Best State Park Beaches in Northern California To Visit To Close Out Summer

State park beaches are parts of a state park that (unsurprisingly) have a beach. In the summer, activities on these beaches are many and widespread, with hiking, horseback riding, beachcombing, birdwatching, biking, running, and more on land, and swimming, surfing, fishing, tide pool exploring, and more at sea. But, there’s an almost overwhelming amount of state park beaches to choose from in Northern California, so which should you prioritize first?

1. Sue-meg State Park

• Location: Humboldt County
• Points of Interest: Reconstructed Native American village 

Formerly Patrick’s Point State Park, this small state park was renamed to reflect the original name for the area in the indigenous language of the Yurok tribe. Although the area is only one square mile, there is a plethora of things to do, including hiking, beachcombing, whale watching, camping, birdwatching, and more. There is also the reconstructed Sumêg village, where visitors can learn more about Yurok culture.

2. Sonoma Coast State Park

• Location: Sonoma County
• Points of Interest: Harbor seal rookery 

As one of the largest state beaches in California, with ten miles of shoreline and five thousand acres of park, there are almost too many activities to list. However, it is one of our favorite destinations due to its sea life, with great whale-watching opportunities in the winter and excellent fishing options all year. There’s also the harbor seal rookery and multiple tide pools to explore. 

3. Pescadero State Beach

• Location: San Mateo County
• Activities of Interest: Beachcombing 

Known mainly for beautiful views and tide pools, this long stretch of beach is best known for beachcombing, mainly for driftwood, shells, agate, and jasper. Since its neighbor is the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, both places share excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, and it is especially known for being a haven for blue herons. 

4. Seacliff State Beach

• Location: Santa Cruz County 
• Points of Interest: The cement ship (the SS Palo Alto)

Standing out amongst Santa Cruz’s famous beaches is no small task, but Seacliff is certainly unique due to the presence of a cement ship. Three cement ships were built for WWI during the steel shortage, but the war ended before they ever saw battle. Over time, the SS Palo Alto was brought to Seacliff to be turned into an amusement park. This business venture failed quickly, and the ship was stripped and left to the elements. Today, it is a bustling center of marine life and is a particular favorite of juvenile great white sharks. 

5. Half Moon Bay State Beach

• Location: San Mateo County
• Activities of Interest: Surfing 

This state beach is less about the beach and more about the activities in the water and on the trail that connects the beaches together. Although the famous Mavericks is nearby, many local surfers choose to stay close and select Surfer’s Beach instead. Additionally, the Coastside Trail is also a favorite of locals, who choose to do their morning walk or jog on the path. The path also allows for horseback riding and mountain biking. 

6. Pelican State Beach

• Location: Del Norte County
• Activities of Interest: Beachcombing 

This is the most northern beach in all of California, and is home to the northernmost part of the California Coastal Trail. And yet, this is by far one of the most remote and least crowded beaches in the entire state. This may be because of the lack of facilities, but those in the know have found this beach to be a hidden hotspot for beachcombing. Locals also come here to surf, but know that caution needs to be taken due to the presence of sharks. 

Not only do Northern California state parks host these lovely beaches, these areas also have facilities and campsites, sometimes even learning centers or wildlife preserves. They are well worth a visit.

Do you have any beaches you would have added to the list? Visit our nomination form and tell us all about them!