Gold Bluffs Beach
Orick, CA
Gold Bluffs Beach runs for miles beneath the golden bluffs of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, reached by a gravel road that drops out of old growth forest straight onto the sand. Elk and elephant seals show up here regularly, and two campgrounds, Gold Bluffs and the hike-in Miners Ridge, let you stay the night instead of just passing through.
The combination of old growth forest, open beach, and regular elk and elephant seal sightings is genuinely rare, though the gravel access road and cold water keep it a scenic stop rather than a swim spot.
How we score beachesFern Canyon sits at the north end of the beach road and gets busy by midmorning, so park at the main beach first and walk up if you're set on seeing it.
A day use fee applies for the park; the exact amount is best confirmed at the entrance station.
The gravel access road leads directly to the beach; the sand itself is broad and flat once you're out of the car.
Dogs are welcome on a six-foot leash on Gold Bluffs Beach.
Summer mornings usually start foggy under the redwoods before clearing over the beach by afternoon. Water stays cold year round, so this is a walking and wildlife beach more than a swimming one.
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