Big River Beach at Mendocino Headlands State Park (SP)

A spot frequented by both locals and visitors, the village of Mendocino's biggest beach offers a great place for walks. Located at the mouth of Big River. The beach changes configuration seasonally, sometimes creating large swaps of beach and/or a sandbar island. Accessible from two points: a small parking lot near the Presbyterian church, leading down a trail and then a descending staircase, and a much bigger parking lot on the eastern side of Highway 1. The latter is situated next to more beach inland along Big River.