California’s Pacific Coast boasts 840 miles of shoreline making it the right place for a highway journey to take pleasure in its countless stretches of sand. While many individuals can identify a couple of of its extra well-known seashores like Venice Beach, San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, or San Diego’s Coronado Beach, among the finest seashores in California aren’t actually recognized and due to this fact much less busy.
So, to introduce you to some locations you could not know, here’s a round-up of one of the best California Beaches that you simply already know and love, and a few lesser-known gems across the state.
Best California Beaches
Beaches in California are nature’s unspoiled treasures and so they provide nice alternatives for solitude, wildlife watching, and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. We’ve lived in California for a yr, so we had sufficient time to find not solely the well-known touristy locations however some hidden gems, too. (This put up was initially written by Csaba & Bea of Our Wanders and has been up to date by The Planet D workforce for 2023.)
1. Venice Beach – Los Angeles
Venice Beach is situated in Los Angeles County and is a type of locations that’s recognized extra for its bohemian really feel than for the seaside itself.
Most individuals who go to Venice Beach stroll alongside the Venice Beach Boardwalk, taking in the road performers, watching the bodybuilders raise weights, and witnessing the numerous artists plying their commerce alongside this well-known stretch.
Venice Beach itself is attractive so it’s no surprise it’s a favourite among the many locals in the world. A number of of the issues that make it considered one of our favourite California seashores are the cool little retailers, nice cafes, and among the hippest espresso locations in L.A.
2. Manhattan Beach – Los Angeles
There is a motive that Manhattan Beach is likely one of the costliest locations to reside in Los Angeles. Situated completely on the Pacific Ocean, the extensive sandy seaside is delicate and dotted with lovely homes, upscale eating places, stylish boutiques, and a few very costly motels.
Weekends carry out crowds of individuals together with some fairly good seaside volleyball gamers. Manhattan Beach looks like an odd identify for a seaside in California, but it surely was named after actual property developer Stewart Merrill who was from Manhattan New York.
It’s becoming that it’s named after a developer as a result of the actual property alongside Manhattan Beach is spectacular with dwelling promoting for as much as $36 million {dollars}
Being situated so near downtown LA it’s a nice add-on to your day of visiting Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, or the Sunset Strip. Manhattan Beach is unquestionably considered one of our favourite southern California seashores. Read extra: 37 Best Things To Do In Los Angeles In 2023 – By A Local
3. Malibu
Zuma Beach
Malibu has among the most lovely seashores in California. Most folks might be acquainted with Zuma Beach, with its extensive sandy seaside that stretches for two miles. Dotted with seaside volleyball nets, lifeguard stands, and plenty of amenities it’s no surprise this seaside is so common.
Other seashores in the world like Paradise Beach, Point Dume State Beach, and Puerco Beach are smaller and provide a extra household environment than Zuma Beach.
If you’re up for one thing distinctive, make sure that to take a look at the Malibu Beach Inn which provides you the possibility to spend a night on the “Billionaires Beach” stretch of the coast. It will not be low-cost but it surely offers you a glimpse into how the opposite half lives. Read extra about Malibu: 20 Best Things To Do In Malibu In 2023 By A Local
4. Huntington Beach – Orange County
Huntington State Beach has turn out to be fairly the vacation spot recently and for good motive. Located in town of Huntington Beach (nicknamed Surf City) it boasts an exquisite 2-mile-long sandy seaside that stretches from Beach Boulevard to the Santa Ana River Channel.
This seaside has some nice breaks for surfers. The Huntington Beach Pier is a superb place for leisurely stroll in addition to to strive your hand at fishing.
Make certain to get to the tip and take a look at Ruby’s Surf City Diner for some nice views and good meals.
Make certain to go to downtown which has an excellent number of bars, fabulous eating places, ice cream retailers, and boutiques. Huntington Beach is a type of locations that was made for a trip.
5. Newport Beach – Orange County
With a whopping 10 miles of shoreline, Newport Beach is situated in the well-known playground of the wealthy and delightful, Orange Country.
