Sand Dollar Beach
Big Sur, CA
The largest sandy beach along the cliffs of Big Sur, reached by a short trail down from Highway 1, with the jade hunting cove of Jade Cove just south for anyone willing to scramble over rocks. Locals come for the jade, the tide pools, and the rare flat stretch of sand on a coastline mostly made of cliffs.
Cell service is spotty along this stretch of Highway 1, so plan your route before you lose signal.
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.