Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Zmudowski State Beach adventure.
Highlights include fishing and birding at this secluded beach.
Sloping dunes and scenic wetlands tempt wildlife watchers to this quiet Monterey Bay beach. The northernmost of the bay’s six state beaches, Zmudowski is also its most secluded, where visitors can get back to nature. Fish for kingfish and salmon, then perch around the Pajaro River estuary; go kayaking or canoeing on the river; or enjoy birding along the sandy shores. Horseback riding is also allowed on the beach, and although there’s no camping in the park, you’ll find private campgrounds and accommodation nearby.
Coastal fogs and winds are common at Zmudowski State Beach, where weather can change quickly. Dress in layers and bring something warm, even in summer. Western snowy plovers nest right on the beach each spring, but some of the best birding opportunities are in winter. Check the tides if horseback riding, as horses are limited to wet sand..