This southern California seaside neighborhood boasts 5 miles of golden sand reaching out from the Newport Pier.
Not solely do you have got the lengthy sandy stretch of Newport Beach, however there are additionally loads of points of interest for the entire household together with Balboa Fun Zone amusement park, Lido Marina Village buying middle, and nice browsing.
6. Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach is a spot for enjoyable in the solar. With the well-known Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park amusement park and its Ferris wheel, and historic carousel, that is a type of seashores in California that’s enjoyable for the entire household.
This California seaside neighborhood is dwelling to the wealthy and well-known.
Head out to the Beach to benefit from the sand and solar, but additionally to discover the Santa Monica State Beach Park, mountain climbing trails, buying alongside the Third Beach Preomenad, or biking alongside Marvin Braude Beach Trail.
Santa Monica Beach can also be dwelling to glorious browsing similar to so many seashores in California.
7. Santa Barbara
We by no means thought we’d have the chance to go to Santa Barbara however whereas working with California tourism on their advisory board, we had the possibility to spend a few days exploring the world.
Located on the Pacific Coast, there are many seashores to discover in Santa Barbara however it’s East Beach situated proper in city that makes it particular.
Santa Barbara has many seashores. Known as The American Riviera, you’ll really feel like a millionaire strolling alongside its sandy shores as palm bushes sway in the Pacific wind.
Visit Summerland Beach for horseback using, take a crusing journey, take pleasure in some kayaking alongside its shores or take in the attractive sundown at Hendry’s Beach.
8. Pfeiffer Beach – Big Sur
Located alongside the Pacific Coast Highway, Pfeiffer Beach is likely one of the most lovely settings in California.
Famous for its keyhole arch situated offshore in the Pacific Ocean, Pfeiffer Beach is an exquisite lengthy sandy seaside recognized for its purple sand.
It’s a bit off the crushed path making it some of the secluded seashores in California. To get to Pfeiffer Beach, from Highway 1, take the second flip one mile south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. It will not be part of the State Park. drive down
There are tide swimming pools to be explored at low tide, excessive lookouts to view the countless ocean, and rocks and bluffs. Read extra concerning the Pacific Coast Highway at Big Sur Road Trip – The Best Viewpoints
9. Coronado Beach – San Diego
Coronado Beach homes the Silver Strand with seven miles of glowing sandy seaside. It is situated simply throughout the bay from downtown San Diego and makes the listing as one of many prime seashores in California.
The iconic Hotel Del Coronado on the beachfront of San Diego Coronado Island was the setting for the film Some Like It Hot. It’s an excellent place to cease for lunch in case you are not able to splurge on an evening.
This seaside is a hub for tide swimming pools the place you’ll be capable to see ocean life resembling starfish, crabs, and barnacles.
Swing by Del’s beachside café for fish tacos or head as much as the swank outside bar for sundown cocktails with a view. For extra on San Diego learn: A Local’s Guide to the Best Things to Do in San Diego
10. La Jolla Shores Beach – San Diego
La Jolla Shores is situated in lovely San Diego. This seaside is superb for exploring tide swimming pools and basking in the solar. It can also be one of many wildest stretches of the Southern California coast housing the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
If you’re keen on seashores, you’ll additionally love La Jolla Cove the place sea lions bask in the solar. La Jolla Cove can also be a wonderful place for kayaking to La Jolla Sea Caves to discover the coastal formations.
11. Main Beach – Santa Cruz
Hit up Main Beach of Santa Cruz to take pleasure in this California seaside that is only one hour from San Francisco. Take a stroll alongside the mile-long Santa Cruz seaside boardwalk or go to the historic amusement park.
Santa Cruz Park is the oldest surviving amusement park in California. There are loads of seaside actions together with seaside volleyball courts, browsing, and kayaking. You’ll see sea lions, sea otters, dolphins, and even whales offshore.
12. Natural Bridges State Beach – Santa Cruz
Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz is one other must-visit seaside in California. The stone formation is one thing you’d anticipate to see off the coast of Portugal.
