California’s Pacific Coast boasts 840 miles of shoreline making it the right place for a street journey to get pleasure from its infinite stretches of sand. While many individuals can identify just a few of its extra well-known seashores like Venice Beach, San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, or San Diego’s Coronado Beach, a few of the finest seashores in California should not 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 they usually supply nice alternatives for solitude, wildlife watching, and gorgeous 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 crew 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 seashore itself.
Most individuals who go to Venice Beach stroll alongside the Venice Beach Boardwalk, taking in the road performers, watching the bodybuilders elevate weights, and witnessing the various artists plying their commerce alongside this well-known stretch.
Venice Beach itself is beautiful so it’s no marvel it’s a favourite among the many locals in the world. A couple of of the issues that make it certainly one of our favourite California seashores are the cool little outlets, nice cafes, and a few of the hippest espresso locations in L.A.
2. Manhattan Beach – Los Angeles
There is a purpose that Manhattan Beach is among the most costly locations to stay in Los Angeles. Situated completely on the Pacific Ocean, the extensive sandy seashore is tender and dotted with lovely homes, upscale eating places, fashionable boutiques, and a few very costly resorts.
Weekends deliver out crowds of individuals together with some fairly good seashore volleyball gamers. Manhattan Beach looks like an odd identify for a seashore in California, nevertheless it 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 house 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 certainly certainly 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 a few of the most lovely seashores in California. Most folks might be aware of Zuma Beach, with its extensive sandy seashore that stretches for two miles. Dotted with seashore volleyball nets, lifeguard stands, and many services it’s no marvel this seashore is so fashionable.
Other seashores in the world like Paradise Beach, Point Dume State Beach, and Puerco Beach are smaller and supply a extra household environment than Zuma Beach.
If you’re up for one thing distinctive, be sure that to take a look at the Malibu Beach Inn which supplies you the possibility to spend a night on the “Billionaires Beach” stretch of the coast. It might not be low cost nevertheless it provides 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 change into fairly the vacation spot recently and for good purpose. Located in the town of Huntington Beach (nicknamed Surf City) it boasts an exquisite 2-mile-long sandy seashore that stretches from Beach Boulevard to the Santa Ana River Channel.
This seashore has some nice breaks for surfers. The Huntington Beach Pier is a good place for leisurely stroll in addition to to strive your hand at fishing.
Make certain to get to the top 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 a fantastic number of bars, fabulous eating places, ice cream outlets, 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 exquisite, Orange Country.
This southern California seashore group boasts 5 miles of golden sand reaching out from the Newport Pier.
Not solely do you will have the lengthy sandy stretch of Newport Beach, however there are additionally loads of sights for the entire household together with Balboa Fun Zone amusement park, Lido Marina Village buying heart, 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 seashore group is house to the wealthy and well-known.
Head out to the Beach to benefit from the sand and solar, but in addition 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 be house to wonderful 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 timber sway in the Pacific wind.
Visit Summerland Beach for horseback using, take a crusing journey, get pleasure from 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 among the most lovely settings in California.
Famous for its keyhole arch situated offshore in the Pacific Ocean, Pfeiffer Beach is an exquisite lengthy sandy seashore recognized for its purple sand.
It’s a bit off the crushed path making it one 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 just isn’t part of the State Park. drive down
There are tide swimming pools to be explored at low tide, excessive lookouts to view the infinite 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 seashore. It is situated simply throughout the bay from downtown San Diego and makes the listing as one of many high 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 a fantastic place to cease for lunch in case you are not able to splurge on an evening.
This seashore is a hub for tide swimming pools the place you’ll have the ability to see ocean life similar to 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 seashore is superb for exploring tide swimming pools and basking in the solar. It can 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’re going to additionally love La Jolla Cove the place sea lions bask in the solar. La Jolla Cove can 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 get pleasure from this California seashore that is only one hour from San Francisco. Take a stroll alongside the mile-long Santa Cruz seashore boardwalk or go to the historic amusement park.
Santa Cruz Park is the oldest surviving amusement park in California. There are loads of seashore actions together with seashore 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 seashore in California. The stone formation is one thing you’d anticipate to see off the coast of Portugal.
Natural Bridges State Beach is called 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 the world from October to January. The panorama alone makes this the most effective seashores in California.
13. Pismo Beach – San Luis Obispo
I’ll always remember watching Clueless in the Nineteen Nineties and questioning the place Pismo Beach was. Cher donated her ski gear to the Pismo Beach Disaster. I had at all times wished to go there ever since.
We had our probability when exploring the wine area of Santa Maria. Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on the Pacific Coast Highway, this can be a lovely sandy seashore.
There are loads of issues to do round this small seashore city and whereas it is among the finest seashores for browsing, we hit the sand dunes for a severe 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 certainly the most effective seashores in California and it’s simply a few minutes’ drive from Malibu. This slender seashore is in the shade of giant cliffs and stairs led us down there from the car parking zone.
We had been amazed by the attention-grabbing rock formations on the shore and in the water, and in addition by the right ocean sundown this seashore presents. It’s probably not a seashore for swimming or browsing, nevertheless it’s a photographer’s and {couples}’ favourite due to its wild and romantic environment.
15. Beach at Alamere Falls, Point Reyes National Seashore
A seashore with a waterfall – how does that sound? No, we aren’t speaking of Big Sur’s fashionable and magical McWay Falls this time, it’s one other one: Alamere Falls at Point Reyes National Seashore.
We should not certain if this seashore has a reputation, really, it even ceases to exist at excessive tide, after which Alamere Falls flows straight into the ocean. But it undoubtedly exists at low tide and there’s a steep path main all the way down to it close to the highest of the falls.
