| California State Beaches are
operated as State of California lands for public enjoyment. The
state acts as steward to watch over these natural assets through the
California State Parks system. As such, the prices for parking
differ from the price structure of surrounding beach lands operated
by cities, counties and private ownership. Unfortunate for us
travelers, we can purchase a State Parks pass for entry and parking
at the State-owned/operated beach lands, but the pass offers a
patchwork of admissions not useful at some of the city beaches and
popular destinations.
The state beach system can be
quite confusing when visiting a beach destination. A city may
operate a beach that's surrounded by state beaches within the city
bounds. So you might drive up to one entry point in a city and pay a
different fee for parking than the next gate. Huntington Beach is
one such place that comes to mind. When you enter a beach parking
lot on Pacific Coast Highway at Beach Boulevard, if you turn right,
you'll enter the Huntington City Beach parking, and if you turn
left, you'll enter the less expensive Huntington State Beach
parking. While state beach parking at this location was once
significantly lower in price to promote tourism, that reduction
didn't last and prices now reflect what metropolitan beaches can
command--around $10/day, give or take a few bucks. So the
explanation will not help you in every situation you encounter, but
it offers an example of why one seemingly same beach charges
different parking fees.
Not to confuse you even more,
but there can be a beach that's called a State Park, not a State
Beach. Why? Often it will include a feature that goes beyond the
sandy shore that's featured there. For example, Crystal Cove State
Park includes restored beach cottages that are available for rent at
the beach. Also, a state operated beach can be designated as a
recreation area. For example, Oceano Dunes Recreational Vehicle Area
offers dunes all terrain vehicles riding on motorized, motorcycle
style machines with huge tires that grip the sand.
Facts: Over 6.7 million feet
of waterfront includes 3.4 million feet of lakefront; 1.6 million
feet (295 miles) of ocean front; 1.7 million feet of river front;
13,800+ camp sites; 662 overnight facilities; 7,000 picnic sites;
3,800 miles of non-motorized trails; over 77 million visitors
annually. Top Ten State Parks: 1. Old
Town San Diego State Historic Park 2. Huntington State Beach 3.
Sonoma Coast State Beach 4. Seacliff State Beach 5. Bolsa Chica
State Beach 6. San Onofre State Beach 7. Doheny State Beach 8.
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area 9. New Brighton State
Beach 10. Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Note: Abbreviated descriptions
below include State Park = SP; State Beach = SB; State Recreation
Area = SRA; State Historic Park = SHP. www.parks.ca.gov
Asilomar (State Beach) County: Monterey
Conference Grounds, rolling dunes, rugged and sandy coastlines, and
historical buildings on the Monterey Peninsula. Conference
facilities and individual lodging: (831) 372-8016. Ranger’s office:
372-4076. *
San Francisco Bay Area Bean Hollow (State Beach) County: San Mateo
The beach features fishing, picnicking and beachcombing. Visitors
can explore tide pools with anemones, crab, sea urchins and other
marine inhabitants. The beach also has a self-guided nature trail.
Swimming is dangerous because of cold water, ...
Bolsa Chica (State Beach) County: Orange
This wheelchair-accessible beach (call ahead to use the beach
wheelchairs) is connected by a bike trail. Together with Huntington
State Beach, form 5 miles of sandy beach. Wildlife viewing, surfing,
and skating are among the activities of choice. Bolsa Chica , off
Pacific Coast Hwy., about one mile south of Warner Ave., has camping
for self-contained vehicles only; picnicking, restrooms, and food
service is accessible (714) 846-3460. * Campers/Motor Homes max.
length: 40' Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 40'
San Diego County Cardiff (State Beach) County: San Diego
This level stretch of beach has some of the most popular surfing
locations in the state, if not the entire western United States.
