If you are a beach lover, explore the best beaches in California. California has been described as a bеach lover’s dream because it boasts some of the most spectacular and pristine waters in the world.
From the famous Santa Monica Pier to the hidden beaches of Big Sur, I will take you on a trip along the coastline and show you the best beaches in California. I shall give you the details of the best sandy beaches that will help you in getting the perfect beach that you have been craving to visit in the Californian sun.
Whether it’s kid-friendly Californian beaches, dog-friendly sections of sand, or quiet little nooks away from the crowd, California beaches are beckoning you. Join us as we discover the beauty and unique attractions of California’s most beloved coastline. Pack your bags and get ready to explore California’s coastal paradise!!
The 17 Best beaches in California
Hear are the best beaches in California find your next adventure
1. Laguna Beach
#Best beaches in California
If you are in search of an unspoiled beach with all its charm, Laguna Beach Park will be a wonderful place for you. Beautiful enclaves, remarkable hiking landscape, and blue waters – all of this sits in between the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego. Furthermore, the park is very tidy therefore making it possible to go for a great day out without the sandy and chaotic mess associated with most beaches. The environment is beautiful and green and requires beautiful images of the ocean views rather than simply looking at the beauty.
Everything is convenient and sufficient for a person to be able to relax and have fun. Nevertheless, it is advisable to strategize as space for parked cars is very limited. Whether it’s a family picnic, solo getaway, or even a day out with friends, Laguna Main Beach Park has a quiet and picturesque location that guarantees it would be an enjoyable trip.
2. Venice Beach
#Best beaches in California
It is probably one of the most famous, if not the best, beaches in California. One of the aspects that makes Venice Beach so different from other beaches in California is that the attention is not exactly on the sea but more on the things to see, hear, and eat along the shoreline.
Indeed, the beach is so gorgeous, with expanses of sand opening onto views out to the ocean that are just perfect for a day of relaxation. One of the most wonderful sights was the waves crashing against the rocks- mesmerizing and adding such a soothing, almost meditative element to the experience. One more thing that can be done here in Venice Beach for adventurous people is windsurfing because the ocean breeze creates ideal conditions to catch a few waves.
3. Santa Monica Beach
#Best beaches in California
Santa Monica Beach is one such place where tranquility can be rediscovered. Amidst wide expanses of sand and picturesque scenery, one will adore every bit of his/her getaway from the frenetic rhythm of everyday life. As this beach is considered one of the best, I had a lot of expectations from it, but it did not feel very different from the rest of the beaches in California. It had a wide white sandy beach and lots of sports facilities like volleyball.
A great place for walking, and sunset watching; there is also a small playground on one side of the beach that kids would love. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend it. The atmosphere is so peaceful, the rhythmic sound of the waves forming an ideal place to relax and submerge into your thoughts.
4. Malibu
#Famous beaches in California
If you are looking for a cool weekend getaway, Malibu Beach is your place! Since it is one of the best beaches in California, it is very suitable for an idle walk to see some great sights there. Interestingly enough, this place has some of the strongest waves, attracting hordes of skilled surfers to its shores. It doesn’t matter if you want to go swimming, or simply want to lie down and enjoy the views, this place has a very chill atmosphere that is quite inviting. Surely, you should consider your next trip to this place!
5. Pfeiffer Beach
Big Sur’s Pfeiffer Beach has pretty sand and good, long rock formations. Keep an eye out for the remarkable purple-colored sand; you will be surprised by the color, and it is from rainwater coming down from the hills around. It is quite unique and stands among the best beaches in California, for sure. Take your camera to shoot some breathtaking views across the giant rock formations and roaring waves; it’s a photographer’s dream.
This is not a swimming beach, but one would go there for a hike on rugged terrain, for the sights, or to get lost in the wilderness. The car park can be reached via an ultra-narrow access road where vehicles are supposed to drive slowly and carefully while letting others go since it is one-way and has bends.
6. Coronado Beach
It is a one-and-a-half-mile stretch of silvery sand beach. You can learn to surf at the Surfing Academy, stroll through the Coronado Heritage Walk, or rent a surrey along Ocean Boulevard once you arrive.
Sand sculptors can be seen working their magic. From Coronado Island, you can see whales if you visit around December, as they’re close to the beach until about February. It’s incredible to see and truly makes this one of the best beaches in California for some sun, the chance to spot whales, and plenty of ice cream. Just don’t forget your binoculars!
7. Silver Strand State Beach
Silver Strand Beach is a beautiful and flat beach near the Mexican border. There are no waves. I love to boogie board and surf, so this was a bummer. Also, the sand doesn’t appear to be soft at all, it appears to be a shallow layer of sand with hard soil underneath, so you might want to consider that as well. In warm water, you will find some seashells and light sand. The stretch of sand is great for sitting picnicking, and watching the sunset. Check it out if you are looking for a peaceful and beautiful beach!
