beachES
Seacliff State Beach
Right at the foot of rolling sandstone cliffs, Seacliff State Beach is a two-mile stretch of coast that offers day parking, camping, swimming, fishing, and bicycling. It’s an ideal spot for sunbathing or taking a morning walk on the sand, and it has plenty of shaded areas that are perfect for parties and oceanfront picnics. The most popular feature of Seacliff State Beach is the rotting concrete ship that sits at the end of its pier: the SS Palo Alto, discussed above.
Rio Del Mar State Beach
Just south from Seacliff is the beautiful sandy shoreline of Rio Del Mar State Beach. This is a great spot to unwind after work, and it’s filled with things to do like stand up paddle boarding, bird watching, volleyball, surfing, and fishing. If you want to spot some marine life, beachgoers can often see whales, dolphins, and sea lions from the shore. Rio Del Mar is also one of the only dog beaches in the area so you can walk your dog here, as long as it’s leashed.