Looking for the best beaches in California?? Here’s the list with all the travel information that you need to plan a family tour.
California or the “Golden State” is filled with fabulous beaches. Whether you are looking for fine, golden sand, warm surf, swimmable waves, family-friendly beaches, scenic ocean views, or whatever, you will find your ideal beach in California.
Some of the most famous beaches in California are La Jolla Cove, Huntington State Beach, beaches in Malibu, beaches in Santa Cruz, and Point Reyes National Seashore.
Come on, let’s discover the complete list of the best and fun beaches in California.
Beaches in California
1. Beaches in California: La Jolla Cove, San Diego
La Jolla Cove is one of the most popular family-friendly beaches in California. Located in San Diego, it is a small and beautiful cove with a soft sandy beach surrounded by rock cliffs.
Also, since the beach features cerulean blue waters and soft sands, it attracts thousands of beach lovers. Therefore, it is difficult to find a parking space. So, come early to catch a spot.
La Jolla Cove is mainly known for spotting seals and sea lions.
And it is perfect for picnicking, flying kites, swimming, kayaking, surfboarding, boogie boarding, checking out the sea caves, spotting seabirds, and watching the sea lions and seals with your family.
Especially since its underwater is rich with diverse marine life, you can snorkel and scuba dive to see colorful garibaldi, yellowtail, rays, and leopard sharks.
Also, you can go beachcombing during low tide as you can find plenty of fascinating tide pools in La Jolla Cove.
Address: Coast Blvd, San Diego, CA 92037, United States Phone: (619) 221-8899
Beaches in California
2. Beaches in California: Huntington State Beach
Huntington State Beach is a famous beach located in Orange County, Southern California.
Established in 1924, this beach park spreads for 121-acres and features a 2 miles long scenic, sandy beach. (between Santa Ana River, Newport Beach, and Beach Boulevard)
And Huntington State Beach is ideal for fun water activities like surfing, beach volleyball, fishing at Huntington Beach Pier, swimming, sunbathing, and romantic walks.
Also, the beach park features several basketball courts, fire-rings for evening bonfires, and on-duty lifeguards.
Huntington State Beach Park was actually established to protect the beach environment and endangered wildlife species, including terns and snowy plovers. Therefore, Huntington State Beach is perfect for birdwatching too.
So, plan for a picnic at Huntington State Beach with your family.
Address: 21601 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92646, United States Phone: +1 714-536-1454
Beaches in California
3. Beaches in California: Beaches in Malibu
Malibu is a famous city located in the west of Los Angeles, California. It is mainly known for 21 miles of scenic beaches and plenty of impressive celebrity homes.
Malibu is a perfect destination for beach lovers, blessed with a year-round sunny, warm climate and clear skies.
However, the best time to visit Malibu is fall and spring. If you are looking for surfing in Malibu beach, September to November is the best months.
Especially, Malibu is home to the famous Zuma Beach, Point Dume State Beach, El Matador Beach, Surfrider Beach or Malibu Lagoon State Beach, and Puerco Beach, which attract thousands of beach lovers annually.
Zuma Beach is a family-friendly beach that features soft sand, a fresh breeze, and peaceful surroundings. And it also features a kids’ play area, picnic tables, snack bars, numerous lifeguard stations, and restrooms.
Actually, Zuma Beach considers one of the top toddler-friendly beaches in California.
On the other hand, El Matador Beach in western Malibu is one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. It is a picturesque beach ideal for picnicking with family. Filled with sea caves, dramatic rocks, and seabirds, El Matador Beach features a secluded surrounding.
Being a part of the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, El Matador Beach is perfect for picnicking, birdwatching, exploring sea caves, hiking, and beachcombing during low tide.
Address: Malibu, CA 90263, United States Phone: (800) 395-9084
Address: Zuma Beach, Pacific Coast Highway and Busch Dr, Malibu, CA 90265, United States, Phone: (424) 526-7777
Address: 32350 El Matador Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, United States, Phone: (818) 880-0363
Beaches in California
4. Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a beautiful sunny seaside city located in west-central California. And it features 29 miles of majestic beaches, including Main Beach, Seabright Beach, Natural Bridges State Beach, and Pleasant Point.
For example, Seabright Beach, located between Santa Cruz harbor and the boardwalk, is a lovely beach with soft white sands.
Also, you can see the San Lorenzo River meets the ocean by passing through a slight natural rock arch.
After having a lovely day on Seabright Beach with family, you can also visit the nearby Santa Cruz Boardwalk Amusement Park. Kids will love this park as it features fun rides, various games, and fun live events.
On the other hand, the picturesque Walton Lighthouse is just 5 mins away from Seabright Beach. So, you can easily visit it.
Dogs are also allowed on leash.
Address: Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
Beaches in California
5. Coronado Beach, Coronado
Featuring golden sands, Coronado Beach stretches for 1.5 miles in Coronado, near San Diego.
