DeMartin Beach Picnic Area in Klamath, CA is a always-open Pacific Coast stop for simple picnics, beach walks, and unforgettable sunsets.
If you’re planning a relaxed family day along Northern California’s rugged coastline, DeMartin Beach Picnic Area is a strong choice. It’s commonly associated with Wilson Creek Beach (also known as DeMartin Beach) near Klamath, set by False Klamath Cove with dramatic rocks offshore and wide-open ocean views.The vibe here is refreshingly simple: find a picnic table, listen to the surf, wander the sand, and end the day with golden-hour photos. It’s less about “attractions” and more about a calm rhythm—perfect for families who want nature time without a strict schedule.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Klamath, CA 95548 |
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Facilities | Picnic tables, fire rings, oceanfront beach |
| Important Notes | No restrooms, no potable water, no trash service, no formal BBQ grill; watch tides and ocean conditions for safety. |
DeMartin Beach (Wilson Creek Beach) is known for its dark gray sand, driftwood, and rocky surf scenery—classic North Coast texture. The beach sits near the town of Klamath, and the area is part of Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. A nearby loop trail is also noted for leading to ocean viewpoints and Hidden Beach, which is great if your family wants a little walking without making the day feel like a full hiking trip.
Since this picnic area is best treated as a rustic coastal stop, plan your day as if services are limited: bring your own drinking water, pack a trash bag for every food item, and keep meals simple to reduce cleanup. For ocean safety, always keep an eye on wave conditions and tides—on this stretch of coastline, unexpected surges can happen. Stay back from the surf line, avoid turning your back to the ocean, and keep children close when exploring tide pools or driftwood zones.
DeMartin Beach Picnic Area is ideal for a family outing when you prep food the night before. Make your picnic easy (pre-made sandwiches, fruit, ready-to-eat lunch boxes), then load everything into a Tara Explorer 2+2. With a large storage box for food, blankets, and extra layers—plus a mini fridge for cold drinks—you can keep the day organized and enjoy chilled beverages right on the beach.
Arrive around 9:00 and start with a quick safety check: look at the tide line, watch the wave rhythm for a few minutes, and choose a picnic table near the beach or a comfortable place to lay down a picnic mat. Keep your “essentials kit” handy: water, wipes, sunscreen, and a trash bag.
Enjoy breakfast with Pacific Coast views—this is prime soft light for photos and a calm start for kids. Recommended breakfast:
Take a few family photos early: the ocean colors and wide horizon make simple candid shots look amazing.
After breakfast, stroll along Wilson Creek / DeMartin Beach. This hour is perfect for shell spotting, bird watching, and tide pool exploring. Keep the family safe by staying alert for sudden waves and avoiding slippery rocks. If kids want to explore close to the water, keep it shallow and supervised.
Return to your picnic base for an easy lunch. Since the site is best treated as “minimal services,” choose foods that don’t require much cleanup:
If local rules and weather allow, you may be able to use a beach fire ring—always follow posted guidance and keep fires small and controlled.
This is your “slow time.” Listen to the waves, enjoy the sun (with sunscreen), and let kids build sand structures. Bring a small blanket for comfort and lean into the “coastal slow living” feel—no rush, no schedule pressure.
Spend the afternoon capturing the coastline. On clear days, the horizon layers look dramatic, and the offshore rocks create a strong composition for family portraits. For the best shots, position your subject with the ocean behind and keep the light at an angle (not straight overhead).
Enjoy a small snack, hydrate, and do a thorough cleanup. Since there’s no trash service, make sure every wrapper and leftover item goes back into your bag. A quick “ground sweep” prevents accidental litter and keeps the beach beautiful for the next family.
DeMartin Beach is a fantastic sunset spot. As the sun drops, the reflection across the water can feel cinematic. Bring a warm layer—temperatures often dip after sunset—and take one “sunset silhouette” photo to close the day.
Pack up fully and head out with enough daylight for a smooth drive back.
With a little preparation and strong “leave no trace” habits, DeMartin Beach Picnic Area becomes an easy, repeatable family outing: beach air, quiet meals, gentle exploration, and a sunset that feels like a reward for slowing down.
Nearby context: DeMartin Beach is commonly referenced alongside Wilson Creek Beach in Klamath and is noted for coastal scenery and trail access to viewpoints and Hidden Beach.
