Looking for the best beaches in California? After living in the Golden State for over 10 years and exploring it from top to bottom, I compiled a list of my 17 faves!
California’s coastline is a beach lover’s paradise—over 800 miles of sun, sand, and surf waiting to be explored! I lived in California for over 10 years and made it a mission to check out as many beaches as I could, and let me tell you, there’s no shortage of amazing spots.
What’s so special about California beaches is how unique each one is. You’ve got the classic beach towns with quintessential California charm, and then there are hidden gems like the black sand or glass beaches that’ll totally blow your mind. No matter where you go, you’ll find true beauty.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun, surfing, or just admiring the beauty, California’s got a beach for what you’re after. I compiled a list of 17 of the best California beaches so let’s dive in – each one’s got a special touch you should know about.
Key Takeaways
- California’s coastline offers something special for every type of beach goer
- The beach experiences range from vibrant atmospheres to tranquil beauty
- These beaches offer not only sun and sand but opportunities for all types of outdoor adventures
Table of Contents
Map of Best Beaches in California
Southern California Beaches
1. Santa Monica Beach, Los Angeles
Best for: Families and beach goers looking for entertainment options
Topping off the list is one of my faves! Santa Monica Beach is the ultimate spot for fun, relaxation, and iconic California charm. It’s what most people think of when they imagine a California beach.
It’s known for its stunning pier which is home to an amusement park with an amazing Ferris wheel (my kids absolutely loved it, we rode it multiple times), roller coasters, and rides. There’s also an aquarium, plenty of food options, an arcade, and small shops making it the perfect place to hang out after a beach day. Beyond the pier, the beach itself is a blast. There’s plenty of space for lounging, playing in the sand, or beach volleyball. There’s also a bike path, beachside food options, and amazing views.
2. Venice Beach, Los Angeles
Best for: People-watching, local culture, and unique beach experiences
Right next door from Santa Monica Beach is Venice Beach. You can easily bike from one to the other.
Venice Beach offers vibes you won’t find anywhere else.
The beach is large with soft, light sand with views of the Santa Monica mountains. The famous Venice Beach boardwalk is… eclectic. It’s bustling, filled with street performers, quirky shops, and unique art galleries. (While it’s fun for the younger crowd, I wouldn’t take small children here.) Venice’s other iconic spots include Muscle Beach, a vintage outdoor gym and the Venice Skatepark, an awesome skateboarding park (they even use it for movie scenes!) It’s carefree spirit and lively vibe will give you something to talk about!
3. El Matador Beach, Malibu
Best for: Photographers and those seeking scenic beauty
4. Coronado Beach, San Diego
Best for: Families and couples
Coronado Beach is one of Southern California’s most iconic beaches—it was voted #1 beach in America by Dr. Beach, top US beaches on TripAdvisor, and even featured in the old film “Some Like it Hot.”
It’s a picturesque California beach town. It’s long and wide (i.e. huge) and even sparkles because of the mineral mica in the sand. Everything you would need for a perfect beach day is there– beach chairs and cabanas, volleyball, firepits, tidepools, and calm waves for swimming or boogie boarding. To top off your beach day, Orange Avenue, full of restaurants and shops, is just a short stroll away. And you have to check out the famous Hotel del Coronado too!
👉 Check out my guide with all the best things to do with kids in San Diego by clicking here!
5. La Jolla Shores, San Diego
Best for: Adventurous beachgoers and marine life enthusiasts
Another famous San Diego beach is La Jolla Shores– the perfect spot for nature lovers.
The calm, clear waters and coastal views make it one of the best spots in California for snorkeling and kayaking. Just off the shore, you’ll see the famous sea caves, which you can explore on kayak or on a tour. The La Jolla cove is also home to a beach full of sea lions! The beach is roped off so you cant get near them, but there are plenty of places to watch. I couldn’t get over the sheer beauty of this beach, the sand is light and soft and the water is different shades of blue. Simply gorgeous!
6. Laguna Beach, Orange County
Best for: Famlies and couples
Laguna Beach is the epitome of Southern California charm. It has a laid-back but vibrant vibe, and you’ll see dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and picturesque beaches.
