Samuel H. Boardman State Park is one of the most random state parks we have visited. If you had no idea what was here, you could easily drive right past without thinking anything of it. Secret Beach is probably the second most popular spot along the scenic corridor. If you do it right, we feel this spot can easily hold its own against Natural Bridges. The first time we hiked down here, we came completely unprepared so ended up unknowingly missing half of the cool stuff along this hike. Still super cool, but the second time, we just so happened to time it right and found EVERYTHING. Luckily for you, you can just learn from our mistakes.
What we discovered the second time around, is that everything depends on the tide (unless you don't mind swimming). Go at high tide, and the beach will disappear that leads to 2 or three additional coves. Go at low tide and you should be able to walk straight through without getting your feet wet. There are several free tools you can use to find the tide charts. Since we are surfers, we just used the surfline report for brookings jetty which will tell you exactly when the tide bottoms out. Anything 1ft and under should be perfect. 2ft you'll probably still be fine but have to time some waves. Anything above that and good luck.
There are a ton of secret spots along this beach. The first secret spot we'd recommend checking is this hidden cove off to the right once you first reach the initial opening to secret beach. Easy to miss and just a couple extra feet up the hill, but we've spotted a bunch of seals just relaxing on the beach over here multiple times. There's no way down to this beach so just a quick seal check. The next secret spot is probably the coolest one (the first image above). This hidden cave is accessible from the back and looks back through at the trail that leads down to the beach. This one really needs low tide to be able to get far enough through to see out the end of the cave. The last spot worth noting is this cave (shown in the 2nd and 3rd images above), which will likely be as far as you can go (unless the tide is extremely low).
There are several cheap motels to the south of Samuel H. Boardman State Park within a 20min drive of all the good spots. Both visits, we have just shown up last min and found a spot to crash for less than one of those tiny heated tents in Yosemite. Both times we've driven all the way up from San Diego with absolutely no plan, so its pretty nice having a small town close by where you can grab cheap lodging, something to eat, or some extra underwear if you forget to pack it (true story).
Secret Beach is not really much of a secret. It's probably the second most popular trail in Samuel H. Boardman State Park. However, the "secret" is actually the two or three additional coves you can reach if you go at low tide. Not sure when low tide is? Check the forecast here. Want to know exactly where all the secret spots are? Scroll up. Exact coordinates linked above. Not too hard to find tho so get out there and explore around🤘.