Van Damme State Park is a sheltered North Coast shore dive where a short walk from the beach parking lot puts you into Little River Cove. The inner cove is relaxed and beginner-friendly on settled days, while the outer rocks and headland wall reward more experienced teams with richer structure and stronger water movement when the swell rises. Expect a classic cold-water California site with kelp, anemones, nudibranchs, octopus, crabs, abalone, and plenty of fish life.