Gazos Creek State Beach

My brother and I stumbled into this happy stretch of sand about ten years ago and have been coming here as the go to local beach. It’s located in a fairly discrete area just off of Highway 1 in San Mateo County and very easy to miss. They just put up a sign naming the beach so the turn should be a bit easier to notice.
There is a small parking lot located at the entrance to the beach that has never been packed. This is a fairly rugged and isolated beach so you won’t see the typical beach goers you are used to see at the more popular city going beaches. The waves are large and the currents are always strong. I’ve seen more kite surfers than anything else. You can walk for secerals miles along the beach with the ocean waves crassing on one side and some nice sand dunes on the other side obstructing your view of PCH 1 and the drivers view of the beach.
Its always a calm and beautiful walk along this beach and you can stop at any of the dunes or small enclaves along the way to rest and take in the views. I’ve seen the tide here far inland and farther out so the coast on this beach can vary from visit to visit. For the most part you can count on the seagulls, waves and rolling dunes to be the only company you’ll have while enjoying this beach. If you walk far enough there is a trail that will take you to some rocks that jet out into the Ocean for panoramic views of the coastline back to Butano State Park which provides the back drop to the beach. There is a nice sized bench located out near the rocks that you and a number of others can relax and enjoy the views.
This is my favorite beach and my go to place when I want to relax or show people an amazing beach that is not crowded with people. I can spend hours here walking along the shore or just sitting and relaxing to the sounds of the Ocean and the cool breeze. If you are ever in the area I’d highly recommend checking this beach but know that it’s not a bring your bathing suit kind of beach most of the year. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Me and my brother pulled out a map of the California coast almost 10 years ago and found this beach we call gods gift to the coast also known as Gazos Creek.
It’s scarcely populated and not so visible to those passing on highway 1. I have had some of the best experiences and created awesome memories here with friends and loved ones. I’ve spent hours laying on, and walking part of this beach over the years and I’ve seen many animals from baby sea lions, to dolphins. I’ve watched many a great sunrises, and stumbled back to the car on several sunsets :)
This beach has views that can leave you speechless whether the sun is dancing across the waves or the clouds hover like smoke created by the ocean, you can feel it. Its like the land before time along the california coast when there are no man made structures or crowds of people… just you the ocean, and the sand. I’ve built sand castles, dug holes like a dog, been knocked to the ground by large waves, been sun burned, wind blown, wrote my name and had my name written in the sands all while here :) This is one of few beaches in California Im ok walking with no shoes or fear of stepping on manufactured horrors. You can bring your poison of choice, or person of passion and still have privacy to breathe like the wind and party like the rolling sands here.
Cheers to my favorite local beach and kindred beach spirit named Gazos!!!

Spectacular beach. We ended up here after randomly choosing a parking lot that looked promising for a coastal hike (south of the main entrance, just where Rossi Road meets Route 1). If you choose the northern path of the hiking trail, it winds you along the coast until you arrive at the beach. It’s really special, and has a lookout bench, a varied shoreline (neat rocks), and was right along an excellent pelican route the day we visited.

Love the walk thru the bluffs down to the beach. During low tide there are some tide pool spots. Also some driftwood and shells to be found. Overall, had a lovely morning exploring the beach on a sunny but cool day.

This is my favorite beach in the world, and one of my mainstays to visit with my best furry friend… who doesn’t know she’s not quite allowed there. It’s clean and usually quiet with few people (save some brave surfers), and can be sunny even on foggy days. Great spot for a picnic when it’s not terribly windy. Finally, when the tide is out you can walk along the rocky beach towards the lighthouse for a fair distance (but be careful not to get caught out there by the rising tide!).
The walk down to the beach from the parking lot can be a bit tricky since the path is frequently washed out, so take your time and just enjoy the experience.

DON’T GO HERE!!!
I like having the beach to myself. :)
Clean, peaceful, not packed with many people excluding a bold kite surfer and some locals that probably would be pissed that I’m Unilocaling their little gem.

I am surprised more people aren’t Unilocaling about this beach but I feel it’s my Unilocal duty to report it. This is an awesome beach (if you catch it on a non-​windy day) You will get lots of privacy and it’s pretty clean.

pretty sure i was the only american there. or at least i was the only american that was not a kitesurfer.