Sonoma Coast State Beach encompasses multiple beach areas along a breathtaking 17-mile stretch of rugged coastline. This dramatic shoreline features towering bluffs, sea stacks, rocky coves, and sandy beaches accessible via numerous parking areas and trails along Highway 1. Beaches such as Schoolhouse, Portuguese, and Salmon Creek offer distinct characteristics from expansive sandy shores to […]
Limantour Beach stretches along a narrow spit of land separating Drakes Bay from an estuary within Point Reyes National Seashore. This long, pristine beach offers more sheltered conditions than many Northern California beaches, making swimming possible during calmer days. The beach’s dual-sided nature, with the protected estuary on one side and the open ocean on […]
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 […]
North Beach is part of Sonoma Coast State Park, offering a vast, windswept shoreline characterized by its wide sandy beach and dramatic backdrop of coastal bluffs. The beach is particularly known for its excellent beachcombing opportunities, with interesting driftwood, shells, and occasionally Japanese glass floats washing ashore. Adjacent to the beach is the North Beach […]
Cambria’s Moonstone Beach is named for the smooth, polished stones that wash up along its shore, including moonstones, jade, and jasper that beachcombers search for among the pebbles. A scenic one-mile boardwalk runs parallel to this narrow beach, offering easy accessible viewing of the coastline while protecting the fragile bluff ecosystem. The beach features fascinating […]
Jalama Beach County Park offers a remote beach experience at the end of a 14-mile winding road through ranchland and oak-studded hills. This isolation has preserved the natural beauty and uncrowded atmosphere of the beach, making it a favorite for those seeking to escape more developed coastal areas. The beach features consistent winds that attract […]
Redondo Beach combines a wide sandy shoreline with an active harbor and pier area, creating a diverse coastal experience. The beach itself offers swimming areas protected by breakwaters and a jetty, with separate zones for surfing. The landmark Redondo Beach Pier has a distinctive horseshoe shape housing restaurants, shops, and an interactive marine education center. […]
La Piedra State Beach is part of Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, comprising three “pocket beaches” along the Malibu coast. Accessed via a steep trail from the Pacific Coast Highway, this secluded beach rewards visitors with dramatic scenery featuring massive rock formations and clear waters. The beach’s relative isolation means it’s typically less crowded […]
The Big Sur coastline features several spectacular beaches set against dramatic cliffs where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. Pfeiffer Beach is known for its purple-tinted sand and the iconic Keyhole Rock that frames the sunset. Garrapata State Beach offers two miles of pristine shoreline with wildflowers in spring and sea otter sightings […]
Point Dume State Beach features a headland with towering bluffs that extend into the Pacific, creating a magnificent promontory visible from much of the Malibu coast. A trail leads to the top of the point, offering panoramic views of the Santa Monica Bay, Santa Monica Mountains, and even Catalina Island on clear days. The beach […]