Sand Point State Park

A little known gem in Northern California is Sand Point State Park. Just north of Jenner, CA and about 2.5 hours from San Francisco (depending on your route), Sand Point State Park is quite large, but the best part is the coast line where strange and other-worldly shapes take place in the sandstone.

The best time to photograph here is 3:00PM to Sunset. The park closes at Sunset.

If you leave from San Francisco, plan to leave after noon. This will put you there at just the right time of day. Check the weather prior to leaving as this area is prone to high winds. 

These strange formations are the result of the sea salts eating away at the sandstone. Ironically, some of the rock is strengthened by the salt. Numerous trails and long rocky beaches stretch for miles so there is no shortage of unique opportunities for photography here.

Always be aware of your surroundings and never turn your back on the surf. High winds and high surf can sneak up on you without warning.  The waves crashing against the rocks can be quite loud down on the beach, so you may not notice a high wave coming at you until it is too late. The rocks are sharp!

Getting There:

From San Francisco: Take Highway 101 north to San Rafael and follow the River Road Exit to Guernville until you reach Jenner and Highway 1. Follow Highway 1 north past Fort Ross State Historic Park (watch for an article about this park soon). Sand Point State Park is about 10 minutes north. Enter to the left for the beach, or the right for the forrest and trails. There is also camping available.

From the North: Take Highway 101 south to San Rafael. Take the River Road exit to Guernville, CA. Proceed to Jenner and Highway 1. Follow Highway 1 north to San Point State Park.

Alternate Route: Alternatively, you can take Highway 116 from Highway 101 to Guernville. Turn left on River Road to Jenner, CA. Then north on Highway 1 to Sand Point State Park. This is the "Scenic" route and take quite a bit longer.