Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Mendocino, California
Big River Beach is a small shore with major beach bum appeal. Located at the confluence of Big River and the Pacific Ocean, Big River Beach in Northern California is a refreshingly isolated stretch of sand. Hidden within the gorgeous coastal bluffs and islets of the undeveloped Mendocino Headlands State Park, the scenic solitude of Big River Beach is beloved by sunbathers, picnickers, photographers and painters alike. Hikers, joggers, and mountain bikers follow the Mendocino Headlands trails for exquisite views of coastal grottos and sea arches. Kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts get into the thick of the Mendocino Headlands, launching from the mouth of Big River on Big River Beach for a rigorous eight-mile upstream paddle, while osprey, great blue herons, feral ducks, and river otters look on. Wildflowers color the grassy headlands in spring, and gray whales migrate past the shores in winter. In short, Big River Beach is a charming day-excursion, year-round.
Sit, sunbathe, or spread out a picnic lunch on the sandy beach (driftwood fires and barbecues are allowed on Big River Beach). Swim in the cool, calm water or take a leisurely stroll along the shore. Birdwatchers should bring their binoculars to view the birds nesting amidst redwoods and pines. Sketch the pristine, cliffy lanscape, or photograph the wildlife, Big River Beach is serene and tranquil even during the summer months. Private sailboats, kayaks, rowboats, and canoes can be launched at the eastern edge of the sandy beach, or rent a canoe on the south side of the Big River Bridge.
To get to Big River Beach, take one of the footpaths on the east end of the Village of Mendocino or follow the trail that begins in the State Route 1 parking lot. For city folks looking to reconnect with the natural world, or for naturalists seeking untamed lands, Big River Beach is a delightfully simple and serene Northern California shore.