The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Northern California Like Never Before
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 you’ll never forget.
For a link to the customizable itinerary, click here.
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What are you waiting for? Grab the sunscreen and a shade hat (and an extra layer) and jump in the car!
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. Address: Point Street George, Crescent City, CA 95531
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.
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.
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. Address: 1639 Trinidad Scenic Drive, Trinidad, CA 95570
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. Address: 3750 Lighthouse Road, Petrolia, CA 95558
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.
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. Address: 19005 Coast Highway, Jenner, CA 95450
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.
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.
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.
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 favorites of the best beaches in Northern California make the list? Are you willing to share any of your “secret” Northern California beach spots with us? Let us know in the comments below, and happy road-tripping!
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 Rodeo Beach in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Gualala Point Regional Park along the Sonoma County Coast, Caspar State Beach along the Mendocino coastline, and the famous Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. Any of these beaches are a great start to enjoying NorCal’s outstanding natural beauty!
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. Finally, for a beach town that favors the artistic lifestyle, look no further than Sausalito nestled in the hills above the Bay Area. That’s just a small sampling of NorCal’s beach towns, so be sure to get out there and explore for yourself!
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 the famous Stinson Beach in Marin County, Bodega Dunes in the quaint town of Bodega Bay, Seaside Beach in MacKerricher State Park, and Ross Cove Beach near Half Moon Bay.
Jill is a freelance writer from a small Northern California town and lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you have an idea for an Only In Northern California story, email her at [email protected]
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