California is a dream destination to many, with the stunning beaches the state has to offer. It’s not surprising that many of the best beaches to visit in California are all over television and social media! There’s something about the smell of the ocean water and the sound of the waves crashing onto the shoreline that makes you never want to leave.
While there are many beautiful beaches in California, each has its own unique reasons why they are amazing to visit. From long piers to amusement parks, to rocky beaches and white sand beaches, there’s a lot of California beaches to add to your bucket list! After living in the state for 3 years, I still have many beaches I still want to visit.
Continue reading to discover some of the best beaches to visit in California, as recommended by travel bloggers!
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Best Beaches to Visit in California
When I first moved to California, I was in awe of the beauty of the ocean and beach towns. To me, it was everything I had imagined and I was overwhelmed with excitement to live in Newport Beach. And so, I’m really excited to share this list of incredible beaches in California, as seen through the eyes of some amazing travel bloggers!
Pacific Beach
Recommended by Kat of World Wide Honeymoon
Pacific Beach is definitely one of the best beaches to visit in California for those who want to enjoy some great eats and drinks with views of the ocean!
Located about 10 miles northwest of downtown San Diego, this place is popular for young adults and college kids thanks to the many beach bars and clubs in the area. However, it is a lovely, sandy beach that is a great place to chill out on a nice, sunny day!
Some beach bars to try while you’re there include Lahaina Beach House, PB Shore Club, and Pacific Beach Ale House just off the main drag.
Even if you don’t want to party by the beach, there is plenty to do! Walk along Crystal Pier, bike, walk, or rollerblade along the pathway by the beach, or enjoy some tasty food while watching the tide roll in. Tacos El Gordo is a little shack by the beach and makes some seriously tasty fish tacos!
Just strolling along the beach and watching people toss a football around or spotting the iconic lifeguard stands makes for fun things to do on Pacific Beach as well.
So if you’re looking for amazing things to do in San Diego, definitely go to Pacific Beach! It makes for a fun and relaxing afternoon in this exciting California city.
Emerald Lake Beach
Recommended by Med of Fox in the Forest
As one of the most beautiful beaches in California, Emerald Bay is a secluded spot on the shores of Lake Tahoe featuring shimmering emerald colors and sand so soft that you might think you’re vacationing in a tropical island if it weren’t for the fact that that the Sierra Nevada mountains backdrop the entire scene.
With so many hiking trails available to access Emerald Bay, you can keep coming back here from different points and at different times of the year, and each and every single experience will be different from the last. Even though hiking to Emerald Bay and enjoying the actual beach there is the highlight, there are also a few activities around to keep you entertained for the day.
A highlight is Inspiration Point, which provides perfect views of the bay and Fannette Island. If you are feeling in the mood for more adventure, you can also SUP or kayak around the bay and to the nearby island to visit the tea house, which is an old stone structure that provides some of the best panoramic views of the bay and the stunning landscape around it. Another fun activity is visiting Vinkingholm cabin, a small historic home located on the shores of the bay.
Agate Beach
Recommended by Brittany of Britts Bella Vita
There are many beautiful beaches to visit in California, but none compare to the beauty of the North Coast. Agate Beach is a small but picturesque beach located where the coast meets the redwoods. This two-mile stretch of beach in Patrick’s Point State Park is popular among beachcombers hunting for exquisite agate rocks during low tide. You’ll stroll down a path surrounded by giant mossy trees, and once on the sand, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the coastline with no distractions in sight. Wildlife animals can be seen from the shoreline; if you visit during the right season, you might see whales migrating or sea lions lounging in the sand.
You can visit for a day at the beach or camp within this State Park, which has direct beach access to Agate Beach. Swim with caution as the waves are very powerful; it’s also a nice area to have a picnic, fly a kite, and watch the sunset if you decide to opt-out of swimming in the ocean. There are hiking routes with views of the forest and the ocean, and I recommend visiting Wedding Rock while you’re there. Agate Beach is a short drive from Trinidad, a beautiful town with many more stunning beaches and activities to do for visitors. Redwood National and State Parks, located just north of Agate Beach, offer a diverse range of hiking opportunities for adventure seekers.
Agate Beach is a pocket of paradise, and it’s easy to see why visitors consider it a gem.
Newport Beach
Recommended by Me
Newport Beach is a stunning beach located in Orange County. It’s a popular spot for families to spend the day, college students to live in for the school year, and a hit spot for taco Tuesday bar hopping.