Accessible restrooms are available, and beachgoers will appreciate
the convenient, accessible parking. The park is 1 mile south of
Cardiff on Old Hwy. 101. (760) 753-5091. *
San Diego County Carlsbad (State Beach) County: San Diego
This 14-acre beach is located at the foot of coastal bluffs just
south of the town of Carlsbad. A gradually sloping shore and gentle
surf make it popular with swimmers, surfers, picnickers and anglers.
Accessible picnicking and parking. From I-5, take the Tamarack Ave.
exit, and go southwest to Carlsbad Blvd/Hwy. S21. (760) 438-3143. *
Central Coast Carmel River (State Beach) County: Monterey
This coastal strand, near its charming namesake town, offers a
lagoon, fishing, and birdwatching. Extremely dangerous surf. (831)
624-4909. *
Central Coast Carpinteria (State Beach) County: Santa Barbara
So named by the Spanish in honor of the Chumash Indian handimen who
used the area’s oils to seal plank boats. This park offers a mile of
swimming beach and tide pools. Call ahead for beach wheelchair.
(805)968-1033. * Campers/Motor Homes max. length: 35'
Trailers /Pop-Ups max. length: 35'
North Coast Caspar Headlands (State Beach) County: Mendocino
These 2 park units protect about half a mile of sculpted rocks,
crashing waves, and splashy displays of seasonal wildflowers.
Surrounded by a housing development, the reserve’s entry permit can
be obtained free of charge at the California State Parks district
office 2 miles north of Russian Gulch on Pt. Cabrillo Dr., off Hwy.
1. (707) 937-5804. *
Central Coast Cayucos (State Beach) County: San Luis Obispo
Cayucos is a charming little beach town rich in history and popular
for its great beaches. It is known for its fishing pier, beautiful
beach and historical buildings. Many of the buildings left over
Orange County Corona del Mar (State Beach)
Corona del Mar State Beach is a popular place for swimmers. The
half-mile long sandy beach framed by cliffs and a rock jetty that
forms the east entrance to Newport Harbor. The beach is also popular
with surfers and divers.
County: Orange
Los Angeles County Dockweiler (State Beach)
Dockweiler State Beach features a three mile long shoreline with a
picnic area and concession stand. The wide beach is beneath the
takeoff path from Los Angeles International Airport.
Orange County Doheny (State Beach)
This 62-acre park has 120 developed campsites, some only steps from
the beach. Many campsites (some accessible) are within walking
distance of picturesque Dana Point Harbor and only 4 miles from San
Juan Capistrano Mission. The south day use area is popular for beach
parties and evening campfires, and large groups can enjoy the shaded
beach areas of the north day use area. Accessible picnicking,
visitor center, indoor tide pool, aquariums, food service, and beach
wheelchair. The entrance is on Dana Point Harbor Dr., off Pacific
Coast Hwy. in Dana Point. (949) 496-6171 or 492-0802. *
Campers/Motor Homes max. length: 35'
Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 35'
County: Orange
Central Coast El Capitán (State Beach)
Rocky tide pools, a sandy beach, and stands of sycamore and oak make
for great swimming, fishing, surfing, or beach-going afternoons.
Call ahead for beach wheelchair. (805) 968-1033. *
Campers/Motor Homes max. length: 42'
Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 42' County: Santa Barbara
Central Coast Emma Wood (State Beach)
The ruins of a World War II artillery site occupy this popular beach
just outside the quiet surf town of Ventura. (805) 968-1033. *
Campers/Motor Homes max. length: 35'
Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 35'
County: Ventura
San Francisco Bay Area Gray Whale Cove (State Beach)
The beach (a.k.a. Devil's Slide) features a sheltered cove
surrounded by cliffs that drop abruptly into the Pacific. A steep
trail leads down to the beach. There is a small picnic area on the
bluff above Gray whales can often be seen close to the sho
County: San Mateo
North Coast Greenwood (State Beach)
Sea stacks and coastal bluffs make this a classic North Coast park.
