Beach Camping in Cali?

Anyone know of some nice spots you can overnight on the Cali coast? We're heading over from Fresno and gonna head all the way up 1 and out the north end.

 

Pismo is about the only place you can camp on the actual sand that's close to Fresno

 

Coast camping doesn't have to involve camping ON a beach. I mean, the whole high tide while your sleeping thing can be a bit of a downer...

There are tons of campsites along Hwy1 where you can step out your tent and pee on beach sand, if that's your thing. Or you can camp on a cliff side, in an alcove, or up on a ridge.

This can get you started.
https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach-camping-in-california/

Salt Point state park is really cool. Doran Beach in Bodega seems awesome, but never camped there. Tomales Bay is cool too. Lots of options. Definitely call and get reservations if you can, and also check if they're even open...

Once you get up north, Crescent City is definitely worth a stop. We ended up camping inland at a NF site (about 30 minutes inland called Grassy Flat), but it was still a cool spot on the Smith River. Definitely stop at Pelican Brewing before heading inland.