You can stay all day using the amenities at Main Beach—basketball, volleyball, a big grassy area, a boardwalk, and a play structure for the kids. As for water sports, (you’ll need a wetsuit because the water is chilly!) you can body board, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard. The beach area is so walkable, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, museums, art galleries, and shopping.
Central California Beaches
7. Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur
Best for: Scenic views and sunsets
Pfeiffer Beach, located along the famous Big Sur coastline, is one of California’s most enchanting spots. It’s known for its unique pinky/purple-y sand patches created by manganese garnet from the surrounding cliffs.
The beach will give you unbelievable ocean views and also features the iconic Keyhole Rock, a natural arch that illuminates the vibrant colors of the sand at sunset. It’s pretty secluded so it can be challenging to find, but the journey along the unmarked Sycamore Canyon Road adds to the mystery. You won’t be able to swim because of cold waters and strong waves, but Pfeiffer Beach is the spot for beach strolls, exploring tide pools, and snapping the most Instagrammable pics.
🏨 And if you want to splurge and stay in an amazing, luxury, adults-only, all-inclusive resort, check out the Alila Ventana Big Sur Resort by clicking here.
8. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz
Best for: Family-friendly activities and historic charm
Santa Cruz is a charming, old-fashioned beach town. I love it because it has a laid back, no frills, hippie type of vibe. I’ve visited many times in the summer since I lived near it, and every time I discovered something new.
Santa Cruz offers something for everyone. The beach itself is huge, with volleyball nets, kayak and paddle board rentals, surfers, and plenty of food options everywhere. But the most exciting part is the famous Santa Cruz boardwalk – a huge amusement park right on the beach. It has rides for all ages, all types of games, a variety of carnival foods, a casino arcade, mini golf, bowling – all with perfect beach views. Biking is the best way to get around and you’ll want to rent one to get around town. 🏨 And be sure to check out the Dream Inn for the dreamiest stay!
👉 Check out this guide with all of the best things to do with kids in Santa Cruz by clicking here!
9. Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Best for: Romantic walks and pet owners
10. Pismo Beach
Best for: Families and outdoor activity enthusiasts
Pismo Beach is a charming little beach town in the middle of San Francisco and Los Angeles. It perfectly embodies the laid-back vibes of the central coast.
Pismo State Beach has it all. A wide beach with soft, golden sands, a playground, a variety of restaurants and shops, stroll down the iconic Pismo Pier, and amazing hotels steps away. Nearby, there are plenty of parks (even ones on top of cliffs!), a famous monarch butterfly grove, sand dunes where you can go off-roading or rent dune buggies, and tons of other outdoor activities. 🏨 Be sure to check out the Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach for an amazing stay!
👉 Read my guide with all the best things to do in Pismo Beach by clicking here!
Northern California Beaches
11. Baker Beach, San Francisco
Best for: Photography and picnics
A beach in San Francisco? Yup. Baker Beach is actually one of San Francisco’s most scenic and iconic beaches because it has an unbelievable view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
The beach offers a peaceful, uncrowded vibe compared to other parts of the city, making it perfect for a quiet escape. Aside from the views, Baker Beach is also a great spot for picnicking, beachcombing, or just watching the waves. (I used to drive into San Francisco to take my boys to Baker Beach just for the peace and quiet!) Heads up though, there’s also a bit of a wild side — some sections are clothing-optional.
12. Muir Beach
Best for: Nature lovers and hikers
13. Glass Beach, Fort Bragg
Best for: Unique scenery and beachcombing
Beaches for Specific Activities
14. Huntington Beach, Orange County
Best for: Surfing
Surf’s up, dude! Huntington Beach, known as “Surf City USA,” is the ultimate destination for anyone who wants to experience the heart of the state’s surf culture.
With its consistent waves and wide, sandy shores, Huntington Beach has earned its title as the surfing capital of the world. Major surfing competitions, including the U.S. Open of Surfing, are hosted here too! The vibes are laid-back, fun, and completely immersed in beach culture. When you’re done surfing, Huntington Beach has a lively boardwalk, charming shops, and vibrant pier to explore too! 🏨 If you’re traveling with kids, you have to stay at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach!
15. Leo Carrillo State Park, Malibu
Best for: Tide pools
16. Channel Islands National Park, Ventura
Best for: Kayaking and water sports
17. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel-by-the-Sea
