Humboldt Coast

The Best Beaches Along the Rugged Humboldt Coast

The Humboldt Coast is full of surprises. You'll find classic flat sand beaches, and coastal bluffs with stunning views. There are secluded coves, lagoons and an abundance of wildlife.

You can collect driftwood or search for agates, jade and other beach treasures. Explore the sealife hiding in tidepools, or bring your horse for a ride on the beach.

The beaches here are uncrowded, and if you're willing to go just a bit out of the way, you can have a beach to yourself.

Bonfires are allowed on most Humboldt beaches, and that's a good thing, since it's on the cool side in this corner of California. You'll want to dress in layers, so you'll be prepared whether things warm up or cool down.

The surf along the Humboldt coast is treacherous and cold. But not to worry, you can still go swimming in the area's rivers, lakes and lagoons.

South of Humboldt Bay, the coast gets more rugged. Highway 1 turns inland at this point, bypassing the dramatic King Range and avoiding the frequent landslides caused by high rainfall.

This is the famous Lost Coast, an area of pristine coastal wilderness. It's a favorite among backpackers and hikers, and is home to rare black sand beaches.

The beaches are listed from north to south.

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Includes accommodations in Trinidad, McKinleyville, Arcata, Eureka, and Ferndale.

Gold Bluffs Beach

This secluded beach is located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and surrounded by high bluffs. Roosevelt elk can be seen in the meadows behind the beach. This area of the Humboldt coast was mined for gold in the 1850's, hence the name.

There are 25 campsites, with picnic tables and cupboards. There's parking, restrooms, solar showers and firepits. The campsites have direct access to the beach. Hiking trails and fishing are available. There's a fee for camping.

Virtual Guidebooks provides a panoramic view of Gold Bluffs Beach.

Humboldt Lagoons

You'll find long sandy beaches and gorgeous wetlands at these lagoons along the Humboldt coast. This is an excellent place for bird watching and fishing. It's also popular for beachcombing, boating, whale-watching and agate hunting.

There are 4 Lagoons:

• Freshwater Lagoon
  
• Stone Lagoon
  
• Dry Lagoon
  
• Big Lagoon
  

For more information see:

• Humboldt Lagoons State Park
  
• Harry A Merlo State Recreation Area
  
• Big Lagoon
  

Virtual Guidebooks provides panoramic views of Freshwater Lagoon and Humboldt Lagoons State Park.

Agate Beach

This beach, located in Patrick's Point State Park, is, as the name implies, a great place to search for agates and jade. But you'll also find driftwood and tidepools to explore. Trails along the bluffs provide a good place to watch whales, sea lions, or the sunset.

There's parking, restrooms, 123 campsites, showers, firepits, 16 picnic sites and fishing. Some of trails and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Camping and day-use fees.

Virtual Guidebooks provides a panoramic view of Patrick's Point State Park.

Trinidad State Beach

One of the prettiest spots along the Humboldt coast, this small, sandy beach is tucked into a secluded cove. The trail to the beach is a half mile and drops 120 feet. There's parking, restrooms, a picnic area with tables and firepits, and hiking trails. You can enjoy stunning views on the bluffs above the beach.

For more information see Trinidad State Beach.

Virtual Guidebooks provides panoramic views of Trinidad.

Luffenholtz Beach

This dramatic pocket beach has outstanding views and great tidepools. It's located on Scenic Drive south of Trinidad on the Humboldt coast. A steep stairway leads down to the beach. There's parking, restrooms, firepits, and hiking trails. Beach fires are permitted.

For more information see Luffenholtz Beach.

Moonstone Beach

This broad, sandy beach is very popular. It boasts tidepools and sea caves. You can go boating and swimming at Little River - or go horseback riding on the beach. There's parking and portable toilets. Dogs are allowed on the beach unleashed, if they're under the complete control of the owner. Located south of Trinidad; take Scenic Drive or Highway 101.

For more information see Moonstone Beach.

Clam Beach

One of the largest beaches along the Humboldt Coast, between Little River and Mad River. Enjoy a bonfire on the beach, horseback riding, and surfing. There's parking, restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, and camping on the beach. Dogs are ok.

For more information see Clam Beach.

Virtual Guidebooks provides a panoramic view of Clam Beach.

Mad River Beach

This beautiful ocean beach on the Humboldt coast includes a boat ramp into the Mad River. There's parking, restrooms, picnic tables, and fishing. Beach fires are allowed. Dogs and horses are OK. This beach is popular with students from nearby Humboldt State University.

For more information see Mad River.

Humboldt Bay

You'll find ocean beaches and dunes along the Samoa Peninsula, which forms the north spit of Humboldt Bay. There are several different beaches and recreation areas here. To explore the dunes, head to Manilla Dunes Recreation Area, where you'll find parking, restrooms and guided walks.

Further south, Samoa Beach offers parking, fishing and sandy beach.

At the end of the peninsula, you'll find Samoa Dunes Recreation Area, popular for riding off-road vehicles, picnicking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. There's parking, wheelchair accessible restrooms and showers here.

For more information see Samoa Boat Ramp and Samoa Dunes Recreation Area.

Centerville Beach

This beach is located at the northern edge of the Lost Coast, from the mouth of the Eel River south to False Cape. You can take four wheel drive vehicles onto the beach, go horseback riding, or enjoy a bonfire. There's parking, portable toilets, firepits, fishing, and an equestrian trail.

For more information see Centerville County Park & Beach.

Black Sands Beach

This wild and scenic beach on the Lost Coast is absolutely stunning. The black volcanic sand is a unique feature of this section of the Humboldt Coast. In fact, such beaches are found only in a few areas of the world.

There's about 9 miles of beach, accessible from Beach Drive north of Shelter Cove. There's parking, restrooms, hiking and picnicking. The beach is part of King Range National Conservation Area and is operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Virtual Guidebooks provides a panoramic view of Black Sands Beach.

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