SoCal is famous for its sunny beaches, but what travelers may have overlooked in their quest for the perfect beach getaway are the gorgeous beaches of Northern California.
There are long, sandy leisure beaches, sand dune beaches, and beaches favored by surfers. In this post, I’ll share the awe-inspiring beaches I discovered in Northern California—where nature reigns and the ocean feels untamed.
Top picks for:
- Whale-watching: Fort Funston Beach, Gualala Point Regional Park
- Sea glass: Glass Beach
- Families: Baker Beach
Unique Beaches
1. For families: Baker Beach
Rating: ★★★★★
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Location:
Trinidad, CaliforniaRecommended For:
Families, nature lovers, and anyone interested in exploring tide pools and the dramatic coastal scenery of Northern California.What I Love: ♥
The family-friendly atmosphere, ideal tide pooling opportunities at low tide, and the dramatic ecological habitat featuring alder trees, tide pools, and offshore rocks.- Access the beach via Scenic Drive, followed by a steep trail with cable steps down to the beach.
- Explore the beach at low tide for tide pooling and nature discovery, making it perfect for family outings.
- Admire the ecological habitat, with alder trees, tide pools, and offshore rocks creating a beautiful and dramatic coastal setting.
- Be respectful when exploring the tide pools, as the creatures are delicate—avoid disturbing the rocks or marine life.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking may be limited, so arrive early during peak times.Best time to visit:
Low tide for the best tidepooling opportunities. Spring and summer are perfect for exploring the beach with the family.Local tips:
Wear sturdy shoes for the steep trail access, and be sure to check tide schedules for optimal tidepooling times. Respect the marine life and avoid disturbing the delicate ecosystem.Distance:
About 10 minutes from downtown Trinidad by car.How to Get to Baker Beach:
Park along Scenic Drive and follow the steep trail with cable steps to reach the beach. Be prepared for the hike, as it can be a bit challenging.2. For hikers: Black Sands Beach
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Location:
Sausalito, CaliforniaRecommended For:
Hikers, beach-goers, nature lovers, and those looking for a peaceful, secluded spot with stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere.What I Love: ♥
The challenging access that leads to a serene setting, ideal for sunbathing, fishing, and the breathtaking vistas of Point Bonita Lighthouse.- Hike down the steep dirt trail with wooden steps for an adventurous journey to the beach.
- Enjoy the scenic vistas along the trail, with stunning views of Point Bonita Lighthouse and the surrounding coastline.
- Relax in a serene setting, perfect for sunbathing or fishing on the peaceful shoreline.
- Be aware of high tide, as the beach becomes very narrow during these times—check tide charts before visiting.
- Visit this clothing-optional beach, an unofficially recognized spot for those seeking a more relaxed beach experience.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking may be limited due to the narrow access road and trailhead parking area.Best time to visit:
Spring and summer for the best weather and beach activities, but be mindful of the tides when planning your visit.Local tips:
Wear sturdy footwear for the hike down, and don’t forget to check tide charts to ensure you visit during a time when the beach is wide enough for your enjoyment!Distance:
About 20 minutes from downtown Sausalito by car.How to Get to Black Sands Beach:
Take Conzelman Road from Sausalito and follow signs to the trailhead parking area. From there, follow Fisherman's Trail to reach the beach.3. For beautiful coastal views: Caspar Headlands State Beach
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Location:
Mendocino, CaliforniaRecommended For:
Swimmers, hikers, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a scenic, safer place to enjoy the Mendocino coastline.What I Love: ♥
The coastal cove location nestled between two creeks, the calmer swimming waters, and the stunning bluffside hiking trails with breathtaking coastal views.- Relax in the coastal cove between Caspar Creek and Doyle Creek, providing a sheltered anchorage perfect for enjoying the beach.
- Swim in one of the safer swimming areas in the region, though be mindful of the occasional rip currents.
- Camp at the nearby RV park, conveniently located across the street from the beach for easy access.
- Hike the bluffside trails to the north for spectacular views of the Mendocino coastline and surrounding areas.
- Explore the Caspar Headlands State Natural Reserve just south of the beach, perfect for nature walks and wildlife watching.
Cost:
Free beach access; camping fees apply for the RV park.Best time to visit:
Summer for warm weather and calmer waters, though the beach is great year-round for hiking and nature exploration.Local tips:
Be sure to check the water conditions before swimming, as the conditions can change quickly. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes for the bluffside trails.Distance:
About 10 minutes from Mendocino by car.How to Get to Caspar Headlands State Beach:
Take Point Cabrillo Drive from Mendocino, and follow signs to Caspar Headlands State Beach. The beach is easily accessible, with parking near the beach and the RV park.If you are a photographer, don't miss:
4. For photographers: Centerville Beach
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Location:
Eureka, CaliforniaRecommended For:
Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a peaceful, secluded beach surrounded by stunning sandstone cliffs and wildlife.What I Love: ♥
The secluded beauty of the nine-mile shoreline, the wildlife viewing opportunities, and the outdoor adventure options like beachcombing, horseback riding, and coastal bonfires.- Relax on the peaceful shoreline, with nine miles of dramatic sandstone cliffs framing the beach.
