Gazos Creek

Gazos Creek is an exposed beach break that produces A-frame peaks when conditions align, with both left and right hand waves breaking across a sand and rock bottom. The break is beginner-friendly but inconsistent, lacking a strong seasonal pattern. Best conditions occur during winter—particularly January—with a west or southwest groundswell and northeast offshore winds on a rising or high tide, when waves hold shape for up to 100 meters. The spot attracts very little crowd.

Located at the mouth of Gazos Creek south of Pescadero, the beach sits within Año Nuevo State Park directly off Highway 1 at Gazos Creek Road, approximately eight miles south of the Pescadero Creek Road junction. Parking is free in small lots north and south of the Highway 1/Gazos Creek Road intersection; gates lock at dusk but you can park across the street and walk in at any time. The approach is an easy, short trail from the parking areas to the beach itself.

Hazards are significant and specific to this location. The Año Nuevo area is known for white shark presence, and the coastline features actively eroding cliffs that can crumble. Rip currents and exposed rocks pose additional risks, and a rising tide can trap people on isolated sections of beach. The area also serves multiple other uses including kiteboarding, windsurfing, and fishing.