Navarro Beach
Navarro, CA
Navarro Beach sits at the mouth of the Navarro River, a genuinely wide sandy beach littered with driftwood and backed by the inland redwood groves of Navarro River Redwoods State Park further up the highway. It's a good combination stop if you're already headed inland to see the redwoods along Highway 128.
The wide, driftwood strewn sand and the redwood grove connection inland make it a genuinely worthwhile combination stop, though the beach alone doesn't stand out from its neighbors.
How we score beachesCombine this with a drive up Highway 128 through the redwood groves if you have the time, the park's beach and forest units are worth seeing as one trip.
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.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach at Navarro Beach Campground in Navarro River Redwoods State Park.
Summer mornings run foggy before clearing, typical of the Mendocino coast, with water staying cold year round.
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.