Summary
The renowned coastline of Northern California presents visitors with a combination of stunning beaches and secluded coves, ranging from bustling areas such as Santa Cruz to more serene locations like Lagoon Creek Beach.
Moreover, the state of California provides beachgoers free access to all public beaches.
Each beach on this list offers its own distinctive features that go beyond just sand and water.
Visitors can expect to encounter vintage amusement rides, wooden boardwalks, carnival games, and exceptional paragliding locations.
Continue reading to discover the 15 most remarkable beaches in Northern California that deserve a place on your travel itinerary.
Exercise caution, for once you embrace the relaxed California lifestyle, returning home may prove challenging.
1. Ross Cove Beach
Ross Cove Beach is conveniently located between Half Moon Bay and the city of Moss Beach.
Above the beach lies Pillar Point Bluff Park, which features excellent trails for jogging or walking your dog.
The trail conditions vary by season due to erosion, and access to the beach may be limited.
Pack a meal and relish a picnic on the beach, as there are no amenities nearby apart from restrooms.
This location is also ideal for whale watching.
Why incur additional costs for whale watching when you can observe them for free at Ross Cove Beach?
2. Rodeo Beach
Rodeo Beach lies between Rodeo Lagoon and Rodeo Cove.
This beach is characterized by pebbled stones in a variety of colors, complemented by water in endless shades of blue; it stands as one of the most scenic beaches in Northern California.
There are well-known rock formations on the southern shore that attract photographers.
If bird watching is your interest, Rodeo Lagoon offers opportunities to observe diverse species.
Offshore, a notable arch in the center, known as Bird Rock, allows the use of binoculars to view various birds roosting.
This beach is pet-friendly and includes restroom facilities.
3. Caspar State Beach
Located in a cove called Caspar Anchorage, Caspar State Beach is situated in the coastal town of Caspar.
This beach is well-suited for camping, with an RV campground located just across the road.
Among the beaches suitable for swimming, Caspar State Beach is considered one of the finest.
However, the water tends to be cold, and currents can change quickly, so caution is advisable while swimming.
On the northern end of the beach, walking trails provide stunning viewpoints of the shoreline.
A park area on the southern side serves as an excellent spot to enjoy lunch.
This area is named Caspar Headlands State Natural Reserve.
4. Seaside Beach
Spanning miles of golden sand, Seaside Beach is an extraordinary destination suitable for a full day of enjoyment.
While lifeguards are present, the beach can experience rough conditions and strong currents.
Swimming is not recommended; however, visiting this beach is certainly a highlight of any trip to California.
The expansive shoreline is ideal for flying kites and watching paragliders take off.
For those who enjoy golfing, a nearby course in Seaside provides an excellent opportunity to remain active between sunbathing.
5. Glass Beach
Glass Beach is one of the most unique and captivating beaches you may ever encounter.
This beach is the most famous within MacKerricher State Park, renowned for its abundance of glass pieces adorning the shoreline.
Photos taken at this stunning location will undoubtedly enhance your social media profiles.
Although removal of glass is prohibited, capturing a few pictures is equally gratifying.
Several trails in the vicinity lead you to Pudding Creek Beach, another charming spot worth exploring.
6. Santa Cruz
It is impossible to overlook Santa Cruz when considering the best beaches in Northern California or even California as a whole. With its extensive stretch of white sand, gentle surf, and an impressive boardwalk, this beach promises to make your vacation truly unforgettable.
Experience excitement through carnival games, amusement park rides, and leisurely strolls through beachside boutiques.
This beach caters to true adventurers; not only can you observe surfers from the shore, but you can also glimpse whales, dolphins, and sea lions in the distance.
7. Fort Funston Beach
Fort Funston Beach features 200-foot-high sandy cliffs and attracts many hang gliders, especially from March to October.
While this beach offers ample entertainment, it can become windy and the undertow may be strong.
