Thornton State Beach

Birds in search of a tasty morsel can be seen along the shoreline of this brown sandy beach just south of San Francisco. Positioned below tall bluffs, this park is popular with hikers, boasting equestrian trails on the bluff terraces high above the waterline. There’s only a few parking spots nearby and the locals like it that way so it doesn’t get overcrowded. You won’t find the hordes of tourists here that you would at Fisherman’s Wharf in the city.

The cliffs have been eaten away by erosion, causing access problems to the beach. But making your way down to the waves is still possible by using the wide trails that the horses use to get there.

You may want to bring your cowboy boots along to this beach because here you have the option of taking guided horseback rides around the scenic coastal bluffs and even down on the beach. Dressing warm is recommended as it tends to be cold and windy throughout much of the park. During the summer months, it’s common to see fog along the coastlines. 

In addition to horseback riding, this beach is a place of interest for those who want to do a bit of fishing or explore the trails and take in some of the nice vistas. The area is fairly remote and there’s not much around as far as amenities or restaurants, so it’s more of a pit stop to come and explore for a little while before moving onto the next destination.