The best places to find them are in the northern state's forests and woodlands. All the coastal state parks between Big Sur and the Oregon border are good viewing and collecting locales. Collect with caution. Regulations vary from park to park. Never consume wild mushrooms before consulting an expert.
Beaches undergo major transformations.
Sand built up by lighter waves during the summer months begins to be torn down by the larger breakers associated with winter storms. As months pass, beaches steepen and narrow. Storms come primarily from the north, so north-facing beaches change most. Certain La Jolla beaches that were covered with white sand in summer are lined with boulders and cobble in winter. Look for waves breaking along longshore bars built up offshore by sand transported from the beach.