San Simeon holds numerous treasures, from the opulent Hearst Castle to the famous resident elephant seals. However, even seasoned Highway 1 travelers may not know about this tiny black sand beach and waterfall tucked away near Ragged Point Inn, accessible via a steep trail descending the bluff. This is Young Creek Beach, one of the most underrated stops along the PCH—even if it’s just to see the view from above.
While “Young Creek Beach” is the official name of this small but mighty hidden gem, most visitors refer to it as “Ragged Point Beach” by association with the inn. The inn’s property features sculptures and a wedding pagoda on the bluffs, which is where you’ll find the so-called “Million Dollar View” of the black sand beach. However, if you want to see the waterfall, you’ll need to take a short and rugged 30-minute hike.
You can access the beach via the Ragged Point Cliffside Trail (labeled “Nature Trail”) behind the inn. Take the rocky switchback trail about 350 feet down the side of the bluff, and you’ll eventually encounter Black Swift Falls splashing down over the rocky creek bed. The cascade is said to drop about 300 feet in total, and is best viewed along the steep trail—it’s not visible from the beach or from the viewpoint above.
After traversing some large boulders at the bottom, you’ll finally arrive at Young Creek Beach. Here you’ll encounter a craggy landscape with black sand created from the erosion of dark iron-rich rocks and minerals. As the rocks break down, magnetite and iron oxides accumulate on the shore, creating this black sand effect.
If you find yourself traveling up the Central Coast with a plan to visit this hidden black sand beach, just make sure you’re prepared—bring sturdy shoes to traverse down the bluff, especially in the rainy season. And importantly, make sure you check the tides as the secluded beach can all but disappear during high tide. For more tips, you can consult California Beaches or the Ragged Point Inn website.
With its dramatic cliffs, rare black sand, and cascading waterfall, Young Creek Beach offers one of the most unique hidden gem experiences along the California coast. This isn’t your typical beach day, but for those ready to take on the rugged trail, the payoff is a wild, serene pocket of natural beauty that few travelers ever get to see.