Greenwood State Beach
Elk, CA
Greenwood State Beach sits below the blufftop hamlet of Elk, reached by a steep paved path with a visitor center and museum nearby covering the area's logging and shipping history. A kayak launch makes this a genuine put-in spot too, not just a beach to sit on.
The paved path, kayak launch, and real local history make it a genuinely well rounded stop, though the steep path down is worth knowing about before committing.
How we score beachesCheck the visitor center's posted hours if the history interests you, it only opens limited hours on weekends.
Free parking is available at the beach.
A steep paved path leads from parking 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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