BAKER BEACH, SAN FRANCISCO
Baker Beach is located on the western edge of San Francisco, at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. The beach offers stunning views of the bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and the Marin Headlands. The beach itself is a wide expanse of sand, backed by steep cliffs. The water can be cold, but it’s a perfect location for sunbathing, picnicking, and hiking. The beach can get crowded on the weekend, but San Francisco locals are famously friendly and are likely to ask you to pull up a beach towel and join in the fun. The weather at Baker Beach is typical of San Francisco, with cool temperatures and frequent fog. It's important to bring warm layers, even on sunny days. Safety recommendations for Baker Beach include staying on designated trails, avoiding the water, and watching out for sneaker waves. The beach is also clothing-optional in some areas. We just recommend keeping your Waldens in sight if you decide to partake - unaccompanied belongings tend to disappear easily in the city by the bay. Driving directions from downtown San Francisco: Head west on Geary Blvd until you hit 25th Ave and turn north. Take a right on El Camino Del Mar, which will turn into Lincoln. Turn left onto Bowley Street (the second one - you’ll notice the first is a one-way exit only), which leads to the beach parking lot.
PIRATE'S COVE, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Pirate's Cove is a secluded beach located south of Avila Beach on the Central Coast of California. Known for its picturesque scenery, with pristine blue waters and rocky cliffs that provide a dramatic backdrop, the beach is accessible only by a steep trail, which adds to its secluded charm.
The weather at Pirate's Cove is mild and sunny, with cool ocean breezes. Wildlife in the area includes sea otters, sea lions, lizards, snakes, and a variety of seabirds. The nearby Edna Valley is a world-class wine growing region with producers such as Talley and Tolosa making some of the best pinot noir in California.
Pirate's Cove Beach is also a clothing-optional beach. This means that visitors are allowed to sunbathe and swim in the nude, but can also choose to wear whatever amount of clothing they prefer.
Safety recommendations for Pirate's Cove include wearing sturdy shoes for the steep trail and being cautious when entering the water.
Driving directions from San Luis Obispo: Take Highway 101 north to Avila Beach Drive. Turn right onto Avila Beach Drive and follow it to Cave Landing Road. Turn right onto Cave Landing Road and follow it to the trailhead parking lot.
TRINIDAD STATE BEACH, NORTHERN COAST
Trinidad State Beach is located on a picturesque cove in Humboldt County. It is situated in the small coastal town of Trinidad and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The beach is known for its rugged beauty, scenic views, towering redwood trees, and diverse wildlife.
The beach itself is a long, crescent-shaped strip of sand that is backed by cliffs and rocky outcroppings. The sand is soft and inviting, and the water is generally calm, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach-combing. The beach is also known for its stunning sunsets, which are particularly beautiful when viewed from the rocks and cliffs above the beach. The weather at Trinidad State Beach is cool and often foggy, with occasional sunny days.
Trinidad State Beach is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including harbor seals, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds. Visitors can often see these animals basking on the rocks or playing in the water. The beach is also a popular spot for whale watching, particularly during the migration season, when visitors can see gray whales as they pass by the coast.
In terms of safety, visitors should be aware that the water at Trinidad State Beach can be cold and the currents can be strong. It is recommended that visitors exercise caution when swimming or wading in the water, particularly if they are not experienced swimmers. Additionally, visitors should be aware of the potential for slippery rocks and unstable cliffs along the shore and should avoid climbing on them.
To reach Trinidad State Beach, visitors can take the Trinidad exit off of Highway 101 and follow the signs to the beach.
EL MATADOR STATE BEACH, MALIBU
Located a (sometimes) 45 minute drive from central Los Angeles, El Matador State Beach is a small but picturesque beach that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The beach is known for its unique rock formations, sea caves, and hidden coves, which make it a popular spot for photographers and beachgoers alike. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, dolphins, and many different crustacean and mollusk species that inhabit tide pools in the area.
Typical weather conditions at El Matador State Beach are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. However, the beach can experience sudden temperature changes, so visitors should be prepared for cooler weather in the evenings and early mornings.
When visiting El Matador State Beach, it is important to follow all safety recommendations. The beach does not have lifeguards on duty, so visitors should swim at their own risk. The rocky terrain can be slippery, so visitors should wear appropriate shoes and watch their step. Parking at the beach is limited, so visitors should arrive early or be prepared to walk from a nearby parking lot. Visitors can reach El Matador State Beach from Los Angeles by taking the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1) north towards Malibu.
SAN ONOFRE STATE BEACH
San Onofre State Beach is located in San Diego County and is known for its expansive coastline, rolling sand dunes, and world-renowned surf breaks. The beach is popular with surfers, beachgoers, and campers alike, and offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages. The beach is also home to sea turtles, dolphins, and whales.
One highlight of San Onofre State beach is the opportunity to reserve a campsite and spend the night! Many are large enough for a travel trailer and each comes equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. There are also restrooms and showers available to wash off all the sand and saltwater. You can spend your days exploring the beach, hiking the nearby trails, or just lounging in the sun. At night, you can gather around the campfire and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing on the shore.
Typical weather conditions at San Onofre State Beach are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. However, the beach can experience sudden temperature changes, so visitors should be prepared for cooler weather in the evenings.
Make sure to exercise caution when swimming as the area is known to experience strong rip currents, so visitors should swim near the lifeguard towers and follow all posted signs. The bluffs along the beach and campground are also home to rattlesnakes and coyotes, so always be aware of your surroundings, never leave pets unattended, and treat these animals with respect.
You can reach San Onofre State Beach from San Diego by taking the I-5 north towards San Clemente.
FINAL NOTE
While we have provided a quick overview of what to expect when traveling to any of these amazing beaches, it’s always important to research conditions for your specific travel dates and make sure to plan accordingly. Things to consider include weather and tide conditions, availability of emergency services, local health and safety measures, and site accessibility. Locations like San Onofre, Pirate’s Cove, and Matador are semi-remote and feature rugged terrain, so be prepared with plenty of clean drinking water, sun protection, sturdy shoes, and situational awareness. Always make sure that the water and terrain are safe before entering - rip tides, sneaker waves, land slides, and cliff collapses can occur at many locations along the California coast.
