Top 5 remote beach spots in California to visit this season

Stef Zisovska
Remote beach
Remote beach

California’s shoreline is about 840 miles long, offering beautiful beach stretches for any taste. The Sunny State is known as one of the most wanted destinations in the United States. With a tremendous number of sandy miles, California is a top vacation destination for people from all across the country. What many love about California are the hidden beach spots that can be found all over the coastline with a little bit of guidance. If you’re yearning for a remote beach far from the crowds, then you’re at the right place. Here are some perfect secluded sandy spots to enjoy during the summer.

Rodeo Beach, Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Rodeo Beach with buildings of Fort Cronkhite visible – Author: Kayamon – CC BY-SA 3.0
Rodeo Beach with buildings of Fort Cronkhite visible – Author: Kayamon – CC BY-SA 3.0

Golden Gate National Recreational Area is nearby San Francisco, and it’s a perfect recreational beach for all the city dwellers who prefer to be close to home. The area offers some nice hiking trails from where you will get to enjoy stunning vistas of San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate. The sand at Rodeo Beach is dark and pebbly, which you don’t see at most Californian beaches. For the ones among you who enjoy hiking along wild ocean waters while everybody else is sunbathing around Los Angeles, Rodeo Beach is the right choice.

Andrew Molera State Beach, Big Sur

The state beach at Andrew Moldera State Park – Author: Eschscholziacalifornicamaritima – CC BY-SA 4.0
The state beach at Andrew Moldera State Park – Author: Eschscholziacalifornicamaritima – CC BY-SA 4.0

Andrew Molera Beach is a part of the namesake state park on the Big Sur shore in California. To access the beach you would need to hike from the parking lot. Depending on the time of the year you’re planning to visit Andrew Molera Beach, you may have to cross a river if the seasonal bridge is removed. The water in the river is crystal clear and not deep at all, so this part of the park visit adds some adventure flavor to the entire beach trip. Andrew Molera Beach is located at the mouth of Big Sur River, and it’s one of the most remote beaches in the state of California.

Gold Bluffs Beach, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Gold Bluffs
Gold Bluffs

If you’re looking for a mystic combination of redwood forest and sandy beaches, then Northern California’s Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park may meet your interests. Being that most of the time the beach is empty, Gold Bluffs is the perfect place for those who don’t like to see too many faces around. The beach has a small campground near the parking lot in case you’re interested in remote beach camping. One of the best hiking trails to visit in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is Fern Canyon Trail, which will make you feel like you have been dropped in the Jurassic period.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Three-segment panorama of Point Reyes headlands from Chimney Rock Trail, California – Author: King of Hearts – CC BY-SA 4.0
Three-segment panorama of Point Reyes headlands from Chimney Rock Trail, California – Author: King of Hearts – CC BY-SA 4.0

For all the fans of Pacific Coast cliffs, Point Reyes is the right place to be. It’s about 30 miles west-northwest of San Francisco. Point Reyes Peninsula is for those who like to spot some wildlife, including sea lions sleeping in the sand, birds in the wetlands, and deer on the cliffs. The park is attractive for visitors, yet it’s never too crowded. Visit Drake Bay if you want to see some harbor lions up close or hike Laguna and Muddy Hollow Trails for a unique wilderness experience.

Half Moon Bay State Beach

Half Moon Bay State Beach in Half Bay, California – Seano1 – CC-BY 2.5
Half Moon Bay State Beach in Half Bay, California – Seano1 – CC-BY 2.5

Half Moon Bay is a sandy stretch of only 4 miles, and it contains a couple of protected beaches including Cowell Ranch Beach. No matter where you decide to stop and spend your afternoon, it’s going to be a remote beach spot, whether you like it or not. California is full of spectacular hidden beaches that you might have never heard of before, but they are definitely worth your attention. Choose your favorite beach and start planning a trip. Good luck!

stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival