South Spit
Loleta, CA
South Spit forms the other side of the Humboldt Bay entrance from the North Spit, a wilder, less visited stretch of dune and beach managed as part of the Mike Thompson Wildlife Area. Views stretch both out to open ocean and back across the bay, and the crowd here is a fraction of what the North Spit gets.
Genuinely wilder and quieter than its North Spit counterpart, held back only by how much longer the drive around the bay takes to reach it.
How we score beachesGetting here takes a longer drive around the bay through Loleta, so plan extra time compared to the more direct North Spit access points.
Free parking is available; check current access conditions as the wildlife area's road can be affected by weather.
A path leads from parking through dune habitat to the beach; expect soft sand and no paved route.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Wind and fog are common on this exposed spit, and water stays cold year round.
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