Pomponio State Beach is a wide, sandy beach situated in a valley along Highway 1 between Half Moon Bay and Pescadero. The beach sits at the mouth of Pomponio Creek, which forms a small lagoon that attracts shorebirds and creates a protected area for wading. Sandy cliffs and coastal scrub vegetation frame the beach, providing […]
Manresa State Beach features a long stretch of pristine shoreline south of Santa Cruz, offering a less developed beach experience than more tourist-oriented areas. The beach is backed by impressive eroding bluffs and dunes that provide a natural buffer from nearby agricultural lands. A campground sits atop the bluff with 60 campsites offering proximity to […]
San Gregorio State Beach features a wide, flat sandy beach backed by impressive sandstone cliffs along Highway 1 south of Half Moon Bay. The beach sits at the mouth of San Gregorio Creek, which forms a lagoon that attracts numerous bird species. During low tide, visitors can explore small caves and rock formations at the […]
Jenner Beach sits at the mouth of the Russian River where it meets the Pacific Ocean, creating a dynamic coastal environment with shifting sandbars and a rich diversity of wildlife. The beach is known for its colony of harbor seals that can be observed from a safe distance, particularly during pupping season. The surrounding area […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]