If you are a beach lover, then surely you are always looking for some exciting beaches to spend your time on. If yes, this list of 15 beaches in California will force you to go on a solo or family vacation, as they are stunning.
California is famous for its sunny weather, breathtaking scenery, and surfing. Some of the best beaches in California for vacation are popular among every age group. If you want a trip that gives you a blend of nature, modernization, culture, and marine life, these beaches are perfect for you.
Here is a list of some of the best beaches in California to visit and enjoy time with loved ones.
Best Beaches in California
1. Seacliff State Beach
Indeed, both above and below the water, Monterey Bay is home to an astounding abundance of marine species. It’s without a doubt the most abundant natural environment along the whole California coast. You can observe some of the local animals, such as grey whales, sea lions, seals, and otters, even if you’re simply standing on the sand. To see a great white shark, you can stay on shore and get lucky.
Seacliff State Beach is the northern highlight of the amazing dunes that encircle Monterey Bay. It’s a well-known swimming and running location for the locals. The deteriorating remnants of a concrete ship that was formerly used as a fishing pier may be found offshore, and the bay’s deeper waters are renowned for being a great white shark breeding site.
2. Peiffer Beach
If you want to have a lifetime experience, then feel the moist sand between your toes on this beach, and you will be surprised—it’s purple. The color comes due to the presence of manganese garnet that tumbles down from the precipitous slopes above. With high wind strokes, the place is good for a romantic stroll but it’s dangerous for swimming. Be cautious.
Surrounded by breathtaking scenes of redwood woods, this is a beautiful and ethereal location, which makes it the best beach in California to visit. While climbing along sea cliffs, you can find endangered California condors and discover secret waterfalls and hot springs. One of California’s most stunning beaches, Pfeiffer Beach is a remarkable crescent-shaped stretch of sand that is well-known for Keyhole granite, a massive granite arch through which waves smash with a force that seems to restore life.
3. El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is unquestionably one of Malibu’s most breathtaking locations. It offers breathtaking views of the ocean from the untamed cliffs above, which you will be forced to perch on because there is only a steep slope down to the beach. The striking cliffs, unusual rock formations, and undiscovered sea tunnels transport you to an unrealistic set of movies.
This beach is one of the most visited beaches in California. One of the most captivating sunsets on earth can be seen here, and if you visit outside of the summer (anytime but in the summer), you could even get the beach to yourself. Go to Malibu Seafood for fish tacos and fresh ceviche after a strenuous day of hiking, swimming, and sightseeing. Just remember to bring a cool six-pack to this laid-back, BYOB seafood restaurant.
4. Sonoma Coast State Park
Sonoma Coast State Park is a 19-mile stretch of wave-lashed sandy coves broken up by towering granite headlands. While some beaches are vast, others are small, tucked away in tiny bays, and crammed with granite formations. Hiking routes winding along the cliffs link most of the beaches with breathtaking views along their path.
Bring your camera and binoculars for the breathtaking views of the inlets, little islands, and changing tides. Spend a beautiful time on one of the best beaches in California to visit. It’s a great day trip to explore this region, but there are no amenities, so pack food and drink, and make sure your phone is well-charged.
5. Manhattan Beach
If you are taking your family on vacation, then Manhattan is the best beach in California for families. The sand at this kid-friendly beach is so smooth that it’s been known to be imported from Hawaiian beaches.
There are many other water sports available, such as body surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. If you prefer to people-watch under an umbrella, you may also attempt these activities. Where should I stay? Choose an Airbnb directly on the beach, or try the Shade Hotel, which has a rooftop pool with stunning views of the ocean.
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6. The Lost Coast
Adventure lovers can not escape this beach. Hiking is the best way to view the Lost Coast. The weather is clear and cool in the autumn. Grey whales pass along the beaches throughout their migration from December to April, while wildflowers bloom from April through May. June through September are the hottest and driest months, but you can experience a sudden shift in weather conditions here, so be ready for it.
Discovering black sand volcanic beaches and ethereal mist lingering above roaring waves as beautiful Roosevelt elk graze the woodlands is what it means to explore the Lost Coast. This makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in California.
Within 3 miles of the coast, the King Range rises dramatically to a height of 4000 feet, from the point where Hwy1 cuts inland north of Westport to a point just south of Ferndale. The shoreline was declared “lost” in the middle of the 20th century when the state highway system declared the area unpassable.
7. Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach gets its name from the little beachside city in Los Angeles that it is located inside. This coastal location is well-known for its plethora of beach sports, including volleyball, paddleboarding, and surfing, and is great for après-beach revelry. This one is one of the best beaches in California.
Go right to the well-known paved walkway known as The Strand—officially known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail—after a tiring day so you can indulge in all the food, drink, and shopping you want.