Once the site of a redwood lumber mill, now it is favored by
picnickers and anglers. (707) 937-5804. *County: Mendocino
San Francisco Bay Area Half Moon Bay (State Beach)
Wi-Fi Service Campers/Motor Homes max. length: 36'
Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 36' County: San Mateo
Orange County Huntington (State Beach)
This wheelchair-accessible beach (call ahead to use the beach
wheelchairs) is connected by a bike trail. Together, with Bolsa
Chica State Beach, they form 5 miles of sandy beach. Wildlife
viewing, surfing, and skating are among the activities of choice.
The beach is opposite Magnolia Ave., on Pacific Coast Hwy and has a
7.5-acre preserve for the least tern and snowy plover. (714)
536-1454. *County: Orange
San Diego County Leucadia (State Beach)
Swimming, surfing, fishing and picnicking are popular at this small,
rocky beach. The beach access is via an improved trail at the foot
of Leucadia Boulevard. On the maps, it's “Leucadia State Beach,” but
ask the locals, and they will just sa...County: San Diego
County: Santa Cruz San Francisco Bay Area Lighthouse Field
(State Beach)
Also known as Point Santa Cruz, this area forms the northern
boundary of Monterey Bay. It is one of the last open headlands in
any California urban area. Surfers, tourists, birds - including the
rare Black Swift and wintering Monarch butterflies.
North Coast Little River (State Beach)
The park’s 112 acres of undeveloped expanses of flat sand and low
dunes are located on the south side of Little River. (707) 488-2041.
County: Humboldt
Los Angeles County Malibu Lagoon (State Beach)
Museum exhibits cover the Native American period through the
mid-20th century when Rancho Malibu was a 22-mile-long, private
coastal domain of 17,000 acres. The Adamson House is known for its
decorative ceramic tiles and custom-built features. House tours are
available Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (310)
456-8432. On the west side of Malibu Creek Bridge, enjoy nature
trails, birdwatching, tide pools, surfing, and picnicking.
Accessible: parking, a quarter-mile trail, and the first floor of
the house. From Santa Monica, follow the Coastal Hwy. west 12 miles
to 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy. (818) 880-0350. County: Los Angeles
Central Coast Mandalay (State Beach)
The purpose of Mandalay State Beach is to make available the sandy
ocean beach and adjacent coastal dunes for public recreational day
use and enjoyment. In general, all public beach-related recreational
activities may be provided that can be accommodated. County: Ventura
San Francisco Bay Area Manresa (State Beach)
Manresa State Beach features a beautiful expanse of sea and sand,
with surf fishing, surfing, and recreation. Location - Directions
From Highway 1, south of Aptos, San Andreas Road heads southwest and
continues for several miles to ...
County: Santa Cruz
County: Monterey Central Coast Marina (State Beach)
This beach offers a ranger station, concession building, and
accessible hang-gliding service. Hazardous rip currents. (831)
384-7695. *
Ventura County Central Coast McGrath
(State Beach)
This is one of the state’s best bird-watching areas, with over 200 species. Call
ahead for beach wheelchair. (805) 968-1033. *
Campers/Motor Homes max. length: 34'
Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 30'
San Mateo County San Francisco Bay Area Montara (State Beach)
This beach is a popular location for visitors who can explore the beach tide
pools or go surf fishing. The beach is bounded by low hills both to the north
and south. Restaurants and grocery stores are nearby.
Monterey County Central Coast Monterey (State Beach)
Enjoy scuba diving, kayaking, surf-fishing, kite flying, an accessible
boardwalk, and volleyball at this park’s 3 beaches. Please note: While
impressive, the dark, churling water is known for its hazardous rip currents.
(831) 384-7695. *
San Diego County Moonlight (State Beach)
This wide, sandy beach offers swimming, surfing and fishing. Facilities include
volleyball and tennis courts, recreational equipment rentals and a snack bar.
The "moonlight" in the name of this beach comes from the fact that local
residents u...
