With Memorial Day kicking off the unofficial start of summer, it’s time to hit the beach! And some of the best ones out there require a little hike-in action. Here are three worth lacing up for.
Wonder Balls
Hidden on the Mendocino Coast, Bowling Ball Beach lives up to its name, and then some. Giant smoothly rounded boulders (some 12 feet across) are scattered across the beach. But you’ve got to go at low tide to truly appreciate the beauty of this place. And there aren’t any big signs pointing the way. It’s about a 5-minute walk along a bluff down to a rickety wooden stair-ladder that descends to the sand. Watch your step. Once you reach the beach, it’s another 5 minutes of walking to reach the big balls. About 100 are visible at low tide. Play hopscotch jumping from one to the next. Then sit back on the beach and watch as the water laps around this natural wonder. Go big!
TIP: Bowling Ball Beach isn’t far from Sea Ranch, a great spot for an overnight escape.
The beach is 10.5 miles north of the town of Gualala along Hwy. 1. Park at the western pullout just north of Schooner Gulch River on the highway, and look for the sign that says "Park Facing South." There are two trailheads; take the less obvious northern trail, veer right at the fork, and walk five minutes to the bluff. Be cautious dropping down the stair-ladder as there has been a lot of erosion. Those with limited mobility aren't advised. Once on the beach, walk five minutes north. Dog-friendly!
Activity: Hike ,Water ,Relax ,Dog-friendly
Region: Points Beyond
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Since the new Devil’s Slide Tunnel opened a few months ago, the San Mateo Coast has, well, pretty much stayed the same: it’s a glorious golden coastline packed with pocket beaches. One of the best? Gray Whale Cove State Beach, located right at the southern end of the new tunnel. The short-and-steep trail and stairs leading down to the cove are part of the adventure—and worth every step! Gray Whale is popular, but there’s lots of space at this sandy respite backed by dramatic cliffs. Bring a picnic, stake a section, and take in the scenery. This is pure beach-blanket bliss. Watch as the Pacific waves tumble or hurl toward giant rock formations, culminating in either a splish or a splash. Like many secluded sands in northern California, you may also be privy to a full moon that’s usually not as becoming as the real deal; this turf’s also a favorite of the clothing-free crowd. There’s room to find a cove cover-up though! That’s the great thing about Gray’s anatomy.
Gray Whale Cove State Beach is 5 miles south of Pacifica on Hwy. 1. Parking is on the east side of the highway just past the tunnel, and the beach is on the west side. Use caution when crossing the highway. No dogs.
Activity: Water ,Relax
Region: Peninsula & South Bay
Black on Gold
Nearly a mile of slate and black sand, expansive views of the the Golden Gate, and just minutes from San Francisco, Marin Headlands' Black Sand Beach (also known as Upper Fisherman’s) is roughly the size of Baker Beach—with only a fraction of the crowds. Get there in the morning (the parking lot is small and fills up fast) and begin the 10-minute march down 253 wooden steps and some single-track. Spread a blanket behind one of the several rock outcroppings (a great windbreak on gusty days). The water is a refreshing 58 degrees when the afternoon heats up, but wade in with caution—the currents can be dangerous here; you may be better off staying on land, spying the seals and watching sailboats. Heads-up: some folks here like to frolic bare-style, making the place a setting for many natural wonders. Oh!
Take Alexander Ave., the first exit north of the Golden Bridge. Make an immediate left and go under the freeway heading west. Follow Conzelman Rd. all the way up. Continue down past Hawk Hill; this is a steep and twisty road—buckle up! When the road levels, look for a dirt parking lot (with an "Upper Fisherman's" sign) and restroom on the left. No dogs.
Activity: Hike ,Water ,Relax
Region: North Bay
Game Changing Vacation
It’s the great vacation makeover—starring you and our fantastic neighbor to the north, British Columbia, Canada! Here are a few ways to find fun, adventure, and yes—a little downtime too. Find your BC trip ideas at 100BCMoments.com.
BC Trip Ideas: Vancouver Island
Just 2 hours from Vancouver by ferry, Vancouver Island offers super-sized outdoor adventures. Hike a section (or the whole 47 miles) of the famed West Coast Trail, a rugged rambler on the island’s wild western shore. Catch the perfect wave or enjoy some solitude and spa time in Tofino, named Best Surf Town in North America in Outside Magazine. Spelunk with the whole family in the Horne Lake Caves: With just a headlamp lighting the way, see dramatic rocks and crystals, or rappel down a subterranean waterfall on this spectacular guided tour. Or go for a bike ride along the easy, car-free Seaside Touring Route in Victoria—the cycling capital of Canada.
BC Trip Ideas: The Kootenay Rockies
Home to four national parks, the Kootenay Rockies offer the best of outdoor thrills and sublime downtime. Heli-hike the Bugaboos! Get whisked high into this magnificent and rarely visited part of BC, with mountain brooks, glaciers, and wildflower meadows galore. Get schooled by the class IV rapids on the Kicking Horse River. Fly-fish in peace by hiking to the turquoise blues of Silver Spring Lakes, a chain of three crystalline lakes where you’ll be rewarded with solitude, rainbow trout, and, of course, that wonderful Canadian Rockies scenery.
Visit 100BCMoments.com to explore photos, trip ideas, travel deals, accommodations, local secrets, and plenty of additional tips for planning your perfect British Columbia vacation.