Its a little-known sandy strip with a creek sometimes flowing Fleener Creek Beach is a wonderful hiking and beachcombing spot not far from Eureka. However, the most famous part of this beach is Shark Fin Cove where a large rock jutting out of the ocean right offshore. 2) Cayucos. Are you curious where she wanders now? 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. This beach is in Morro Rock State Park surrounded by nature trails, lagoons, and a saltwater marsh. Its one of the largest cities on our list and offers something for everyone. The loop trail above the beach provides outstanding views of the ocean. With a large parking lot and ramps that lead down to the shore, access to the beach is easy. Northern California is home to a plethora of wonderful beach towns and each one boasts something unique. When its time to retire, head to Post Ranch Inn for a true hideaway experience. It's a great place for birdwatching. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Now you do! Offering brilliantly colored sea glass polished smooth by the ocean, Glass Beach in Fort Bragg is an incredible place to visit. Torrance Beach Situated on one and a half miles between Redondo Beach and Malaga Cove, Torrance Beach is a hidden gem on Santa Monica Bay that's perfect for sunbathers and water sports fans alike. RELATED:20 of the Most Beautiful Places in America, Explore More: See hotel details | See all Big Sur, CA hotels. For luxury accommodations, the five-star, sits on 30 acres of coastal bluff above the Pacific and doesnt disappoint. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Are you willing to share any of your secret Northern California beach spots with us? Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 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. Check outQatar Airwayss Discover the World at a low priceprogram and save up to 25% on your upcoming flight. The view is pretty lovely, too! Cuisine, landscapes, weather, and attractions make Northern and Southern California their own places. Hidden deep in Wilder Ranch State Parks bluffs, Fern Grotto Beach is a beach with a shallow cave thats a perfect option for people who like getting off the beaten track. Read More Top 10 Quiet Beaches in Southern CaliforniaContinue. Scott Creek Beach Davenport (north of Santa Cruz) is where you'll find Scott Creek Beach. Heres a few of our favorite little known beaches to give you a smorgasbord of summertime opportunity. California has a unique, rugged and irregular coastline that hides coves and even long stretches of sand from passers-by. Did you ever visit any of these pristine beaches? This beach is most famous for its beautiful tide pools that form when the waves hit the beach. Shelter Cove and Trinidad, CA are a couple of the best hidden gems in Northern California. Its also home to impressive architecture, historical landmarks, and noteworthy state parks. Table of Contents El Matador State Beach Leo Carrillo State Beach 1000 Steps Beach Crescent Bay Beach Cameo Shores Beach Windandsea Beach Black's Beach Morro Strand State Beach Escondido Beach Jalama Beach County Park El Matador State Beach If youre looking for some peace and quiet, Jade Cove Beach in Gorda is one of the most pristine beaches in California. Natural Bridges Beach. There are dozens more where these came from. Northern California beach towns and beaches run from the San Francisco Bay area to the Oregon border. If you have an idea for an Only In Northern California story, email her at jsanford@onlyinyourstate.com. That's just a small sampling of NorCal's beach towns, so be sure to get out there and explore for yourself! 6 Places In Northern California That Are Like A Caribbean Paradise In The Summer, Baldwin Beach Has Some Of The Clearest Water In Northern California, 11 Gorgeous Lakes In Northern California That You Must Check Out This Summer, If You Didnt Know About These 7 Swimming Holes In Northern California, Theyre A Must Visit, Few People Know This Tiny Rock In Northern California Is The Only Island In Lake Tahoe, The Best Kayaking Lake In Northern California Is One You May Never Have Heard Of, This Remote Hot Springs Lodge In Northern California Is Absolute Bliss, These Natural Hot Springs In Northern California Are Hiding In The Most Tranquil Setting. Bodega Bay lies on the northern California coast about one hour outside San Francisco, along the Sonoma County stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. 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. Shelter Cove boasts hiking trails and hidden beaches, while Trinidad's scenery is unlike any other place. This is one of the favorite intimate beaches around. 1. Half Moon Bay RV Park: a pet-friendly campground close to the ocean and hiking trails. The winding trail descends to a beautiful sea cave where the Glennen Gulch Creek flows in. Often times there is no one around to help if you got hurt at the beach. The boutique hotel offers unparalleled views of the Pacific Northwest coastline as well as multiple full-service restaurants. It offers offers camping, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Explore More: See all Shelter Cove hotels. The best family-friendly destination on the Northern California coast is Santa Cruz. In this guide, well go on an adventure to the 15 best coastal towns and beaches in Northwestern California. Use our insider connections to know where to go and what to do. 