Gerstle Cove is part of Salt Point State Park on the rugged Sonoma Coast, featuring a small, protected cove that has been designated as a marine reserve where all marine life is protected. The cove offers some of Northern California’s best tidepooling opportunities during low tide, with abundant sea stars, anemones, and other intertidal creatures […]
California Beaches
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 […]
Seacliff State Beach
Seacliff State Beach features the iconic concrete ship SS Palo Alto at its southernmost end, an unusual World War I-era tanker now serving as an artificial reef and fishing pier. The beach stretches along Monterey Bay with views of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the north, offering excellent whale watching opportunities during migration seasons. A […]
Will Rogers State Beach
Will Rogers State Beach extends for three miles along Pacific Coast Highway between Santa Monica and Malibu, offering a less crowded alternative to neighboring beaches. Named after the famous humorist and actor who once owned the adjacent land, the beach features a wide expanse of clean, golden sand with good facilities including volleyball courts and […]
Leo Carrillo State Beach
Leo Carrillo State Beach, named after the actor and conservationist, encompasses 1.5 miles of scenic coastline at the northwestern edge of Los Angeles County. The beach is notable for its sea caves, reefs, and tide pools that can be explored during low tide, revealing a fascinating array of marine life. North Beach allows dogs on […]
Imperial Beach
Imperial Beach is the southernmost beach town in California, situated just north of the Mexican border. The wide, sandy beach stretches for 4 miles and features the 1,491-foot Imperial Beach Pier, a popular fishing spot offering panoramic views of Los Coronados Islands, Point Loma, and the Mexico coastline. The Tijuana Estuary, one of the few […]
Cayucos State Beach
Cayucos State Beach wraps around a protective cove on California’s Central Coast, offering a gentle beach experience with typically calm waters suitable for swimming. The beach is anchored by the historic 982-foot Cayucos Pier, originally built in 1872 and recently renovated, providing fishing opportunities and expansive views of Estero Bay and Morro Rock in the […]
Jalama Beach
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 […]
Morro Strand State Beach
Morro Strand State Beach extends over three miles along California’s central coast, offering spectacular views of Morro Rock, a 576-foot volcanic plug that is the most distinctive landmark in the area. This long, straight beach features fine sand and gentle sloping terrain, making it ideal for extended beach walks and jogging. The protected waters of […]
Thousand Steps Beach
Thousand Steps Beach is named for the long, steep staircase (actually 218 steps) that leads from street level down to this secluded Laguna Beach cove. The effort required to access this beach means it’s often less crowded than other area beaches, especially on weekdays. At the southern end, visitors can explore sea caves during low […]