Is it true California has no private beaches?

Every beach in California is open to the public up to the mean high tide level (average of the high tides). So if you can get there from the water, tidelands, or an adjacent beach, you are legally allowed to be there as long as you don't venture onto the land above where an average high tide would be.



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PUBLISHED: July 7, 2016 at 4:57 p.m. | UPDATED: August 28, 2017 at 6:04 a.m. Unlike on the East Coast, where Nantucket bluebloods can keep the riff-raff away, there are no private beaches on the 840 miles of California coastline.

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Here in the US, coastal states each have their own rules in place for who can or cannot own a beach. While some states prohibit ownership entirely, the rest of them are largely agreed that property lines must be drawn at the high tide line. This, too, makes sense.

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A private beach is typically owned by an individual or organization. They have the right to restrict access, although specific laws may still allow public use of parts of the beach under particular conditions. However, defining what constitutes public access and where private property lines begin can be complex.

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The dry sandy area that extends from the wet beach” to the natural line of vegetation is usually privately owned but may be subject to the public beach easement.

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“California's constitution guarantees all citizens the right to use the state tidelands,” Locklin told FOX 5. “Access for all.” That seems straightforward enough.

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In 1976, the state legislature passed the California Coastal Act, basically making Prop 20 permanent.

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The County received grant deeds from the State for eight popular beaches in September 1995; Topanga, Malibu Lagoon, Point Dume, Dan Blocker, Las Tunas, Manhattan, Redondo, and Royal Palms Beaches. Today the County not only operates and maintains the beaches along the Los Angeles Coast but also owns most of them.

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In California, the state owns the beach waterward of the mean high tide line for your benefit, to access, use, and enjoy. The state and other public entities like counties and cities might also own dry sandy beaches landward of the mean high tide line for public use.

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According to many Secret Beach is a must visit when in San Pedro. For me it was a great way to wind up a four day visit to Belize.

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Hidden Beach – Islas Marietas, Mexico - Atlas Obscura.

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What most people don't realize is that it's illegal to take sand from any beach in California. Most States and cities have laws against taking sand, plants, and wood from local beaches.

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Lands End Beach // Northern California Close to San Francisco, Lands End Beach is a clothing-optional beach which is particularly quiet and private during weekdays.

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In Corpus Christi, Texas, you can camp on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore, which offers primitive beach camping along its 60-mile coastline. There are no designated campsites, but you can pitch a tent anywhere on the beach as long as you follow the park's guidelines and regulations.

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