However, this distinctive seashore 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 reasonable roundtrip which has simply change into a day hike for us as we spent a lot time chilling out on the seashore.
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 good seashore for hikers as it’s the place to begin of a number of shorter and longer hikes and in addition a pleasant seashore itself bounded by a lagoon. Its darkish, pebbly sand is exclusive in California.
It’s a well-liked browsing seashore, however swimming is harmful due to the sturdy currents. We loved strolling on the seashore, doing a few of 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 the most effective 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 time – simply as wherever else alongside the coast.
It was a pleasant refreshing cease although in South California’s sizzling summer time. There are loads of seashore actions right here at Laguna Beach nicely together with seashore volleyball courts, a motorbike path, and basketball courts.
18. Pescadero State Beach – San Mateo County
Pescadero is an extended, quiet, wild seashore 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 true behind the seashore.
There are a number of shorter trails in the marsh and they’re wonderful for bird-watching. Pescadero State Beach additionally has lovely (although often windy and chilly) sunsets. Read extra: Things to do in San Mateo, California
19. Half Moon Bay State Beach – San Francisco
Located a few half-hour from San Francisco is the group of Half Moon and is a well-liked California seashore escape from the 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 seashore! 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 after we had been there, we may pleasantly stroll by it. Uhm… we may have accomplished 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 an extended undeveloped seashore and we additionally liked mountain climbing on the great 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 the most effective seashores in California.
Usually, there should not many individuals on the seashore 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 seashore when you begin at James Irvine Trail as we did. The seashore itself can be accessible by automobile 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 seashore 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 probability 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 automobile and it has a pleasant giant car parking zone. But when you ask us it’s a lot nicer to park earlier alongside the street and hike there by pine forests and wetlands. We’ve accomplished the Laguna Trail – Limantour Beach – Muddy Hollow Trail – Bayview Trail loop which was an exquisite various day hike.
23. Carmel Beach City Park, Carmel-By-The-Sea
The group of gorgeous Carmel by the Sea additionally has the most effective California seashores. Located proper on Central California’s Monterey Peninsula Carmel is a good base for exploring the Pacific Coast Highway.
It’s a type of typical Central California seashores with a beautiful strolling road, tons of eating places with or with out ocean panorama, and naturally, an extended, sandy seashore (that can 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 street above the seashore. The seashore was filled with households having a picnic, children swimming or taking part in in the water and canines working round, and naturally, the seashore volleyball that California is so well-known for.
Carmel Beach is among the few locations left on the California coast the place folks can nonetheless collect round a hearth to toast marshmallows and benefit from the environment of a seashore bonfire. Read extra: Things to do in Carmel by the Sea, California
24. Cowell Ranch Beach, Half Moon Bay
The most hidden seashore and the most effective seashores in California is Cowell Ranch Beach. While driving south of Half Moon Bay State Beach on California 1 we had been on the lookout for a small car parking zone by a yellow gate which indicated the trailhead for Cowell Ranch Beach.
It’s straightforward to overlook it, nevertheless it’s value on the lookout for, it rewarded us with an exquisite, barely recognized seashore. The seashore is accessible by a brief bluff path with picket stairs on the finish and it took us about quarter-hour to get there.
There’s one other seashore south of the path which isn’t accessible as a result of it’s a seal protect. Binoculars are at all times a good suggestion on the California Central coast, however right here you will have an particularly good probability to look at 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 good for outside fans.
An 18-mile mountain climbing path can be obtainable for all. While unleashed canines should not allowed on the seashore, they’re allowed on the path. Restaurants and rooftop lounges are additionally obtainable that will help you wind down after a day on the seashore with iconic views of the sundown.
26. Sand greenback seashore – Big Sur
Don’t let the steep stroll down the seashore deter you as you may be rewarded with one of the scenic seashores in California. A lovely shoreline with a rocky panorama enclosed in a cove-like formation.
While Sand Dollar Beach won’t be finest for swimming, it’s a fantastic picnic spot. The dramatic rock formation that encloses the seashore 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 journey waves all day. In low tide, you’ll be able to strive your luck at catching some crabs or muscle groups.
If you’re up for it, you may as well go trying to find jade stones. However, persist with laws in your security.
27. Glass seashore – Fort Bragg
Located in Fort Bragg, the glass seashore is a real testomony to what nature can do. The seashore is filled 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 totally different styles and sizes. Common colours you’ll discover embody clear, brown, and inexperienced.
Kids will particularly love visiting this seashore as they’re solely however just a few glass seashores in the world.
Years of holiday makers taking the glass stones has depleted the seashore 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 get pleasure from.
Remember to maintain your flip flop on always as you stroll alongside the seashore as a few of 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 seashore is a high choose for its tender sand and crescent form.
Stinson Beach boasts a large expanse of sandy shoreline that stretches for roughly 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 gives a fascinating backdrop, full with rolling waves and scenic sunsets.
You can swim in the ocean (though the water could be chilly), surf, boogie board, or just chill out on the sand. The seashore can be fashionable for beachcombing, birdwatching, and kite flying. Nearby Mount Tamalpais presents quite a few mountain climbing and biking trails that showcase the world’s gorgeous 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 may 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 certainly one of our favourite locations to go to in the United States.
About Our Wanders: Csaba and Bea are passionate vacationers, hikers, and pastime photographers. They left their small house nation, Hungary virtually 2 years in the past and moved to a a lot greater one, the US the place they’ve shortly change into hooked on nationwide parks, mountain climbing, and street journeys and began to consider that they’ll stay their desires. Read about their adventures on their weblog Our Wanders. Follow them additionally on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!