From Southern California with its vibrant shores to the charming beaches of Northern California, the Golden State is rich in seaside areas that will steal your heart.
Check out our selection of 20 best beaches in California and find your favorite destination!
1. Santa Monica State Beach
One of the most iconic destinations in California is Santa Monica State Beach. Stretching more than 3.5 miles, Santa Monica Beach invites you to explore all the water sports you are interested in and enjoy some quality sunbathing time.
If you are traveling with children, Santa Monica Pier awaits you with an incredible amusement park and carousel that will keep the entire family entertained. The Ferris wheel is the main attraction of the park. Also, for those who like bike rides in scenic landscapes, the Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance bike path provides a scenic and memorable journey!
2. Venice Beach
Go south of Santa Monica Beach and you will walk into Venice Beach, which is just as fabulous. The atmosphere here is incredibly entertaining with all its vibrant attractions.
Soak in the vibrant energy of the boardwalk with street performers, unique art, and the legendary Muscle Beach, where Arnold Schwarzenegger once trained.
3. Malibu Lagoon State Beach (Surfrider Beach)
Malibu Lagoon State Beach, known as Surfrider Beach is the ideal Californian beach for surfing enthusiasts. Being close to the Malibu Pier, this beach shares its vibrant lifestyle and is mostly known for the perfect surfing waves.
Whether you like to surf or not, this beach offers you a spectacle to enjoy as other beginners and experts ride its waves. The rocky shores add to the beauty of the area, giving you plenty of spots for romantic and relaxing walks.
Since the 1960s, this beach has been a historic place for surfing but it also offers some of the best fishing spots.
4. Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach is a two-mile beach in Malibu that is highly popular among both locals and tourists. While here you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, body surfing, and other beach activities, it is also a popular place thanks to movies and TV shows, like “Baywatch” and the 1960s TV show, “Gidget”.
This beach has over 2000 parking spaces, which makes it easily accessible. It is also one of the clearest and cleanest beaches in Los Angeles County. However, note that swimming can be challenging particularly for beginners as there are strong currents.
5.El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach awaits you with dramatic cliffs and scenic views. This beach is different as it has unique sea caves and rock formations.
You will have to go down on a not-so-smooth trek, but as soon as you reach the El Matador beach oasis it will all be worth it. If you want a more intimate, romantic getaway, this is the perfect spot on the California coastline. It is the ideal, artistic beach for photographers and nature lovers.
A sunset here can be truly spectacular as the sun rays put the rock formations in a charming and captivating light.
6. Laguna Beach (Main Beach)
If you have an eye for art or you are a full-time artist, Laguna Beach also known as Main Beach is the place for you! In the early 1900s, artists were drawn to the area by the natural beauty of the coastline, the quality of light, and the serene environment. This legacy has continued, and today, the city is home to one of the highest concentrations of artists in California.
This beach awaits tourists with clear waters, soft sand, and wide shores that offer amazing views of the ocean. The coves and tide pools are rich in wildlife specific to this marine area. Also, Main Beach Park offers plenty of attractions that the entire family can enjoy. In Laguna town, you can also find plenty of restaurants, shops and art galleries so you will not have a dull moment here.
7. Newport Beach
Newport Beach is one of the main beaches in Southern California. Here you will find a well-developed surf culture, soft, sandy beaches, and plenty of spots to relax sunbathing or play beach sports.
If you are looking for some family-friendly fun, head to the Balboa Fun Zone by taking a ferry. Balboa Island is popular for its frozen bananas and unique shops where you will find souvenirs. Plus, the Wedge area is known as one of the top bodysurfing spots on the planet.
At Newport beach, you will also find luxurious homes and yachts that represent the Californian upper-class lifestyle.
8. Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is also known as “Surf City USA,” and is one of the best beaches to go to if you like surfing. The waves are constant and perfect for all kinds of surfing. The beach also has soft sandy shores and a vibrant pier area.
Every year, this beach welcomes the U.S. Open of Surfing, which attracts tourists from all over the world. Plus, here you can visit the International Surfing Museum.
9. Crystal Cove State Park
Between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, you will find Crystal Cove State Park. This beach is pristine and even offers hiking trails along with clear tide pools.
In the historic area, you will find vintage beach cottages that add a rustic and nostalgic vibe to this area. These cottages date back to the 1930s and 1940s and are unique in their historic beauty. It is almost as if you stepped on a different timeline.
10. Carmel Beach
In the picturesque and beautiful town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, you will find the famous Carmel Beach. This beach is dog-friendly so feel free to bring your pet with you. Its white sands, cypress trees, and clear waters make it one of the best family-friendly beaches in California.
This beach is also very romantic and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and some of the best sunsets you will witness. If you take a walk through the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, you will find inviting restaurants, art galleries, and cafes to enjoy your vacation even more.
