Bring your friends and start nature's treasure hunt. Its the northernmost beach in the county, offering surf-ready waves and spectacular views from one of the longest wooden piers in the state. You can see the Siskiyou Mountains from this beach. Martin Creek Beach might be the most hidden beach in Northern California. Your IP: Moonstone Beach: Lost Coast Outpost says Moonstone is the best beach in Humboldt County for "appealing rock formations, child-awing caves, surf for beginners, Little River wading options and arguably the largest local expanse of sand." And its location at the mount of the Little River is unarguably gorgeous. 11 Quiet, Less Crowded Beaches in Northern California - OnlyInYourState If youre looking for the, If youre interested in heading to a relaxing coastal town for an amazing beach vacation or staycation, look, With about 1,000 miles of gorgeous coastline, California hasmany incredible beaches. Finally, for a beach town that favors the artistic lifestyle, look no further than Sausalito nestled in the hills above the Bay Area. Enjoy the ultimate northern California coast experience in Fort Bragg. Even though it has a tough competition, Id there to say that Latigo Beach is one of the most pristine beaches in Malibu. Locals have been visiting this spot for years because they know that its easy to get to and there are few crowds. Moreover, the beach is a great starting point for a few different coastal hikes that culminate with a mesmerizing panorama of Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. The coast is rugged and completely surrounded by lush forests from all sides, making this beach a bit difficult to find which is one reason why this is one of the quietest beaches in California. Spend a long weekend in Mendocino County for a memorable vacation experience! The good thing is you'll get a bit of exercise hiking down the wooden stairs to the black sands below. Whether you visit for a day or a week, there are countless activities to enjoy. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Best of all, it's the perfect way to explore Northern California without the crowds! Every continent has unique. If you want to scope out area businesses, restaurants and wineries, make sure to go for a stroll in Davenport. Its ideal for adventurous couples and those looking to explore a story-book-like destination. On Northern California's fabled Lost Coast, the town of Shelter Cove (population 580) is a remote outpost of civilization. This beach, Point Sal State Beach, and its neighbor to the north, Paradise Beach, are two of the least visited beaches in California. Located not too far from the always popular and crowded Corona del Mar State Beach, Little Corona is one of the most peaceful beaches in Orange County. You can save between 15% and 30% every time you use their platform! This is a really unique beach that pleases lots of folks. Call Us for a Reservation. From Crescent City to the Mendocino Coast, the rugged coastline along the Pacific Ocean is nothing short of stunning. Remember to be careful and not get trapped by rising tides. Its one of the largest cities on our list and offers something for everyone. Yet Homboldt Countys, , located on the far north coast of California, offers the picture-perfect landscape without the blistering heat. Bring the whole gang. SFGate - Eric Brooks 19h. Its also conveniently located just north of San Francisco. As one of the best secluded beaches in Northern California, it provides you with the opportunity to soak up the sun but not being surrounded by large groups of people. While many road trippers enjoy stopping in this small beach town to bird watch, surf, or camp by the water, theres a lot packed into Half Moon Bay. Read More Hidden Beaches In Orange County Locals Keep SecretContinue. After you pass Corona del Mar State Beach, turn right into Ocean Blvd and youll get to one of the most breath-taking viewpoints in OC from where you can see both, Big Corona Beach and divided from its big brother by a long stretch of rocks and cliffs, the lesser-known Little Corona. But arent you sick of going to the same beach year after year? Erika B/TripAdvisor While the beach is its top attraction, theres so much more to enjoy. Never turn your back on the ocean here. This clean property with bathroom facilities is an excellent family friendly beach too. You can make your way to the mouth of the Eel River if youre ambitious enough to journey that far. Bassi Falls Yelp/AngelaS Spring is one of the best times to visit this 109-foot beauty! Not only does it offer a gorgeous shoreline, but its also home to Redwood National Park and the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. After a long day of biking, swimming, or surfing, rest at the. I do need to warn you: some who go here believe clothing is optional. You can find more hotels and several campgrounds further inland towards Fairfax. Gray whales are visible from the shores, hence the name of the beach. Northern California is home to a plethora of wonderful beach towns and each one boasts something unique. In Southern California, it is much harder to get away from it all as there are more people and few spots that arent busy every day. These incredible seaside towns offer one-of-a-kind beauty and adventure. Well, there are some secluded beaches in Northern California that are less crowded for a reason and Martins Beach is one of them. Half Moon Bay is an amazing destination on the coast of California, just below San Francisco area. As you can see, Morro Bay is a great escape for nature enthusiasts. With a population of less than a thousand, youll feel like youre in a magical place almost all to yourself. This natural phenomenon is known as concretion and can only be found at a handful of other places around the world. Its also home to impressive architecture, historical landmarks, and noteworthy state parks. Stay nearby at the ideally-located Ayres Hotel Seal Beach, within walking distance to The Shops at Rossmoor and the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge. As one of the best secluded beaches in California, Carmel Meadows Beach features stunning views, peaceful hiking trails, and clear waters. Glass Beach is filled with vibrant, colorful pieces of sea glass. Home California Our Favorite Hidden Beaches In Northern California. 