If we should name one thing California is known for, it would certainly be its world’s class beaches. The state is blessed with an 840-mile-long coastline and offers everything from developed beaches, such as Coronado Beach, Santa Cruz, or LA beaches, to natural beaches, like the ones in Big Sur or around Point Reyes National Seashore.
Activities you can engage in include swimming, surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, and many many more. California is also a great spot for a family vacation and, of course, camping.
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Best Beaches in California MAP
In total, there are more than 420 public beaches to choose from. But which one to go to? Don’t worry, we have hand-picked the best of them so you could spend less time searching and more time having fun. So, here they are:
Capitola Beach, Capitola
Capitola Beach is one of the top beaches on the West Coast. It is secluded and tucked away from the busy life yet near Santa Cruz.
The beach is extremely artsy and located in the middle of Capitola Village and is fun for everyone. You are sure to see kite flying, surfing, swimming, and volleyball on the beach.
What sets Capitola Beach apart from others is that it is enclosed on both ends by cliffs. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful water and sunshine, but you can also go shopping at Capitola Village. There are plenty of amazing shops around.
Moreover, you can eat at world-class restaurants and watch the sunset at Capitola Beach.
Baker Beach
If you’re staying in San Francisco and looking to get some sunshine at the beach without having to travel far, head off to Baker Beach. This mile-long stretch of sand is set on the western end of Presidio Park and is a popular weekend spot for both locals and tourists.
No wonder – Baker Beach offers unique views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin County. The best time to take photos is during the sunset, but we warn you – it might get busy.
Looking to spend some family time? Bring them (including Fido) for a picnic – picnic tables and restrooms are available.
Pfeiffer Beach
One of Big Sur’s few accessible beaches is also one of the state of California’s most picturesque. Pfeiffer Beach, which is roughly 10 miles southeast of Andrew Molera State Park, is impressive due to the surrounding breathtaking cliffs and variety of rock formations.
Visit this hidden gem to take pictures of Keyhole Rock and explore the tide pools. Remember, however, that because of the underlying rocks and strong currents, the beach is not suitable for swimming.
Pfeiffer Beach, best known for its purple sand, is also popular with residents but relatively undiscovered by visitors to Big Sur. The beach is highly recommended for its breathtaking views of the offshore ocean stacks and occasional good surfing conditions.
Santa Barbara Beach, Santa Barbara
This beach isn’t only known as one of California’s best beaches. Santa Barbara was also named “America’s Best Beach Town” by Coastal Living Magazine for its literary tradition, adventure, and natural beauty. The city’s great beaches have drawn thousands of visitors to the area annually for over 100 years. That’s why the city and county of Santa Barbara are popular vacation destinations.
Santa Barbara is one of the best cities in California when it comes to surfing. The conditions are consistently perfect. The waves are ideal for all skill levels, with plenty of spots to choose from. In addition to surfing, there are also plenty of things to do only a short drive away from the city. You can visit the Santa Barbara Water Garden and Butterfly Grove. Many wineries are also located around the city.
Torrance Beach, Torrance
Torrance is a highly populated city in Los Angeles County, California. It sits on the Palos Verdes Peninsula near the southern tip of the greater Los Angeles urban sprawl. It was incorporated in 1927 and provides a wonderful coastal escape to those looking for a beautiful natural setting with plenty of comforts nearby.
Some of the best beaches in California are located within this city, making it an attractive place to spend some time. The community comprises different residential communities spread out along the peninsula’s coast to provide various vacation options for visitors and locals alike.
One of the most popular attractions in the area is Torrance Beach. The beach itself offers everything you need for a fun day at the beach, including showers, restrooms, a playground, and lifeguards to watch over everyone who visits.
Malibu Beach, Malibu
Malibu Beach is a beach town located in Los Angeles County, California, on the shores of Malibu Lagoon. Locals also call it Surfrider Beach, named after the non-profit organization “The Surfrider Foundation.”
This foundation has been responsible for saving over 9,000 waves along the Malibu coastline since 1984. Malibu’s beaches offer some of the best in the entire state of California.
Malibu is a destination that attracts millions of visitors each year because of its proximity to many other famous locations and the local beaches in this area. The town is located approximately 30 miles west of Los Angeles and only five miles north of Ventura. Therefore, it is an easy drive from many other major cities in Southern California.
Harbor Sands, Catalina Island
Looking for a unique beach experience in the Golden State? Set just over 20 miles off the coast of Southern California, Two Harbors on Catalina Island is a place that will not leave you disappointed.
This quaint town features a laid-back atmosphere and a beach called Harbor Sands that is just packed with fun activities. The waters there are crystal clear and are therefore a great spot to show your snorkeling or scuba gear. You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards, or engage in fishing, tennis, or volleyball.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are hiking and mountain biking opportunities around. What’s more, there is a lovely campground. Another great thing about Harbor Sands Beach is the restaurant which is not only praised for the amazing food but also the friendly staff.