Natural Bridges State Beach is known as for precisely what you suppose it’s, the pure bridge that’s situated offshore. There are mountain climbing trails, and tide swimming pools to discover at low tide.
Plus there’s a boardwalk and it is a vital sanctuary for Monarch Butterflies migrating by way of the world from October to January. The panorama alone makes this probably the greatest seashores in California.
13. Pismo Beach – San Luis Obispo
I’ll always remember watching Clueless in the Nineties and questioning the place Pismo Beach was. Cher donated her ski tools to the Pismo Beach Disaster. I had all the time wished to go there ever since.
We had our likelihood when exploring the wine area of Santa Maria. Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on the Pacific Coast Highway, it is a lovely sandy seaside.
There are loads of issues to do round this small seaside city and whereas it is likely one of the finest seashores for browsing, we hit the sand dunes for a critical dune buggy journey.
If you aren’t up for an journey, take a stroll alongside the boardwalk and pier, discover the close by wineries or take a selfie in entrance of the Pismo Beach signal.
14. El Matador State Beach, Malibu
El Matador Beach is unquestionably probably the greatest seashores in California and it’s simply a few minutes’ drive from Malibu. This slim seaside is in the shade of big cliffs and stairs led us down there from the car parking zone.
We had been amazed by the fascinating rock formations on the shore and in the water, and in addition by the right ocean sundown this seaside presents. It’s probably not a seaside for swimming or browsing, but it surely’s a photographer’s and {couples}’ favourite due to its wild and romantic environment.
15. Beach at Alamere Falls, Point Reyes National Seashore
A seaside with a waterfall – how does that sound? No, we aren’t speaking of Big Sur’s common and magical McWay Falls this time, it’s one other one: Alamere Falls at Point Reyes National Seashore.
We aren’t certain if this seaside has a reputation, really, it even ceases to exist at excessive tide, after which Alamere Falls flows straight into the ocean. But it positively exists at low tide and there’s a steep path main right down to it close to the highest of the falls.
However, this distinctive seaside requires some mountain climbing, as a result of it could actually solely be accessed through Coast Trail from Palomarin Trailhead. This means an 8 miles average roundtrip which has simply turn out to be a day hike for us as we spent a lot time chilling out on the seaside.
If you’re keen on these take a look at extra Unique Beaches from Around the world.
16. Rodeo Beach, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Golden Gate National Recreation Area is simply north of San Francisco and it presents a number of good coastal hikes, some with a shocking panorama of Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay.
Rodeo Beach is a superb seaside for hikers as it’s the start line of a number of shorter and longer hikes and in addition a pleasant seaside itself bounded by a lagoon. Its darkish, pebbly sand is exclusive in California.
It’s a well-liked browsing seaside, however swimming is harmful due to the sturdy currents. We loved strolling on the seaside, doing among the coastal hikes, and getting amazed by the wild ocean.
17. Laguna Beach, Orange County
Laguna Beach is a neighborhood’s favourite in Orange County. And our favourite, too! With its clear and calm water is alleged to be probably the greatest swimming seashores and there may be additionally scuba diving in the world. But we warn you the water is much from heat even in the summer season – simply as anyplace else alongside the coast.
It was a pleasant refreshing cease although in South California’s sizzling summer season. There are loads of seaside actions right here at Laguna Beach nicely together with seaside volleyball courts, a motorbike path, and basketball courts.
18. Pescadero State Beach – San Mateo County
Pescadero is a protracted, quiet, wild seaside in Central California with nice wildlife-watching alternatives. We’ve seen tons of harbor seals resting on the cliffs close to the shore and Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is correct behind the seaside.
There are a number of shorter trails in the marsh and they’re glorious for bird-watching. Pescadero State Beach additionally has lovely (although normally windy and chilly) sunsets. Read extra: Things to do in San Mateo, California
19. Half Moon Bay State Beach – San Francisco
Located a couple of half-hour from San Francisco is the neighborhood of Half Moon and is a well-liked California seaside escape from town. It homes Half Moon Bay State Beach, Dunes Beach, and Francis Beach.
