Pebble Beach
The Sea Ranch, CA

Pebble Beach is one of The Sea Ranch's named trail accesses, with real tide pools along the rocky shore worth timing to a low tide. It's a different kind of stop than Shell Beach's sand further north, more about the rocks and pools than a place to lay out a towel.
The tide pools give it real purpose beyond just another Sea Ranch access point, though it's a rocky shore rather than a sandy beach.
How we score beachesCheck a tide table before visiting, the tide pools here are the main draw and they're only worth exploring when the water's well out.
Free parking is available at the trailhead.
A trail leads from the trailhead down to the rocky shore.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Summer mornings run foggy before clearing, typical of the Sonoma 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.
