Northern California boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. With a few exceptions, Northern California’s beaches are neither crowded nor commercialized. Goat Rock Beach in Sonoma County, Black Sands Beach in Humboldt County, and Scott’s Creek Beach north of Santa Cruz are a few of Northern California’s best beaches to visit.
Goat Rock Beach
Goat Rock Beach in northwest Sonoma County is a family favorite for many reasons. Beachcombing is a popular activity as is wildlife watching. Harbor seals and sea lions often climb up on the beach for resting and sunning. State law requires the people keep a 50 yard distance between themselves and seal and sea lions on shore. The unique rock outcroppings just off of the beach provide unique photography opportunities. Families enjoy bringing picnics and sand toys. Goat Rock Beach is located off of Highway 1, north of Bodega Bay and south of the town of Jenner.
Black Sands Beach
The black sand that Black Sands Beach is named after is volcanic sand that has collected on this stretch of coastline in Humboldt County. Black Sands Beach is one of only a few black sand beaches in the world. Some popular activities are picnicking, photography, and hiking. Black Sand Beach is especially beautiful in the spring and summer when wildflowers are in bloom. Black Sands beach is accessible from Beach Drive, just north of Shelter Cove.
Scott’s Creek Beach
Scott’s Creek Beach is a wide sandy beach that is rarely crowded. Flanked by mudstone cliffs, Scott’s Creek Beach affords unique photo opportunities. The beach is named after Scott’s Creek, which joins the Pacific Ocean near the southern end of the beach. Families, surfers, and people with pets all enjoy Scott’s Creek Beach. Scott’s Creek Beach is located a few miles north of Santa Cruz, just past the town of Davenport, on Highway 1.
A Few Notes on Visiting any Northern California Beach
Northern California Beaches tend to be shrouded in morning fog, especially in the mornings, so bring a long a sweatshirt or light jacket. Usually, by late morning or early afternoon, the fog burns off and the beaches turn sunny and warm. Most Northern California beaches have a strong riptide, so swimming is forbidden. The chilly waters of the Northern Pacific ocean make the waters too cold for swimming anyway. There are a few swimming beaches with lifeguards, mainly in sheltered bays and coves.
