You'll Never Want to Leave The 12 Dreamiest Beaches In All Of Northern California
Sure, our beaches up here in Northern California are a little colder, windier, damp… but that’s just the way we like it! The beauty of the Northern California coastline is truly unparalleled. See it for yourself at these spectacular beaches located along the Pacific Ocean.

To reach this dreamy beach, it's a short hike through the woods, across open bluffs, and past seasonal wildflowers down to the beach. Low tide is the best time to visit.

You can find this lovely beach in the tiny town of Elk where Greenwood Creek meets the ocean. Take the trail down from the parking area to be greeted with some of the most scenic views imaginable.
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This Humboldt County beach is located near the picturesque town of Ferndale. It extends all the way from the mouth of the Eel river to the parking area towards the south. It's a popular place for bird watchers and beach combers.
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This remote beach in Del Norte county is known for its tide pools and turquoise water. It's pretty far north but well worth the longer drive to see its stunning qualities.

This vast and remote beach will make you feel like you are the only human left on the planet. It is located on a large state park campground and features fascinating coastal dunes. You'll want to explore here for hours.

Stunning views, a sandy white beach, and lots of hiking trails are what continually draws visitors to Jug Handle. The reserve is located off Highway 1 between the towns of Mendocino and Fort Bragg.

This northernmost point in Sonoma County lies across the river mouth from the town of the same name, which is actually in Mendocino county. The wide, sandy beach here features the Gualala River, which sometimes flows right into the ocean.

This site gets its name from the fact that it was once a dump site, but the ocean has worn smooth all the particles of glass that were once left here. Its a stunning sight to behold, even if glass has started to dwindle over recent years.
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This stunning and dramatic beach is located near Half Moon Bay. It has a big parking lot and a popular picnic area on the bluff above the beach and a creek that flows into the Pacific.

Located north of Fort Bragg, this scenic beach is a popular one for locals and tourists alike. From fishing to camping to lounging on the beach all day, this incredible site for recreation offers something for everyone.

Russian Gulch State Park is located near the town of Mendocino and features a sandy bridge below the Highway 1 bridge. The narrow cove marks the spot where the Russian Gulch creek meets the ocean. It's popular for hikers who come for the coastal views and shady trails through redwoods.

Located on the west side of the Marin Headlands in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Rodeo Beach is known for its interesting rock formations and beautiful sunsets.
What did you think of our list? Would you add any beaches to this list of Northern California dreamy coastal spots? Be sure to let us know!
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