Hearn Gulch
Anchor Bay, CA
Hearn Gulch sits at Highway 1's milepost 10, a path to the beach that doubles as a kayak launch for experienced paddlers who know the local conditions. It's a working access point more than a groomed park, the kind of spot locals use for specific purposes rather than a general beach day.
A genuinely useful local access point for paddlers who know what they're doing, though it's not built for a casual beach visit.
How we score beachesThis kayak launch is genuinely for experienced paddlers only, the conditions here aren't forgiving for a first timer.
Free parking is available at the milepost 10 trailhead.
A path and blufftop trail lead down to the beach.
Dogs are allowed on leash on the trail down to this small pocket beach.
Winter swells bring the most consistent surf and paddling conditions here, while summer mornings tend to start foggy.
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.