Address:39°16'25.7"N 123°47'25.2"W (Off of Highway 1, Little River, CA) (This park has a large, free parking lot on the beach side. There is an entrance to Van Damme State Park on the other side of the road, but that entrance charges a fee and the nearest trail is not dog friendly) Parking: Free parking lot at the address above Hours: Not posted Type: Walk/swim Regulations: Dogs allowed on-leash Best time to visit: A sunny day Facilities: Pit toilets on the far end of the parking lot
This is a beautiful, non-crowded beach in a partially protected cove at the mouth of Little River. There are views of the bluffs to the right. If you walk to the left, the sand turns to rocks and you can explore some tide pools. We saw a lot of small crabs. We also found quite a few abalone shells, as this is a popular spot to abalone fish.
This is a nice scenic stop on your way to Mendocino, if you need to stretch your legs and use the restroom.
Across the street you may notice an entrance for Van Damme State Park, but unfortunately that entrance takes you to Fern Canyon Trail, on which dogs are not allowed. Dogs are only allowed in the campground, on the beach, and in Spring Ranch.