Take a hike alongside the California Coastal Trail for panoramic views of the shoreline. Dreaming of an island getaway? Check out our listing of The Most Beautiful Tropical Islands in the World
20. Andrew Molera State Beach, Big Sur
Again, an adventurous seaside! It’s situated in Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur alongside the Pacific Coast Highway. Accessing Andrew Molera State Beach requires a brief stroll from the car parking zone.
This scenic stretch of freeway is 2 hours and thirty minutes south of San Francisco and makes for one of many nice California Road Trips. The stroll features a river crossing as nicely if the seasonal bridge is eliminated.
The crystal clear river was not deep in any respect once we had been there, we may pleasantly stroll by way of it. Uhm… we may have finished it pleasantly if it wouldn’t have been so rattling chilly. But it was nonetheless enjoyable.
Andrew Molera Beach is on the mouth of Big Sur River, it’s a protracted undeveloped seaside and we additionally liked mountain climbing on the good bluff mountain climbing trails above it. Read extra: A information to one of the best campgrounds in Big Sur
21. Gold Bluffs Beach, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Gold Bluffs Beach is a part of Northern California’s Redwood National and State Parks and the foggy redwoods in the background give a mystic environment to it. This places it proper up there as probably the greatest seashores in California.
Usually, there aren’t many individuals on the seaside which is able to solely strengthen this environment.
One of probably the most particular hikes in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is Fern Canyon Trail which took us again to Jurassic instances – really, some scenes of the Jurassic Park film had been filmed there.
It begins from Gold Bluffs Beach – or ends on the seaside in the event you begin at James Irvine Trail as we did. The seaside itself can also be accessible by automotive and there’s a small campground on the car parking zone. Read: 7 Epic Places to Visit in Northern California
22. Limantour Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore
This lengthy and ideal sandy seaside on a sand spit between Drakes Bay and the Limantour Estero estuary is one other gem of Point Reyes National Seashore.
Thanks to the close by wetlands there’s a excessive likelihood to identify seabirds. Harbor seals additionally just like the shallow water of Drakes Bay and they’re typically seen mendacity on the shore.
Limantour Beach is accessible by automotive and it has a pleasant massive car parking zone. But in the event you ask us it’s a lot nicer to park earlier alongside the highway and hike there by way of pine forests and wetlands. We’ve finished the Laguna Trail – Limantour Beach – Muddy Hollow Trail – Bayview Trail loop which was an exquisite numerous day hike.
23. Carmel Beach City Park, Carmel-By-The-Sea
The neighborhood of gorgeous Carmel by the Sea additionally has probably the greatest California seashores. Located proper on Central California’s Monterey Peninsula Carmel is a superb base for exploring the Pacific Coast Highway.
It’s a type of typical Central California seashores with a stunning strolling road, tons of eating places with or with out ocean panorama, and naturally, a protracted, sandy seaside (that can also be canine pleasant.) Explore it extra at The Best Stops on 17 Mile Drive
We liked strolling on Carmel Beach and in addition on the scenic highway above the seaside. The seaside was stuffed with households having a picnic, youngsters swimming or enjoying in the water and canines operating round, and naturally, the seaside volleyball that California is so well-known for.
Carmel Beach is likely one of the few locations left on the California coast the place folks can nonetheless collect round a fireplace to toast marshmallows and benefit from the environment of a seaside bonfire. Read extra: Things to do in Carmel by the Sea, California
24. Cowell Ranch Beach, Half Moon Bay
The most hidden seaside and probably the greatest seashores in California is Cowell Ranch Beach. While driving south of Half Moon Bay State Beach on California 1 we had been in search of a small car parking zone by a yellow gate which indicated the trailhead for Cowell Ranch Beach.
It’s simple to overlook it, but it surely’s price in search of, it rewarded us with an exquisite, barely recognized seaside. The seaside is accessible by a brief bluff path with wood stairs on the finish and it took us about quarter-hour to get there.