Depending on the area you are in in the city, there are different vibes to the beach. When you first enter the peninsula, there are plenty of college houses mixed with families’ beach houses. This is where a lot of bars are as well, which are quite busy throughout the year. It’s also where the main pier is, which makes for a nice walk to admire the ocean. It’s a fun part of the beach to visit for those wanting a college vibe and go bar-hopping!
Further down the peninsula, there are many beautiful houses with yachts. There are also places that offer different excursions, such as deep-sea fishing, whale watching, and more.
One of the biggest highlights for college students in the area is Taco Tuesday. For these weekly events, bars offer a set price for unlimited tacos or highly discounted prices. It ends of being a fun night on the town with lots of tacos and bar-hopping involved!
Baker Beach
Recommended by Sydney of A World in Reach
If you’re planning a weekend trip to San Francisco, make sure to add a trip to Baker Beach into your itinerary. Not only is this beach one of the best beaches to visit in California, but it’s also one of the best spots in San Francisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge.
Baker Beach is located in the Presidio of San Francisco, a large park on the northern tip of the city. The beach itself is about a half-mile long, beginning just south of the Golden Gate Bridge. The beach itself is popular with locals and tourists alike, especially those who want to get a good look at the famous bridge. It’s a great place to pack a picnic lunch and relax while enjoying a great view. One thing to keep in mind: the northern section of the beach is clothing-optional.
In addition to the Beach, the Presidio is home to some of San Francisco’s best attractions. You can easily spend a day exploring the hiking trails or visiting attractions like the Palace of Fine Arts or the Walt Disney Family Museum. Feeling active? Consider renting a bike and cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge, where you can explore the Marin Headlands and Sausalito. This side of the bridge is also home to several great lookout spots, like Battery Spencer and the Golden Gate View Point.
Glass Beach
Recommended by Me
Arguably one of the most unique beaches to visit in California, Glass Beach is a must-visit on your bucket list. The beach is covered with beautiful pieces of sea glass, with varying colors, shapes, and sizes. Located near Fort Bragg, it has become a hit tourist destination over the years.
Aside from admiring the sea glass, it’s a popular beach to visit to check out ocean life during low tide. The tidal pools unveil different crabs, sea stars, and more during low tide. There is also a nearby museum dedicated to sea glass where you can learn more about the area and how the glass is formed.
While it’s not your typical beach that you’d think of visiting in California, it surely boasts a unique and photographic destination to visit in the state.
Silver Strand Beach
Recommended by Shelly of Almost There Adventures
Silver Strand Beach is the southernmost beach in Oxnard, CA which is 60 miles (97km) west of downtown Los Angeles. It’s in a sleepy beach town filled with colorful homes and nearby multicultural cuisine in the historic downtown area. This mile-long beach is bordered by Port Hueneme Naval Base to the south and the inlet to Channel Islands Harbor to the north and is fairly uncrowded most of the year.
Silver Strand Beach offers visitors world-class surfing, fishing, kayaking, and white sandy beaches in a family-friendly atmosphere. Head to the far south end of Silver Strand Beach and you’ll find beautiful murals created by various artists. Follow the murals to the point, and climb atop the jetty, and you’ll see the steel remains of La Jenelle, a luxury ocean liner that was shipwrecked in April 1970.
Another great activity is a trip to Channel Islands National Park. Island Packers is the only transportation ferry to the islands. They offer trips to the Channel Islands as well as whale and wildlife viewing tours. The tours leave from Oxnard and Ventura and are an amazing experience. Lastly, if you’re with children there is a wonderful pirate playground, trails, picnic area as well as a great beach at Oxnard Beach. These are all great things to do when you’re visiting Silver Strand Beach in Oxnard.
Carmel Beach
Recommended by Me
Carmel Beach is known as one of the best beach towns to visit in the United States. It’s no secret why as the scenery there is absolutely incredible! It’s a hit destination for surfing, bringing your dog, and for events such as the annual sandcastle building contest.
One of the biggest highlights of this beach is the pristine sand. The fine, white sand is kept free of debris and the beach, in general, is well-maintained. The beach is also very expansive, so it doesn’t feel as packed as some other California beaches.