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. These incredible seaside towns offer one-of-a-kind beauty and adventure. The beach is also pet-friendly and a perfect choice for peopletraveling with pets. The only way to access the beach is to walk Bonham Trail that was set up at the beginning of the 21st century. Then check out this secluded Northern California beach for a relaxing getaway. While most accommodations are in San Francisco proper, Pacifica has a few hotels. Read More Hidden Beaches In Orange County Locals Keep SecretContinue. Still, if you want to enjoy a day by the ocean without interruption, youll love having the opportunity to do so at Centerville Beach. PHONE (760) 922-7276 FAX (760) 922-6151. Dont tell anyone how you found out about these beaches. Tucked away, it's got bbq's and picnic tables and even outdoor showers. The waves are at the northern side of the beach where youll find most of the surfers but if you walk down south, youll discover another secluded and quaint part of the beach. People living in the area or visited Martins Beach lately claim that it is finally accessible, but you need to leave your car in in an unofficial paid parking (10USD) set up by the landowner. Point Saint George, Point St George, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA. Enjoy the sounds and sights of planes taking off from the nearby airport as you relax on this fun beach. Gualala is an excellent place for camping on the northern California coast. The Fleener Creek Trail is Martin Creek Beach might be the most hidden beach in Northern California. For the ultimate adventure, take a road trip! Passport Symphony is a blog about hidden gems that arent mentioned in most travel guides. 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. 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. A long and winding drive from the tiny town of Petrolia via U.S. 101 will take you down to one of the most remote parts of California; the so-called Lost Coast is an appropriately named, natural area at the coast of Northern California that very few tourists know about. 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! As a world traveler with years of experience in exploring tropical countries and a water sports fan, she creates this inspiring site where she writes travel guides, reviews and recommends beach gear and gives travel tips to make planning your trip quicker and easier! Our enthusiastic and well-travelled team aims to provide comprehensive destination guides along useful travel tips to make the most of your time spent by the sea! You can make your way to the mouth of the Eel River if youre ambitious enough to journey that far. These secluded Orange County beaches allow you to relax and enjoy the nature without the crowds. A part of the Humboldt County, College Cove is a pristine rocky beach thats very popular among local surfers. Also, if youre with your own care, be careful of where you park it and make sure youre not blocking the driveway of some of the locals staying near Shaws Cove. There are long, sandy leisure beaches, sand dune beaches, and beaches favored by surfers. Are you planning a honeymoon at some of Californias beach towns? You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Trinidad is known for its excellent public beaches, delicious seafood, and breathtaking scenery. Its also conveniently located just north of San Francisco. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. But those who brave the long and windy path down the coastal bluff will find a narrow stretch of shore that bumps right up against the base of the, . rock formations, caves, and purple-streaked white sand (thanks to its unique mineral deposits), offers all of thatand none of the typical California beach crowds. If you want to scope out area businesses, restaurants and wineries, make sure to go for a stroll in Davenport. Youll find this beach just off highway 1 in the village of Cambria. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. This charming place features the scenic Tomales Point Trail for hiking. However, Latigo Beach is public and you can access it through the stairs that lead to the beach. The only state park on this list is one that involves a long and strenuousday hike in a remote region. There is a clothing-optional part that opens up in the spring. Sculptured Beach is a remote beach in the southern portion of Point Reyes National Seashore. Davenport is one of those hidden California beach towns that no one knows by name, but everyone knows by picture. And it's home to some of the bluest water in Northern California. Its ideal for adventurous couples and those looking to explore a story-book-like destination. 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. McClures Beach in Northern California features a steep downhill hike and intense surf. 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. If you seek out relaxing places, make sure to check out these quiet beaches in Southern California! Be sure to stop in the hotels. 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. 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! Thank you! Grab the sunscreen, toss a book in your bag and head to the beach. Its also a place where strong rip currents are present, so you dont want to take your chance swimming there. Gray whales are visible from the shores, hence the name of the beach. Because it requires a hike to get to, you likely won't see many others here. For a town that combines beach views with large swaths of redwood forests, look no further than Gualala in Mendocino County. With a population of less than a thousand, youll feel like youre in a magical place almost all to yourself. Helpful resources for traveling around California, Qatar Airwayss Discover the World at a low price. While all of Californias shoreline is stunning, exploring the Northern California coast offers a breathtaking experience. This is also the place surfers enjoy catching a few waves, too. 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. If you dont want your California beach trip being bothered by the noise of thousands of beachgoers, head to Hearts Desire. 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. 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. Well played. On Northern California's fabled Lost Coast, the town of Shelter Cove (population 580) is a remote outpost of civilization. Some hidden beaches are only accessible by boat or kayak as is the case with Estero de San Antonio Beach on Bodega Bay and with Elk Creek Beach in remote Mendocino County.