San Clemente Island
San Clemente Island is a small island in the Channel Islands National Park located in the northwestern part of Southern California, approximately five miles offshore from the coast of Orange County.
Once a part of Rancho Las Bonitas, this island belonged to William A. Wilson. It was named after Saint Clemens by explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala. He traveled through the area in 1775 while looking for a route to China. The first European settlers on San Clemente Island arrived in 1818. That’s when Spanish soldier José Castro came ashore and established an outpost called La Punta.
With the many beautiful beaches, landmarks, and unique shops, you can see why San Clemente is called the “Switzerland of America.”
Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a beach town in Santa Monica, California, on the Pacific Ocean. It has been a popular vacation destination for over a century and continues to attract both local and foreign tourists to the area.
There are dozens of attractions throughout the city that make it an attractive place to visit, including some of the best beaches in California. The beaches of Santa Monica are all ranked on their list of Top Ten Beaches in America and deserve their ranking for the comfort, beauty, and fun available while visiting this city.
The best places to experience nature are at the water’s edge and some excellent beaches. This is especially true in the case of Santa Monica, where large dunes, small coves, and rocky cliffs are all a part of the scenery.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Are you looking for a great shoreline? Look no further. The Point Reyes National Seashore is 80 miles of shoreline with beautiful beaches.
In this area, there are over 3- beaches. When visiting Great Beach, plan for an all-day adventure.
Although it is close to Sonoma County and the San Francisco Bay area, you must take many rural roads to access it. But once you arrive, you can witness the breathtaking waters and scenery of Point Reyes National Seashore.
A fun fact is that the Point Reyes National Seashore was created to protect natural ecosystems and the wilderness.
Leo Carillo Beach
Set about an hour away from Santa Monica, Leo Carillo is a perfect getaway from the crowded beaches of Los Angeles. It is also a popular camping destination.
Its caves, reef, and tide pools are the main attraction. There are also plenty of rock formations you can climb.
Watersports enthusiasts can engage in surfing and windsurfing. Another thing Leo Carillo Beach is famous for is the spectacular sunsets.
Stay there overnight and enjoy it to the fullest – the campsite is about ten minute walk from the beach and it features showers, restrooms, and a small store.
La Jolla Shores, La Jolla
If you are in San Diego, be sure to visit La Jolla Shores Beach. It is a mile-long beach filled with beauty and a crescent-shaped shoreline.
This lovely beach has sea cliffs and rocky reefs. The coastal landscape of this beach provides outstanding views. Both surfers and families love this beach.
Kayaking and scuba diving are both activities that are commonly seen on La Jolla Shores. Not only is the water beautiful, but on the northern end of the beach, there are sea cliffs and a nature walk.
Although the beach is small, it is a popular swimming destination because of its tame waters.
Stinson Beach, Marin County
Are you looking for a hidden gem? Stinson Beach is approximately 20 miles northwest of San Francisco near Mt. Tamalpais State Park, about 35 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge.
The white sands make the beach a hidden North California secret. If you want to relax and watch the soothing waters or partake in a game of volleyball, this beach is the place to be.
Surfing, hiking, picnicking, and sightseeing are all great to do at Stinson Beach. Take a break from the fast-moving city life and enjoy the joys of white sand and beautiful water at Stinson Beach.
Main Beach, Santa Cruz
Take a fun adventure at Main Beach in Santa Cruz. There is a popular amusement park and boardwalk at Main Beach which is why it is also known as Boardwalk Beach.
Main Beach is one of the best surfing beaches with thrill ride waves. If you are looking for a sunny beach in Central California, this beach should be at the top of your list.
Tourist attractions are located all around the beach. The waters at Main Beach are significantly warmer than other beaches, making it a go-to spot for sunbathers and surfers.
Bring your family for a fun-filled day at the beach and amusement park. There are both thrills seeking roller coasters and rides for the little ones. It comes as no surprise that this is a favorite summertime beach for families.
Carmel Beach, Carmel by-the-Sea
Carmel Beach is located on Ocean Avenue. The beach is centered on California’s Central Coast. No matter what time you go to Carmel Beach, you will have fun!
The scenery is majestic and there are activities for all members of your family. Be sure to check out the scenic pathway to witness the true beauty Carmel Beach has to offer.
Carmel Beach is one of the cleanest and most well-kept beaches in California and the panoramic views are picture-worthy.
Few more amazing beaches in Califonia to visit:
- Coronado Beach – San Diego
- Huntington Beach
- Navarro River State Beach, Mendocino
- Sand Dollar Beach, Big Sur
- Manhattan Beach, LA
- Newport Beach
- Trinidad State Beach, Humboldt County
- Hermosa Beach
- Seacliff State Beach