Ten Mile Beach

The beach is located quite a distance from the parking area, but the journey is well worth the effort. The sandy dunes are stunning to behold and the trek to the beach is a true delight. During our visit in February, we only encountered a single other individual. However, given the vast expanse of the beach, I doubt that it ever becomes overcrowded.

Visited this beach in late September and was greeted with an average path leading towards it. However, the path disappears under the sand after a while, so it's crucial to keep track of your steps to avoid getting lost on your way back. The dunes are mostly covered in vegetation, but it's essential to be cautious while walking barefoot. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend this beach as there are plenty of other options available along the coast.

On a chilly February morning, I embarked on a trek along the beach. The path leading up to the shore was smooth and effortless, save for a slight descent down a small ravine. However, it was manageable. As soon as I set foot on the beach, I was awestruck by the vast expanse of beauty before me. For miles and miles, there was not a single soul in sight. My companions and I had the entire beach to ourselves, a rare and remarkable occurrence in California. It was the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll along the beach, taking in the stunning scenery.

During my stay at an air bnb, I had the pleasure of visiting this beach which was conveniently located right next to my accommodation. With private access, I strolled across the sand dunes to reach the secluded beach. The stretch of miles was all to myself, making it a rare find and a hidden gem. The experience of visiting this beach will forever be etched in my memory.

The beach at the stunning dunes and river is truly remarkable. We parked our vehicle along Highway 1, just before the bridge that crosses the 10-mile river and embarked on a trail that led us to the dunes. Although the trail was small and steep, I was able to climb it despite my bunky knee. It was apparent that these dunes were also used by trail riders on horseback. Upon reaching the bottom, we walked quite a distance south and then back up to the river mouth, taking in the breathtaking views and making several stops along the way. We walked a total of 2.5 miles and found plenty of sand dollar pieces scattered all over, but the best ones were near the river mouth. We visited the beach early in the morning on a Thursday and had the entire beach to ourselves for the entirety of our visit. It was an incredible experience! We spotted seal lions watching us from the river and crab boats setting crab pots out to sea. I was surprised not to see any kayaks in the river, as it would be a fantastic place for it. The riverfront dirt road looked inviting, and it was located just a short distance before the bridge.