THE GORGEOUS SECRET BEACHES YOU'LL HAVE TO YOURSELF: REMOTE BAYS SIT DOWN LONG GRAVEL TRACKS WITH NO PHONE SIGNAL
With summer in full swing it can be tricky to find a beach that isn't packed with others, making it hard to truly unwind and relax.
In California, with an 840 mile-long coastline, beaches are often visited throughout the year and crowded in the summer.
But tucked away in Humboldt County, a place known for its outdoorsy crowd, legal cannabis industry and redwoods, remote beaches sit on gravel paths with no phone signal. Many of the gorgeous stretches of sand sit empty, meaning visitors who make the trek are effectively rewarded with private beach access.
Humboldt County is a bit of a trek for people in the Bay area, but the 6 hour drive nearly promises beachgoers the chance to take in the scenery and sun in peace.
There are issues that may put some people off. The beaches' northern location means they're colder and more prone to fog than their Southern California cousins.
That means many locals tend to favor inland beaches at the edge of rivers and lagoons.
But those not cowed by chilly temperatures or fog are rewarded with stunning scenery and soothing tranquility, with the beaches listed below among the most likely to be empty.
Trinidad State Beach
This beach, located just north of the Trinidad Harbor and pier, has a stellar 360-degreee view of the coastline that sits along a 1.3 mile-long trail.
The water is often used for kayaking and tidepooling- when boulders and rocks trap seawater, exposing seashore animals like hermit crabs and sea stars.
For those who want to enjoy the water and land also have access to hike the Trinidad Head and see the ocean from a beautiful perspective, according to Humboldt County Visitors Bureau.
The beach is also a nice spot for travelers to rest and stretch out before getting back on the road. Parking is also available near the College Cove trail nearby.
From either end of the beach people can spot the largest rocky sea stack garden, Pewetole Island.
Black Sands Beach at Lost Coast
This unique beach gets its name from its dark black sand, blue skies and blue water with white foam on shore.
Located in the Lost Coast, the beach is in a secluded undeveloped and natural area of land- perfect for privacy.
The beach is 45 miles south of Eureka, a port city in Humboldt County, with 3.5miles of coastline.
Besides its soft black sand, the beach is also known for its rugged terrain and high cliffs.
At low tide, the beach offers access to Shelter Cove Town, leading visitors to shops, restaurants and local culture. Visitors planning a trip to Black Sands are warned to check the local tides - when they're high, the beach all but disappears.
Agate Beach at Sue-Meg State Park
This narrow beach features the perfect mix of coastal and forest-like views.
North of Trinidad, Agate Beach is located at Sue-Meg State Park, a one-square-mile park in Northern California.
Beachgoers are known to take in the spectacular scenery, walk in the sand and search for agates, a semiprecious silica gemstone.
The minerals are commonly formed inside cavities made by bubbles in volcanic rock, and can be polished by the motion of the water and sand.
Once the volcanic rocks erode, the minerals can be found washed up on shore at the secluded beach spot.
Gold Bluffs Beach
Though is not one of the most hidden beaches in the county, many still don't know about it.
The area is situated on a 10mile-long drive on an unpaved road, and is part of Prairie Creek State Park and Redwood National Park.
Filled with bluffs of sand that stretches on for miles, the beach is almost perfect for a private or family-filled getaway.
Other than humans enjoying the land, Roosevelt elk are also know to enjoy the beach area, grazing in meadows near the area's campground.
Moonstone Beach in Trinidad
This charming beach is commonly loves by surfers, couples and college students enjoying their days.
The area is places just north of the Little River, making for a slow current and shallow waters.
Other than the ocean, the beach also has sea caves and tide pools, perfect for families to explore.
At the top of the bluff at the beach is the Moonstone Bar & Grill, a local restaurant that overlooks the wonderous beach. The spot serves a surf and turf menu.
Centerville Beach in Ferndale
This beach spans from the mouth of the Eel River to the Lost Coast Headlands, all while passing through Ferndale.
Ferndale is known for its Victorian Village that has a mic of 'old-fashioned Americana and modern quirkiness,' according to the city's website.
The beach is also known for its huge white cross statue that comes out of the sand.
The cross symbolizes the 21 crew members and 17 passengers that died in 1860 after a steamship hit a rock near Cap Mendocino.
Little River State Beach & Clam Beach County Park
Both of these beaches share the sand and dunes that can be seen when people travel north between Trinidad and Arcata.
On Clam Beach people are allowed to camp on the sand, while the parking lot allows visitors to explore Hammond Trail.
The beaches are great spots for dog walking, flying kites, and looking for items on the beach
