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Ward Avenue - Photo 1
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Ward Avenue - Photo 3

Ward Avenue

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Ward Avenue Beach is a stunning coastal destination in Mendocino County, California, known for its breathtaking sunsets and dramatic shoreline. This picturesque beach is a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil retreat. As a coastal beach, it offers a unique blend of rugged coastline and scenic views, making it an ideal spot for photography and relaxation. Visitors can explore the beach's notable features, including its tide pools and rocky outcroppings, by checking out the Mendocino County tourism website for more information. With its serene atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, Ward Avenue Beach is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Ward Avenue Beach offers a range of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy, from swimming and surfing to beachcombing and picnicking. The beach is surrounded by scenic hiking trails, including the Mendocino Headlands State Park, which provides breathtaking views of the coastline. Nearby attractions include the historic town of Mendocino, with its charming shops and restaurants, as well as the Mendocino Art Center, which features local artwork and exhibits. Visitors can also enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many local eateries, and the beach is generally less crowded than other popular coastal destinations, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. For more information on dining and attractions, check out the Visit California website.

The best time to visit Ward Avenue Beach is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, or during the spring and fall, when the crowds are smaller and the scenery is particularly beautiful. Visitors can access the beach via a scenic coastal road, and parking information is available on the California State Parks website. For visitors with mobility issues, the beach offers accessible pathways and facilities, including restrooms and picnic areas. Local tips include arriving early to secure parking and bringing layers, as the coastal weather can be cool and foggy, even during the summer months. For more information on recreation areas and outdoor activities, check out the US Department of Agriculture website, which provides information on national forests and recreation areas in California.

Quick Answers

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What is Ward Avenue most known for?

Ward Avenue is most known for excellent surfing conditions, and pristine sand dunes.

Is Ward Avenue kid-friendly?

Ward Avenue may have limited amenities for young children. Check current conditions before your visit.

Is Ward Avenue good for surfing?

Yes! Ward Avenue is a known surf spot and conditions today are excellent with 3.7ft waves at 11 second intervals.

What is the best time of year to visit Ward Avenue?

Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the warmest weather and water temperatures. Summer can be crowded. Fall provides pleasant conditions with fewer visitors.

How are the crowds at Ward Avenue?

Ward Avenue tends to have fewer crowds due to limited amenities. Great for those seeking a quieter beach experience.

Is today a good day to swim at Ward Avenue?

Swimming conditions are challenging today. Current conditions: cold water (56°F, wetsuit required), moderate waves, use caution.

Real-Time Beach Data

Salty delivers real-time intelligence across land amenities, air quality and weather, ocean conditions, and sun exposure.

🏖 LAND

Parking & Access

Parking: Yes

Recreation & Sports

Surfing: Yes

Special Features

Dunes: Yes

💨 AIR

Air temp: 45°F
Wind: 3 mph
Air pressure: 1020 hPa
Feels like: 38°F
Wind direction: S
PM 2.5: 1 µg/m³
Humidity: 43%
AQI: 10
PM 10: 2 µg/m³
Rainfall: 0 mm
Visibility: 29 mi
Dew point: 24°F
Conditions: Clear sky

💧 SEA

Water temp: 56°F
Wave height: 3.7 ft
Swell direction: NW
Wave period: 11 sec
Current velocity: 0.7 mph
Swell wave direction: NW

☀️ SUN

UV index: 2.8
Sunrise: 7:35 AM
Cloud cover: 0%
Sunset: 5:00 PM
Total daylight hours: 9.4 hrs

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