The 12 Best Hidden Beaches In California For A Coastal Escape, According To Visitors

From Humboldt County's rugged shorelines with striking rock formations and atmospheric forests, to Orange County's small hidden beaches overlooked by tourists, California is graced with some of the world's best beaches. The Golden State boasts about 840 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, including miles-long stretches of unbroken sandy expanse and tucked-away coves amid picturesque bluffs.

Here, you'll find expansive and popular destinations like Huntington Beach, as well as photo-worthy gems like Pfeiffer Beach, California's wildly underrated purple sand beach. There are also many hidden jewels worth discovering, even if the journey to get there requires some effort and planning.

California's hidden beaches are truly unique. Some destinations only appear when the tide is out, while others are nestled in secluded coves. Whether you're on your own or have the whole family in tow, options abound for fun in the sun. Below are 12 hidden public beaches that visitors have expressed their affection for in reviews, listed in order from north to south along the California coast. The people have spoken, and these sandy destinations are well worth discovering.

California has dozens of state beaches, some of which are immensely popular and busy in the summer, such as San Onofre, which sees nearly 2.5 million annual visitors. Then, there are places like Pelican State Beach, which touches the Oregon border. Here, rocky bluffs and dunes meet driftwood-strewn sand that stretches for nearly a mile. Visitors find that this is a perfect place to stop for lunch if you're traveling along Highway 101, as you'll find picnic tables located along the short road to the small parking area, from which you can then hop on a trail to access the beach. 

True to its Pacific Northwest character, weather can be changeable along the coast. It's a good idea to pack an extra layer in case of wind, especially if you plan to spend a few hours walking and beachcombing on the shore. Sneaker waves also have a tendency to get up to their namesake trickery, so always keep your eye on the surf for unpredictable currents.

One of the reasons Pelican State Beach is so beautifully secluded and calm is that it doesn't host a campground. However, if you'd like to stay overnight and you've packed a tent, you can set up camp less than two miles down the road at Clifford Kamph Memorial Park in Smith River.

Just south of the unmatched old-school seaside charm of Trinidad in Humboldt County sits the secluded and scenic Luffenholtz Beach. Rugged and tree-lined just like its northern cousin, Trinidad State Beach, Luffenholtz is a small beach accessible by steps. Featuring a scenic overlook and hiking trails, it's popular with locals for fishing, tidepooling, and wildlife viewing — especially around the series of large rocks that comprise part of the California Coastal National Monument. This expansive habitat of more than 20,000 islets, rocks, and reefs is home to a huge array of marine life, including sea lions, seals, and tens of thousands of seabirds.

Just beyond the beach at the south end, stop at Tepona Point for elevated views up the coast toward Trinidad and over the rock formations. Today, the area is even more accessible thanks to a series of renovations that added a viewing platform, seating, and improved access to the overlook. Some visitors note that the winds can get a little strong here, so you may want an extra layer. And if you can't get enough of this area, Houda Point Beach sits just to the south of Tepona Point, offering even more picturesque views over the water, as well as a front-row seat facing the double-humped Camel Rock. Parking for both Luffenholtz and Houda Point is located along Scenic Drive, but visitors warn that spots fill up quickly on busy days.

One of the benefits of a small hike being required to access a beach is that you'll likely find more seclusion once you reach it. Such is the case for the aptly named Hidden Beach, located just north of the town of Klamath. While there are a few other hiking options in the vicinity that will also get you to Hidden Beach, the trailhead for the quickest access is located directly on Highway 101. Here, the Trees of Mystery nature park is the primary attraction, along with Klamath's other local redwoods attractions like the Klamath Tour Thru Tree and Cathedral Tree. Fewer people passing through know about the atmospheric, pebbly beach, located at the end of a half-mile hike through the woods. Remember to wear appropriate shoes for the walk, as some folks have noted that the trail can get a little muddy. 

Hidden Beach comprises an intimate curved cove embraced by hills and tons of driftwood pushed against the bluff. Once you're by the shore, you can wander along the water's edge, climb around on the rocks, and watch seabirds — you may even luck out and catch a glimpse of seals basking in the sun.

One of Northern California's most striking areas is a stretch of coastal Sonoma County known as Sea Ranch, a utopian planned community and rustic time capsule from the 1960s. While the area feels a bit like a large, spread-out subdivision of oceanfront homes, a network of public paths leads to a number of coves. Architecture enthusiasts will have plenty of unique 1960s and 1970s homes to admire along the way. Parking lots are located along California State Route 1 for easy access.

