Finding the perfect beach is one of humanity’s most enduring quests. And in our effort to attain paradise, we sometimes engineer the results: pumped in sand, human-constructed jetties, imported palms, coastlines raked and groomed to perfection. But if you’re craving a more unaltered experience, check out these wild beaches where Mother Nature has been allowed to do her thing.

Trestles, California

If you’ve ever taken the Amtrak from San Diego to Los Angeles, you’ve ridden the rail that gives Trestles its name. A renowned surf spot, Trestles occupies the northernmost tip of San Onofre State Beach in Northern San Diego County. This stretch of sand is accessed by way of a short hike through native vegetation, giving Trestles a pleasantly isolated vibe without taking you too far off the beaten path

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