Ode to the Coast

Should I start doing beach reviews? Yes, our usual missions are mountains. True, we’ve fallen hard for the forests here in Northern California. But you know what makes my heart sing? California’s coast. I don’t say it enough, but in fact the beaches are what I love best about California. This is an ode to the beaches of the California coast!

A view looking north at the iconic Bixby Bridge on Highway 101 in central California.

The more I see of California, the more I’m struck by it. It’s just such a beautiful state! The golden state truly has it all. And while the coast may be on the western edge, that incomparable stretch of beaches lies at the heart of this incredible state.

California, as seen from above. Puffy white clouds dot the sky above rolling green mountains. The coast is fringed by white beaches and deep blue waters.

Although our training tends to take us on hillier routes, there is nothing – and I mean nothing – like a recovery run on the beach. The beach is where I go to find peace – and to play. So without further ado, here are a few of our favorites!

Mussel Shoals

It’s right off the freeway, and it doesn’t even matter! This is a beautiful beach with a scenic pier, a lovely stretch of golden sand at high tide and a bicycle path running parallel to the waves. It’s also one of those rare beaches where you get both a sunset and a sunrise – both spectacular. Our Hong Kong 100 recovery took place right here – as did our first surfing lesson!

A selfie featuring the author, her husband and their cousin on Mussel Shoals beach. California 2020 is written in wet sand at the shoreline.

Monterey

The sea life here is incredible. Head out on a kayak, as we did in 2014, for close encounters with sea lions and sea otters. Brave the break to paddle over underwater kelp jungles and admire the coastal view from a new angle!

In this photo, the author is pointing towards something in the sea. She's seated at the front of a green sea kayak. Ahead, dozens of sea lions rest on a rocky breakwater.

Morro Bay

A portrait of Morro Rock beneath a cloudy sky. Several weathered fishing boats float in the quiet, calm seas in the foreground.

Big rock. Big concentration of sea lions. And big fun here at this lesser-known coastal destination! We couldn’t resist a stopover on our Great California Road Trip in 2015!

A selfie featuring the author and her husband in front of Morro Rock. The pair are wearing hats and sweaters on this winter's day - but also big smiles!

Bodega Bay

A top pick for quiet birthday celebrations in honor of this very special human! We celebrated a very special birthday here in 2015 with a sunset, fire-pit burritos and happy, sandy hiking.

Crissy Field

This is the place we always go whenever we’re in San Francisco doing visa-related errands. This is the best place for a Peet’s gingerbread cookie while waiting for the fog to lift and reveal the Golden Gate.

A portrait of the author's husband with a mist-shrouded Golden Gate Bridge.

Natural Bridges State Park

The perfect place to smash vegan donuts for breakfast while waiting for a whale watching cruise. This miniature beach in Santa Cruz is big on scenery! Another birthday trip highlight from 2015!

Samoa Beach

Yes, I’m referring to the mainland destination – not the Pacific Island. Surprising similarities do exist though! Under-visited and under-appreciated Samoa Beach is backed by grass-topped sand cliffs, populated by happy, sandy puppies and is as beautiful a place as any to do some beach watching.

Little River State Beach – Clam Beach

A hidden gem of Northern California coast. This great stretch encompassing two beaches is a haven for endangered snowy plovers, but is still wonderfully accessible. Hike through sand dunes and long grasses to reach the beach. Or head straight to the sand for miles of fun in either direction. Try running end to end on the soft sand for a scenic challenge!

A photograph of the author, running on Clam Beach. She's laughing and her eyes are closed.

Patrick’s Point State Park (& Agate Beach)

Sunset at Patrick's Point State Park comes in vivid orange, red and gold hues!

The kind of sunset dreams are made of. Massive surf and a short hike to the high vantage point at Wedding Rock make this the place to be at sundown. At other times of day, you can comb the beach for beautiful rocks, or chase the surf up and down a long foreshore.

A selfie of the author and her husband reveals the crescent-shaped sweep of Agate Beach at Patrick's Point State Park.

Trinidad Head & State Beach

Another absolute favorite! Just the approach to the seashore in small-town Trinidad makes me gasp. Rugged sea stacks break the surf in every direction. Combined with the small fishing boats in the harbor and the sound of the fog horn, you don’t have to do anything but look to enjoy this one!

A portrait of the author and her husband during a hike on Trinidad Head. Sea stacks rise dramatically from the ocean far below them, ringed by foamy white water.

Of course, if you want to do things, there are great things to do! The loop around Trinidad Head offers views in every direction, and each vantage point tops the last. Trinidad State Beach, too, gets better and better the further north you go. Follow the beach at low tide to get up close and personal with sea stacks and sea creatures. A special surprise awaits at the far end of the beach!

A low tide reveals rugged rocks and towering sea stacks on the far northern end of Trinidad State Beach.

So there you have it: a sampling of California’s best beaches. I’m sure there are many more candidates for the best of California’s coast, and I hope to see them all someday! But the magical thing about beaches: you really only need one. Each beach is a world unto itself. Splash! Sit. Stay awhile on the gorgeous California coast.

A heart in the sand is inscribed with the text KnC. A flock of seagulls flies low over the water as the sun sinks down toward it.

To explore these and other beaches, check out this website.