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'californiabeaches_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',891,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-californiabeaches_com-banner-1-0'); California has a handful of beaches that can only be accessed by going through a rock arch. 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. 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. The Tastiest Ice Cream Sandwiches in the U.S. For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the sellers site. Source: flickr. We recommendSandpiper Lodging at the Beach, a cozy hotel within walking distance from the beach. Theres no shortage of lodging options in San Francisco, and if you want to stay close to Marshalls, go for Cavallo Point. But those who brave the long and windy path down the coastal bluff will find a narrow stretch of shore that bumps right up against the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Fort Bragg and Mendocino are also next to one another. Thank you! 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. Yet Homboldt Countys, , located on the far north coast of California, offers the picture-perfect landscape without the blistering heat. All rights reserved. And even fewer know about Mattole- one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in this part of California. If you want to get close to nature and see most of the areas wildlife and marine life, visiting Northern California less crowded beaches offer the perfect opportunity for it, so a trip to Natural Bridges State Beach needs to be on your things-to-do list. If youre interested in spending the night in Fort Bragg, there are several chain hotels in the area and vacation rentals. Just west of the, 15 Best Northern California Coastal Towns and Beaches. There are Monarch butterflies, salmon, fox, dear, and coyotes enjoying the natural setting, too. Shelter Cove and Trinidad, CA are a couple of the best hidden gems in Northern California. Its an excellent spot for steelhead fishing and wildflower viewing. Love Northern Cal? Whether youre looking to relax, get adventurous, or a bit of both, this is the perfect destination for it. Flying to OC or elsewhere in California? Various coastal villages along Half Moon Bays shore offer unique vibes. 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. From surfing and body boarding to hiking and museums, there are so many exciting things to enjoy. San Diego is well-known for its year-round perfect weather and dreamy beachesbut as a result, they tend to get overcrowded fast. You'll love walking up and down this breathtaking coastline. Have a few questions about visiting Northern California coastal towns? Read More Top 14 Warm Water California Beaches To Swim And SunbatheContinue. Ormond Beach Point Sal State Beach is a remote public beach that has become quite difficult to access. Its easy to spend a day or a few here if youre looking to relax, explore nature, or a bit of both. This is a stunning sandy Bear Harbor Beach is a small south-facing beach in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. However, Pismo Beach has several hidden beaches that are definitely worth your time. Glass Beach is an iconic Northern California beach known for abundant sea glass. Seeing one is like nothing youve ever experienced before! Morro Bay is another must-visit city on the Northern California coast. These hidden sandy beaches are safest at low tide when the access is not under water. But with more than 250 million visiting the Golden State each year, finding your own secluded spot on the sand can be difficult. While Morro Bay is best known for its impressive views and outdoor adventures, this enchanting village has a few hidden gems also worth discovering. Along with a beautiful shoreline thats great for swimming and other water activities, this remarkable destination offers scenic forested trails and rugged red cliffs. Bring the whole gang. Best for wildlife spotting. We are a family owned mobile home and RV Park located on the Colorado River just minutes from I-10 near Blythe, California. It's not that long of a hike -- only .03 miles but the golden arches that stand tall when you arrive make it more than worth it. There is only one road leading to the beach, Martins Beach Road that goes through a land owned by the billionaire Vinod Khosla (co-founder of Sun Microsystems) who closed it stating that its private property. With a large parking lot and ramps that lead down to the shore, access to the beach is easy. The beach is surrounded by trees, making this spot even more private. The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Northern California Like Never Before Northern California is overflowing with gorgeous waterfront areas to explore. Its located just three miles away from the Pier and in case youre wondering why the beach is so unfrequented, Ill tell you; the locals actually dont like other people hanging around their beach and theres a security guard at the parking lot writing fines to everyone who parks there. Its a place where marine life flourishes, and appearances of seals are frequent. Home California Our Favorite Hidden Beaches In Northern California. Hearts Desire is not only a hidden spot, but also one of the warmest beaches in Northern California where you can sunbathe, swim, and beach comb away from the smog of the city. Even though this northern California coastal town is just outside of San Francisco, it feels like an entirely different world. While you wont find many accommodations in San Simeon proper, there are plenty of places to spend the night a few minutes away in Cambria. Which North Coast destination is best for a romantic getaway? Pacifica is known for its natural beauty and makes for the perfect day or