This is a dog-friendly beach, allowing animals to roam freely—an appealing feature for pet enthusiasts.
Additionally, it serves as an excellent location for horseback riding and hiking, with various trails available in the area.
The beach houses the Fort Funston Native Plant Nursery as well.
If you are seeking a volunteer opportunity, this location is highly recommended.
8. Montara State Beach
Montara State Beach is a one-mile-long walking beach located north of Montara, along the San Mateo County Coast.
This area is photogenic due to the dramatic backdrop of sandstone-sculpted cliffs.
If you desire to hike, Montara Mountain is just a short distance away.
In addition to hiking, fishing and surfing are popular activities at Montara State Beach.
Dogs are permitted on a leash, and parking is free.
9. Gualala Point Regional Park
Located in the corner of Sonoma County, where the Gualala River meets Mendocino County, Gualala Point Regional Park stands out.
This park is unique due to its location where the river converges with the sea.
Visitors should come prepared to camp in a forest setting along the river, which offers an unforgettable experience.
This location is also a fantastic spot for whale watching, hiking along trails, and observing birds.
10. Bodega Dunes
Surrounded by coastal dunes, the town of Bodega Bay is home to Bodega Dunes Beach and Campground.
This beach is expansive and secluded, making it an excellent choice for a tranquil retreat.
For an even more secluded experience, take a walk to the southern side where Mussel Point is located.
This picturesque spot offers numerous hiking opportunities through the dunes, appealing to both experienced hikers and horseback riders.
Restrooms and picnic tables are available, and the campground serves as a wonderful place to unwind and soak in the serene atmosphere.
11. Greenwood State Beach
Situated in the quaint town of Elk, where the creek flows into the ocean, you will be warmly welcomed by Greenwood State Beach.
This beach has historical significance, dating back to the 1800s.
During the logging era, a pier was present for shipping goods and transporting individuals to San Francisco, known as the Greenwood Pier.
The museum offers insights into the history of Greenwood.
You will likely find a considerable amount of driftwood on the beach, ideal for creative photography.
Consider kayaking through Greenwood Cove to Gunderson Rock, a small rocky island located offshore.
12. Centerville Beach
Centerville Beach is known for beach drives, bird watching, and evening bonfires.
Behind the beach, a combination of farmland and marshlands creates an inviting habitat for various birds.
Notably, you can drive your vehicle or ATV directly on the sand at this beach.
This location serves as a memorial to the 38 individuals who lost their lives in a shipwreck in 1860, marked by a white cross at the southern end of the beach.
13. Enderts Beach
Enderts Beach, often referred to as the sunset paradise of California, features scattered rocks, driftwood, and a gentle breeze that enhances reading or kite flying.
To access the beach, expect to walk approximately one mile.
A campground located midway between the parking area and the beach allows visitors to stay overnight and fully enjoy this tranquil escape.
Tide pools located at the southern end are popular attractions, where visitors can observe sea stars, urchins, and other intriguing small sea creatures.
14. Lagoon Creek Beach
Lagoon Creek Beach offers a contrast with its dark sand, located on the southern side of False Klamath Cove.
Redwood National Park is equipped with a picnic area, including tables and restrooms.
This location serves as the starting point for hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the cove and False Klamath Rock.
Another beautiful beach, known as Hidden Beach, can be found along this trail.
This beach is ideal for surfing and fishing, with dogs permitted on a leash.
15. Baker Beach
Baker Beach, previously a military fort transformed into a public park, is celebrated for its postcard-worthy views.
The primary attraction at Baker Beach is its proximity to the Golden Gate Bridge, which creates a mesmerizing backdrop.
This beach ranks among the top five in California for its scenic vistas.
Given the cold water and rough tides, Baker Beach is more suited for strolling than swimming.
Being close to San Francisco, it is easily accessible via public transport.
The availability of public BBQ grills makes it an excellent setting for festive picnics; thus, gather your BBQ essentials and enjoy a day at this picturesque location.
