Summary
California, often referred to as the Golden State, is renowned for its perpetual summers, making it an ideal destination for a beach getaway. With some of the world’s most stunning beaches, it is effortless to spend an entire vacation unwinding on soft sand while overlooking the remarkable attractions that California has in store.
However, with numerous exceptional beaches available, deciding where to begin can be challenging.
This guide highlights 15 of the finest beaches that visitors should consider exploring during a trip to California, encompassing sun, sand, and remarkable scenery.
1. Huntington Beach
The designation of Huntington Beach as the Best California Beach in the 2016 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice contest exemplifies its popularity. Known as Surf City USA for its excellent waves, it also hosts the International Surfing Museum.
This beach annually hosts the US Open of Surfing, yet it offers ample enjoyment for non-surfers as well.
Stretching nearly ten miles, the beach is a favorite among families, and it features a designated area for dogs. Kite surfing enthusiasts will also appreciate this location.
2. Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach stands out as one of California’s most sought-after destinations, often likened to Miami Beach in Florida for its appeal to the affluent and famous.
The Manhattan Beach Pier offers an exceptional vantage point for breathtaking sunsets, while sunbathing and observing people remain prevalent activities.
Known colloquially as the Pearl of the South Bay, Manhattan Beach has garnered acclaim from the Travel Channel as one of America’s most attractive beaches. It is believed to be the birthplace of beach volleyball, a sport that continues to thrive here.
3. Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach may be among the hardest beaches to access on our list, nevertheless, the journey is certainly rewarding.
Situated in the Big Sur region of California, this beach—the part of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park—boasts magnificent scenery. Easily accessible by turning west on Sycamore Canyon Road just south of the Big Sur Ranger Station, visitors can drive down a narrow two-mile road to the beach, which has a $10 entry fee per vehicle and does not support camping.
No words can truly capture the stunning beauty of Pfeiffer Beach.
4. La Jolla Shores Beach
La Jolla Shores Beach ranks among the top beaches in San Diego, enjoying considerable popularity within the surfing community.
This beach offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, while bodyboards are available for families wishing to engage with the water. The relaxed atmosphere at La Jolla Shores Beach makes it an inviting place to visit, even by California standards.
Visitors should be aware that beyond the pier lies another beach, known as South Black’s Beach, which operates as a clothing-optional area.
5. Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica State Beach caters exceptionally well to families, providing a wide array of activities, including volleyball and biking. The renowned Santa Monica Pier stands as the principal attraction, regarded as one of the finest ocean-facing playgrounds globally.
The vicinity boasts a vast selection of hotels and restaurants, positioning Santa Monica as an excellent home base for a coastal retreat in California.
The pier serves as an outstanding location for capturing the remarkable sunsets of Santa Monica, housing a diverse array of unique and visually appealing amenity options, such as an aquarium and a trapeze school.
6. San Gregorio State Beach
Located a short drive from Silicon Valley, San Gregorio State Beach is celebrated as one of California’s finest beaches. The beach is notable for its unique rocks and fossils, attracting many visitors primarily due to its picturesque sands.
Featuring a large picnic area, San Gregorio State Beach also offers a lagoon and creek for exploration. North of the creek, stunning caves can be found within the cliffs.
It is essential to differentiate this state beach from a nearby nude beach sharing the same name.
7. Baker Beach
While San Francisco may not be widely recognized for its beaches, Baker Beach offers some of California’s most breathtaking views. With stunning vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge, it presents an idyllic setting for a peaceful afternoon.
Though a mile long, swimming is not advisable due to turbulent waters; however, it is perfect for sunbathing and barbecuing. The northern part of Baker Beach, beyond the Hazardous Surf sign, is predominantly frequented by clothing-optional sunbathers.
Baker Beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
8. Carmel Beach
The town of Carmel is California’s parallel to New York’s Hamptons, with lavish homes rendering it a retreat for the affluent. Nonetheless, the main beach at Carmel is maintained by the city and remains predominantly pristine.
Famous residents of Carmel include numerous notable figures, the most recognized being the actor and director Clint Eastwood.
Carmel Beach is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, making it a prime location for spotting humpback whales and dolphins. Small beach fires are permitted at the southern end of the beach.
9. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is arguably the most recognized beach in California, serving as an excellent locale for people-watching. The renowned Ocean Front Walk makes for an enjoyable experience, while quirky local personas like Harry Perry, a guitarist on roller skates who wears a turban, add to the allure.
Chainsaw jugglers, palm readers, and bodybuilders compete for attention on one of the most captivating beaches globally.
Allocating time to admire the street art at Venice Graffiti Walls during your beach excursion is highly recommended.
10. Natural Bridges State Beach
Santa Cruz exemplifies the quintessential Californian experience, blending enjoyment and relaxation, making it a favored destination for beach enthusiasts.
Home to an entertaining classic seaside promenade, the Natural Bridges State Beach is arguably the premier beach within the city. Frequent sightings of monarch butterflies occur from October through early February at this tranquil spot.
Activities such as surfing, swimming, and hiking can all be enjoyed at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz.
11. Ocean Beach
Numerous sandy shores carry the name Ocean Beach, yet the one highlighted here is located in San Diego.
The presence of a dog beach makes it a perfect choice for pet owners seeking a leisurely stroll with their dogs. Ocean Beach is renowned for its relaxed ambiance and the Ocean Beach Pier, which allows visitors to fish without requiring a valid California fishing license.
Sunset Cliffs represents one of the finest locations in California to observe the waves and enjoy serene moments as the sun sets.
12. Malibu Surfrider Beach
Malibu presents a diverse selection of beaches, many of which are remarkable, but Malibu Surfrider Beach is possibly the best.
Situated between the Malibu Pier and the Malibu Lagoon, Surfrider Beach is appropriately named owing to its exceptionally long right-hand break, making it a premier surfing destination in California. The Malibu Sport Fishing Pier offers stunning views and is an excellent spot to linger.
Other fantastic beaches in Malibu include Zuma Beach, Topanga Beach, Point Dume Beach, and Dan Blocker Beach.
13. Gold Bluffs Beach
Located within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Gold Bluffs Beach is undeniably one of California’s finest beaches, where herds of elk are often seen at dawn.
This beach was once the site of a brief gold rush during the 1850s, though over a century later, there is little evidence of that historical event. Gold Bluffs Beach served as a filming location for Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World; however, it remains relatively untouched by tourists and often appears nearly deserted.
For those seeking a private sandy getaway, few places in California can rival Gold Bluffs Beach.
14. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is regarded as one of California’s most romantic coastal spots, offering a tranquil nightlife that creates an ideal atmosphere for evening strolls along the shore.
Countless dining options abound, and Laguna Beach is celebrated for its thriving cultural scene, with many artists residing in the vicinity. Consequently, it presents an excellent opportunity for those wishing to explore their creative side.
Additionally, Laguna Beach was the backdrop for the MTV reality series Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. Its Thousand Steps Beach can also be reached by climbing over 200 steps, which provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
15. Newport Beach
Water sports enthusiasts will discover an abundance of activities at Newport Beach, which features the largest recreational harbor along America’s West Coast. Newport Beach boasts top-quality sand, and the iconic Ferris Wheel at Balboa Fun Zone presents a delightful experience for couples.
The nightlife in Newport Beach thrives within one of California’s most affluent communities. Spanning over ten miles of stunning coastline, this beach is renowned among surfers for its robust and high waves.
The annual Christmas Boat Parade stands out as one of Newport Beach’s key events, while the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum also merits a visit.