Coronado Beach is a family-friendly beach that features calm waters, gentle waves, and a safe surrounding for kids. And also, it is famous for sparkling golden sands, pristine waters, and spectacular sunset views.
Since Coronado Beach features all the facilities, including hotels, restaurants, picnic tables, restrooms, a bonfire, and plenty of lifeguard stations, it is perfect for having a fun beach day with family.
While picnicking, you can enjoy swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, paddle boarding, making sandcastles, and beachcombing during low tide.
Coronado Beach is safe for swimming, even for kids. So, bring them and have fun.
Address: Ocean Blvd and Isabella Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, United States Phone: (800) 350-6205
Beaches in California
6. Balboa Beach, Newport Beach
Balboa Beach in Balboa Peninsula is a famous beach destination for fun water activities.
Featuring a mile-long beach with a warm and sunny climate, Balboa Beach is perfect for morning surfing, parasailing, bodyboarding, skimboarding, swimming, boating, whale watching, fishing, picnicking, bike riding, jogging, playing beach volleyball, and many other outdoor activities.
Also, Balboa Beach features the facilities like picnic areas, restrooms, fire pits, a fishing pier, fun amusement parks, and lifeguard stations. So, you can bring your kids too.
Especially, kids will love to visit California’s oldest amusement park, Balboa Fun Zone, located next to Balboa Beach. And it features fun rides, including a waterfront Ferris wheel, a nautical museum, arcade games, and bike rentals.
So, come along with your family this weekend.
Address: E Balboa Blvd and Palm St, Newport Beach, CA 92661, United States Phone: (855) 5639-7678
Beaches in California
7. Glass Beach, Fort Bragg
Glass Beach is a unique beach located in MacKerricher State Park near Fort Bragg, California.
You can see plenty of colorful sea glass all over the Glass Beach. Therefore, people visit here to observe and collect these smooth and colorful glass stones. But, taking them home is prohibited. So, just touch and enjoy the beauty.
How did it form?
California’s Glass Beach is not a 100% natural beach. It was formed due to throwing various glass bottles, chemicals, and other garbage into the Fort Bragg beach. Those glasses reacted with chemicals and saltwater for a long time, resulting in this colorful beach. Yeah, it is a great result of throwing garbage.
Surely wear proper shoes.
Address: Elm Street and Glass Beach Drive, Fort Bragg, CA, United States
Beaches in California
8. Beaches in California: Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a small coastal city located in Orange County, California. Therefore, it is famous for scenic beaches, coves, plenty of art galleries, and exceptional hotels.
For example, Main Laguna Beach, Aliso Beach Park, Crystal Cove State Park, Victoria Beach, and 1000 Steps Beach in Laguna Beach city attract thousands of beach lovers annually.
If you want to save money, you can use the city’s trolley that operates on weekends and throughout summer to visit eight beaches and coastal parks.
Address: Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States Phone: (949) 497-3311
Crystal Cove State Park in the north of Laguna Beach is home to three miles of magnificent sandy beach with coastal cliffs, a lovely cove, an underwater park, and chaparral inland canyons.
Spreading for 3,936-acres of land, this park is a part of the Marine Conservation Area and Crystal Cove Historic District and protects its beautiful ecosystem.
Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings while experiencing plenty of outdoor activities like swimming, surfing, scuba diving, skin diving, exploring fascinating tidal pools, horseback riding, and hiking 17 miles of nature trails.
Address: Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States Phone: (949) 494-3539
On the other hand, 1000 Steps Beach in Laguna Beach city is a lovely weekend getaway. Although the name says 1000 steps, there are only 230 steps that lead to a soft sandy beach.
1000 Steps Beach stretches for seven blocks and features sheer cliffs with a small cove in the surrounding. Visitors can have fun outdoor activities like surfing, swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and playing beach volleyball.
Address: Ninth Ave and Pacific Coast Hwy, South Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States
Beaches in California
9. South Carlsbad State Beach, Carlsbad
Are you looking for beach camping in California??
South Carlsbad State Beach or Tamarack Beach is perfect for that. It is located in Carlsbad and is ideal for beach camping, picnicking, swimming, surfing, skin diving, kayaking, and fishing. Therefore, it attracts many beach lovers during summer.
Since there’s a lifeguard station, all beachgoers can safely experience water activities. Aside from that, the beach features facilities like campsites, picnic tables, benches, and bonfires.
Featuring a peaceful and quiet environment, South Carlsbad State Beach is a good escapade from the noisy, busy world.
Camping is the best way to explore South Carlsbad State Beach. So, bring your tent or rent one to get an unforgettable beach camping experience with your family. Put the alarm and wake up early to catch the spectacular sunrise.
