Coronado Central Beach, fronting the iconic Hotel del Coronado with its distinctive red turrets, is famous for its sparkling sand that contains the mineral mica, creating a shimmering effect in sunlight. This wide, flat beach stretches for 1.5 miles along the resort peninsula and consistently ranks among America’s top beaches for its clean water, excellent […]
Sand Dollar Beach is the largest sandy beach along the rugged Big Sur coastline, forming a crescent of golden sand beneath dramatic cliffs. Part of the Los Padres National Forest, this beach is named for the sand dollars occasionally found along the shore. A developed day-use area provides picnic tables, restrooms, and a stairway leading […]
Stinson Beach is a 3.5-mile crescent of white sand nestled against Mount Tamalpais, about an hour north of San Francisco. The beach features both a federal section (part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area) and a county park area, providing ample space for recreation. One of the few beaches in Northern California with lifeguard […]
Moss Landing State Beach is situated at the mouth of Elkhorn Slough, one of California’s largest wetland areas, creating a unique coastal environment rich in wildlife. This remote beach offers a quieter alternative to more developed areas, with miles of sandy shoreline perfect for beachcombing. Birdwatchers flock here to observe numerous species of shorebirds, while […]
Ruby Beach is one of the most scenic and popular beaches in Olympic National Park. Known for its dramatic sea stacks, driftwood, and colorful stones, this rugged coastline offers stunning views and exploration opportunities. The beach derives its name from the ruby-like crystals in the sand. Visitors come for photography, beachcombing, and exploring tide pools […]
Moonstone Beach in Cambria is named for the smooth, polished stones (moonstones, jade, and jasper) that wash up on its shores. A scenic one-mile wooden boardwalk parallels this narrow stretch of beach, offering easy access for visitors to admire breathtaking ocean views and observe local wildlife including seals, sea otters, and dolphins. The beach features […]
South Beach represents the southernmost accessible portion of San Jose Island, reached via a short jetty boat ride from Port Aransas. This uninhabited beach offers one of the most pristine natural experiences on the Texas coast with exceptional shelling opportunities and clear waters. The south end features the St. Jo Island Jetty, creating excellent fishing […]
Matagorda Peninsula Beach stretches for 23 miles on a thin barrier peninsula accessible only by boat or by driving onto the beach from Matagorda Bay Nature Park. The remote location and limited access create one of the least crowded beach experiences in Texas. The peninsula separates the Gulf from East Matagorda Bay, offering fishing opportunities […]
McFaddin Beach is part of the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, offering 15 miles of remote, undeveloped shoreline between High Island and Sea Rim State Park. The beach is known for unique prehistoric archaeological finds including Paleo-Indian artifacts and Ice Age fossils occasionally exposed by erosion and storms. The refuge protects one of the largest remaining […]
High Island Beach sits at the northeastern end of the Bolivar Peninsula, offering a less developed beach experience with unique geological features. The name comes from the salt dome that raises the community 38 feet above sea level—unusual elevation for the Texas coast. The beach is bordered by the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, creating excellent […]