My wife and I are planning a trip out to a cabin in northern California in August and after a few days at the cabin we plan to drive down to the bay area and visit her parents.

While we're in the area I'd love to do some beach driving (since it's not really feasible here in Utah) but I'm not sure where to go. If you guys could give me any beach names or locations I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

I do not now of a beach in the Bay Area.

 

As far as I know, the only place where you can legally drive on the beach along the entire Pacific coast of the US is down in Pismo (google Oceano Dunes SVRA). Quite a hike from the SF Bay Area (4-ish hours). There are quite a few places up north where you can get near the beach, like in a parking lot, but not actually drive on it. Bummer, I know.

 

Yeah, I ran a google search before posting and saw Oceano Dunes but like you said, it's a bit of a drive. I figured there was maybe something near Monterey. That's too bad.

 

If you ever get to Washington state you can drive on the beach at Ocean Shores between the water and the high water mark.

There are dunes in Oregon north of Coos Bay.

 

If you go to the real Northern California (I'm talking Humboldt and Del Norte Counties not the Bay area-which is more central CA if you as me) you can drive on nearly all the beaches, with a few exclusions.

 

Cool... some more focused Googling led me to another OHV area up there (Samoa Dunes), which means wherever I read the thing about Pismo being the only one on the west coast was wrong.

However, from a spot check of most of the other areas identified in this map, it seems like they do not allow OHV or off road access at all (let alone on beaches). I've driven the whole coast and none jump out in my memory either, though last time I did it was a few years ago.

Can you be more specific about places you know that allow it? I think lots of people on here would like to know about them.

 

FYI, A little out of your way.
The Southern/Central Oregon coast still has some "good" size areas to drive on the beach, check it out.
If you go, you won't regret it.
A lot of traffic this time of year but it's worth seeing for sure...

one example Google: Oregon Sand Dunes jeep... enjoy