8. La Jolla
On the California coast, La Jolla Beach is a small crescent-shaped beach tucked into towering sandstone cliffs. The cove is small but stunning, making it one of the best beaches in California for those who enjoy dramatic coastlines. Some of the best aspects of this beach are hidden beneath the surface. It is great for scuba diving and snorkeling in the right conditions. Follow the advice of local lifeguards and snorkel safely. It is a beautiful beach with very shallow water and calm waves. It’s a lovely family-oriented beach with super calm waves and a nice grouping of locals and out-of-towners who all share at least one thing, a love for the ocean.
9. Carmel Beach
Carmel Beach, located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is a beautiful sandy beach. The waves are probably too big for small children to play in but the sand is a fine white sand that is fun to play on! This dog-friendly beach overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It’s a really nice place. The seaweed here is something I have never seen before. The park is surrounded by beautiful trees and plants. A great place to watch the sunset. Beachcombing and surfing can also be great for you. Carmel Beach is a beautiful public beach that is free to enter. On weekends and holidays, the beach can be quite busy but not unpleasant.
10. Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is not only stunning, but it was also named one of the best beaches in California and the United States in 2016. It starts at Beach Boulevard and extends two miles to the Santa Ana River Channel, which is spectacular after the midday sun. You can enjoy a variety of beach activities on this beach. Besides surfing, one of the beach’s biggest attractions is the Ring of Fire, where hungry visitors can enjoy beachside barbecues. Locals tend to make a day of it, so it gets pretty packed on weekends.
11. Baker Beach
Baker Beach is such a super spot and another place to recommend on the San Francisco map. Beautiful beaches on one side and the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge on one side, waves crashing on the rocks on the other side. The beach is quite large and very clean. You can park nearby but walking in the water is a bit difficult because of the sand type. If you get too close to the side of the bridge you might run into some nude sunbathers but no one seems to bother them. There was a lot of greenery around, and people were leisurely walking around, biking and doing yoga on the beach. A great place for sunset and beautiful photos.
12. Glass Beach
Glass Beach, located in Fort Bragg, California, is a unique destination known for its colorful sea glass. Glass Beach always has a place on our bucket list. It is a beautiful beach with well-paved trails for walking. In the case of the beach, you have to climb to a certain place. It’s a nice place to visit but I think it no longer has the wow factor. The beach itself is beautiful, turquoise water in certain areas, ample parking and a bathroom in the parking area. It seems to be full during the day so you will encounter lots of people, at least we did. But I discourage you from collecting glass to preserve its beauty
13. Mission Beach
#Best beaches in California
Mission Beach which is situated in San Diego California has a wide beach with a boardwalk and is famous for its culture. There are many activities you can engage in here such as surfing, playing beach volleyball, and sunbathing if you wish. Most of the time it is active, with a lot of occurrences taking place making it appealing for walking, cycling, skateboarding, jogging, rollerblading, or simply sitting back and watching the people and a beautiful sunset. There are also very nice beaches and a lot of places to eat. Dogs are welcome as well as people. A place where people go to relax and even spend the night.
14. Manhattan Beach
There’s magic in Manhattan Beach, especially at sunset and when it all comes together. Far from the pier and the crowds, it is a tranquil setting in places like this, as one almost feels that the sky and ocean are going to melt into each other with such gorgeous colors. In turn, it reflects light from wet sand onto this surreal mirror effect, which is almost dreamlike in nature. Personally, sunset is always the best time at the beach; that’s when the natural beauty of the coast really comes into its own-sere, picturesque, hard to beat.
15. Pismo Beach
Great community to visit to enjoy a beautiful beach and wonderful scenery. It’s a very clean and dog-on-leash-friendly beach and pier to visit for the day. Lots of great food, souvenirs, and specialty shops throughout. During Father’s Day weekend, Pismo Beach hosts one of the best car shows in Central California. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as surfing, fishing, and ATV riding on the nearby sand dunes. Parking can be very difficult if you get there very late in the day, if you want to park near the pier and boardwalk you need to get there early. Most parking is fee-based, and not very expensive.
16. Newport Beach
Newport Beach is one of the best beaches in California for watching a stunning sunset. Although all California beaches face west, which means they’re perfect for sunsets, there’s something unique about this beach. The five-mile stretch of silky blonde sand begins at Newport Pier and continues south to Balboa Pier. You can watch surfers catch the waves while walking on the beach. With plenty of parking options, and lots of great beach options to choose from. A great environment to stay with family and friends.
17. El Matador State Beach
The most beautiful beach in Southern California, despite being very popular/busy, it’s so beautiful and picturesque, it’s worth a visit! The rock formations are incredible, and the waves are big. Such a non violent and serene surroundings and best for image shoots and a chilled day. It is quite big and has a lot to explore. The combination of rocks and waves makes it cinematic and stunning. There is a paid parking lot but it can get quite busy. Don’t forget to check the tide as it will affect how far you can go on the beach. Overall a great beach.
Good luck on your trip to best beaches in California. If you think I have missed any place I will be grateful if you let me know. Be sure share your best California Beaches to travel experience with “Tale of Journey”. I look forward to hearing about your California Beaches experience. Oh, and one more thing subscribe to our free newsletter and get the latest destination information straight to your email.
Happy travels!!
