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 […]
Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is famous for its striking purple sand and the massive Keyhole Rock arch that frames the sunset in perfect alignment during certain times of the year. The beach’s unique color comes from manganese garnet deposits washed down from the hillsides. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and cypress trees, this secluded beach […]
Torrey Pines State Beach sits beneath towering cliffs at the edge of a protected natural reserve named for the rare Torrey pine trees that grow only here and on Santa Rosa Island. The beach features golden sands and diverse coastal terrain, with hiking trails leading from the bluffs down to the shore and offering spectacular […]
Sea Rim State Park protects 4,141 acres where the Gulf of Mexico meets marshland, creating diverse ecosystems within one park. The park features 5 miles of beach and 10 miles of paddling trails through wetlands. Unique amenities include primitive camping directly on the beach and floating platforms for overnight kayak trips in the marsh. The […]
Galveston Island State Park offers 2,000 acres of protected coastal environment with both beach and bay sides accessible to visitors. Following a major renovation completed in 2022, the park features new facilities including a beach information station, expanded hiking trails, and improved beach access points. The park preserves natural dune systems and coastal prairie, providing […]
Mustang Island State Park encompasses 3,954 acres with 5 miles of pristine beach along the Gulf of Mexico. The park offers primitive beach camping as well as developed campsites with water and electricity. A highlight is the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail, featuring a 20-mile route through the shallow waters of Corpus Christi Bay […]
Lovers Key State Park encompasses four barrier islands with two and a half miles of pristine white sand beaches accessible by boardwalk or tram. Once only accessible by boat (hence the name, as only lovers would make the effort to reach it), the park now offers easy access to secluded beach areas. The park features […]
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park occupies the southern third of Key Biscayne with over a mile of Atlantic beachfront consistently ranked among Florida’s best beaches. The historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, built in 1825, is the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County and offers tours and spectacular views from the top. The park features diverse […]
Blowing Rocks Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy, features the largest Anastasia limestone shoreline on the Atlantic coast. During high tide and rough seas, waves crash against the rocks and force plumes of saltwater up to 50 feet in the air – a spectacular natural display. The preserve has restored native Florida coastal habitats including […]