- Spot wildlife, including birds and migrating whales with calves during the spring months.
- Enjoy outdoor activities like beachcombing, horseback riding, and coastal bonfires.
- Try windsurfing or kiteboarding in the windswept conditions—perfect for watersports enthusiasts.
- Have a picnic by the ocean in one of the most scenic spots with amazing ocean views.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking fees may apply during peak season.Best time to visit:
Spring and summer for the best weather and wildlife sightings, especially for whale watching in April and May.Local tips:
Bring binoculars for birdwatching and whale sightings. If you're planning to enjoy a coastal bonfire, check local regulations for fire safety during your visit.Distance:
About 20 minutes from Eureka by car.How to Get to Centerville Beach:
Drive west from Eureka on First Street, following signs to Centerville Beach. There is parking available near the beach entrance.5. For surfers: College Cove Beach (Humboldt County)
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Location:
Trinidad, CaliforniaRecommended For:
Surfers, beachgoers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a secluded, scenic spot with tide pools and wildlife viewing opportunities.What I Love: ♥
The secluded cove, the tide pool discoveries, and the wildlife sightings, including sea lions, seals, and occasional migrating whales.- Access to the beach depends on the tide—cross the sections during low tide to enjoy the full beach.
- Surf and swim year-round in the cold waters, making it a popular spot for surfing and swimming.
- View marine life such as sea lions, seals, and occasionally migrating whales.
- Explore the tide pools to discover starfish, sea urchins, clams, and mussels in the rocks.
- Enjoy the scenic seclusion of this hidden gem, nestled just north of Trinidad State Beach.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking fees may apply during peak seasons.Best time to visit:
Summer for warmer weather and beach activities, though the beach is a great spot year-round, especially for tide pooling during low tide.Local tips:
Be cautious when crossing between the two sections of the beach, as access is tide-dependent. Check the tide schedule before visiting to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.Distance:
About 5 minutes from downtown Trinidad by car.How to Get to College Cove Beach:
Drive to 585 Stagecoach Road and follow signs to the beach. The access trail to the beach can be a bit steep, so wear appropriate footwear for the hike.Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
6. For a private atmosphere: Shell Beach
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Location:
Jenner, CaliforniaRecommended For:
Beachcombers, nature lovers, anglers, and anyone looking for a peaceful, secluded beach with striking rock formations and tide pools.What I Love: ♥
The secluded setting surrounded by steep bluffs, the rocky beauty revealed at low tide, and the tide pool discoveries and fishing opportunities available.- Hike down the short bluff trail to the beach, which can be slippery when wet—be careful during rainy weather.
- Enjoy the secluded atmosphere with quiet surroundings created by steep bluffs.
- Explore the rocky beauty of the beach, especially when low tide exposes tide pools and interesting rock formations.
- Fish along the mussel-covered rocks, making this a hotspot for local anglers.
- Beachcomb for shells and sea life—perfect for those who love exploring and collecting along the shore.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking may be limited due to the smaller size of the area.Best time to visit:
Low tide for the best tide pool discoveries. Summer and early fall are perfect for enjoying the beach and exploring the surroundings.Local tips:
Wear sturdy shoes for the hike down, as the trail can be slippery. Also, bring fishing gear if you're interested in the area's angling opportunities.Distance:
About 15 minutes from downtown Jenner by car.How to Get to Shell Beach:
Take Highway 1 to Shell Beach Road in Jenner, then follow the signs to the coastal access trail leading down to the beach.7. For striking cliffs: Fort Funston Beach
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Location:
San Francisco, CaliforniaRecommended For:
Nature lovers, hang gliding enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, and those seeking a scenic, unspoiled beach experience at the southern edge of San Francisco.What I Love: ♥
The cliffside views of the Pacific, the opportunity to spot wildlife like dolphins and whales, and the hang glider haven that makes it a unique spot for aerial enthusiasts.- Hike down the steep path for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal bluffs.
- Watch for dolphins, whales, and seals from the shoreline—perfect for wildlife lovers and photographers.
- Take a leisurely walk along the cliffs, especially at low tide, for a scenic 20-minute stroll with breathtaking views.
- Be cautious as the rough waters make this beach unsafe for swimming.
