Bowling Ball Beach
Point Arena, CA
At low tide, rows of large round sandstone concretions appear on the sand looking exactly like their name suggests, lined up as if someone set them there on purpose. You have to time a visit to the tide tables, which keeps the beach from ever feeling crowded even when word gets out.
Plan your visit within an hour or two of low tide, or the round stones stay submerged and you'll miss the whole point.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.