Oceanside Beach
Recommended by Bernadette of Explorer Chick
Oceanside is a quintessential California with its wide beach, the State’s longest wooden pier, and surfing. This beach town is located north of San Diego and has been a vacation destination since the 1800s. It has a little bit of everything so Oceanside can easily be visited for a day or for a week.
For those that are interested in surfing but haven’t taken the plunge yet, the surfing sites to the north and south of the pier are perfect for beginners. And once they have mastered the sport, they can still come to the spot to hit the waves.
A site to behold at the beach is the Grunion Run when the small silvery fish beach themselves as part of their spawning behavior. The natural phenomenon happens between March and August following a full moon. Bring a flashlight to see the fish at this unique California experience.
Downtown Oceanside is also lively and colorful with its murals, farmer’s markets, and the California Surf Museum. It gets really sunny during the day so the evenings are the perfect time to stroll and look at the shops and try the numerous restaurants. It is Southern California so nights can get chilly! Visitors should always have a light jacket or hoodie to keep warm.
Nearby is Legoland which is a fun day trip to go on the rides, see the Lego sculptures, and swim at the water park. For a little bit of history the Mission San Luis Rey where visitors can explore the restored complex and learn about life in the 1700s. During the Spring, the Carlsbad Flower Fields are in bloom and should be part of a trip to the area.
Hermosa Beach
Recommended by Me
Hermosa Beach is a beachfront city located in Los Angeles County. It is a popular beach to spend the day at for residents and tourists alike. It’s also a hit destination to head out surfing the waves!
The beach is home to a well-maintained pedestrian path that runs along the beach, which is great for riding bikes. There is also a pier that’s perfect to walk and watch the sunset on.
El Matador Beach
Recommended by Monica of This Rare Earth
El Matador Beach is a part of the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach system – a collection of small sandy beaches in sunny Malibu, California. This is an important can’t-miss stop on any day trip to Malibu!
From the street, the view down to the shore is breathtaking. From a cliff roughly 100 feet above the beach, visitors can take in the long stretches of sand below. Dirt paths or steep staircases lead you down to the shore, between iconic rock caves and caverns. For the adventurous, these are incredibly fun to explore and often contain sea life from starfish to anemones in salt water-filled pockets.
The rocks themselves are what makes this beach so pretty. Depending on the tide, the beachy scene completely changes personalities. During low tide, you may climb in and around the rocks. At high tide, choppy waters will be crashing through the rocks and cliffs, creating a loud and powerful noise, reminding you just how strong the sea is.
The best times to visit are sunrise or sunset for the amazing colorful skies. However, it’s a popular place so it can get crowded.
The beach is free to access. Parking in the specified lot does carry a cost, but I highly recommend free street parking instead. Just be careful about traffic zooming by!
Coronado Beach
Recommended by Nikki of She Saves She Travels
If you’re looking for the best beaches to visit in California, then Coronado Beach absolutely must be on your list! Located in the San Diego area, the island of Coronado is a special spot in southern California.
Coronado Beach has some of the most unique sand in all of California. The sand shimmers in the sunlight and is especially beautiful during sunset. What makes it so special? There’s an element in the sand called mica. It looks like gold glitter!
One of the beach’s iconic landmarks is the Hotel del Coronado. It’s over 130 years old and a popular spot for residents and tourists alike. This red-roof hotel is full of history and a sight to be seen.
Coronado Beach is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon or watch the sunset. If you only have one or two days in San Diego, this is a must-see while in the area.
The island of Coronado has tons of restaurants and shopping, as well as plenty of vacation rentals to help you plan your trip. And of course, if you spend more time in the San Diego area, be sure to visit Old Town San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo.
Laguna Beach
Recommended by Me
Laguna Beach is a stunning beach to visit in California due to the beautiful sands, unique rock formations, and fun events. Despite being a popular beach town to visit, the town is not as commercialized or developed as other beach towns you’d find in Southern California.
It’s an interesting area as it’s home to a lot of local artists, including plenty of art galleries and many festivals including the famous Sawdust Art Festival.
It’s well-known due to the shows Laguna Beach and the Hills, which are filmed in this area. It’s also a great spot to head out kayaking or whale watching too!
Santa Monica Beach
Recommended by Alanna of Periodic Adventures
Santa Monica is easily one of the most iconic and fun beaches to visit in California, especially Southern California! It’s located in the middle of the Los Angeles coast so it’s easy to get to and a great starting point to explore from.
