Sand City Beach
A serene coastal escape known for powerful waves, abundant sea glass, and peaceful walking trails, perfect for a quiet beach experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Sand City Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene coastal escape known for powerful waves, abundant sea glass, and peaceful walking trails, perfect for a quiet beach experience.
"One of the nicest places I have ever seen. Powerful ocean, white sand mountains and blooming Carpobrotus mellei is absolutely stunning combination."
🚗 Parking Perks
Finding parking is easier in the morning. Weekdays are your best bet for hassle-free access. :car:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Lots of sea glass! Wear shoes that can handle it and protect your feet. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Oceanfront Serenity
Sand City Beach
Experience powerful ocean waves and stunning white sand dunes. A peaceful escape with beautiful natural scenery.

Sea Glass Treasures
Sand City Beach
Discover a beach often covered in finely sanded sea glass, a unique find for beachcombers.

Scenic Walking Trails
Sand City Beach
Enjoy paved paths perfect for walks or runs, offering beautiful coastal views and a connection to nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Beach Conditions & What to Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Perks
Finding parking is easier in the morning. Weekdays are your best bet for hassle-free access. :car:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Lots of sea glass! Wear shoes that can handle it and protect your feet. :athletic_shoe:
Sand City Beach <3
Enjoying the dunes of Sand City, California
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
A favorite spot for locals to let dogs run free, away from tourist crowds. :dog:
🌊 Watch for Undertow
The ocean here can be powerful. Be cautious of strong currents and undertows. :warning:
Sand City in the summer?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Perks
Finding parking is easier in the morning. Weekdays are your best bet for hassle-free access. :car:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Lots of sea glass! Wear shoes that can handle it and protect your feet. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
A favorite spot for locals to let dogs run free, away from tourist crowds. :dog:
🌊 Watch for Undertow
The ocean here can be powerful. Be cautious of strong currents and undertows. :warning:
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Paved paths offer great walking and running opportunities with scenic ocean views. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sand City Beach is praised for its peaceful atmosphere, powerful ocean views, and abundant sea glass. Visitors appreciate the walking trails and its dog-friendly nature, offering a less crowded alternative to nearby attractions. Some caution is advised regarding strong undertows and the presence of sea glass.
"Peaceful walkways, bicycle lanes and plenty of parking. Can’t miss the department stores right across, mainly target and Costco. Traffic gets a little hectic here would recommend early morning or evening to come through here. Mindful of the squirrels"
Alexandra
"One of the nicest places I have ever seen. Powerful ocean, white sand mountains and blooming Carpobrotus mellei is absolutely stunning combination that still staying fresh in my mind"
Jekaterīna Pavlova
"One of our last beach runs for this trip. Sand city beach. A short walk up from shopping and the mst terminal.
It looked to be a bit like people do camp there like homeless you can see burnt places here and there and grafiti. But you can still walk out to water and can visably see the waves much like marina are very erratic. This beach seemed to be more rock cliff than sand dune and also has a ton of sea glass all over.
There is also a paved path and it looks like you can walk from sand city to at least marina according to google that will take you a good 2 hours"
Tracy Forde
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sand City Beach is accessible via Google Maps or ride-sharing apps like Bolt.
It's a short walk from nearby shopping centers and the MST terminal. Parking is generally available, especially in the mornings.Yes, there is parking available. Visitors recommend arriving early in the morning or on weekdays for the best chance of finding a spot, especially during peak seasons.
According to Google Maps, you can walk from Sand City to Marina, which takes about 2 hours. There are paved paths that connect these areas, offering a scenic coastal stroll.
Using navigation apps like Google Maps is recommended. For those unfamiliar, asking locals or following signs can help you find your way to the beach and surrounding amenities.
Yes, there are bicycle lanes and paved paths, making it a good spot for cycling enthusiasts to enjoy the coastal scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of an entrance fee for Sand City Beach itself. Access to the beach and its walking trails appears to be free for the public.
Beaches are typically open from dawn to dusk. While there are no official posted hours, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No advance booking is necessary for visiting Sand City Beach. It's a public access beach, and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis for parking and access.
While generally open, be aware of potential seaweed during certain seasons and strong undertows. Some reviews mention seeing signs of homeless encampments, but the beach remains accessible for visitors.
To avoid crowds, aim for early mornings or late afternoons, especially on weekdays. Weekends and midday can be busier, particularly near the shopping areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy peaceful walks, runs, dog walking, beachcombing for sea glass, and simply relaxing by the powerful ocean waves. Hang gliders are also often seen here.
It can be, but caution is advised due to strong undertows and the presence of sea glass. It's a great spot for dogs to run, and the walking trails are family-friendly.
Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to walk on the beach due to sea glass. Layers are advisable as coastal weather can change.
Information on specific facilities like restrooms is limited in reviews. It's advisable to check local listings or be prepared with your own provisions.
You'll likely see seagulls and other coastal birds. The powerful ocean waves are a prominent feature. Some reviews mention squirrels near the shopping areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic ocean waves, the vast expanse of sand dunes, and the unique textures of sea glass. The paved trails also offer scenic backdrops for photos.
The coastal location makes it ideal for both sunrise and sunset photography, offering beautiful light over the ocean and sand.
Early morning and late afternoon provide softer light, ideal for photography. The 'golden hour' before sunset can be particularly stunning.
The powerful ocean and the unique sea glass formations are the main visual attractions. The contrast between the white sand mountains and the blooming Carpobrotus mellei (if in season) is also striking.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local ordinances and FAA guidelines before flying a drone in this area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Runners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Sand City Beach: A Local's Perspective
One of the most distinctive features of Sand City Beach is the abundance of sea glass. Many visitors report finding large quantities of finely sanded glass scattered along the shores, leading some to jokingly rename it 'Glass Beach.' This makes it a fascinating destination for beachcombers. The beach is also known to be a popular spot for dog owners looking for an open space for their pets to run freely, away from the hustle and bustle.
While the natural beauty is undeniable, it's important to be aware of the strong undertow and potential for rough waves. Visitors are advised to exercise caution, especially with children. Some reviews also note the presence of seaweed during the fall and occasional signs of homeless encampments, though these do not typically detract from the overall visitor experience. The proximity to department stores like Target and Costco also makes it a convenient stop for shoppers.
Navigating Sand City: Travel Tips from Visitors
When exploring the beach, comfortable footwear is a must. The abundance of sea glass means that sturdy shoes are advisable to protect your feet. For those who enjoy walking or running, the paved paths along the coast offer a pleasant route with scenic ocean vistas. These trails can connect you to neighboring areas like Marina, providing opportunities for longer excursions.
It's crucial to be mindful of the ocean's conditions. Sand City Beach is known for its powerful waves and strong undertows, so swimmers and families with children should exercise caution. Despite some reviews mentioning seaweed during the fall, the beach remains a beloved spot for its natural beauty and the unique experience of finding sea glass, making it a worthwhile destination for a peaceful coastal outing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit