Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
Samoa, CA
Samoa Dunes Recreation Area sits at the south tip of the North Spit, where off-road vehicles are permitted on the sand and anglers work the jetty at the mouth of Humboldt Bay. It's a different scene from the quiet, no-vehicle dunes at Ma-le'l further north, louder and more active, but a real destination if fishing or OHV riding is the plan.
A genuine draw for OHV riders and jetty anglers, though it's a louder, more industrial feeling beach than the quieter dunes just up the spit.
How we score beachesCheck current OHV rules before bringing a vehicle onto the sand, permitted areas and seasons do change here.
Free parking is available at the recreation area.
Trails cross the dunes from parking to the beach; OHV traffic shares the same sand in permitted areas.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Wind is a near constant on this exposed spit, and water stays cold year round, typical of Humboldt Bay's entrance.
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.