimal facilities and often few visitors. The beach features dramatic views of offshore sea stacks and the Oregon coast stretching northward. Birds including brown pelicans, for which the beach is named, are frequently spotted along the shoreline and on offshore rocks. The beach is primarily accessed from Highway 101 via a small, unmarked parking area. The rugged, natural setting provides a glimpse of how much of the Northern California coast appeared before development, making it a special destination for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.