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 […]
California Beaches
Glass Beach
Glass Beach in Fort Bragg is famous for its abundance of sea glass created from years of dumping household garbage at the site until 1967, when the practice was stopped and cleanup efforts began. Natural wave action over decades transformed discarded glass into smooth, colorful pebbles that cover the beach in place of sand. The […]
Windansea Beach
Windansea Beach is a historic surfing location in La Jolla, characterized by its unique rock formations that create distinctive wave breaks prized by skilled surfers. The beach is relatively small with limited sand area at high tide, framed by sandstone cliffs that add to its picturesque setting. A legendary palm-covered surf shack, built in 1946 […]
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach stretches for more than two miles along San Diego’s coastline, offering a quintessential Southern California beach experience with a lively atmosphere. The beach is anchored by Crystal Pier, a historic wooden pier with cottages built over the water that are available for overnight stays. A paved boardwalk runs the length of the beach, […]
Butterfly Beach
Butterfly Beach sits in front of the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore in upscale Montecito, offering a quiet alternative to Santa Barbara’s main beaches. Unlike most California beaches that face west, Butterfly Beach has a south-facing orientation that provides spectacular views of the Channel Islands and exceptional sunset vistas. The narrow sandy beach is backed […]
Pomponio State Beach
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
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 […]
Pacifica State Beach
Pacifica State Beach, also known as Linda Mar Beach, is a mile-long, crescent-shaped sandy beach nestled at the mouth of the San Pedro Valley. Known as one of the most reliable surfing beaches in the Bay Area, it features gentle waves that make it particularly popular for beginning surfers, with a surf school and rental […]
Newport Municipal Beach
Newport Municipal Beach stretches along the Balboa Peninsula, encompassing several distinct beach areas including the popular section near Newport Pier. This wide, sandy beach offers excellent swimming conditions with seasonal lifeguard service and facilities including volleyball courts, bicycle rentals, and a paved beachfront path. The historic Newport Pier is a centerpiece of the beach, with […]
Dillon Beach
Dillon Beach is a privately owned but public-accessible beach at the mouth of Tomales Bay in Marin County, characterized by its expansive white sand shoreline and dunes. Unlike most California beaches, it allows dogs off-leash, making it exceptionally popular with pet owners from throughout the Bay Area. The beach offers spectacular views of Point Reyes […]