- Soar in the skies—Fort Funston is a top destination for hang gliding enthusiasts.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking is available nearby but may fill up quickly on weekends.Best time to visit:
Spring and fall for fewer crowds, though the beach is beautiful year-round for wildlife watching and hiking.Local tips:
Wear sturdy shoes for the steep walk down to the beach. Be sure to check tide schedules for the best time to explore the shoreline at low tide.Distance:
About 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco by car.How to Get to Fort Funston Beach:
Take Fort Funston Road from the southern part of San Francisco. Follow signs to the parking area, where you can easily access the trail leading down to the beach.If you are traveling with kids:
8. For ocean-polished glass pebbles: Glass Beach
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Location:
Fort Bragg, CaliforniaRecommended For:
Nature lovers, photographers, beachcombers, and anyone interested in visiting a unique beach known for its colorful sea glass.What I Love: ♥
The vibrant sea glass scattered across the beach, the historic transformation from a trash dump to a coastal gem, and the rare colors of the sea glass, including ruby red and sapphire hues.- Admire the sea glass spectacle—Glass Beach is famous for its vibrant, ocean-polished glass pebbles.
- Learn about the historic origins of the beach, once a trash dump, now transformed by nature into a stunning coastal attraction.
- Search for rare colors of glass, including ruby red taillight glass and deep sapphire apothecary pieces.
- Capture the beauty with photography—be sure to collect photos, not glass, as removing sea glass is prohibited.
- Relax at this scenic spot, part of the MacKerricher State Park, along the southern shoreline.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking is available nearby.Best time to visit:
Year-round for sea glass and scenic beauty, though summer offers the warmest weather for a beach day.Local tips:
Respect the rules and do not remove the sea glass. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the glass and the surrounding landscape.Distance:
Approximately 5 minutes from downtown Fort Bragg by car.How to Get to Glass Beach:
Take W Elm Street to Glass Beach Drive in Fort Bragg. Follow the signs to the beach and enjoy the short walk from the parking area.9. For gray whale spotting: Gray Whale Cove (San Mateo County)
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Location:
San Mateo County, CaliforniaRecommended For:
Whale watchers, nature lovers, hikers, and anyone seeking a scenic cove with dramatic views and the opportunity to see migrating gray whales.What I Love: ♥
The secluded cove surrounded by cliffs, the opportunity for whale watching during migration, and the sunbather-friendly atmosphere, which includes both clothing-optional and clothed areas.- Admire the scenic cove, surrounded by towering cliffs and offering stunning coastal views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Whale watch during the gray whale migration from mid-April to mid-May, one of the best times to visit for spotting whales.
- Access the beach via a moderate trail—the path is marked but can be slightly steep, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Relax on the beach, which is popular with both clothed and clothing-optional visitors.
- Respect the local etiquette: swimsuits to the left, nudists to the right upon entering the beach.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking fees may apply at nearby parking lots.Best time to visit:
Mid-April to mid-May for whale watching during the migration period; however, the beach is a beautiful and peaceful destination year-round.Local tips:
Make sure to check the weather and tide conditions, and bring binoculars for the best whale watching experience. Respect the local beach etiquette when visiting.Distance:
About 30 minutes from San Francisco by car.How to Get to Gray Whale Cove:
Take Highway 1 south from San Francisco, and follow the signs to Gray Whale Cove. There is parking available, and the trailhead is located near the beach entrance.10. For kayakers: Greenwood State Beach
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Location:
Elk, CaliforniaRecommended For:
Kayakers, nature lovers, beach-goers, and those seeking a quiet, scenic beach with stunning coastal beauty and hidden gems.What I Love: ♥
The easy access from Highway 1, the coastal charm where Greenwood Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, and the offshore beauty of Gunderson Rock and nearby Elk Creek Beach.- Access the beach with ease via a graded trail that connects the parking lot to the shore.
- Admire the coastal charm where Greenwood Creek flows into the Pacific Ocean, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting.
- Explore the offshore beauty of Gunderson Rock, which adds drama and character to the beach’s shoreline.
- Kayak on calm days to explore sea stacks and rock arches, making it a kayaking paradise for outdoor adventurers.
- Paddle to the nearby Elk Creek Beach, a hidden gem only accessible by water, offering a secluded and peaceful retreat.
Cost:
Free beach access; parking fees may apply during peak season.Best time to visit:
Summer and early fall for ideal weather and calm conditions for kayaking. The beach is perfect year-round for those seeking tranquility and scenic beauty.Local tips:
Bring your own kayak or rent locally to explore the hidden spots around the beach, including the secretive Elk Creek Beach. Check weather conditions before heading out for kayaking.Distance:
About 25 minutes from Mendocino by car.How to Get to Greenwood State Beach:
Drive south on Highway 1 and follow signs to the parking lot across from the Elk store. From there, take the graded trail to the beach.Plan Your Trip