One of the reasons it’s a must-visit is because of the amazing pier that has an amusement park on it called Pacific Pier. There are carnival games and food, plus rides like a roller coaster and Ferris wheel. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset from!
Also on the pier, you’ll find fun street performers and artists, an arcade, pop-up exhibits, a carousel, and an aquarium.
At the end of the pier, you can eat at Maria Sol, a Mexican restaurant. Alternatively, try Hot Dog on a Stick at the base of the pier for a more inexpensive option.
Lastly, if you want to hit the beach, you can bring towels and gear and go anywhere you want. North of the pier is recommended as the area is a little nicer.
Don’t miss Santa Monica on your trip to Los Angeles, even if you’re only visiting for a short amount of time! It’s worth the drive!
Huntington Beach
Recommended by Me
Huntington Beach is known for great surfing and an incredible boardwalk lined with shops to explore. The U.S. Open of Surfing is hosted here, which is the world’s largest surf competition. It is quite the spectacle to visit, with plenty of entertainment and activities to explore during the course of the event.
The beach itself is around 3.5 miles long, with a long, picturesque pier reaching out into the ocean. At the end of the pier is Ruby’s Diner, which has recently closed, unfortunately.
There’s plenty of shopping in the city of Huntington Beach as well. Streets along the boardwalk boast different souvenir shops, plenty of surf-related shops, clothing stores, food places, and much more. It’s a great way to take a break from the sun and shop around!
Natural Bridge State Beach
Recommended by Emilie of Love Life Abroad
Located in the outskirts of Santa Cruz, the Natural Bridges State Beach is worth discovering. The Natural Bridges State Beach has so much to offer with its beautiful sandy beach and its famous rock formation shaped in a bridge form. Plus, there are a few tide pools filled with marine creatures such as sea anemones, starfishes, and crabs.
In the fall and wintertime, thousands of migrating monarch butterflies find a home at Natural Bridge State Beach. This state beach also has some picnic areas and restrooms with showers. Note that there is a $10 parking fee and that there is no overnight camping on this state beach.
It’s super easy to get to Natural Bridges State Beach. From Santa Cruz, simply head north on the scenic West Cliff Dr and you’ll find the sign for the beach. And if you have extra time, drive slowly along West Cliff Dr as there are many beautiful viewpoints to stop and admire the cliffs and ocean. The best time of the day to visit the beach would be at low tide to see what the tide pools have to offer. But it’s great all day. While in the Santa Cruz area, make sure to stop by the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. You may also enjoy a short hike surrounded by big Redwood trees and Henry Cowell Redwood State Park.
Avila Beach
Recommended by Haley of Gathering Waves
Avila Beach, California is a hidden gem amongst California beaches. Located on the Central Coast of California, this beach has the warm, sunny weather of Southern California beaches, but lacks the crowds. This beach is located right off of the famous Highway 1, tucked away beyond the hillside.
This California Beach is perfect for an all-day beach day. There is plenty of space to lay out your towels and beach chairs and set up for a day of lounging around and basking in the sun. The waves at this beach are very mild, making it a safe and fun place to go for a swim as well. There are also swings and slides conveniently located right in the sand to keep the kids entertained. At low tide, you can even walk to the south end of the beach, and see all the little fish and sea anemones in the tide pools!
Directly adjacent to the beach is a very cute downtown, with plenty of ocean view bars and restaurants. Colorful buildings along the boardwalk offer a wide array of souvenir shopping. There is something for everyone at Avila Beach – just blocks away from the beach itself is a wine-tasting venue, golf course, and playground.
Manhattan Beach
Recommended by Me
Manhattan Beach is popular for families to visit and for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a great place to head out surfing or to play some beach volleyball at one of the many nets set up on the beach. The downtown area is home to many boutiques, cafes, and great restaurants to discover.
At the end of the pier, there is a small aquarium and educational facility to check out. Here, you can learn about marine life while admiring the views of the ocean from the end of the pier.
The Strand is a stunning boardwalk that lines the beach. It is well-maintained and a great spot for a family walk or to go bike riding.
Conclusion
Between beaches covered in sea glass, to exciting amusement parks on piers, there are so many unique beaches to visit in California. After living there for a few years, I still have many places to explore. I hope this list inspired by travel bloggers has you wanting to book a trip to California – it certainly has me itching to return!
What would you add to this list of the best beaches to visit in California? Let me know in the comments!
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