If you’re looking for beaches within the parks, Gold Bluffs Beach fits the bill in the southern section. Drive right up and bring your pup (though keep him or her on a leash) and take in the tide. Throughout the year, there’s a fee of $12 per car to access the beach, unless you have a state or national park pass.
Part of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (parks.ca.gov), this wild coastline got its name for the gold that was once discovered in the area. Gold Bluffs Beach is open for day use and also has an overnight campground.
The area can get quite busy, as the start of the popular one-mile Fern Canyon Loop Trail is nearby. Note that an entry permit is required from May 15 through September 15; reserve online at redwoodparksconservancy.org/fern-canyon.
