Pelican State Beach

Pelican State Beach is a designated California State Beach located in Del Norte County, California. Located 21 miles (30 km) north of Crescent City on US Route 101 near the town of Smith River, this undeveloped site is immediately south of the Oregon state line, making it the northernmost California state beach. It is also the northern terminus of the California Coastal Trail.

The beach is popular for walking and beachcombing along the beautiful ocean views. Because of its remote location and easy-to-miss access road, it has been described as "the loneliest beach in California". At five acres, this sandy beach contains grassy dunes and driftwood.

There are no facilities, but parking is available. Climate can vary substantially between seasons, from cool, rainy winters to very sunny fall and spring.

Pelican State Beach occupies a particular place in the imagination of American public lands. As a State Beach in California and Oregon, it represents a deliberate choice — by the people who advocated for its protection, and by the National Park Service rangers who maintain it — to keep this landscape available to anyone willing to make the trip. That accessibility is the quiet miracle of the park system.

The pages linked below break the visit down into the four practical questions every traveler asks: where can I hike, where can I sleep, what else is worth seeing while I'm in the area, and what should I know before I show up. Each one is written from the perspective of someone planning their first trip — assume nothing, explain what's worth explaining, and skip the marketing language. If you've been here before, treat these guides as a refresher and a way to discover the corners you missed last time.

What this guide covers

Over the next four pages, this field guide breaks Pelican State Beach into the practical questions every traveler asks: which trails are worth the effort, where to sleep both inside and outside the park boundary, what else is worth a stop in the surrounding region, and the small-but-essential tips that make the difference between a stressful first day and a smooth one. Use the navigation above to jump between sections, or read them in order — they're written to flow.

• Hikes — short loops, half-day trails, and backcountry routes
• Camping — drive-in campgrounds, RV sites, and backcountry permits
• Nearby attractions — gateway towns and adjacent public lands
• Visitor tips — timing, fees, weather, and what to skip

Logistics at a glance

Use this quick reference when you're putting together your itinerary. The figures below are the most-asked questions every visitor needs answered before arrival, summarized in one place.

Designation	State Beach
States	California, Oregon
Entrance fee	Varies — check the official park site below for current rates.
Visitor center hours	Most open daily 8–9am to 4:30–6pm. Reduced winter hours common.
Best months	Plan around the weather notes above.
Camping inside park	See the camping guide for campground details, fees, and reservation windows.
Nearby gateway towns	See nearby attractions for lodging and supply stops.