Shi Shi Beach is a remote, pristine coastline in Olympic National Park, accessible only by a 2-mile hike through rainforest. The beach is renowned for its Point of Arches, a series of dramatic sea stacks and natural arches that make it a photographer’s paradise. The relative difficulty of access keeps crowds minimal, offering a true […]
Dungeness Spit is the longest natural sand spit in the United States, extending 5.5 miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This unique landform is protected as part of the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, home to over 250 bird species and diverse marine wildlife. Hikers can walk the length of the spit to reach […]
Third Beach is the most remote of the three La Push beaches, requiring a 1.2-mile hike through coastal forest. This isolation rewards visitors with a tranquil beach experience and fewer crowds. The beach features striking sea stacks, a waterfall that cascades onto the shore, and rich tide pools. The scenic hike passes through Sitka spruce […]
Muir Beach is a small, crescent-shaped cove nestled between hillsides within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Recent extensive habitat restoration has transformed the area, with a new parking lot, accessible boardwalk, and restored wetland and dune areas that have improved both visitor experience and ecological health. The beach is the endpoint of several hiking […]
Trinidad State Beach is situated on a protected cove beneath forested bluffs in a picturesque fishing village along California’s northern coast. The beach is accessed via Trinidad Head, a massive rock formation that juts into the Pacific and provides hiking trails with spectacular viewpoints overlooking the beach and harbor. Offshore sea stacks create a dramatic […]
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 […]
Laguna Creek Beach is part of the Coast Dairies property recently designated as part of the California Coastal National Monument. This relatively secluded beach features interesting sea stacks and rock formations offshore, creating a dramatic landscape popular with photographers. The beach is accessible via a short trail from Highway 1, descending through coastal prairie habitat […]
Pescadero State Beach encompasses a mile-long shoreline with sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, tide pools, and adjacent marsh natural preserve. The beach is divided into several sections by rock outcroppings, with the northern areas featuring sandy shores perfect for walking and beachcombing, while the southern section offers fascinating tide pools during low tide. Across Highway 1, […]
Emma Wood State Beach stretches along a narrow strip of coastline between Highway 101 and the Pacific Ocean near Ventura. The beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions and fishing opportunities, attracting outdoor enthusiasts year-round. A unique feature of this beach is its self-contained RV camping area with 90 primitive sites situated directly on […]
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 […]