The Most Scenic Northern California Coastal Parks Ranked

For all my Ocean Lovers, 🐳

Here is my personal ranking of the 30 most scenic to least scenic Coastal Parks.

1. Big Sur Coastline, various points*
2. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park*
3. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve*
4. Garrapata State Park*
5. Pfeiffer Beach*
6. Andrew Molera State Park*
7. Monterey State Beach*
8. Point Reyes National Seashore
9. Glass Beach in Fort Bragg
10. Mendocino Headlands State Park
11. Natural Bridges State Beach
12. Salt Point State Park
13. Asilomar State Beach*
14. Limekiln State Park*
15. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
16. Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
17. Tomales Bay State Park
18. Half Moon Bay State Park
19. Bodega Head
20. Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park
21. Trinidad State Beach
22. Wilder Ranch State Park
23. Año Nuevo State Park
24. Pescadero State Park
25. Bean Hollow State Beach
26. Montara State Beach
27. Pacifica State Beach
28. Point Bonita Lighthouse
29. Rodeo Beach
30. Stinson Beach

• *** Central Coast Parks Often Grouped with Northern California

1. Big Sur Coastline: A spectacular stretch of coastline renowned for its dramatic views, towering cliffs, and deep blue waters.
2. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Home to the iconic McWay Falls that cascades directly onto a pristine beach, this park offers stunning coastal scenery and dense redwood forests.
3. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Known as the “crown jewel” of California’s state parks, it features rich marine biodiversity, scenic trails, and vibrant tide pools.
4. Garrapata State Park: Offers rugged coastlines and the beauty of wild, blooming calla lilies along its trails, providing hikers with breathtaking ocean views.
5. Pfeiffer Beach: Famous for its purple sand and massive rock formations with natural arches, it’s a unique and picturesque spot ideal for photography.
6. Andrew Molera State Park: Features diverse landscapes including beaches, trails, and meadows, great for hiking and spotting wildlife.
7. Monterey State Beach: Popular for watersports, this sandy beach is perfect for surfing, kayaking, and wildlife observation.
8. Point Reyes National Seashore: A vast expanse with a rich biodiversity and history, offering spectacular hiking trails and ocean views.
9. Glass Beach in Fort Bragg: Known for its colorful sea glass created from years of dumped garbage, this beach is now a testament to nature’s resilience.
10. Mendocino Headlands State Park: Offers rugged shoreline, scenic hiking trails, and the chance to explore the historic town of Mendocino.
11. Natural Bridges State Beach: Famous for its naturally formed bridge, this beach is excellent for viewing migrating whales and monarch butterflies.
12. Salt Point State Park: Known for its rugged coastline and unique geological formations, it’s a hotspot for fishing, diving, and rock climbing.
13. Asilomar State Beach: Features scenic rocky coves and long sandy beaches, ideal for walking and sunset viewing.
14. Limekiln State Park: Named after its historic lime kilns, the park features a waterfall, redwoods, and beach access.
15. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve: A haven for tide pool enthusiasts, offering the chance to explore marine life in its natural habitat.
16. Jug Handle State Natural Reserve: Features a unique ecological staircase of five wave-cut terraces formed by glacier, sea, and tectonic activity.
17. Tomales Bay State Park: Known for its peaceful waters ideal for kayaking and the picturesque Heart’s Desire Beach.
18. Half Moon Bay State Park: Offers miles of sandy beaches, making it perfect for horseback riding, fishing, and camping.
19. Bodega Head: Offers spectacular whale watching opportunities from its high cliffs and hiking trails.
20. Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park: Features a working lighthouse from 1909, with breathtaking views and a chance to learn about local maritime history.
21. Trinidad State Beach: Offers a secluded beach experience with stunning rock formations and a picturesque lighthouse.
22. Wilder Ranch State Park: Known for its historic ranch buildings and scenic coastal trails, it’s popular among hikers and mountain bikers.
23. Año Nuevo State Park: Best known for its elephant seal rookery, the park offers guided walks to see these massive marine mammals up close.
24. Pescadero State Park: Features a mix of beach and marsh landscapes, offering a variety of birdwatching and hiking opportunities.
25. Bean Hollow State Beach: A small cove beach with tide pools and unique pebbly shores, ideal for a quiet getaway.
26. Montara State Beach: Known for surfing and its mysterious fog-covered cliffs, providing a serene atmosphere.
27. Pacifica State Beach: Popular with surfers for its consistent waves and with families for its accessible location and facilities.
28. Point Bonita Lighthouse: Accessible via a dramatic bridge, this active lighthouse offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay.
29. Rodeo Beach: Known for its unique dark pebbly sand and proximity to historic military sites, it’s popular for picnics and hikes.
30. Stinson Beach: A beloved destination for both swimmers and surfers, offering a long sandy stretch ideal for leisure and water activities.

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