Hidden Beach

Map

     Here is a county-owned coastal access in the Rio Del Mar – Seascape area, including a drainage with willow riparian, eucalyptus, and other vegetation. It is liveliest in the non-breeding season, when it may produce rare landbirds. From Hwy 1 take the Rio Del Mar Blvd exit and go west, keeping to the right to stay on Rio Del Mar. After 0.6 mile turn left on Townsend Dr. Go 0.8 mile to its end and turn left of Cliff Dr. A short way ahead is the parking area for Hidden Beach. A path on the south side of the small drainage leads to the beach. Benches above the beach offer a good vantage from which to scope birds on the bay. Birds of the beach and bay are similar to those of nearby Seacliff State Beach. Check the willows, eucalyptus, and other vegetation in the drainage for migrant landbirds. Another path, this one along the north edge of the drainage, begins where a seasonal stream first flows onto the beach. Also, try the path that leads upstream from the parking area and passes under the railroad trestle.