2009 - 2023 Jetsetter All rights reserved. The path leading to this beach is one of the rare ones in this part of California that doesnt involve a long stairway leading to the beach. Northern California Coast: 15 Best Coastal Towns & Beaches If you plan to visit, keep in mind that during high tide, the beach goes poof; the waves cover the sand and the waterfall falls directly into the ocean. The only way to access the beach is to walk Bonham Trail that was set up at the beginning of the 21st century. If youre looking for a place to visit that allows you to walk along the shoreline without interruption, youll find it at these 9-mile long stretch of sand. Northern California is overflowing with gorgeous waterfront areas to explore. Home to nearly 3,500 miles of coastline, California is a beach lovers paradise. Other Monterey attractions include some of the worlds most delicious oysters, diverse marine life, outdoor adventures, and a rich history. Source: flickr. There isnt a board that states the name of the beach and its not even on Google Maps, so since were not sure about the name of the beach, lets just call it Alamere Falls Beach. Yet Homboldt Countys Black Sands Beach, located on the far north coast of California, offers the picture-perfect landscape without the blistering heat. What are the prettiest beaches in Northern California? Although these quiet coastal towns have a population of only several hundred people, theres plenty to see and do. The beach is also famous for its beautiful tide pools that appear during high tide and white sands. 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. Not only does Fort Bragg offer a magical experience in nature, but this port city also has one of the most impressive northern California beaches, Glass Beach. The Best Beaches in Northern California 1. In order to get to the beach, you have to follow one of the two trails from the parking lot that lead to the beach and both are mildly strenuous. If kids are in tow, theyre sure to appreciate the hotels private entrance to the, Black sand beaches are known for their Instagrammable beautyand their tendency to become blazing hot during the midday hours. For the ultimate adventure, take a road trip! California locals and travelers from all over enjoy visiting this scenic slice of California shoreline, especially for romantic getaways. The Little Known Natural Oasis Hiding In Northern California Thats Impossible Not To Love, This Hidden Beach In Northern California Will Take You A Million Miles Away From It All, These 9 Beachfront Restaurants In Northern California Are Out Of This World, This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Northern California, These 12 Beachfront Restaurants In Northern California Are Out Of This World, Here Are 6 Islands In Northern California That Are An Absolute Must Visit, 8 Incredible, Almost Unbelievable Facts About Northern Californias Fall River, Theres Something Incredible About These 9 Rivers In Northern California. Explore More: See hotel details | See all Sausalito, CA hotels. This lovely little cove beach is a wonderful place to enjoy a day of sun and surf. Table of Contentsshow 1Gold Bluffs 2College Cove, Trinidad State Beach 3Moonstone Beach 4Mattole Beach 5Elk Creek Beach 6Bowling Balls Beach This makes it quite obvious that passing by the road is not legal and the beach is only accessible by kayak or other means of water transportation. There is no real pathway from the parking lot to the shoreline, so wear comfortable footwear and watch your step. Or, if you fancy a more outdoorsy vacation, rent a private yurt via Treebones Resort and glamp the night away. Because there's still a whole lot of you out there who have yet to come here. If youre lucky, you might even see some of the seals or sea lions who are frequent visitors of College Cove. Let us know in the comments! Weve got the answers! 1639 Trinidad Scenic Dr, Trinidad, CA 95570, USA. Ormond Beach Point Sal State Beach is a remote public beach that has become quite difficult to access. Fort Bragg is also one of the largest military institutions and is considered an epicenter for US military personnel. This storybook-like town is filled with hidden gems, salty ocean air, and Californias Redwood Forest. The beach is also a short drive from the hills, where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the shoreline and may even get the chance to see whales migrating if you happen to be here during April and May. Complete with the Black Point Grill at Sea Ranch Lodge, a restaurant that uses seasonal ingredients to make its menu items, this spot, as one of the must-visit hidden beaches in Northern California, wont disappoint any beachgoer! California's Central Coast has more than 100 named beaches, varying from hidden coves perfect for quiet contemplation to long stretches of sunny sand backed by arcades and amusements. Mount Tamalpais Monterey, CA is home to a fascinating mix of landscapes unlike any other central California destination. 