County: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Morro Strand (State Beach)
Kite flyers and windsurfers come for the reliable gusts; fishing enthusiasts
come for the catch; anyone else may come for the beach and the view. (805)
772-7434. *
Campers/Motor Homes max. length: 24'
Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 24'
County: Monterey Central Coast Moss Landing (State Beach)
East of the park, a reserve offers great opportunities for bird watching.
Surfing and surf-fishing are popular here, but water recreation is hazardous.
(831) 384-7695.
County: Santa Cruz San Francisco Bay Area Natural Bridges
(State Beach)
Named for picturesque rock formations off its coastal bluffs, the park is
world-famous for its annual monarch butterfly migration (October to February).
Picnicking, nature trail, visitor center, and exhibits are accessible. Call for
beach wheelchair and tide pool tours. (831) 423-4609. *
County: Santa Cruz San Francisco Bay Area New Brighton (State Beach)
The beach features picnic areas, swimming, fishing and a nearby forest of
Monterey pine and Coastal Live Oak. The camping area is on a bluff overlooking
northern Monterey Bay.
Location - The beach is in the town of Capitola,...Campers/Motor Homes
max. length: 36'
Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 36'
County: San Mateo San
Francisco Bay Area Pacifica (State Beach)
This is a wide crescent-shaped beach that marks the northern gateway to the
coastline stretching south of San Francisco. Location - Directions The beach is
located off Highway 1 in downtown Pacifica.
Del Norte County - North Coast Pelican (State Beach)
Travel north of Crescent City along California’s coastline to find this small,
secluded beach, a quiet retreat for beachcombers. Pay close attention, as the
road to the beach is easy to miss; take the last road before the agricultural
inspection station, 21 miles north of Crescent City on Hwy. 101. (707) 464-6101,
ext. 5151.
San Mateo County - San Francisco Bay Area Pescadero (State Beach)
The beach has a mile-long shoreline with sandy coves, rocky cliffs, tide pools,
fishing spots and picnic facilities.
Across the highway is Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a popular spot for bird
watchers and other naturalists.
San Luis Obispo County Central
Coast Pismo (State Beach)
With 6 miles of sandy beach noted for such activities as surf-fishing, hiking,
and surfing, the park also offers an accessible nature center and one of the
largest monarch butterfly over-wintering sights on the West Coast. (805)
489-2684. Campers/Motor Homes max. length: 36'
Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 31'
Los Angeles County Point Dume (State Beach)
This undeveloped 32-acre beach and natural preserve is a small park with
significant resources. It is the southern limit for a rare flowering plant, the
giant coreopsis, and has an excellent view of the annual gray whale migration.
Two miles of scenic trails traverse grasslands, southern coastal bluff scrub,
and sand dune/coastal strand communities. Limited onsite parking on Cliffside
Drive. Shuttle service available from Westward Beach Road. An accessible pay
parking lot at Westward Beach just off Hwy. 1 gives access to a trail to the top
of the bluff. (818) 880-0350.
County: Santa Barbara Central Coast
Point Sal (State Beach)
Point Sal State Beach is established to make possible the public outdoor
recreational enjoyment of the sandy beach extending downcoast from the feature
on the California ocean coastline known as Point Sal. Appropriate public outdoor
County: San Mateo San Francisco Bay Area Pomponio (State Beach)
This area provides access to miles of gently sloping, sandy beaches at the base
of high sandstone bluffs. This day-use facility features a small lagoon, roaring
surf - and a wide parking area, picnic tables, and barbecues.
County: Santa Barbara Central Coast Refugio (State Beach)
Palm trees lend a tropical look to the beach’s campsites and picnic areas. Call
ahead for beach wheelchair. (805) 968-1033. Campers/Motor Homes max. length: 30'
Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 27'
Los Angeles County Robert H. Meyer Memorial (State Beach)
The incredibly scenic “pocket” beaches of El Matador, La Piedra, and El Pescador
are great for sunbathing, photography, surfing, swimming, and diving. Parking is
on the bluff, and the beaches are accessed by long descending staircases and
trails. About 22 miles west of Santa Monica on Hwy.1, these beaches are within
one mile of each other; but they make you feel a world away from everything.