There’s one other seaside south of the path which isn’t accessible as a result of it’s a seal protect. Binoculars are all the time a good suggestion on the California Central coast, however right here you have got an particularly good likelihood to watch seals. On the opposite hand, Cowell Ranch Beach is going through completely west, so it’s a peaceable getaway for sundown lovers.
25. Crystal Cove State Park – Orange County
Crystal cove state park is a real gem with its lovely landscapes and scenic views. The park boasts a 3-mile shoreline one of many largest uninterrupted pure seashores in California. It additionally options a number of seashores, tide swimming pools, and an underwater park excellent for outside lovers.
An 18-mile mountain climbing path can also be accessible for all. While unleashed canines aren’t allowed on the seaside, they’re allowed on the path. Restaurants and rooftop lounges are additionally accessible that can assist you wind down after a day on the seaside with iconic views of the sundown.
26. Sand greenback seaside – Big Sur
Don’t let the steep stroll down the seaside deter you as you’ll be rewarded with some of the scenic seashores in California. A fantastic shoreline with a rocky panorama enclosed in a cove-like formation.
While Sand Dollar Beach won’t be finest for swimming, it’s an excellent picnic spot. The dramatic rock formation that encloses the seaside makes for a tremendous place to chill out as you admire nature in all its glory.
It’s a favourite spot amongst surfers in Big Sur. Watch them experience waves all day. In low tide, you may strive your luck at catching some crabs or muscle mass.
If you’re up for it, you may also go trying to find jade stones. However, persist with rules on your security.
27. Glass seaside – Fort Bragg
Located in Fort Bragg, the glass seaside is a real testomony to what nature can do. The seaside is stuffed with coloured stones that had been as soon as dumped items of glass choking the life out of the ocean. Mother nature in flip broke down the rubbish and turned it into lovely items of frosted glass, a course of that takes about 30 – 100 years to finish.
The fixed pounding of the ocean waves breaks and softens the glass turning it into completely different styles and sizes. Common colours you’ll discover embody clear, brown, and inexperienced.
Kids will particularly love visiting this seaside as they’re solely however a couple of glass seashores in the world.
Years of tourists taking the glass stones has depleted the seaside and has resulted in the apply being declared unlawful. A strict measure that helps to make sure that there are glass stones left for future guests to take pleasure in.
Remember to maintain your flip flop on always as you stroll alongside the seaside as among the stones are sharp.
28. Marin County Stinson Beach
Stinson Beach is situated alongside the scenic shoreline of Marin County, simply north of San Francisco. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged slopes of Mount Tamalpais, the seaside is a prime choose for its delicate sand and crescent form.
Stinson Beach boasts a large expanse of sandy shoreline that stretches for about three and a half miles. The pure magnificence surrounding Stinson Beach is a significant draw for guests.
To the east, you’ll discover the majestic Mount Tamalpais State Park, which presents mountain climbing and biking trails with breathtaking vistas. To the west, the Pacific Ocean offers a charming backdrop, full with rolling waves and scenic sunsets.
You can swim in the ocean (though the water may be chilly), surf, boogie board, or just chill out on the sand. The seaside can also be common for beachcombing, birdwatching, and kite flying. Nearby Mount Tamalpais presents quite a few mountain climbing and biking trails that showcase the world’s beautiful coastal and forested landscapes.
Final Thoughts on the Beach Beaches in California
From Ocean Beach in San Fransico with one of the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge to the Southernmost Beach in California – Imperial Beach close to San Diego, there are numerous seashores in California. You can also like these Best Beaches in Florida
We barely scratched the floor of all of the sandy locations in California. One factor is for certain, California is considered one of our favourite locations to go to in the United States.
About Our Wanders: Csaba and Bea are passionate vacationers, hikers, and passion photographers. They left their small dwelling nation, Hungary virtually 2 years in the past and moved to a a lot larger one, the US the place they’ve rapidly turn out to be hooked on nationwide parks, mountain climbing, and highway journeys and began to imagine that they’ll reside their goals. Read about their adventures on their weblog Our Wanders. Follow them additionally on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!