11. Pfeiffer Beach
Big Sur offers one of the most fascinating beaches in California, the Pfeiffer beach. This beach has purple sand that makes it unique and charming rock formations to complete its authentic charm. Keyhole Rock is the most popular spot for taking stunning photographs, particularly during the sunset.
The purple sand of this beach comes from the manganese garnet particles from the hills in the area. And even if it is less accessible than other beaches, it is worth every moment spent here. So, if you want a unique beach experience, the Pfeiffer beach awaits you with its incredible, natural beauty.
12. Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is the best Central Coast area to go for a weekend getaway. It is ideal for surfing, clamming, or simply long walks on the wide sandy shores. You will also find a historic pier with attractions and entertainment that will make your time here special.
If you take a stroll through the town, you’ll find wineries, restaurants, shops, cafes, and everything you need to have fun. And adventure-seekers can explore the nearby Ocean Dunes where they can practice ATV and off-roading activities.
13. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a nostalgic, fun amusement park that will entertain you during your entire trip. This is one of the most famous seaside parks in the States, thanks to its carnival food, rides, and arcade games. The amusement park features the Giant Dipper, a wooden roller coaster that has been thrilling visitors since 1924.
The beach area is perfect for surfing, beach sports, and sunbathing.
14. Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach is located in Santa Cruz and is renowned for its unique rock arch that adds charm to the background. Here you can enjoy bird watching and tide pooling and if you visit it during the fall and winter seasons, you can enjoy plenty of monarch butterflies.
Even if there is only one rock formation present on the beach today, it adds a special charm and personality to this place. You can take stunning pictures and if you catch the monarch butterflies, your experience will be truly captivating!
15. Coronado Beach
Across downtown San Diego, you will find Coronado Beach with its golden sands, welcoming atmosphere, and the famous Hotel Coronado. This is often included in the top of best US beaches as it is family-friendly, welcomes surfers, and offers scenic views of the ocean.
Head to the Coronado Village to discover delicious, local cuisine, traditional shops, and friendly locals. The village offers fun parks where children can explore and have fun and romantic spots for couples to relax. The village awaits you with the Spreckels Park, where children can enjoy a playground, picnic areas, and summer concerts. The secluded benches along Centennial Park offer stunning views of the San Diego skyline and waterfront, perfect for a romantic stroll or quiet conversation.
16. La Jolla Shores Beach
Also in San Diego, you will find La Jolla Shores Beach which is one mile long. Here you will find sandy shores, ready to be explored, surfing waves, and the perfect conditions for kayaking.
This beach is connected to the La Jolla Underwater Park, which makes it a great place for scuba diving and snorkeling. The park is a 6,000-acre marine protected area, offering plenty of water fun for beginners and experts alike! If you are not an expert in these water sports, you can always join classes and potentially discover new hobbies.
Make sure to explore the La Jolla Village as well for great dining restaurants, shops, and a complete local experience.
17. Mission Beach
San Diego is also home to Mission Beach, which is a well-defined, vibrant beach community. Here you will find a rich nightlife and plenty of activities to enjoy during the day. Beach volleyball, sunbathing, and surfing are the most popular activities but you can also enjoy biking and rollerblading on the boardwalk.
In Mission Beach, you will also find the historic oceanfront, Belmont Park which features the Giant Dipper roller coaster, dating back to 1925. so, if you are looking for some intense and nostalgic sensations, this is the place for you!
18. Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach is one of the most relaxing beach towns in California. Besides the wide, sandy shores and volleyball courts, The Strand is a paved alley along the beach that allows you to enjoy biking and jogging.
This town also offers charming fishing spots where you can spend hours relaxing and enjoying the ocean. Plus, the ocean views give it a unique charm that you will want to keep admiring during your stay. Here takes place the annual AVP Hermosa Beach Open, one of the most prestigious events in professional beach volleyball.
19. Half Moon Bay State Beach
Half Moon Bay State Beach spreads over 4 miles of sandy area, in Northern California. Here you can enjoy fishing and camping for a profound connection with nature. The coastal trails offer you many opportunities for charming walks and stunning ocean views.
Half Moon Bay is known for the annual Mavericks Surf Competition, where some of the world’s best big-wave surfers tackle waves that can reach up to 60 feet. The town of Half Moon Bay is known for its fun annual pumpkin festival and a rich downtown area with restaurants, shops, and street entertainment.
20. Point Lobos State Reserve
Point Lobos State Reserve in Carmel is one of the most fascinating coastal parks in the United States. Its rich wildlife, clear waters, and dramatic cliffs give it a special identity that you will not find anywhere else.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, this is the place to go as it offers hiking trails and breathtaking ocean views. You can also enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling as well as other water activities. This is one of the best places to see otters, harbor seals, and sea lions in their natural habitat. You can also witness migrating gray whales and have an overall unique experience!
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