Big River Beach
Mendocino, CA
Big River Beach sits where the Big River meets the ocean just below the town of Mendocino, part of Mendocino Headlands State Park with its own parking lot east of Highway 1. It's a genuine sandy beach, rarer than the rocky coves that dominate this stretch, and a launch point for kayaking upriver into the estuary if you'd rather paddle than swim.
A genuine sandy beach and estuary paddle in a stretch of coast dominated by rocky headlands, though the surf can be inconsistent depending on the river mouth conditions.
How we score beachesRent a kayak or canoe if you're here in the warmer months, paddling up the Big River estuary is one of the best low key activities on this whole stretch of coast.
Free parking is available at the lot east of Highway 1.
Stairs and a path lead from the parking lot down to the beach.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Summer mornings run foggy before clearing, typical of the Mendocino coast, with water staying cold year round.
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