Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
No
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Whitehouse Creek runs into a small cove and beach when it reaches the Pacific in Año Nuevo State Park, and this cove is easily reached via short paths from parking areas on either side of the Whitehouse Creek bridge on Highway 1. This rocky stretch of coastline is seldom visited and is an excellent place to watch the crashing waves and the antics of the many shorebirds looking for food. It is common for stragglers from the large elephant seal herd on the point to rest on this beach. If you find some, they should be treated with respect and caution (do not approach closer than 25 feet).

The waters off of Whitehouse Beach and all of Año Nuevo State Park are part of the Año Nuevo State Marine Conservation Area. All living marine resources are protected and cannot be taken or disturbed.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Short, easy hike. Few to no people. Possible elephant seals.

Cons

None.

Features

Whale watching
Wildlife
Wildlife
Bird watching

Location

Nearby Adventures

San Francisco Peninsula + Santa Cruz, California
San Francisco Peninsula + Santa Cruz, California

Nearby Lodging + Camping

San Francisco Peninsula + Santa Cruz, California
San Francisco Peninsula + Santa Cruz, California
Big Basin Redwoods State Park

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