Visit The Black Sand Beach In California!

Arriving boats and ships are greeted by this lovely black sand beach in San Francisco as they leave the open Pacific Ocean and head toward the Golden Gate Bridge and the calmer waters of the bay. To avoid the crowds and take in the breathtaking vistas of the San Francisco Peninsula and the wide ocean, head to this beach. Let me tell you why you should go to The Black Sand Beach In California.

California’s Largest Black Sand Beach

Did you know that California has a number of beaches with black sand? In Sausalito, California, there are a number of beaches with black sand. Due to their proximity to the Bay Area, these beaches are well-liked. They are considerably smaller than the one four hours to the north, though. Black Sands Beach in Black sand extends over 25 miles in Shelter Cove and is walker-friendly. In fact, the beach makes up the popular thru-hike that is definitely on my bucket list is the Lost Coast Trail.

Spending three days camping on the black sand would be difficult, but what an incredible experience. Don’t forget a camping permit, and check the tidal passages. Unlike Don’t expect to swim or surf at Maui’s black sand beaches. As you can see from the numerous signs cautioning against entering the ocean, the undertow and currents are hazardous.

Where Is The Black Sands Beach In California

This undiscovered treasure is frequently misidentified as Sausalito’s Black Sand Beach. The beach is actually located in the Marin Headlands which is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation area.

The beach is a short drive from most of California for travelers coming from that city.

Black Sand Beach in Marin is located in the southern section of the park, halfway between Kirby Cove to the east and the Point Bonita Lighthouse to the west. The popular Rodeo Beach can be reached in just 10 minutes by car or 4 miles by foot.

The Upper Fisherman’s trail, which is a moderately steep one, must be hiked down in order to reach the beach, which has its own parking lot.5 miles long and includes over 250 steps.

Why Visit The Black Sand Beach In California

Due to its limited accessibility and lack of parking, this beach, which is close to California, is still comparatively uncrowded.

This makes it a great location to go if you want some privacy or a quiet day at the beach.

Because the beach’s iron-rich dark sand, which turns black when wet from the crashing waves, is distinctive.

Although the sand is more of a dark brown color, it is still very distinct from the tan or white sand beaches that the majority of people are accustomed to.

There aren’t many of these uncommon black sand beaches in California, and the one that is closest to this one is way up in Humboldt County. 

Views of the opening of the bay with the western side of the California Peninsula in the background are another feature that distinguishes this beach.

From vantage points like Hawk Hill and Engagement Hill, a number of the neighborhood trails offer breathtaking views of the rest of the city as well as the Golden Gate bridge.

The western end of the beach is a well-liked area for naturists and nudists where visitors can enjoy the outdoors without wearing any clothing.

The Lost Coast Of California

The Lost Coast can easily be located on a map, but it truly lives up to its name with its uninhabited seclusion. The Lost Coast is still California’s most isolated coastline because there are no significant highways that connect it. It’s bordered on the south by Rockport, which is where Highway One curves inland to join Highway 101 after lining the coast for more than 500 miles. For another 90 miles, until Petrolia, which delineates the northern limit of the Lost Coast, there is no road along the coastline.

This area of the coast is one of California’s truest “escapes,” in my opinion since it requires traveling over an hour through winding mountain roads to reach from the main highway.” Also, as always, take the hairpin turns slowly and safely. If you easily get car sick, be prepared.

Shelter Cove California

The Lost Coast’s Shelter Cove is the most livable area. It is a small mountain town that is 25 miles away from Highway 101 on winding side roads. Since Shelter Cove provides the easiest access to Black Sands Beach at the Black Sands Beach parking area and trailhead, it is the most popular place to visit on the Don’t anticipate a crowd at Lost Coast, though.

I was surprised by how wild and isolated Shelter Cove felt considering that I was technically in town. Only very narrow, winding roads can reach the majority of the structures and homes, which are perched on the cliffside. Furthermore, the trees are so tall that you hardly even notice there is a town there.

How To Get To Black Sands Beach

Hiking Trails To Black Sands Beach

You must hike to get to the sandy shoreline at California’s Black Sand Beach.

If you are lucky enough or show up really early, you will score a parking spot at the Upper Fisherman’s parking lot meaning you only need to navigate down the .5-mile-long trail to get to the beach.

If you choose to park at one of the other lots, you must take one of the trails listed below.

Black Sands Beach Parking

• Upper Fisherman’s Parking Lot

The closest parking space to Black Sand Beach is this tiny lot. There are roughly twelve parking spots available, plus one designated spot for people with disabilities.

The only restroom accessible to beach-goers is a vault-style toilet in the parking lot. At the end of the parking lot is where the inclining trail leads to the beach.

• Street Parking On Conzelman Road

On the right side of the one-way Conzelman Road, just outside of the Upper Fisherman’s parking lot, is a semi-wide shoulder.

People park here when the lot is full, but you should do so at your own risk because the space is constrained and you risk being hit by oncoming vehicles.

• Presidio Riding Club Trail Parking

There is a parking lot nearby if you don’t mind hiking for a short distance—it’s only 1.7 miles from Black Sand beach.

If the Upper Fisherman’s parking lot is full, this is a nice substitute because it is far from the crowds and has clean bathrooms. 

• Coastal Trail Parking

This parking area is a great third option, but it is a longer 4-mile hike along the Julian trail to get to the beach.

The benefit is that it is only one more when you get back to the car.2 miles to the Golden Gate observation deck offers a breathtaking view of the bridge and the surrounding area.