Visiting the California black sand beach is a real treat! Did you even know there was a black sand beach not even an hour away from bustling San Francisco? I can tell you all about it!
It’s a hidden gem located in the Marin Headlands… about 20 minutes away from the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s secluded and stunning—and shockingly (in this day of social media) empty most of the time!
Finding out about this beach was actually a happy accident for me. I was on Google Maps looking at directions around San Francisco and “Black Sands Beach” popped up on the map.
I saw it and thought to myself, there’s no way… so I did a Google image search and there it was! I put it on my list to visit because I had to see it to really believe it.
I kept checking the weather for a warm day and when I saw 70 and sunny, I made the plans to visit! (So, here’s your reminder to check that the weather will be pleasant the day you want to visit.)
NOTE: There is a .02 mile hike down to this beach with stairs. It won’t be possible to use a stroller or wagon. I include images of the path below.
If you want to check out the Black Sands Beach, read on!
Key Takeaways
- Black Sands Beach is just 45 minutes away from San Francisco.
- It offers a tranquil experience, but swimming isn’t recommended.
- Once you find parking, you’ll take a 0.3-mile trail down a windy dirt road to the beach.
- Nearby attractions include the Golden Gate Observatory and Downtown Sausalito.
Table of Contents
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Getting to Black Sands Beach
My first tip for getting there is to put Black Sands Beach Parking—NOT the actual beach— in your Google Maps. It’ll take you exactly where you need to go, which is the path down to the beach.
Before you visit, make sure you check the tide schedule. Avoid visiting when there are high tides, which can cover most of the shoreline, causing unsafe currents and minimal space to lounge.
To get there, take Conzelman Road until it turns into a one-way road. It’s a windy drive down the hill and along the coast (pics below)— and the views are amazing. Hills on one side and the ocean on the other.
The parking lot/beach entrance is not obvious so once you see you’re close slow down so you don’t miss it. (You can also look out for signs for Upper Fisherman’s trail, that’s what the trail down to the beach is called.)
NOTE: This is a one-way road so if you miss the parking lot, there is no way to back up. You’ll have to go alllll the way around. I know this because it happened to me. It’s like a 20-minute mistake.
Parking spaces are limited, especially on weekends and holidays, so I always recommend arriving early to secure a spot. The parking lot is tiny and only has 12 parking spots. There is also street parking on the Conzelman Road shoulder, but it’s a narrow road.
There is a bathroom right next to the parking lot. Other than that, there are no other amenities for this beach.
The Walk Down to the Beach
After parking, you’ll notice a dirt path going down towards the water known as Upper Fisherman’s Trail. That’s where your hike begins!
It’s a dirt path the whole way down with steps in some spots. It’s approximately 0.3 miles in one direction with about a 300-foot descent. There are other beach access points, but this one is the best because it’s short and offers the best views along the way.
Overall, it’s a pretty easy walk down, but it gets pretty steep the closer you get to the beach. Luckily, there are shaded areas where you can take a break if needed.
I think it took us about 15 minutes to walk down, but we took our time.
My 30-pound son suddenly didn’t like walking, so I had to carry him almost the whole way down, along with the backpack and beach blanket. Throwing that out there to further explain that the walk isn’t that difficult.
You have beautiful views of the water the whole way down. (Almost like the water is teasing you the whole time.)
Experiencing the California Black Sand Beach
First thing I noticed was that the beach was beautiful! It isn’t actually black sands though—it’s a deep gray/brown color, and actually teeny tiny pebbles, but when it’s wet it looks like black sand. Nonetheless, it was super dark and beautiful against the other colors.
Black Sands Beach is rarely hot, with highs typically only reaching the 50s and 60s year-round. Fog, winds, and cold temperatures can occur even in summer months. So, I recommend dressing in layers so you can adjust to the area’s unexpected weather changes.
The beach is open and wide. It was also pretty empty. You can walk out a while either way. However, note that it IS a nudist beach so if you go out too far you might see some nakey beach goers. Right around the stair area is where the few people that were there were populated.
