Fish Rock Beach
Anchor Bay, CA
Fish Rock Beach allows both day use and camping on a stretch of coast where overnight options are otherwise scarce, with real tide pools worth exploring at low tide. It's a quieter alternative to the bigger named state parks nearby, without losing much in the way of scenery.
A genuinely solid tide pool beach with rare camping access on this stretch of coast, though it doesn't have the name recognition of the bigger parks nearby.
How we score beachesCheck tide tables before a visit if the tide pools are the draw, they're only worth exploring when the water is well out.
A day use fee applies; the exact amount is best confirmed at the entrance.
The path from parking to the sand isn't documented in detail, so allow extra time on your first visit.
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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