Sand Dollar Beach and Jade Cove

Monterey County

Sand Dollar Beach, Southern Big Sur, California
Sand Dollar Beach, Southern Big Sur, California

Sand Dollar Beach and Jade Cove

Monterey County


Sand Dollar Beach

Beautiful Sand Dollar Beach along Monterey's Big Sur coast is a popular place for picnicking, beach combing, searching for jade, fishing, and surfing. It is the largest beach in the area with plenty of room to spread out. The rough waves and strong rip-currents make it dangerous for wading and swimming.

The level bluffs above Sand Dollar Beach and Jade Cove have been designated as a hang glider and paraglider landing area.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.


Sand Dollar Beach map, Big Sur, Monterey County, CA

Jade Cove

Jade Cove attracts many who are in search of the nephrite jade that can often be found here. Although there is a sign along the highway, there is little in the way of improvements at the cove. A couple of pull-out areas along the highway offer space for parking and unimproved use-trails lead across the coastal bluffs and down to the water's edge. North Jade Cove is the area between Jade Cove and Sand Dollar Beach.

Caution

As in most places along the coast, the surf here is dangerous and those searching for jade should never turn their back on the ocean. Rogue waves can appear unannounced and sweep unwary visitors off the shore.

Searching for Jade

Eager jade hunters visit the cove area often, especially early in the morning before others have had a chance to scour the beach. The best times to visit are at low tides, especially soon after a winter storm. There are special regulations which govern the collection of jade. They apply to Sand Dollar Beach, Jade Cove, and other coastal areas within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Check the official regulations for complete and up to date information.

  1. Only loose jade from submerged lands may be collected. Collect your jade from below the mean tide level.
  2. No tools may be used except a hand tool to maneuver and lift the jade or scratch its surface to determine if it is jade.
  3. For divers, lift bags may be used with a combined capacity of no more than 200 pounds.
  4. Each person may collect only what that person individually carries.

Jade Cove map, Big Sur, Monterey County, CA

Hang Gliding

Experienced hang glider pilots in the area like to launch from Prewitt Ridge, high in the coastal mountains, and work their way down, eventually landing in the broad open field north of Sand Dollar Beach. To the reach the launch spot, drive up Nacimiento-Fergusson Road (just south of Kirk Creek Campground). Follow the road 7 miles to the Prewitt Ridge Road on the right. Another 5 miles leads to the launch site just north of the summit of Prewitt Ridge. The elevation there is about 3,000 feet.

The southern Big Sur area is often too foggy for flying in the summer. Fall months are usually among the best. The flight is probably suitable for those rated H2/P2, but first timers in the area should hitch up with someone experienced with the launch site and landing zone.

Sand Dollar Beach, Big Sur, CA

Sand Dollar Beach



Surfing at Sand Dollar Beach

Surfers rate Sand Dollar Beach as one of the best surfing spots along this section of coast. The paddle out is best along the rocks near the creek channel with the aid of rip-currents. The waves come in big and can break well out from shore or can be forgiving and gentle breaking close to the beach. Finding the right place to set up can sometimes be challenging.


Jade Festival

The admission free Jade Festival used to take place at the local school next to the Campground, but a new location will have to be found for 2024. The festival is held on Columbus Day weekend every year. This year it is set for October TBA, 2024. The festival has live music, food and plenty of jade for sale.
Big Sur Jade Festival

Camping at Plaskett Creek Campground

Plaskett campground is practically right across the highway from Sand Dollar Beach. The campground is a family-oriented site with a variety of activities nearby. Many surfers like to stay there because it is easy to walk to the beach from the campground. Past campers noted how clean and quiet the campground was and how friendly and helpful the campground hosts were.

The campground has 38 single family campsites along with 3 group sites, all for either tent or RV. The group sites can accommodate up to 40 people. The individual campsites each have a table and campfire ring with grill. Restrooms have flush toilets and drinking water is available around the campground.

Fees: $35 for single site, $150 for group site
Reservations: Recreation.gov - Plaskett Creek Campground

Nearby Lodging

Lucia Lodge

Lucia, CA (9 miles north of Sand Dollar Beach)
(866) 424-4787   Lucia Lodge
Accommodations: 10 updated, yet rustic, cabins and rooms, private baths
Amenities: Lodge and cabins overlook the Pacific Ocean, sitting area with panoramic view, free grab-n-go breakfast (2021 fire devastated their restaurant and store)
Rates: $$$

Ragged Point Inn and Resort

19019 Highway 1, Ragged Point, CA
17 miles south of Sand Dollar Beach
805-927-4502   Ragged Point Inn and Resort
Accommodations: Ocean-view rooms with decks or balconies and fireplaces; Garden rooms with views of Pacific or Santa Lucia Mountains
Amenities: Restaurant, Wine Bar, Espresso bar, and Sandwich Stand
Rates: $$$

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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety