Northern California is overflowing with gorgeous waterfront areas to explore. 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 we’ve compiled a road trip itinerary with 11 of the best beaches in Northern California that might just become your new favorite summer hangouts. This is one road trip in Northern California you’ll never forget. Are you familiar with any of these hidden beaches in Northern California? Let us know.

For a link to the customizable itinerary, visit the official Google Map!.

What are you waiting for? Grab the sunscreen and a shade hat (and an extra layer) and jump in the car!
Google Maps
1. Point St. George Beach
Point Saint George, Point St George, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA
Flickr/ David Berry




Known for its tide pools and wide beach, Point St. George Beach in Northern California is a prominent rocky point about three miles north of Crescent City. Enjoy the sounds and sights of planes taking off from the nearby airport as you relax on this fun beach.
2. Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach, California 95548, USA
Flickr/ Mark Stephenson
This small cove beach is located near Klamath and is a real treat. It's tucked into a tree covered hillside and features lots of driftwood. Because it requires a hike to get to, you likely won't see many others here.
3. Orick Fishing Access Beach
Orick Fishing Access Beach, Humboldt County, CA 95555, USA
Flickr/ Josh Sherrill
Located within the Redwood National Park, this little known beach features endless piles of drift logs and several large rocks. You'll love walking up and down this breathtaking coastline.
4. Luffenholtz Beach
1639 Trinidad Scenic Dr, Trinidad, CA 95570, USA
Flickr/ Jennifer Rogers
Luffenholtz is a picture perfect Humboldt County beach. Located near Trinidad, visitors here should take in the sweeping overlook of the Pacific Ocean, enjoy the picnic area and hike the trail down to the beach.
5. Mattole River Beach
3750 Lighthouse Rd, Petrolia, CA 95558, USA
Flickr/ scupperssf




Located at the north end of King Range National Conservation Area, this remote beach is reached by driving down a long windy road from Petrolia. It offers offers camping, picnic areas, and hiking trails. If you don't mind the drive, you'll love this amazing Northern California beach.
6. Manchester Beach
Manchester State Park, California 95459, USA
Flickr/ Alexandra Barao
Manchester State Park features sand dunes, a flat grassland, and approximately 18,000 feet of oceanfront. The beach here is a "catch basin," a curved beach that catches sea debris. Because of this, there is a high volume of driftwood to be found here. It’s an excellent spot for steelhead fishing and wildflower viewing.
7. Fort Ross / Sandy Beach Cove
19005 Coast Hwy, Jenner, CA 95450, USA
Flickr/ harminder dhesi
Sandy Beach Cove is located just below Fort Ross. It’s a sandy beach with clear water, and is a lovely place to spend the afternoon. The parking is located a short walk away, but those with accessibility challenges can unload closer to the beach and then re-park the car.
8. Goat Rock Beach
Goat Rock Beach, Jenner, CA 95450, USA
Flickr/ David Berry
This Sonoma County beach is a regular resting ground for seagulls, sea otters, elephant seals, harbor seals, and sea lions. It's a quintessential Northern California beach surrounded by beauty.
9. McClures Beach
McClures Beach, California 94937, USA
Flickr/ Steve Kocino




McClures Beach in Northern California features a steep downhill hike and intense surf. Never turn your back on the ocean here. Sneaker waves have been known to crash down on unprepared beach goers. The surf here can actually be quite dangerous, so use caution.
10. Kehoe Beach
Kehoe Beach, Inverness, CA 94937, USA
Flickr/ David Abercrombie
Also located in Point Reyes, Kehoe beach is a geologist's delight with its interesting sandstone and granite rocks. To reach it, you'll walk less than a mile alongside a marsh and over sand dunes.
11. Limantour Beach
Limantour Beach, California 94956, USA
Flickr/ Tom Spaulding
Located in Point Reyes National Seashore, Limantour Beach is a long, narrow spit of sand between Drakes Bay and an estuary. It's a great place for birdwatching.

Did any of your picks of the best Northern California beaches make the list? Are you willing to share any of your “secret” Northern California beach spots with us? Do you have any favorite hidden beaches in Northern California? Let us know in the comments! Then check out this secluded Northern California beach for a relaxing getaway.

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Hidden Beaches in Northern California

Emerson | July 19, 2019

What are the prettiest beaches in Northern California?

You really can't go wrong with any Northern California beaches, but some of the prettiest will be found along our spectacular coastline. Some of the most popular destinations for scenic beach beauty are:

What are the best beach towns in Northern California?

Northern California is home to a plethora of wonderful beach towns, and each one boasts something unique.

  • For a town that combines beach views with large swaths of redwood forests, look no further than Gualala in Mendocino County.
  • For a beach community that has a love for recreational activities, Bodega Bay in Sonoma County is a safe bet.
  • For a beach town that favors the artistic lifestyle, look no further than Sausalito nestled in the hills above the Bay Area.

What beaches have the clearest water in Northern California?

Narrowing down a beach with the clearest water is a difficult task since all of Northern California's coastal beaches show off the very best of the Pacific Ocean. However, our favorites for picturesque beaches with crystal clear water include:

  • Stinson Beach in Marin County
  • Bodega Dunes in the quaint town of Bodega Bay
  • Seaside Beach in MacKerricher State Park
  • Ross Cove Beach near Half Moon Bay.

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