No one can deny how good it feels to get outside and get some exercise. And if you can enjoy beautiful scenery while getting said exercise, even better! One of the best things about hiking in northern California is how many wonderful trails we have that offer amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. Some hikes even end right along the water. For truly beautiful hikes that end right near the oceanfront, check out these five. They get our votes for best hikes in northern California!

1. Kortum Trail: Sonoma County
Kortum Trail, California, USA
harminder dhesi/Flickr
This beautiful stretch of coastal bluffs makes for a truly scenic hike. It's approximately eight miles north of Bodega Bay. The trail traverses about four miles of Sonoma Coast State Park. This is such a stunningly gorgeous area. It makes for such an idyllic hike!
2. Elk Head Trail: Elk Head, CA
Elk Head, California 95570, USA
humboldthead/Flickr
This hike provides access and excellent views of College Cove Beach. Keep an eye out, you may see brown pelicans and wildflowers, depending on the season. You can do some swimming in the cove if it's warm enough. It's so amazing to see the scenery transform from wooded to beach!

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3. Lost Coast at King Range National Conservation Area
King Range National Conservation Area, 768 Shelter Cove Rd, Whitethorn, CA 95589, USA
Jay Sterling Austin/Flickr
This trail in Mendocino is a unique one. It's along a more rugged section of the northern California coastline. It's a long trail, at 25 miles, though obviously you don't have to hike the whole thing. Much of the trail goes through sandy beaches and can be exhausting. You'll get great views of the ocean, but we only recommend the full hike for experienced backpackers. There's even a black sand beach nearby!
4. Point St. George Heritage Area: 4355 N Pebble Beach Dr., Crescent City, CA, 95531
Point Saint George, Point St George, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
This trail in Crescent City offers panoramic views in all directions. You can catch a glimpse of Oregon to the north, the Siskiyou Mountains inland, and even see redwood forests to the south. It's actually the third westernmost point in the continental United States, and such an amazing sight.
5. Lands End Trail: 80 Point Lobos Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94121
80 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
Sandip Bhattacharya/Flickr
City residents love San Francisco's Lands End Trail. And honestly, what's not to love? You've got great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin headlands, and, most importantly, the gleaming Pacific. These are some of the most beautiful views in northern California.

Did we miss your favorite beach walk? Share it in the comments!

Looking for more of the best hikes in northern California? Here are some other great hikes to check out in our lovely Golden State.

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Lisa Sammons | March 03, 2022

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