(818) 880-0350. *
County: Alameda San Francisco Bay Area Robert W. Crown Memorial
(State Beach)
This state beach was named in memory of State Assemblyman Robert W. Crown, who
campaigned for the site's preservation as public parkland.
Known as Alameda Beach from the 1880s until the outbreak of World War II, it was
an amusement center and ...
County: Monterey Central Coast Salinas River (State Beach)
The park includes protected habitats of snowy plover and other native dune
animals and plants. Swimming and water sports are hazardous. (831) 384-7695.
Ventura County Central Coast San Buenaventura (State Beach)
Picnic or surf on 2 miles of beach and dunes here. Call for beach wheelchair.
(805)968-1033. *
Orange County San Clemente (State Beach)
San Clemente is a camping park along a scenic stretch of California coast that
evokes the Golden Era of the 1920s. There are 157 campsites, of which 72 offer
RV hookups. Trails lead to a mile of beach that is popular with surfers, body
surfers, swimmers. Accessible camping, restrooms, picnicking, trail, and
exhibits. Call ahead to use the beach wheelchair. Entrance via the Avenida
Calafia exit off I-5 near the south end of San Clemente. (949) 492-3156. *
Campers/Motor Homes max. length: 30'
Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 30'
San Diego County San Elijo (State Beach)
San Elijo, located in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, offers a prime camping location, with
a beautiful view of sunsets, popular surfing breaks, and beaches for tidepool
explorations. Accessible camping and restrooms. The park is on Old Hwy. 101 in
Cardiff. (760) 753-5091. *
Campers/Motor Homes max. length: 35'
Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 35'
San Francisco Bay Area San Gregorio (State Beach)
The area includes a protected, driftwood-strewn estuary at the back of a wide,
sandy beach - with grassy bluffs along the coast. The estuary is home to many
birds and small animals. California Historical Landmark 26 commerates the
passage of Spanish ...
San Diego County San Onofre (State Beach)
San Onofre is a 3,000-acre park with two campgrounds, The Bluffs and San Mateo.
The Bluffs campground is located on Basilone Road and has 173 developed,
non-hookup campsites. It is located on a sandstone bluff with beach access to 3
miles of unspoiled coastline and is popular with those who wish to surf and
sunbathe. Dogs allowed in certain areas, no hot showers. The San Mateo
Campground is located 1 mile east of I-5 on Cristianitos Road and has 65
campsites that offer water and electric hook-ups, and 90 tent campsites. There
is a 1.5- mile trail that leads to Trestles Beach, one of the most well-known
surf breaks in Southern California. Hot showers and campfire programs.
Accessible camping, parking, and restrooms. (949) 492-4872. Campers/Motor Homes
max. length: 36'
Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 36'
Los Angeles County Santa Monica (State
Beach)
This beach is two miles long, has a picnic area, shops and pier. Visitor
activities include volleyball, basketball and a running strip along the beach.
Location/Directions. The beach is located along Pacific Coast Highway in Santa
Mo.
County: Mendocino Schooner Gulch (State
Beach)
The beach and headlands preserve a scenic spot along the Mendocino Coast and
offers a stunning perch for watching sunsets, or merely sitting in the grass as
the afternoon sun glistens on the waters below. This small beach and headland is
for picnicking, beachcombing, and surfing. (707) 937-5804.
