When we think of California, its spectacular coastline is often the first thing that springs to mind. At 840 miles long, with hundreds of underrated, bucket list-worthy beaches, this is the nation’s most iconic shoreline, famous for its wide sands, rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and absolutely stunning sunsets. It’s also a premier destination for ocean sports such as surfing and sea kayaking, as well as pastimes dedicated to harvesting its endless bounty, which include fishing, crabbing, and digging clams.
California’s coast is rich in beauty and resources and is a magnet for the whole state, attracting visitors who long to take a dip in the water or an evening stroll along its storied sands. However, before you go, it pays to educate yourself about the risks, as things can get quite treacherous, especially for visitors who are unfamiliar with the tides and terrain.
One particularly perilous spot is Schoolhouse Beach near Bodega Bay, on the state’s central coast just north of San Francisco. Popular with surf fishermen, Schoolhouse Beach is a gorgeous stretch of sand carved out of the rock on the edge of the North American continent. The place is wild and raw, and while you may be tempted to strip down and take a swim, the waters on this part of the coast are quite hazardous, so your best bet is to stay out and enjoy the waves from the relative safety of the shore.
Treacherous beauty
Schoolhouse Beach sits on the Sonoma Coast, a stretch of California shoreline renowned for its untamed beauty. Like many beaches in the region, Schoolhouse has few amenities. Nature, instead, is the star of the show, and while she shines mightily in the form of gnarled rock, soft sands, and the aquamarine, surging glory of the Pacific. You also have to respect her, as there are no lifeguards on duty to pull you out when you get into trouble…