The 3 Best Cups of Coffee You Can Find in San Francisco
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Blast your playlist on the way to an adventure at these secret California beaches.
Boasting divine coastlines and stunning hues, California never fails to paint a beach lover’s paradise. Whether you’re braving the cold for a winter beach trip or soaking up the summer sun, the Golden State’s coastline has it all.
While well-known beaches welcome visitors daily, other coves throughout California remain empty. These shores offer much-needed breaks from the real world—they’re concealed from the average passer-by. So if you want to avoid crowds, jump in the car and blast your favorite playlist on the way to these secret California beaches.
Location: Ocean Avenue and Main Street, Seal Beach
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Lifeguard, fishing pier, grass park, restrooms, showers, playground, volleyball courts, benches
Dogs allowed: No
Bike rack: Available
Seal Beach is the perfect antidote to its overcrowded counterparts. Tucked between Long Beach and Huntington Beach, this white-sand delight is nestled along Orange County’s northernmost shore. Beachgoers here engage in activities such as surfing, bodyboarding, fishing, and volleyball.
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Prized as one of the best hidden beaches in California, Seal Beach has views that never cease to amaze. The panoramic vistas encompass everything from mountains to sea life; this contrast becomes even clearer from the scenic pier.
Location: 2575 Ribera Road, Carmel
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Trails
Dogs allowed: On leash
Bike rack: Available
Despite being located next to the Carmel Meadows housing community, the beach tends to be much less trafficked than you might expect. With free street parking and a charming trail leading to the crashing waves, this beach is a must-see for hiking enthusiasts.
Location: 9100 Sycamore Canyon Road, Big Sur
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Rock arch, tide pools, dunes, restrooms
Dogs allowed: On leash
Bike rack: Available
Located south of Big Sur Station on Highway 101, Pfeiffer Beach occupies a scenic undeveloped landscape. Mountainous heights and grand rock formations serve as a backdrop to this wide sandy stretch.
The Pfeiffer shore features purplish-white sand and unlimited recreational activities. Feel free to explore the overlook and famous Bixby Bridge.
Location: Redwood Highway, Klamath
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Trails, driftwood, picnic tables, restrooms
Dogs allowed: No
Bike rack: Not available
Tucked below the hillsides of Del Norte County, this beach lives up to its name with a long hike through giant rock formations. The tree-covered landscapes offer unparalleled trails and curious bird sightings are common all around the sandy area.
Location: Conzelman Road, Sausalito
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Restrooms, trails, viewpoint
Dogs allowed: No
Bike rack: Available
Marin County’s Black Sands Beach is a remedy to everyday troubles. The picturesque landscape reflects on the water’s surface as you make your way down the black sand, offering a relaxing escape from normal life.
Due to its unique location, this secret beach offers California’s best views without the blazing heat. When you reach the parking lot, a wooden trail greets you, inviting you to explore further. While you’re soaking up the sun, keep your eye peeled for beautiful native fish and bird species.
Location: Lincoln Boulevard and Langdon Court, San Francisco
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Military structures, viewpoint, trails
Dogs allowed: No
Bike rack: Available
Steep cliffs and narrow paths make for quite a descent to Marshall’s Beach— one of the most scenic hidden beaches in the Bay Area. If you rise to the challenge, you’ll find that this secluded hideaway bumps against the Golden Gate Bridge.
Winding trails lead you through bluffs and stairways, only to grant you a front-row seat to a glorious San Francisco Bay sunset. Swimming is not advisable due to rip currents and cooler temperatures—but the sweeping views and picnic areas are sure to make up for it.
Location: Oceana Drive and Lelani Lane, Dillon Beach
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Not available
Dogs allowed: No
Bike rack: Not available
Nesting at the mouth of the Estero de San Antonio stream, this glorious sandbar puts the “hide” in hideaway. With practically no land-based access—except for a trail in the private Dillon Beach housing community—this secluded shore is a must-see for adventurers.
One of the most common routes to Estero De San Antonio involves either a boat or a kayak. Either way, you’ll set sail from Dillon Beach—the closest public access point. If you wish to explore this hidden gem for longer, rent a house in the Dillon Beach Community and revel in the marvelous surroundings.
Location: Coast Highway and 9th Avenue, Laguna Beach
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Lifeguard, restrooms, showers, tide pools, caves, rock arch
Dogs allowed: No
Bike rack: Not available
Relish in tranquil seclusion at Thousand Steps Beach—one of Laguna Beach’s finest coastal oases. Don’t worry if you’re not one for hiking; getting to this beach doesn’t actually require you to take a thousand steps.
Instead, the wooden steps lead you down to the scenic shore, where explorers are guaranteed to get their kicks. If you pass the large rock cave towards the southern end of the beach, you’ll discover a small cove—equipped with two swimming pools overlooking the ocean. This picturesque hotspot, though rewarding, can only be accessed at low tide.
Location: 201 Paseo De La Playa, Torrance
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Lifeguard, restrooms, showers, paved bike path, grass park, snack bar, volleyball courts
Dogs allowed: No, except for the nearby park
Bike rack: Available
Nestled between Redondo Beach and Malaga Cove, this sun-soaked gem is an ideal sanctuary. Torrance Beach is the perfect spot for surfing, biking, swimming, and sunbathing. Nicknamed RAT Beach—an acronym for Right After Torrance—the shore is easily reached by way of ramps and is one of California’s accessible beaches.
This secret beach is also the start of The Strand, California’s 22-mile path meandering along the Pacific coastline from Torrance to Malibu.
Location: 18550 Cabrillo Highway, San Simeon
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Creek, dunes
Dogs allowed: No
Bike rack: Not available
San Carpoforo Creek Beach is a hidden wonder that shares part of its land with Los Padres National Forest. Located in the northernmost part of the Hearst San Simeon State Park, this sandy beach is one of the least trafficked Big Sur locations—perfect for wandering, surfing, and beachcombing.
A cool wind blows through most of the year, clothing the beach with eerie fog and Instagrammable locations.
Location: Coast Highway and La Costa Avenue, Encinitas
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, lifeguard
Dogs allowed: No
Bike rack: Available
Along its beautiful 70-mile coastline, San Diego boasts some of the best beaches in the state. Armed with dreamy weather year-round, San Diego’s beaches have long been visitor favorites. But, with demand comes overcrowding.
If you’re in search of a less-packed alternative, look no further than South Ponto Beach. Located 35 miles north of San Diego, this beach hides in an undeveloped area between Carlsbad and Encinitas. The beach is rather wide, making it perfect for picnicking, playing volleyball, and sunbathing. Its seclusion only adds to its allure—especially when majestic whales emerge from the water.
On the hunt for a great cup of coffee? Allow us to help you find the best cups of coffee in San Francisco.
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