Van Damme State Beach

Beautiful beach with pit toilets and free parking. There’s a campground across the street. Nice spot to spend the day.

Van Damme State Beach is a hidden gem along the Mendocino Coast, perfect for a quick yet memorable stop while traveling to Fort Bragg. Nestled off Highway 1, this serene spot is a fantastic place to stretch your legs, enjoy the fresh ocean air, and take in the beautiful scenery. The beach itself is small and tranquil, with calm waves rolling into a protected cove surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush coastal greenery.

If you have a bit of extra time, the trails around the beach offer a chance to explore coastal forests, and the tide pools are fun to check out at low tide. Kayakers also love this spot for its easy access to sea caves nearby. Van Damme is peaceful and uncrowded, making it a perfect quick break that leaves you refreshed and ready to continue your journey north to Fort Bragg.

Van Damme is an amazing spot in the heart of Little River. A beautiful spot in a sea of beautiful spots as the Mendocino Coast is a pristine place. It is great to swim, paint or just escape the nonsense all around us and to escape into nature.