8. Tourmaline Beach in La Jolla
This beach offers some of the greatest (slow!) waves for longboarders and novices, but you can also learn to surf at popular Ocean Beach or Pacific Beach in San Diego. This beach is one of the most crowded beaches in California. One of San Diego’s most laid-back local attitudes may be found on its long, sandy beach.
Even on a slow day, you can catch a few worthwhile waves here, and if you happen to get a monster day, you’re in business. The waves north of Black’s Beach sometimes make local surfers grow possessive, but the vibe at Tourmaline is usually laid back. Savor the free showers, surf, and sand. If you want to stroll down the beach, go to Bird Rock’s serene tidal pools in the north.
9. Laguna beach
With thirty public beaches spanning seven miles of coastline, Laguna Beach is ideal for independent exploration since there’s always a breathtaking vista or secret hideaway around the corner.
A keen eye will uncover stairways descending from the Pacific Coast Highway down to the beach, even though many of the coves are hidden from street view by opulent mansions. To get to the sand, simply seek out the signs that read “beach access” and be ready to cross people’s backyards.
This beach is one of the best beaches in California to visit.
10. Venice Beach
Without the famous Venice Beach, which is located in the little beachside community of Venice in Los Angeles, the list of the best beaches in California for vacation will be incomplete.
The promenade, which runs along the beach, is the focal point of Venice Beach and is noted for its bohemian ambiance, tattoo parlors, skateboarders, and local hippies selling a variety of goods.
Along with excellent food and a variety of eccentricities, this area is home to some of L.A.’s best-hidden gems for shopping. One such example is Moon Juice, which offers a distinctive range of wellness and beauty products, such as edible tonics, dust, and cosmic provisions, in addition to cold-pressed juices and nutritious snacks.
11. Pismo Beach
This beautiful beach, which is midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on the California Central Coast, is a mesmerizing beach in California for families. This is mainly known for its Monarch Butterfly Grove, which attracts over 10,000 butterflies a year.
The seashore is blanketed in the vivid orange colors of monarch butterflies every year between late October and February as they go south for the winter. In addition, it’s a fantastic place to go fishing, surfing, horseback riding, and wine tasting all day long.
Pismo Beach is home to the chic Vespera Resort and the quaint Inn at the Pier if you’re seeking lodging.
12. Catalina Beach
Known for its expansive, vibrant vistas, Descanso Beach and its well-known beach club of the same name are located on Catalina Island. This is the only oceanfront restaurant and bar in Catalina. This is a great one to plan your holiday on beaches in California.
Admire the stunning views of the ocean from a restaurant table with an ocean view, a private cabana, a chaise couch, or a beach towel. While the Hillside Cabanas are perched above the beach for even greater views, the Presidential Cabanas come with a beach butler and free food and beverages.
After the summer sunsets, guests may enjoy beach parties and events held by the beach club. After spending time on the beach, make your way to the adjacent, recognizable Catalina Casino.
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13. Dunes beach
With its stunning dunes and sandstone cliffs, Dunes Beach—which is a part of Half Moon Bay State Beach is a great spot to spend the day tanning. You may go riding, jogging, and running on the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail, which stretches down the beach a few miles south to Poplar Beach.
If you are going on a family vacation, this is the best beach in California for families. There are upscale lodgings and plenty of dining establishments in the area. For five-star comfort only steps from the beach, stay at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay or the Seal Cove Inn.
14. Limantour Beach
Nearly a dozen stunning beaches that are well worth seeing together make up Point Reyes National Seashore, which is located in the tiny town of Point Reyes Station, which has a population of less than 1,000.
But Limantour Beach tops our list of the best beaches in California because of its endless hiking paths and abundance of animals (you can frequently observe whales, seals, and birds along the shorelines).
As long as you can tolerate the year-round 50-degree temperatures, you may stroll to the neighboring Drakes Bay, where the waters are tranquil and pleasant for occasional cool swims. Point Reyes National Seashore is protected by the U.S. National Park Service as a significant natural preserve, so before you make travel plans, be sure to review their rules page.
15. Coronado Beach
One of San Diego’s most picturesque beaches is Coronado Beach, a long, white length of sand. The sea is the perfect beach in California for vacation, as it is good for swimming and surfing, and the coastline is as smooth as they come, but the famous Hotel del Coronado is the true attraction here.
A National Historic Landmark, it is renowned for its magnificent Victorian design and for being one of the biggest wooden buildings in the United States. You must visit “The Del” if you’re visiting San Diego. But exercise caution—the famed old building is known as much for its haunted past as it is for its luxurious decor and facilities.
Conclusion
Beach lovers are always on the hunt for the perfect beach for themselves and their loved ones. If you are planning a beautiful vacation along the seaside, these 15 beaches in California can never disappoint your adventurous side.
Whether you want to relax or experience some excitement in life, you can choose any of them for your bucket list and enjoy a scenic, relaxing, and adventurous vacation. Plan your tour, pack your bags, and just go on the trip you have needed for a long time.
