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The Southern California coast is known for its awesome beauty and rugged coastline. Nestled in one of the coves hidden by high bluffs lies Sand Dollar Beach.

If you are heading north, the beach lies 60 miles above Morro Bay on Highway 1, just 3.8 miles north of the town of Gorda. If you are heading south it will be 9.2 miles south of Lucia. Look for the National Forest sign and pull into the parking lot. There is a small fee for parking, but there are restrooms and picnic tables, so it is a fair trade off.

Before you head down the winding path to the steep stairs that take you out to the beach, head out to the overlook and enjoy the spectacular view. It will be easy to understand how the beach got its name. The shape of Sand Dollar Beach isn't the only thing that sticks out. This beach is the longest strand of sandy shoreline along the Big Sur Coast.

For rock hounds, the jade that washes up from nearby Jade Cove is easy to find on the far north and south edges of the beach. You can find small pebbles of Jade fairly easily and larger pieces if you are lucky.

Don't just hike down to the beach, look around and head back up. Pack your beach gear and relax for the day. You will be hard pressed to find a better beach along this coastline. The water at this beach is more pristine and blue than most beaches in Southern California.

If you enjoy camping, the beach is located within walking distance of Plaskett Creek Campground. There is no overnight camping at the beach or in its parking lot.

Sand Dollar Beach is a great start off point for kayakers and a great way to experience Gray Whale watching in the months of December through April. Sometimes in late fall you can see the whales heading south. February is the best month for whale watching because they have their young calves in tow and stay close to the shoreline to protect them from shark attacks.

Surfing is at its peak in the fall months at Sand Dollar Beach. During the summer months, unless there is a stray storm there isn't much surfing activity.

Whatever time of year you decide to visit the Big Sur Coast, be sure to make Sand Dollar Beach one of your stops. The crowds are small, the vistas from the bluffs are amazing, and the shore is sandy and pleasant.

Sand Dollar Beach is a great start off point for kayakers and a great way to experience Gray Whale watching in the months of December through April. Sometimes in late fall you can see the whales heading south. February is the best month for whale watching because they have their young calves in tow and stay close to the shoreline to protect them from shark attacks.

Surfing is at its peak in the fall months at Sand Dollar Beach. During the summer months, unless there is a stray storm there isn't much surfing activity.

Whatever time of year you decide to visit the Big Sur Coast, be sure to make Sand Dollar Beach one of your stops. The crowds are small, the vistas from the bluffs are amazing, and the shore is sandy and pleasant.

Learn more about this author, JQ Adams.
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