Best Surfing Beaches in Mendocino

Located at the mouth of Big River, Big River Beach is an immensely popular beach with light brown sand. This beach is surrounded by forested bluffs on both sides and is a part of an oceanfront state park known as Mendocino Headlands State Park. The Big River forms an estuary near the beach before flowing into the Pacific Ocean. It is important to note that the beach’s size is not definite and occasional storms often result in the beach getting significantly flooded by the adjacent Big River Estuary, greatly reducing its size temporarily. Big River Beach does not have lifeguards. However, the beach has a few other amenities including restrooms and hiking and biking trails. In addition, water sports equipment rental facilities are also available near the beach. Dogs on leash are allowed on the beach. Getting to Big River beach is easy - multiple free parking lots for the beach are located along Big River Road near its intersection with Shoreline Highway / Pacific Coast Highway. There is an access trail near these parking lots which will lead you to Big River Beach. As another access option, you can drive to the Mendocino Presbyterian Church which is located at 44831 Main Street. You can park at a free parking lot situated behind the church. From this parking lot you need to walk on an access trail that leads down along the bluffside to a wooden stairway offering access to Big River Beach. We recommend visiting the beach wearing appropriate footwear as this beach is known to have driftwood.

Located in the town of Mendocino, the Mendocino Headlands Beaches are a group of multiple unnamed rocky and sandy beaches. These beaches are situated below steep oceanfront bluffs and are a part of a state park known as Mendocino Headlands State Park. Some of the Mendocino Headlands Beaches also have interesting rock formations around them. 

Point Cabrillo Light Station is a great beach located in a historic park with plenty of history for visitors to view. You can explore the lighthouse through guided tours or self-guided tours. For more information regarding the guided tours conducted around Point Cabrillo Light Station, you can call Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park at (707) 937-6123.

Located to the north of Mendocino, The Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is a historic light station built-in 1909 that is surrounded by 270 acres of undeveloped coastal bluffs. Point Cabrillo Light Station is a part of Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park which is maintained by a non-profit organization - The Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association. In addition, there is a small beach in Frolic Cove within Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park.