restaurant for an interactive cheese bar featuring more than 50 options from California and around the world. Here, youll find some of the biggest waves, that make College Cove one of the best surfing spots in Northern California. If youre looking for an alternative tourism destination in California, I strongly recommend you visit Cambria and spend some time on Moonstone Beach. This is a stunning sandy Bear Harbor Beach is a small south-facing beach in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. A great place with a sheltered cove for the kids to play. Mount Tamalpais The northern star of the incredible sweep of sand that curves around Monterey Bay is Seacliff State Beach . If youre looking for some peace and quiet, Jade Cove Beach in Gorda is one of the most pristine beaches in California. Source: flickr. Read More Hidden Beaches In Orange County Locals Keep SecretContinue. The only way to access the beach is to walk Bonham Trail that was set up at the beginning of the 21st century. Jill is a freelance writer from a small Northern California town and lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains. These are the hidden beaches of California. Gualala is an excellent place for camping on the northern California coast. From award-winning wines and fresh seafood to fun beaches and unique experiences, theres something for everyone! She knows good sour dough bread when she tastes it and understands the best parts of the Golden State are nowhere near Los Angeles. Scott Creek Beach Davenport (north of Santa Cruz) is where you'll find Scott Creek Beach. Not only does Fort Bragg offer a magical experience in nature, but this port city also has one of the most impressive northern California beaches, Glass Beach. Only locals know about this hotspot, but even they cant get to it when the tide is high. The main reason why its unfrequented is that its not very easy to find. Sculptured Beach is a remote beach in the southern portion of Point Reyes National Seashore. Few Northern California coastal towns offer pristine white sand beaches like Stinson Beach. Youll see wildlife galore in the area making it perfect for nature lovers. 2009 - 2023 Jetsetter All rights reserved. Many of these destinations are very close to one another, like Eureka and Trinidad. Note: Mendocino also offers tons of other accommodations close to the ocean. Northern California's most remote coastline is aptly referred to as The Lost Coast, and this dramatic stretch of black sand beach is located in Shelter Cove. Its located just three miles away from the Pier and in case youre wondering why the beach is so unfrequented, Ill tell you; the locals actually dont like other people hanging around their beach and theres a security guard at the parking lot writing fines to everyone who parks there. The best hidden beaches around the world vary in surrounding landscape, climate, and ease of access, but they all have one thing in common: awe-inspiring seclusion. Its also home to impressive architecture, historical landmarks, and noteworthy state parks. This dark sand beach is somewhat Mattole Beach is at the sandy mouth of the Mattole River at the north end of King Range National Guthrie Creek Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination near Eureka. You can also witness sea stars, shore crabs, and sea anemones during low tide at this hidden Santa Cruz beach. While many road trippers enjoy stopping in this small beach town to bird watch, surf, or camp by the water, theres a lot packed into Half Moon Bay. This clean property with bathroom facilities is an excellent family friendly beach too. That is why we recommend now hidden beaches in Southern California where you can unwind and enjoy yourself without the crowds! The beach is on Google Maps but the map is a bit off while the parking lot is quite tiny, so its very easy that you might miss it if you dont pay close attention. Why? The name Eureka is the Greek word for I have found it.. Like all the rest of the secluded beaches, make sure to look around. Thank you! There are no bathrooms available, either, so be mindful when spending the day here. The best time to go is at low tide. This beach was given its name due to the natural arch in the huge rock just off the shore. Check out our list of national parks in Key West. in Shelter Cove. Part of Schooner Gulch State Beach in Mendocino County, the beach's odd name comes from its famous sandstone rocks, which apparently resemble bowling balls to some (personally, I don't . We are a family owned mobile home and RV Park located on the Colorado River just minutes from I-10 near Blythe, California. Other Names. Yet Homboldt Countys Black Sands Beach, located on the far north coast of California, offers the picture-perfect landscape without the blistering heat. You'll love walking up and down this breathtaking coastline. She tumbled and restored the glass into something of value. Categories USA travel archives, North America travel archives, Sacramento Off The Beaten Track- 18 Hidden Gems In Sacramento You Didnt Know About, 19 Hidden gems in San Diego that you wont find in most tourist guides. RELATED:20 of the Most Beautiful Places in America, Explore More: See hotel details | See all Big Sur, CA hotels. What is considered North Coast California? The city is named for its crescent-shaped beachfront, where you can enjoy scenic views, one of the best California coast sunsets, and beach activities like surfing, swimming, and seacombing. Northern California is overflowing with gorgeous waterfront areas to explore. Bowling Ball Beach (Point Arena) This oddly-named beach is definitely one you need to cross off your list while exploring the Northern coast of California. For a link to the customizable itinerary, visit the official Google Map!. With its long list of creature comforts, the oceanfront Inn of the Lost Coast serves as an outstanding base camp for exploring this isolated, rugged coastline. Bowling Ball Beach is one of the most scenic places in California but getting there comes at a price. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7c0736d2583e1d39 From Crescent City to the Mendocino Coast, the rugged coastline along the Pacific Ocean is nothing short of stunning. Fort Bragg. For luxury accommodations, the five-star Montage Laguna Beach sits on 30 acres of coastal bluff above the Pacific and doesnt disappoint. Northern California has a great coastal area that is very diverse. If you plan to do this, however, try to avoid the high tide as this can be quite risky! From its rugged shoreline and mountain peaks to countless valleys and lush golf courses, theres something for everyone. Secret Cave Beach, Point Reyes Crater. SEE THE COMPLETE LIST AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE! With a large parking lot and ramps that lead down to the shore, access to the beach is easy. Even though this northern California coastal town is just outside of San Francisco, it feels like an entirely different world. Half Moon Bay RV Park: a pet-friendly campground close to the ocean and hiking trails. If you have an idea for an Only In Northern California story, email her at jsanford@onlyinyourstate.com. We recommend checking outPacifica Lighthouse, a simple beachfront hotel. Visitors can relax on the sand, catch views from the iconic Bixby Bridge overlooking the shore, or snap pics at the natural arch of Keyhole Rock. WE . The Fleener Creek Trail is Martin Creek Beach might be the most hidden beach in Northern California. Martin Creek Beach might be the most hidden beach in Northern California. Seriously, can one ask for more? Well played, Pacific. From Crescent City to the Mendocino Coast, the rugged coastline along the Pacific Ocean is nothing short of stunning. While there are plenty of well-known beaches scattered throughout the Golden State, nothing beats a lesser-known area when you just want to get away from it all, so weve compiled a road trip itinerary with 11 of the best beaches in Northern California that might just become your new favorite summer hangouts. Shelter Cove boasts hiking trails and hidden beaches, while Trinidad's scenery is unlike any other place. Only locals know about this hotspot, but even they cant get to it when the tide is high. Torrance Beach is also the start of The Strand, the paved 22-mile path that traces the Pacific shoreline up to Malibu. Paved trails and clean restrooms await you in an area surrounded by captivating cliffs. Let us know. Home California Our Favorite Hidden Beaches In Northern California. If you find the popular Californian coastal cities too crowded, head to these quiet beach towns for relaxation! Are you familiar with any of these hidden beaches in Northern California? Half Moon Bay has a stretch of beach that is curved like a half-full moon. SeaSpiration is the best source of inspiration when it comes to planning a beach vacation. McClures Beach This hidden Northern California beach is located in Inverness, CA, on the northwestern coast of the quiet Point Reyes National shore. In Southern California, it is much harder to get away from it all as there are more people and few spots that arent busy every day. Address. But rarely does the beaten path lead to a "shrouded mystery," as is the case with this challenging route that starts up a long driveway between three hillside Mill Valley homes and ends at an intimate, hidden beach called . You can make your way to the mouth of the Eel River if youre ambitious enough to journey that far. But locals know theres just as much fun to be hadand much smaller crowdson the white sands of Seal Beach. We prefer hidden gems. Instead, you have to walk down a steep hill to get to this beautiful secluded beach dotted with rocky reefs that make Corona Beach one of the most underrated diving spots in the region. Check out our list below of the best hidden beaches in California (listed south to north). Table of Contentsshow 1Gold Bluffs 2College Cove, Trinidad State Beach 3Moonstone Beach 4Mattole Beach 5Elk Creek Beach 6Bowling Balls Beach Fun fact: Although Trinidad is one of the oldest California coastal cities, its a Golden State hidden gem with a population of only a few hundred people. Taking photos of them is permitted, but you must stay at least 50 feet back for your safety. Thanks to South Pontos relative seclusion, the free parking spaces along Coast Highway are always plentiful, especially during non-summer months. The good news is, once you descend the many wooden stairs to the shore, youll find a peaceful seclusion unlike anywhere else in Laguna Beach. We love Stinson Beach because its the ideal place to kick back and relax while also exploring nature. There are various beaches along the shore to experience different beach experiences. We hope youve found your dream destination (or a few) on this list. Bowling Balls is another one of the hidden beaches in California that most tourists dont know about. Its a place where marine life flourishes, and appearances of seals are frequent. Also, there are no restrooms, so that could be a problem if youre not traveling by RV. On this road trip, you'll visit quiet towns like Shelter Cove and Ferndale. Check out here some amazing family-friendly spots! California is famous for the beautiful beaches of Santa Monica,the Orange County, San Diego, and Malibu, the touristattractions of Los Angelesand San Francisco, or even the historic monuments of Sacramento. If youre driving on PCH, take a right turn after passing Leo Carrillo State Beach and look for a very large tree on the left side of the road. As a world traveler with years of experience in exploring tropical countries and a water sports fan, she creates this inspiring site where she writes travel guides, reviews and recommends beach gear and gives travel tips to make planning your trip quicker and easier! Bring a camera to document all the natural features of Secret Beach. One of the best hidden beaches in Northern California, Centerville Beach, offers plenty of uncrowded space to explore, fly kites, and beachcomb. Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection, 5 Amazing Summer Road Trips to Take This August. We are participating in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Affiliate Program, which is designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. However, keep in mind that Bean Hollow State Beach is not ideal for swimming; rip tides make swimming here challenging even for experienced swimmers. Cuisine, landscapes, weather, and attractions make Northern and Southern California their own places. Enjoy the ultimate northern California coast experience in Fort Bragg. An area rich with Miwok and Portuguese tales, its as whimsical as it is historical. Dont tell anyone how you found out about these beaches. If you dont want your California beach trip being bothered by the noise of thousands of beachgoers, head to Hearts Desire. There's a little known beach tucked beneath the San Rafael Bridge. Access insider tips and hotel recommendations from our travel tastemakers. The only state park on this list is one that involves a long and strenuousday hike in a remote region. They also have a hard time getting the local pizzeria to deliver because of the winding roads. Shelter Cove is best known for its access to the Lost Coast Trail and its secluded, magical black sand beach. Its also a place where strong rip currents are present, so you dont want to take your chance swimming there. Call Us for a Reservation. Located in Point Reyes National Seashore, Limantour Beach is a long, narrow spit of sand between Drakes Bay and an estuary. Another reason why this beach is so peaceful is the fact that its in the middle of nowhere; its located in a forest halfway betweenPortlandandSacramentowhich means that you wont find a lot of tourists in the area. Its filled with picture-perfect beaches, redwood forests, and historic architecture. Whether youre looking to relax, explore hidden gems, or get adventurous, theres something for everyone. Trinidad is known for its excellent public beaches, delicious seafood, and breathtaking scenery. And it's home to some of the bluest water in Northern California. The Best Beaches in Northern California 1. Its one of those destinations that anyone can enjoy! The beach is also pet-friendly and a perfect choice for peopletraveling with pets. While you wont find many accommodations in San Simeon proper, there are plenty of places to spend the night a few minutes away in Cambria. It offers offers camping, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Which means please bring your clothes. This charming place features the scenic Tomales Point Trail for hiking. 159.89.165.133 As one of the best secluded beaches in California, Carmel Meadows Beach features stunning views, peaceful hiking trails, and clear waters. There are dozens more where these came from. This storybook-like town is filled with hidden gems, salty ocean air, and Californias Redwood Forest. Its a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and exploring a vibrant culture. Its located north of Topanga and Big Rock Drive and can be accessed by a small, almost invisible stairway that leads down to the beach. To get there, you need to follow a short trail to the scrub-lined canyon at the coast but the journey is definitely worth it. View beach Hidden Beach Hidden Beach is a small cove beach in Del Norte County, Northern California. Its a nature lovers paradise! You can save between 15% and 30% every time you use their platform! Beach goers looking for clothing optional beaches will find them at Black Sands Beach, Marshall Beach, and Gray Whale Cove. This is one of the favorite intimate beaches around. We recommend checking these out: Santa Cruz is one of the most impressive Northern California beach towns for water sports and other fun activities. It's a quintessential Northern California beach surrounded by beauty. Its a secluded beach famous for its beautiful spring wildflower and picturesque sand dunes. This lovely little cove beach is a wonderful place to enjoy a day of sun and surf. Similar to many other hidden beaches in California, getting to Fern Grotto Beach requires a short walk. Its situated at Fort Baker, a former U.S. Army port, and features sweeping views of the Golden Gate and the San Francisco Bay. For a beach community that has a love for recreational activities, Bodega Bay in Sonoma County is a safe bet. If you want to check it out, keep in mind that theres a steep trail that you would have to walk to get to the beach. Speaking of hidden beaches in northern California, we just cant forget about Moonstone Beach. Black Point doesnt feature the white sands you might be used to at some popular beaches in California. Its ideal for adventurous couples and those looking to explore a story-book-like destination. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. We thought you were. California has a unique, rugged and irregular coastline that hides coves and even long stretches of sand from passers-by. This Sonoma County beach is a regular resting ground for seagulls, sea otters, elephant seals, harbor seals, and sea lions. The beach is a part of the Point Reyes Seashore and you can get there by following the steep Palomarin Trailhead (8 miles) that leads down from the top of the waterfall. Which North Coast destination is best for a romantic getaway? After spending a significant amount of time in California, we were fortunate enough to discover some of the most beautiful hidden beaches in California, and in this article, we'll share them with you! The beach is narrow and rocky but during lower tides, you can catch a glimpse of the sandy shore of the beach right in front of the luxurious waterfront homes that just enhance the beauty of this part of the coast. Keep in mind that the climb down is very steep and not handicap accessible. This natural phenomenon is known as concretion and can only be found at a handful of other places around the world. Gualala is a small seaside town thats full of charm, rugged coastal trails, and bluffs. But those who brave the long and windy path down the coastal bluff will find a narrow stretch of shore that bumps right up against the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Well see if it makes the cut next go-round! Northern California is a vast less-populated region with many hidden beaches. Northern California beach towns and beaches run from the San Francisco Bay area to the Oregon border. You can see the Siskiyou Mountains from this beach. Bodega Bay lies on the northern California coast about one hour outside San Francisco, along the Sonoma County stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. It's a great place for birdwatching. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Also located in Point Reyes, Kehoe beach is a geologist's delight with its interesting sandstone and granite rocks. Many of these are state beaches, which, If youre looking for amazing beaches in southern California, youre in the right place! Flying to OC or elsewhere in California? Various coastal villages along Half Moon Bays shore offer unique vibes. These hidden sandy beaches are safest at low tide when the access is not under water. A long and winding drive from the tiny town of Petrolia via U.S. 101 will take you down to one of the most remote parts of California; the so-called Lost Coast is an appropriately named, natural area at the coast of Northern California that very few tourists know about. flickr/nimmi solomon. At Hidden Beaches River Resort our staff prides itself on being friendly and helpful. 2020-2023 SeaSpiration. Big on surfing, Cayucos is a mellow little beach town in Northern California. SFGate - Eric Brooks 19h. If you plan to visit, keep in mind that during high tide, the beach goes poof; the waves cover the sand and the waterfall falls directly into the ocean. Our Favorite Hidden Beaches In Northern California, Hidden Beaches in Los Angeles Where You Wont Find Crowds, Top 8 Orange County Family Beaches To Visit With Kids, Hidden California Beach Towns Worth Visiting, Hidden Beaches In Orange County Locals Keep Secret, Top 14 Warm Water California Beaches To Swim And Sunbathe, Top 10 Quiet Beaches in Southern California. Above the beach, youll also find a scenic viewpoint from where you can take amazing photos or drone videos from one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in California. A former army garrison built during the American Civil War, it boasts a spectacular Northern California coastline with views of the Pacific Ocean. Joanne is a fourth-generation Northern Californian. These hidden places will allow you to take in the views of the Pacific Ocean and enjoy the fresh breeze without the crowds. Davenport is one of those hidden California beach towns that no one knows by name, but everyone knows by picture. The boutique hotel offers unparalleled views of the Pacific Northwest coastline as well as multiple full-service restaurants. Heres a few of our favorite little known beaches to give you a smorgasbord of summertime opportunity. Check outQatar Airwayss Discover the World at a low priceprogram and save up to 25% on your upcoming flight. A treasure trove of exploration awaits you at Gray Whale Cove State Beach. There is a clothing-optional part that opens up in the spring. For an unforgettable Central Coast getaway, visit this hidden beach and follow it up by spending a day (or three) exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea. Sandy Beach Cove is located just below Fort Ross. Along with a beautiful shoreline thats great for swimming and other water activities, this remarkable destination offers scenic forested trails and rugged red cliffs. There are also some black sand beaches in California further up north, in Whitethorn along the Lost Coast and just south of Mendocino, but this is the one that is most accessible for most California visitors. Be sure to stop in the hotels. Read More Hidden Beaches in Los Angeles Where You Wont Find CrowdsContinue. explore nature and history at Mendocino Headlands State Park, stroll through the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, museum hop: Ford House Museum, Kelley House Museum, & Point Cabrillo Lighthouse Museum, hang out on Del Monte Beach: picnicking, surf fishing, shelling, and swimming, see marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, explore history at Monterey State Historic Park, shop, dine, and whale watch at the historic Old Fishermans Wharf, Fish, windsurf, sunbathe, fly kites, and camp at Morro Strand State Beach, surf, sunbathe, and hike at Pacifica State Beach, hike and enjoy scenic views at Mori Point, bike, hike, or run at Devils Slide Trail, explore the rocky coast at San Simeon State Park, view elephant seals at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, enjoy a wine tasting at Hearst Ranch Winery, visit tide pools, watch wildlife, and picnic at Natural Bridges State Beach, enjoy rides, shopping, dining, and live entertainment on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, experience a coastal wilderness hiking experience on the Lost Coast Trail, explore hiking trails: Matt Davis Trail, Steep Ravine Trail, and Whitegate Trailhead, explore the unique coastal habitat at the California Coastal National Monument. 1639 Trinidad Scenic Dr, Trinidad, CA 95570, USA. Below, youll find coastal cities and beach towns that offer memorable activities and scenic stretches of the Pacific coast.

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