Black Point Beach is the southernmost of a handful of scenic beaches at Sea Ranch, tucked away just north of The Sea Ranch Lodge. The trail to the beach is about a quarter-mile long, with a wooden staircase that descends to the sand from the bluff. Visitors note that the beach can be narrow even at low tide, but it's well worth a visit, and you may have it all to yourself. The beach itself is relatively small, but remains a popular spot for surfers thanks to its exposed beach break. Other nearby beaches worth checking out include Pebble Beach, Stengel Beach, and Shell Beach. Here, you'll find a longer coastal walk along the Bluff Top Trail near the Del Mar Landing State Marine Reserve.

Dog-lovers know that their four-legged family members often enjoy a trip to the beach as much as they do. Fortunately, there are plenty of pet-friendly spots along the California coast. Esplanade Beach in Pacifica is a surefire favorite for pups who love to splash around. A suburb known for quiet coastal charm and idyllic views, Pacifica is located about a 20-minute drive south of downtown San Francisco. The area is home to several beaches popular for surfing, swimming, kayaking, and more. And while all of them permit dogs, Esplanade Beach stands out because it's the only designated off-leash beach in the area, and visitors say there's plenty of room for dogs to run.

Beyond its appeal as a dog-friendly destination, Esplanade Beach is also fairly secluded, accessed via a pretty trail with a series of switchbacks that descends from Esplanade Drive. The bluffs add visual interest, making it a perfect place to catch the sunset as it glows orange off the rocks. That said, if you're planning on walking along the shoreline, be sure to check the tide tables. The beach is relatively narrow, and it can be difficult to traverse around the rocks at high tide.

A small beach located at the northern end of San Simeon, Pico Creek Beach is a favorite Central Coast surfing spot. With parking available in a cul-de-sac at the end of Pico Avenue, beachgoers can head down to the sandy stretch by descending a short staircase. If you've got your board on you, it's a great spot for surfing thanks to the reef break. If not, Pico Creek Beach is still great for a relaxing stroll and taking in the sunset. 

Although you'll likely be joined by a few others on warm, sunny days, there are still quieter areas you can enjoy — including the stretch of beach that continues south toward the far end of town, narrowing slightly. These areas can be accessed either by walking along the sand from Pico Creek or by driving to the corner of Vista Del Mar and Balboa Avenue, where you can park and follow a scenic trail over the bluffs through wildflowers and ice plants. From there, paths lead down between the rocks to more sandy coves. Just make sure to keep an eye on the tides when exploring these narrow areas.

Named for its 4-mile peninsula-like shape, Sandspit Beach — tucked away in Morro Bay, an underrated and charming seaside city right off Highway 1 — is a truly unique place. The beach is located in Montaña de Oro State Park, and some beachgoers suggest you'll need to hike a bit to get there. The only access to the beach is by walking from a small parking lot just off Pecho Valley Road, where a network of trails leads over the bluffs and toward Hazard Canyon Reef. Once on the sand, walking north along Sandspit Beach opens up sweeping views of Morro Bay to your right, with the city across the water.

One of Sandspit's biggest draws is that its size allows visitors to experience a few different vibes. Nature lovers can explore grassy dunes within the Morro Dunes Ecological Preserve and the Morro Bay Wildlife Area, which protects aquatic plants and serves as a habitat for birds and other wildlife. Western snowy plovers nest here from March to September, and nesting areas are fenced off and protected for the shorebirds, which are considered a "species of special concern" in California.

The beach extends north towards Morro Rock, and surfers often find a break near the adjacent jetty. If you'd rather skip the long walk, this section of Sandspit Beach can be reached more easily by kayak, boat, or paddleboard. That said, while the beach is fairly exposed and may not immediately come to mind as "hidden," the effort required to reach it keeps crowds thin, making it an ideal spot to pack in a picnic and enjoy a relaxing day in the sun.

Also in Montaña de Oro State Park near Los Osos, just a couple of miles south of Sandspit Beach, Spooner's Cove is tucked close to Islay Creek Campground, making it a perfect place to stay for a while. Better yet, it's easy to reach from San Luis Obispo at just a half-hour drive west, and it sits about 20 minutes south of Morro Bay. Even though Spooner's Cove is located within a state park, day-use parking is free. That said, it's worth noting that there is a fee to camp overnight.

At Spooner's Cove, Islay Creek spills into the Pacific Ocean at a pebbly beach where dramatic rock formations and caves become more pronounced — and explorable — when the tide is out. Visitors often note that climbing on the rocks is great fun, especially for kids, and it's also ideal for wildlife viewing. To make matters even more enticing for outdoor enthusiasts, Montaña de Oro State Park is home to a number of scenic trails, including the 4-mile Bluff Trail, which features an overlook facing the beach. Dogs are allowed to wander on the beach as long as they are leashed, but keep in mind that they are not permitted on the Bluff Trail.

