SoCal might steal the spotlight with its sunny beaches, but if you're anything like me, you’ll be blown away by the coastal gems waiting up north. I used to think the perfect beach meant palm trees and packed boardwalks—until I found myself wandering the wild, awe-inspiring shores of Northern California.
I discovered long, sandy stretches perfect for quiet walks, wind-sculpted dunes that felt like something out of a dream, and powerful surf spots where the ocean showed off its wild side. If you're craving raw, natural beauty and a coastline that makes you feel small in the best way, I can’t recommend it enough. There’s something deeply grounding about these beaches—and I think you’ll feel that too.
Top picks for:
- Whale-watching: Fort Funston Beach, Gualala Point Regional Park
- Sea glass: Glass Beach
- Families: Baker Beach
Unique Beaches
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • For families: Baker Beach
- • For hikers: Black Sands Beach
- • For beautiful coastal views: Caspar Headlands State Beach
- • For photographers: Centerville Beach
- • For surfers: College Cove Beach (Humboldt County)
- • For a private atmosphere: Shell Beach
- • For striking cliffs: Fort Funston Beach
- • For ocean-polished glass pebbles: Glass Beach
- • For gray whale spotting: Gray Whale Cove (San Mateo County)
- • For kayakers: Greenwood State Beach