The tide can get pretty high, so it’s better to sit close to the rock wall just in case. The high and low tides vary depending on when you visit. Always check a Black Sands Beach tide table before visiting to know what to expect.
While you’re relaxing on the beach, keep an eye out for local wildlife. You might spot seagulls, sand crabs, starfish, seals, otters, vultures, and whales all from the short. Just make sure you keep a distance from any animals you see.
All in all, this was a perfect spot to just chill. Little man played with his sand toys, we got our feet wet in the water, and took some cool pictures. It was such a peaceful afternoon.
Remember, this beach has limited amenities, so make sure to pack all your necessary supplies, such as water, snacks, towels, and a first aid kit. It’s always best to be prepared when visiting a new beach with your family.
Nearby Attractions
Golden Gate Observation Deck
On your way TO the beach, you’ll actually pass this GG lookout spot. I recommend stopping and snapping some pictures with the bridge behind you. This road is busy (especially with bikers!) but you can usually find parking. You’ll get a shot of the bridge and the San Francisco skyline!
Downtown Sausalito
On your way out, stop in Downtown Sausalito for lunch. It’s a charming, adorable downtown right on the water. Plenty of restaurant options, dessert shops, and stores to shop in. It’s also a great area to just walk around and soak the sun and views in.
Rodeo Beach
If you love checking out unique beaches, stop by Rodeo Beach during your visit. It has dark, coarse sand that’s made up of green and red pebbles if you look closely. Many people visit this beach for surfing, but it’s also a great spot to observe wildlife, such as birds, frogs, and fish, since it’s bordered by the Rodeo Lagoon. Plus, it’s a dog-friendly spot for families traveling with pets.
Point Bonita Trail
For travelers who love exploring, Point Bonita Trail is a beautiful 0.5-mile trail along the ocean. The trail ends at a small, old lighthouse, which sometimes has rooms open to the public. Parts of the trail are steep and uneven with loose gravel, so using wheelchairs and strollers on it isn’t recommended.
Headlands Center for the Arts
Headlands Center for the Arts is a beautiful facility that offers a space for artists to work. There are plenty of public events offered, including exhibits, open houses, workshops, dinners, and nature walks. Check the schedule to see what’s going on during your trip.
Nearby Restaurants
You’re bound to get hungry during your beach day. Here are some restaurants to check out when traveling to and from Black Sands Beach:
- Venice Gourmet Delicatessen ($)
- Sausalito Bakery & Cafe ($)
- Taste of Rome ($)
- Sandrino Pizza & Vino ($$)
- Le Garage ($$$)
- Farley ($$$)
Places to Stay Nearby
If you’re planning to stay near Black Sands Beach, there are plenty of options in and near Marin County. Sausalito is the closest city to the beach, so you can find accommodations of all price ranges there. Consider these locations during your visit:
FAQs: California Black Sand Beach
1. Are there any black sand beaches in California?
Yes! Black Sands Beach is in the Marin Headlands. It features a dark, graphite colored sand that looks black. It’s a hidden gem about 45 minutes away from San Francisco. It’s one of many black sand beaches in the world.
2. Can you swim in Black Sand Beach California?
Black Sands Beach isn’t much of a swimming destination. With it’s cold waters and high waves, it would not be pleasant (or safe!) Stick to setting up a spot to enjoy the sand and quiet, calm vibes of this unique beach.
3. What causes black sand beaches in California?
Black sand beaches are caused by eroded volcanic materials like basalt rock and lava. These materials can erode over thousands or even millions of years, which is why Black Sands Beach has dark sand even without an active volcano nearby.
4. What is the best time of day to go to Black Sands Beach in California?
The best time to visit Black Sands Beach is early in the morning to avoid crowds and during low tide for safety.
Wrapping up: California Black Sand Beach
We absolutely loved our day at the Black Sands Beach. It was calm, quiet, and beautiful.
Even though it was quite a trek to get there, it was worth it to enjoy a nice quiet afternoon with my little guy! Especially being able to be at such an unique place – this is the only dark sand beach in the state!
If you plan on going, follow my instructions and you will be good to go!
