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Sand Dollar Beach is a beautiful crescent of white sand that stretches into a horseshoe cove, making it a decent spot for surfers and beachgoers alike. It's located north of San Simeon, and while it can get busy with visitors, there's usually enough space to find your own spot. The beach is pretty user-friendly, with gentle waves rolling towards the shore and a generally mellow vibe among the locals.
The surf here can vary quite a bit. The best time to hit the waves is during a high tide, particularly when there's a small to medium swell. The conditions work best when the wind is from the east or northeast. The south end is known for its long, mushy lefts that fade into a deep channel, while the rights tend to be quicker and hollower, offering a bit more challenge. The north end serves up longer rights, but they're usually not as clean as the south peak and can be a bit larger. Sand Dollar can handle swell sizes ranging from about 4 to 10 feet (1.2 to 3 meters), which is where it shows its fun side. Most surfers here use shortboards, funboards, longboards, or fish, especially in the autumn season.
Accessing the beach is straightforward; just head north on Highway 1 and keep an eye out for the signs. There’s plenty of room for crowds, so you can usually pick your own peak to ride. Just be ready for some duck dives when it’s bigger, and keep an eye out for locals. Overall, it’s a fun spot that can appeal to intermediate surfers looking for a session in a scenic environment.