3750 Lighthouse Rd, Petrolia, CA 95558, USA. If youre looking for hidden beaches in California with great snorkeling opportunities, rich marine life, and mesmerizing coral reefs, head to Shaws Cove in Laguna Beach. Check outQatar Airwayss Discover the World at a low priceprogram and save up to 25% on your upcoming flight. Fun fact: Although Trinidad is one of the oldest California coastal cities, its a Golden State hidden gem with a population of only a few hundred people. That beach is McClures Beach. Now, it may be small, but this quaint coastal town is big on personality - and one of the cutest Northern California beach towns. What is considered North Coast California? View area San Francisco County Parking: $8 Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, BBQs, hand-carry boat launch, swimming area, trails Dogs allowed: No Hidden in Tomales Bay State Park is one of the best family friendly beaches in California.Ideal for little ones, Hearts Desire Beach . The beach is quaint and colorful and offers one of the most beautiful sunsets in this part of California. There are dozens more where these came from. A blog dedicated to bringing you the best hidden places around the world that most tourists don't know about and teaching you how to travel like a local and avoid typical tourist traps. Alamere Falls. This is a beach that you won't find a lot of tourists at, really only locals. What are the best beach towns in Northern California? From award-winning wines and fresh seafood to fun beaches and unique experiences, theres something for everyone! The Best Secluded Beaches in California To Discover Now Once a tragic story of insensitive polluters, the ocean had a few tricks up her sleeve. Which means please bring your clothes. Thanks to South Pontos relative seclusion, the free parking spaces along Coast Highway are always plentiful, especially during non-summer months. Love Northern Cal? Also, there are no restrooms, so that could be a problem if youre not traveling by RV. Why? Here are a few of our favorite hidden beaches in Northern California: Gray Whale Cove State Beach Located in San Mateo County about 20 miles south of San Francisco, Gray Whale Cove is a beautiful place that has a sheltered beach. At Hidden Beaches River Resort our staff prides itself on being friendly and helpful. For an unforgettable Central Coast getaway, visit this hidden beach and follow it up by spending a day (or three) exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea. A lot of people skip this beach thinking that its a private beach by looking at the expensive houses but Carbon Beach is actually open to the public. All rights reserved. Tucked away, it's got bbq's and picnic tables and even outdoor showers. Bodega Bay lies on the northern California coast about one hour outside San Francisco, along the Sonoma County stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. This easy loop trail is definitely one of the best hiking trails in Northern California because it's hard to beat this waterfall view! The view is pretty lovely, too! Love Northern Cal? The beach is narrow and rocky but during lower tides, you can catch a glimpse of the sandy shore of the beach right in front of the luxurious waterfront homes that just enhance the beauty of this part of the coast. Grab the sunscreen, toss a book in your bag and head to the beach. With a large parking lot and ramps that lead down to the shore, access to the beach is easy. This is the place! Best for wildlife spotting. Mendocino County makes for the perfect romantic getaway. To get there, you need to follow a short trail to the scrub-lined canyon at the coast but the journey is definitely worth it. 5. Situated on one and a half miles between Redondo Beach and Malaga Cove, Torrance Beach is a hidden gem on Santa Monica Bay thats perfect for sunbathers and water sports fans alike. We pulled two of our favorites from Big Sur thatmake the cut of Californias finest.var cid='5151927825';var pid='ca-pub-9248748958662659';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-californiabeaches_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=1;var alS=1021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.style.maxHeight=container.style.minHeight+'px';container.style.maxWidth=container.style.minWidth+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true}); Point Reyes Peninsula is another region that is rich with hidden shorelines. Just dont forget to carry a sweater; it can get chilly even in the spring. Whether youre looking to relax, get adventurous, or a bit of both, this is the perfect destination for it. While you wont find too many accommodations right along Stinson Beach, there are a couple of options. Along with a beautiful shoreline thats great for swimming and other water activities, this remarkable destination offers scenic forested trails and rugged red cliffs. Located near the quiet California beach town of Davenport, Scott Creek Beach offers plenty of reasons to relax. Its filled with picture-perfect beaches, redwood forests, and historic architecture. Youll see wildlife galore in the area making it perfect for nature lovers. Even though this northern California coastal town is just outside of San Francisco, it feels like an entirely different world. Table of Contents Seal Beach Crystal Cove Emerald Bay Ponto State Beach Imperial Beach Fletcher Cove El Matador State Beach Leo Carrillo State Beach Abalone Cove Butterfly Beach Seal Beach If you want to rent a car, useAutoEuropeto compare the best deals from all rental car providers in the OC. Head to these warm water California beaches for summer fun! Cuisine, landscapes, weather, and attractions make Northern and Southern California their own places. It is the last Estero De San Antonio Beach is a large sand bar at the mouth of a stream called Estero De Pinnacle Gulch Beach is a hidden beach at the bottom of Pinnacle Gulch in the Bodega Harbor housing community St. Orres Creek Beach is in a small cove just north of Gualala. The beach is also pet-friendly and a perfect choice for peopletraveling with pets. Check out here some amazing family-friendly spots! Still, there is a sense of well-being and community in Marin. This area is protected by King Range National Conservation Area and offers plenty of hiking trails, campsites with scenic views, and solitary stretches of beach, as road-trippers make . There are tons of camping spots nearby, but those planning a longer trip may want to stay at the. The Tallest Trees, Nude Beaches, Swimming Holes: Hidden Northern California has a unique, rugged and irregular coastline that hides coves and even long stretches of sand from passers-by. This Sonoma County beach is a regular resting ground for seagulls, sea otters, elephant seals, harbor seals, and sea lions. Where can I go to get off the beaten path? The San Carpoforo Creek Beach Access is the northernmost portion of the state-owned properties inHearst San Simeon State Park. Carmel Meadows Beach is the nickname for the portion of Carmel River State Beach that is adjacent to the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge has a long remote sandy beach at the mouth of the Salinas River north Hidden Beach Park is a small hard-to-find park in a ravine that empties out on a sandy beach in Seal Cove (also called Cypress Cove) is a secluded beach in Moss Beach, CA. If you have an idea for an Only In Northern California story, email her at jsanford@onlyinyourstate.com. After a long day of biking, swimming, or surfing, rest at the Miyako Hybrid Hotel, a luxury, eco-friendly stay located just minutes from the beach. It boasts impressive beaches and scenic views like youve never seen before. If you want to leave the worries of the city behind, you can do it at this hidden Bay Area beach. Most of the region is relatively famous and touristy but the last accessible beach of the Point Reyes National Seashore is an exception. Above the beach, youll also find a scenic viewpoint from where you can take amazing photos or drone videos from one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in California. Its one of those amazing hidden beaches in California that only a handful of people know about. Seeing one is like nothing youve ever experienced before! Explore More: See hotel details | See all Laguna Beach, CA hotels. However, if you read our blog, you know that we usually dont focus on mainstream tourist attractions. The beach at Alamere Falls is a more peaceful off-the-beaten-track version of the popular McWay Falls. If you plan to visit, dont forget to get sturdy shoes; the rocky trail leading to the beach can get slippery. If youre looking for, With incredible weather and beautiful beaches, San Diego is one of the most beautiful cities in southern California., California is known for some of the most stunning beaches in the world! Santa Cruz has expansive beaches, a lively boardwalk, and many accommodations and restaurants, offering something for the whole family. Instead, you have to walk down a steep hill to get to this beautiful secluded beach dotted with rocky reefs that make Corona Beach one of the most underrated diving spots in the region. SEE THE COMPLETE LIST AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE! However, the most famous part of this beach is Shark Fin Cove where a large rock jutting out of the ocean right offshore. There are picnic tables to dine on and nearby parking. If you buy something through our links, Jetsetter may earn an affiliate commission. Also located in Point Reyes, Kehoe beach is a geologist's delight with its interesting sandstone and granite rocks. The good news is, once you descend the many wooden stairs to the shore, youll find a peaceful seclusion unlike anywhere else in Laguna Beach. Fort Bragg. Point Saint George, Point St George, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA. Whether you choose to spend your day sunbathing, surfing, or just walking the shore, these seven beaches are your best bet for the perfect combination of privacy and paradise. Pacifica is known for its natural beauty and makes for the perfect day or weekend trip from San Francisco. 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 weve compiled a road trip itinerary with 11 of the best beaches in Northern California that might just become your new favorite summer hangouts. Read More Hidden California Beach Towns Worth VisitingContinue. Often times there is no one around to help if you got hurt at the beach. You may come across them while hiking or kayaking here. The Tastiest Ice Cream Sandwiches in the U.S. For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the sellers site. Or, if you fancy a more outdoorsy vacation, rent a private yurt via, Theres enough of a descent to San Franciscos, that tourists tend to opt for the neighboring (and more easily accessible), instead. Just 9 minutes north of Morro Bay is Cayucos, a tiny town of about 2,600 people. Then you may also want to check out this list of cheap honeymoon destinations in the US. Shelter Cove and Trinidad, CA are a couple of the best hidden gems in Northern California. Add a few to your bucket list. Secret Hidden Beaches in Southern California Without Crowds - SeaSpiration Fair or not fair, most people still say it is worth paying it to spend a day at such a hidden, and postcard-perfect place! flickr/wayne hsieh. Near the town of Jenner, Goat Rock Point and Russian River, there is Goat Rock Beach. How did you like this list of hidden beaches in California? From surfing and body boarding to hiking and museums, there are so many exciting things to enjoy. It may be a better place to visit in the winter with kids. A California beach trip neednt be hectic. Shelter Cove boasts hiking trails and hidden beaches, while Trinidad's scenery is unlike any other place. We recommendSandpiper Lodging at the Beach, a cozy hotel within walking distance from the beach. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Its the largest beach town between Portland, Oregon and San Francisco. The city is named for its crescent-shaped beachfront, where you can enjoy scenic views, one of the best California coast sunsets, and beach activities like surfing, swimming, and seacombing. Locals conveniently named this beach bowling ball because of the unusual rock formation at this beautiful, secluded beach in Mendocino that look like oversized bowling balls. There is a clothing-optional part that opens up in the spring. View beach Orick Fishing Access Beach And after the waves subside, at the southern part of the beach, you can even find the white semi-precious stone after which the beach is named (moonstone). If you want to travel like a local and get off the beaten track, youre at the right place! Located near Santa Cruz, the area -that is often said to belong Central Cali, but according to the official separation that describes two partitions only, it is NoCal- is home to migrating whales, seals, otters, and shorebirds. Speaking of hidden beaches in northern California, we just cant forget about Moonstone Beach. Ocean Drive Beach Access is a state-provided coastal access just south of Fort Bragg. Looking for the highest water temperatures on the Pacific Coast? This one is a favorite around here. It's a quintessential Northern California beach surrounded by beauty. The forested canyons and scenic ocean views of Pacifica, a small beach town a part of the San Francisco Bay area, make for some of the most gorgeous backdrops. With a large parking lot and ramps that lead down to the shore, access to the beach is easy. Sure, we know this one is a little more known, but we had to include it. Last but not least, dont forget about travel insurance. This small cove beach is located near Klamath and is a real treat. Hidden Beaches of Northern California many steps, it is still a bit of a hike. Bean Hollow is a beautiful secluded beach in Pescadero thats perfect for people who like exploring the tide pools that often bring crabs, anemones, sea urchins, and other marine life. While all of Californias shoreline is stunning, exploring the Northern California coast offers a breathtaking experience. California is famous for the beautiful beaches of Santa Monica,the Orange County, San Diego, and Malibu, the touristattractions of Los Angelesand San Francisco, or even the historic monuments of Sacramento. Home Beaches Beaches in Northern California San Mateo County San Mateo County takes up most of the San Francisco Peninsula south of San Francisco. Northern California is a vast less-populated region with many hidden beaches. From surfing and swimming to sunbathing and taking pictures, theres something for everyone. 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. Shelter Cove is best known for its access to the Lost Coast Trail and its secluded, magical black sand beach. 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. And if youre really lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of whales. Located in Point Reyes National Seashore, Limantour Beach is a long, narrow spit of sand between Drakes Bay and an estuary. Like all the rest of the secluded beaches, make sure to look around. 1. 13 Incredible Hidden Gems in California: Off - California Crossroads These secluded Orange County beaches allow you to relax and enjoy the nature without the crowds. explore nature and history at Mendocino Headlands State Park, stroll through the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, museum hop: Ford House Museum, Kelley House Museum, & Point Cabrillo Lighthouse Museum, hang out on Del Monte Beach: picnicking, surf fishing, shelling, and swimming, see marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, explore history at Monterey State Historic Park, shop, dine, and whale watch at the historic Old Fishermans Wharf, Fish, windsurf, sunbathe, fly kites, and camp at Morro Strand State Beach, surf, sunbathe, and hike at Pacifica State Beach, hike and enjoy scenic views at Mori Point, bike, hike, or run at Devils Slide Trail, explore the rocky coast at San Simeon State Park, view elephant seals at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, enjoy a wine tasting at Hearst Ranch Winery, visit tide pools, watch wildlife, and picnic at Natural Bridges State Beach, enjoy rides, shopping, dining, and live entertainment on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, experience a coastal wilderness hiking experience on the Lost Coast Trail, explore hiking trails: Matt Davis Trail, Steep Ravine Trail, and Whitegate Trailhead, explore the unique coastal habitat at the California Coastal National Monument. Are you willing to share any of your secret Northern California beach spots with us?