On a clear summer day, the beaches around Ninilchik and Deep Creek feel like the edge of the world. Tractors launch boats into the surf, eagles work the shoreline and the volcanoes across the inlet look close enough to touch. Getting there and back is easier with a little planning.
1. Check tire pressure before the gravel
Beach access roads can be rough, and soft sand is different from pavement. A cordless inflator lets you set pressure at home and top it up before the highway home.
2. Protect your eyes from the glare
Long, low summer light bounces off wet sand and water. UV400 lenses help, and a spare pair in the glovebox means nobody squints the whole way home.
3. Wear shoes that can get wet
Rocky stretches and tide pools are rough on bare feet. Thin, flexible barefoot-style shoes grip well and dry quickly in the sun and wind.
4. Keep a roadside kit behind the seat
Cell service can be patchy and help can be a while away. Jumper cables, a reflective vest and basic tools turn a long wait into a short one.