weekend trip from San Francisco. Orick Fishing Access Beach, Humboldt County, CA 95555, USA. View beach Orick Fishing Access Beach Do you think we didnt mention some other secluded beaches in California? Glass Beach is filled with vibrant, colorful pieces of sea glass. But arent you sick of going to the same beach year after year? Enjoy the ultimate northern California coast experience in Fort Bragg. Bowling Ball Beach (Point Arena) This oddly-named beach is definitely one you need to cross off your list while exploring the Northern coast of California. Even though it has a tough competition, Id there to say that Latigo Beach is one of the most pristine beaches in Malibu. The 3.5 mile beach is perfect for wildlife lovers, who may catch a glimpse of numerous native fish and bird species. Big on surfing, Cayucos is a mellow little beach town in Northern California. Northern California's most remote coastline is aptly referred to as The Lost Coast, and this dramatic stretch of black sand beach is located in Shelter Cove. Then you may also want to check out this list of cheap honeymoon destinations in the US. There are tons of camping spots nearby, but those planning a longer trip may want to stay at the. You can see the Siskiyou Mountains from this beach. Hello, Cheap Flights: Warm Destinations to Fly to This November and December, 20 of the Most Beautiful Places in America, These 8 Gorgeous Beach Towns in Australia Dont Get The Attention They Deserve. Although it may be tempting to take home buckets of the glistening sea treasures, better just to admire the glass all you want but leave them so other people can enjoy it for years. 5. If you plan to do this, however, try to avoid the high tide as this can be quite risky! It boasts impressive beaches and scenic views like youve never seen before. What are the prettiest beaches in Northern California? My personal favorite is Willmar Stairs Pismo beach, a long beautiful beach dotted with big cliffs, dominated by tall stairway whose top offers a beautiful vista of the ocean and the coast of Pismo Beach. If you want to get as far away as possible from the bustling streets of the biggest cities of California, only a few places in the Golden State can compare to the Lost Coast and Mattole Beach. Black sand beaches are known for their Instagrammable beautyand their tendency to become blazing hot during the midday hours. This beach in between Pacifica and Montara and about 18 miles south of San Francisco. How did you like this list of hidden beaches in California? Address. Home Beaches Beaches in Northern California San Mateo County San Mateo County takes up most of the San Francisco Peninsula south of San Francisco. WE . Didnt see your favorite? If you find the popular Californian coastal cities too crowded, head to these quiet beach towns for relaxation! RELATED:Hello, Cheap Flights: Warm Destinations to Fly to This November and December, Explore More: See all Carlsbad, CA hotels. Hearts Desire Beach. Except for locals this beach is pretty Hidden Beach is a small cove beach in Del Norte County, Northern California. Other Monterey attractions include some of the worlds most delicious oysters, diverse marine life, outdoor adventures, and a rich history. Fort Bragg. 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. Check out our list of national parks in Key West. Not only does it offer a gorgeous shoreline, but its also home to Redwood National Park and the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. 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. This list has been updated with some suggestions from our loyal followers. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. 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. The waves are pretty high and the currents relatively strong, making Rodeo Beach a great destination for surfers. We highly recommend checking out Eureka if youre looking for an experience unlike any other. If you don't mind the drive, you'll love this amazing Northern California beach. If you buy something through our links, Jetsetter may earn an affiliate commission. 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. Not to mention Oregon is in view, along with the seasonal whale that's spotted more and more often lately. We thought you were. 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. We recommend checking these out: Santa Cruz is one of the most impressive Northern California beach towns for water sports and other fun activities. Its the largest beach town between Portland, Oregon and San Francisco. If you plan to visit, note a couple of things. 2009 - 2023 Jetsetter All rights reserved. Joanne is a fourth-generation Northern Californian. Lets keep it our little secret!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'californiabeaches_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-californiabeaches_com-leader-1-0'); South Blacks Beach is a remote beach below high bluffs between La Jolla Shores and Blacks Beach. Its time for a little change, dont you think? This easy loop trail is definitely one of the best hiking trails in Northern California because it's hard to beat this waterfall view! Point Reyes National Seashore. To put it simply, Staircase Beach is everything I would want in a beach. Enjoying this post? There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Its the perfect beach for sunbathing, its one of the softest, most beautiful sand beaches in California, its a great place to go for a swim, and you can see some of the most beautiful beach houses in the region. They might be on the expensive side but they have you covered, no matter what happens to you on the road. We love Stinson Beach because its the ideal place to kick back and relax while also exploring nature. Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection, 5 Amazing Summer Road Trips to Take This August.

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