Secret Beaches in California That Require a Hike to Reach
California has no shortage of scenic beaches, but the real rewards go to those willing to work for them. Off the main roads and down dirt trails are stretches of coastline that don’t appear in souvenir brochures. These places aren’t inaccessible, just undiscovered by most. A bit of effort brings tide pools, wildlife sightings—and in many cases, a beach all to yourself.
Stump Beach, Sonoma Coast
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Stump Beach, down a 1.2-mile path through coastal prairie, has a cove framed by cliffs and scattered with driftwood. It is located inside Salt Point State Park, where strong waves crash just far enough offshore to allow safer-than-usual swimming for this region.
Bowling Ball Beach, Mendocino County
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During low tide, Schooner Gulch State Beach becomes a geological oddity. Dozens of round boulders—formed naturally through concretions—emerge like marbles scattered by a giant. Tide timing matters; the spherical rocks vanish beneath the waterline most of the day.
Marshall’s Beach, San Francisco
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For panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge minus the crowd, Marshall’s Beach beats Baker’s Beach. The trailhead begins at the Batteries to Bluffs Trail in the Presidio and ends at a narrow strip of sand where waves crash close, and container ships float by.
Black’s Beach, La Jolla
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Black’s Beach is situated below the Torrey Pines cliffs and demands a steep hike, no matter which path you pick. Surfers favor the southern end for its long, consistent breaks. Paragliders drift overhead, and dolphins often cut through the waves. There’s also a clothing-optional section farther north.
Sandspit Beach, Morro Bay
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Access to this narrow sandbar requires a kayak or paddleboard trip across the bay. Upon arrival, the ocean-facing side presents a broad, often deserted beach with dunes and a variety of marine birds. Morro Rock looms in the background. It’s part of the protected Morro Bay State Marine Reserve, so leave the shells and driftwood behind.
Esplanade Beach, Pacifica
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A winding set of cliffside switchbacks brings you to this off-leash dog beach. Esplanade isn’t exactly expansive, but it feels wild, especially at low tide when tide pools appear. High tides can make parts impassable, so plan for a dry window. Additionally, the bluffs above offer ocean views that are worth the climb.
Perles Beach, Angel Island
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Most Angel Island visitors stay near the ferry dock, which leaves Perles Beach untouched. A roughly 3-mile hike (or bike ride) leads to this west-facing shore with Golden Gate views and hardly any people. Sea otters sometimes drift nearby, and springtime visitors might spot wildflowers along the way.
Abalone Cove Beach, Palos Verdes
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Marked trails lead down from Abalone Cove Shoreline Park through coastal brush to tide pools filled with sea stars and anemones. At low tide, sea caves appear. The paths are fairly short, but uneven footing and steep stretches can catch visitors off guard.
Crystal Cove Tidepools, Newport Beach
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To find these tidepools, head through Crystal Cove State Park via one of several hiking trails. The beach itself is easily accessible, but the pools are located along rockier sections, requiring a bit of walking. Marine life hides in the crevices—you might spot sea urchins, crabs, and the occasional octopus if you’re patient.
Ben Weston Beach, Catalina Island
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On the windward side of Catalina Island, this beach is low-key thanks to the one-mile hike required after a long drive or tour. The trail cuts through chaparral before dropping down to a wide cove favored by surfers. Conditions vary by season, and you’ll likely share the place with more birds than people.