Little River State Beach
McKinleyville, CA
Little River State Beach runs along a stretch of dunes just south of Moonstone, reached by informal paths cut through the dune grass from roadside parking. It's less developed than the county parks nearby, which keeps it quieter even on a nice weekend.
The informal, dune-covered access keeps the crowds down compared to its more developed neighbors, though that same lack of a formal lot can make it easy to miss.
How we score beachesPark along the highway pullouts rather than hunting for a formal lot, that's genuinely how most people reach this stretch.
Free roadside parking is available; there's no formal lot.
Informal paths cross the dunes from the roadside pullouts to the beach; expect soft sand underfoot.
Dogs on leash are allowed only on the waveslope near the waterline, not in the dune areas or on the main beach.
Fog is common on summer mornings, clearing by afternoon, with water staying cold year round.
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