Surf or Play at Humboldt County Beaches
Moonstone Beach, photo by Doug Noble
Nothing expresses the beauty of Humboldt County quite like a trip to one of its amazing beaches. Enjoy a day of family fun at the seashore at Clam Beach, or challenge yourself to surf the waves at Moonstone Beach.
Moonstone Beach is one of the most popular surfing spots in Humboldt County, and for good reason. In the summer, the ocean produces three- to five-foot swells, often going to 20 feet in the winter. A wide beach break provides ample room for a wide range of surfers to ride, and this stretch of ocean is great for beginners and seasoned surfers alike. But Moonstone Beach isn’t just for surfers; a wide, pristine beach, towering redwoods, sheer 100-foot cliffs and waves crashing against dozens of sea stacks make this a beautiful scenic spot for visitors. You may see whales, dolphins, seals, cormorants, pelicans and ospreys. Comb the beach for treasures, go fishing, climb the rocks, explore caves, ride a horse along the surf or play in the Little River where it enters the ocean. The view at this beach is considered one of the county’s most scenic. Moonstone Beach is located north of McKinleyville off Hwy 101 at the Westhaven exit.
Clam Beach offers something for everyone. Keep your eyes open for a spectacular array of wildlife, or comb the shoreline for lovely stones, shells and driftwood strewn along the fine gray-sand beach. There are excellent clamming opportunities, and the on-shore fishing is exceptional too; come out and cast a line to see for yourself. When the wind picks up, the broad, flat beach is perfect for kite flying. Clam Beach is located 7 ½ miles north of Arcata off Hwy 101 at the Clam Beach Park off-ramp. For more information, call (707) 445-7651.
