Is Schooner Gulch State Beach good for swimming today?
Schooner Gulch State Beach has BeachFinder Score: 51/100. Use this as a planning signal only, then check local flags, lifeguards, closures and current beach conditions.
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Schooner Gulch State Beach
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Quick answer
Quick answer: Schooner Gulch State Beach today
Schooner Gulch State Beach is a BeachFinder spot in US-W, US. Today, compare water temperature 13°C, wind 24 km/h · N, uv 7.3, waves 1.6 m, water quality Check official advisories before leaving. BeachFinder Score: 51/100. Always check official flags, closures and lifeguard advice before swimming.
Water temperature
13°C
Wind
24 km/h · N
UV
7.3
Waves
1.6 m
Water quality
Check official advisories
Last updated: Aug 27, 09:00 AM local forecast timeBeachFinder Score: 51/100
Sources: Open-Meteo weather and marine forecasts, OpenStreetMap place context and BeachFinder spot data.
This is planning information, not a safety clearance. Conditions can change quickly.
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Live conditions on the site
Surfers can check wind, wave height, currents and surf cues here before opening the full BeachFinder app.
Updated: Aug 27, 09:00 AM
Water temp
13°C
Air temp
17°C
Feels like
15°C
UV index
7.3
Wind
24 km/h · N
Gust 39 km/h
Waves
1.6 m
Current
0 km/h · W
Parking
...
Shower
...
Accessible access
...
Toilets
...
Restaurants
...
Weather and marine data: Open-Meteo
Schooner Gulch State Beach
Schooner Gulch State Beach extends along the Mendocino coast, Northern California, about 150 kilometers north of San Francisco. This portion of the Pacific coastline is characterized by spectacular sandstone and clay cliffs that plunge steeply into the ocean, forming narrow coves and dramatic rock formations. The coast here is wild and rugged, typical of the Sonoma wine region, where farmland meets almost vertical coastal escarpments. The beach itself occupies a small, enclosed cove, dominated by rock faces that channel the waves and create an atmosphere of relative isolation. Unlike Bowling Ball Beach, located just 400 meters to the south and famous for its rounded geological formations, Schooner Gulch offers a more austere experience, marked by angular rocks and pebbles. Fish Rock Beach, 9.6 kilometers away, offers more space and accessibility; here, the narrowness of the cove and direct exposure to North Pacific swells give the site a rougher, less frequented character. The site has no formal facilities: no dedicated parking, no toilets, no supervision. Access is via a steep coastal trail that requires a certain level of physical fitness. No facilities for people with reduced mobility are present. The State Beach status offers environmental protection, although the absence of Blue Flag certification reflects the lack of standardized services.
About this spot
The name "Schooner Gulch" evokes the schooners that once anchored in the small natural harbors of this rugged coast, exploiting the region's redwood timber in the 19th century. The local geology, dominated by unstable Tertiary deposits, explains the constant erosion and landslides that continually shape the landscape. The Mendocino region, once a major center of Californian logging, has gradually shifted towards tourism and viticulture; Schooner Gulch represents this transition, remaining largely ignored by conventional tourist circuits despite its proximity to Bowling Ball Beach, which became Instagram-famous for its giant rock balls.
Updated 5/9/2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the water temperature at Schooner Gulch State Beach today?
13°C. Marine temperature is shown when forecast coverage is available for this location.
How windy is Schooner Gulch State Beach today?
24 km/h · N. Wind can change comfort and surface conditions, especially on exposed beaches.
What should I check before swimming at Schooner Gulch State Beach?
Check official safety flags, lifeguard advice, closures, water-quality advisories, UV, wind, waves and currents before entering the water.
Before you go
Conditions
Compare water temperature, air temperature, feels-like temperature, UV index, wind, waves and currents. Surf-focused data appears when a marine model covers the spot.
Amenities
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Schooner Gulch State Beach
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