Part of an expansive area of meadows and coastline in Santa Barbara called More Mesa Open Space, More Mesa Beach is the kind of sandy treasure that emerges from below the bluffs when the tide is low. The Open Space is criss-crossed by multi-use trails perfect for biking, horseback riding, and hiking, and dogs are also allowed as long as they're leashed. After a 0.75-mile walk from the entrance at Mockingbird Lane, the beach can be reached on a steep path through some trees. Although the land is technically privately owned — and discussions about a possible development have raised questions about long-term public access — it's definitely worth checking it out while you can.

More Mesa Beach is secluded enough that there's an informal clothing-optional area, and some locals head here to sunbathe in the nude. That said, nudity is prohibited at Santa Barbara's beaches. Nonetheless, law enforcement has been known to look the other way as long as you stick to the western end of the beach, as the local norm is that the eastern side is always clothing-on.

Catalina Island is a breathtaking destination in California known as "America's Amalfi Coast." Reachable by boat, helicopter, or high-speed ferry, it's famous for its scuba diving and colorful architecture. Better yet, it also has its fair share of wonderful beaches. You'll find busy public beaches in Avalon, as well as the private Descanso Beach, which visitors can access for $2, with options for chair rentals and restaurant access. 

Then, there are the more remote options, such as Ben Weston Beach on the island's wilder, western "backside." There's even a thru-hike that takes advantage of this part of Catalina called the Trans-Catalina Trail (TCT), spanning 38.5 miles and interspersed with beaches and camping. Ben Weston Beach is a bit farther south than this route, making it even more secluded. If you're not hiking, Ben Weston Beach is only accessible by taking the Wildlands Express bus, and beach-goers have said that although it requires extra effort to get here, the journey is part of what makes this place a secluded gem.

Camping is permitted at Ben Weston Beach, so it's possible to turn a visit into an overnight stay and make the trek worthwhile. Alternatively, hike northbound for about two hours, past the small yet beautiful Cottonwood Beach, to find the remote Little Harbor Campground, the only campground on this side of the island.

Laguna Beach might as well be called "Laguna Beaches" for its wealth of options for sand and surf. Main Beach, as the name suggests, is busier and most central, while several smaller beaches like Thousand Steps Beach and Treasure Island Beach are popular areas for boogie boarding, swimming, climbing, and sunbathing. However, if you're seeking more of a tranquil experience, your best bet is to head to one of the smaller coves accessible from residential neighborhoods.

Shaw's Cove is one of these more secluded options, accessed by a staircase located at the end of Fairview Street where it meets Cliff Drive. At low tide, this is a popular place for exploring the tide pools that emerge around the rocks — past visitors have observed marine life like sea urchins and crabs. However, as a State Marine Conservation Area, it's important that visitors simply admire the wildlife and refrain from touching or removing it. Other spots worth exploring nearby include Fisherman's Cove and Picnic Cove, located just to the east.

Sunset Cliffs Beach is the kind of spot that's both very easy to reach and a bit of a challenge, depending on if you plan to climb all the way down to the water. Access to the narrow beach is located below the bluffs, a steep descent from the lower parking lot of the 68-acre Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. The beach is locally known as "Garbage Beach" because, decades ago, people used to chuck their junk onto the shore so that the ocean would wash it away. But times have certainly changed, and it's been a long time since anyone has thrown their trash here. Nonetheless, the name stuck.

Popular with both locals and tourists, especially at sunset when some mention it can get a little bit crowded, Sunset Cliffs Beach is best explored at low tide. This is the ideal time to check out the tide pools, though you'll want to make sure you wear practical shoes as the route down is quite steep — even with the help of a rope rail. If you'd rather skip the walk down, you can still enjoy sweeping views from several overlooks perched above the bluffs. It's also a great place to spot gray whales as they migrate north between February and April.

California's immense coastline is home to a wealth of public beaches that have their own unique qualities. From moody, driftwood-strewn northern California stretches, to sunny little coves in southern California, we aimed to share a wide range of places that would appeal to visitors for different reasons.

To create this roundup, we looked to verified tourism sites like VisitCalifornia.com, CaliforniaBeaches.com, VisitPacifica.com, VisitdDelNorteCounty.com, VisitCambriaCA.com, SantaBarbara.com, VisitCatalinaIsland.com, LoveCatalina.com, and others. We also sourced information from organizations like TrinidadCoastalLandTrust.org, BLM.gov, Parks.CA.gov, and Wildlife.CA.gov. In addition to the author's experiences — having lived in and extensively traveled around California to see many of these beaches firsthand — this guide incorporates countless feedback from travelers on Wanderlog.com, reviews on Tripadvisor and Google, and recommendations shared on Reddit forums.