County: Santa Cruz San Francisco Bay Area Seacliff (State Beach)
This long stretch of sand and bluffs has great accessible facilities including
picnicking, an interpretive center, fishing pier, a stranded cement ship, and
RV-only camping (reservations recommended year-round). Call for beach
wheelchair. (831) 685-6500. Campers/Motor Homes max. length: 40'
Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 36'
San Diego County Silver Strand (State Beach)
This stretch of sandy beach serves as the peninsula separating the San Diego Bay
from the Pacific Ocean. Nestled between natural dunes and endangered plants and
species are recreational opportunities such as swimming, surfing, windsurfing,
fishing, hiking, picnicking or just building a simple sandcastle. There are
stretches of open beach to comb, nature trails, an overnight campground for
recreational vehicles (motorhome & trailer only), and a new Aquatics Center
specializing in instructional classes for select water sports. (619) 435-5184.
County: Sonoma North Coast Sonoma Coast (State Beach)
Spectacular views, sandy strands, and quiet coves invite exploration of 19 miles
of coastline. Enjoy picnics, exhibits, and trails (accessible); spring
wildflowers, colorful sunsets, and whale watching. Reservations (800-444-7275)
recommended at the 2 popular coastal campgrounds: Bodega Dunes (wheelchair
accessible) and Wright’s Beach. (707) 875-3483. Campers/Motor Homes max. length:
31'
Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 31'
San Diego County South Carlsbad (State Beach)
A staircase leads down to the beach at this 110- acre park located 3 miles south
of Carlsbad. Visitors can swim, fish, picnic, skin dive, and surf. Its 226
developed, blufftop campsites (some accessible) are a favorite. Accessible
200-foot paved path to the cobbled beach and restrooms. From I-5, take the
Palomar Airport Rd. exit west to Carlsbad Blvd. (Hwy. 521), then go south to the
park. (760) 438-3143. Campers/Motor Homes max. length: 35'
County: Santa Cruz San Francisco Bay Area Sunset (State Beach)
Pines and dunes protect this beach’s accessible campground from stiff breezes.
An accessible picnic area is close to surf fishing and beach combing. Strong
currents make swimming hazardous. Call for beach wheelchair. (831) 763-7062.
Campers/Motor Homes max. length: 31'
Trailers/Pop-Ups max. length: 31'
County: San Mateo San Francisco Bay Area Thornton (State Beach)
This beach is not available to the general public at this time.
San Diego County Torrey Pines (State Beach)
This park, together with Torrey Pines State Beach, covers over 1,700 acres of
beach, marsh, and coastal bluffs. Hiking trails take in the picturesque pine
trees, eroded bluffs, and a gloriously undeveloped set of sandy beaches.
Accessible parking, restrooms, and visitor center (at reserve). Reserve entrance
on North Torrey Pines Rd. (Hwy. S21) as it parallels I-5, south of Del Mar.
(858) 755-2063.
County: Humboldt North Coast Trinidad (State Beach)
Tucked in a secluded cove in the small town of Trinidad, the small, sandy beach
is a pleasant retreat from the traffic of nearby US 101. It’s a short hike
through woods, across open bluffs, and past seasonal wildflowers down to the
beach. There is a natural arch near the north end of the beach. Low tide is the
best time to visit. (707) 488-2041.
County: Santa Cruz San Francisco Bay Area Twin Lakes (State Beach)
The beach has a mile of sandy shoreline, popular for swimming and picnicking.
The park’s adjacent Schwan lake is a good location for bird watching. Location -
Directions The small craft harbor in downtown Santa Cruz is .
County: Mendocino North Coast Westport-Union Landing (State Beach)
This park has beautiful beaches and blufftop camping. The 41-acre park is a
narrow, 2-milelong strip with camping. It is a haven for tidepool explorers,
surf anglers, abalone divers, and spearfishing enthusiasts. (707) 937-5804.
Los Angeles County Will Rogers (State Beach)
Will Rogers State Beach extends one and three-quarters mile along the shore. The
beach features swimming and skin diving. Facilities include volleyball courts,
playground and gymnastic equipment, as well as a bike path and walkway.
Central Coast Zmudowski (State Beach)
Located south of Monterey, this park is popular with surf-casters, bird
watchers, and equestrians. Fishing, hiking, nature gazing, and surfing are also
available. (831) 384-7695.
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