Also, you can visit the four miles long Carlsbad Seawall that stretches along the coastline from Cannon to Carlsbad Village for biking, jogging, and rollerblading.
Address: 8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States Phone: (949) 494-3539
Beaches in California
10. Santa Monica State Beach, Santa Monica
Santa Monica State Beach is located in the city of Santa Monica near downtown Los Angeles.
Being one of the most famous beaches in California, Santa Monica State Beach stretches for three and a half miles long. Since it contains fine, soft, and well-maintained sand, it is perfect for walking, playing beach volleyball, sunbathing, and picnicking with family.
Aside from that, Santa Monica State Beach is perfect for every water activity, including swimming, surfing, sunbathing, boating, and kayaking.
And also, there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and beach equipment rentals within walking distance from Santa Monica State Beach. Therefore, it considers a great family weekend getaway too.
Especially, the Santa Monica Pier features a fun amusement park, restaurants, and a fantastic aquarium. Do not miss the stunning sunset from Santa Monica Pier.
If you like biking, Santa Monica State Beach features a 22-mile-long bike trail to Torrance Country Beach. So, bring your bike or rent one.
Address: Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
Beaches in California
11. Beaches in California: Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur
Big Sur is a famous coastal region located between Carmel and San Simeon in California.
Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Big Sur region. And it is mostly known for the picturesque Keyhole Rock, enormous boulders, and purple sands.
Located on Los Padres National Forest land, Pfeiffer Beach features a small, flat, purple sand beach surrounded by huge rugged boulders. Therefore, photographers can capture spectacular photos.
Although the ride to Pfeiffer Beach is adventurous, it is totally worth visiting its rugged beauty.
Also, there’s a massive rock arch on the beach with a large hole. Therefore, ocean waves are constantly flowing through it. Since these waves are rough, Pfeiffer Beach is not suitable for swimming.
On the other hand, you can visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or “mini Yosemite.” It covers approximately 1,006 acres of land and contains the Big Sur River, plenty of ancient redwood trees, and an excellent campground.
So, plan for a camping weekend in Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground with your family.
Address: 47199 Clear Ridge Rd, Big Sur, CA 93920, United States Phone: +1 805-434-1996
Beaches in California
12. Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches located in the small beach city of Carmel-by-the-Sea on California’s Monterey Peninsula.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is mostly known for its scenic beach, fairytale cottages, cute boutiques, unique art galleries, museums, and the historic Carmel Mission library.
It really seems like an English country village with all these features.
And, its sublime sandy beach, Carmel Beach, contains sparkling white sand and turquoise-blue waters. Also, there are windblown Monterey cypress trees along the coast by adding a unique appearance.
Located in a sheltered cove, Carmel Beach is perfect for picnicking and walking. Especially if you are looking for a romantic beach getaway in California, consider Carmel Beach.
But, if you are looking for swimming, Carmel Beach is not suitable as it contains rogue waves and cold waters.
Carmel Beach features facilities like public restrooms and a free parking lot.
Address: Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, United States
Beaches in California
13. Dog Beach, San Diego
Here’s the first off-leash dog beach in California.
Dog Beach in San Diego was the first one. Although now there are many off-leash dog beaches, this one is the most popular beach in the country.
Located at the mouth of the San Diego River, Dog Beach features a vast area where dogs can freely romp in the surf.
So, if you visit Dog Beach, you can see a lot of dogs in different colors, breeds, and sizes. Actually, it is like watching a fun dog show.
Dog owners are requested to bring cleaned, well-trained, and vaccinated dogs to Dog Beach, San Diego.
You don’t need to own a dog to visit this beach. Just visit and enjoy soft sands, surfs, and watching dogs.
Address: Dog Beach, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
Beaches in California
14. Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz
Here’s the best place to see monarch butterfly migration in California. Natural Bridges State Beach is a famous hotspot that to see monarch butterfly migrations.
This beach park spreads for 65-acres in Santa Cruz, California. Since it features a natural bridge across a section of the beach, it calls Natural Bridges State Beach.
Natural Bridges State Beach is one of the best places to spot shorebirds, migrating whales, seals, and otters offshore.
And also, this beach features plenty of tidepools during low tide with diverse marine life, including sea stars, shore crabs, and sea anemones. So, you can go beachcombing with your kids.
Aside from that, Natural Bridges State Beach park contains a large area of coastal scrub and grasslands that features colorful native wildflowers in the spring.
Further, Moore Creek flows through the Natural Bridges State Beach park and creates freshwater wetlands and a salt marsh before meeting the ocean.
The park offers a parking area, picnic tables, barbecues, water faucets, restrooms, and paved roads. You are allowed to bike along the paved roads. But, the park is not permitted for camping, fires, collecting, or disturbing marine life in tidepools, glass containers, alcohol, and drones.
And dogs are allowed only at picnic areas.
If you are looking for swimming or surfing, Natural Bridges State Beach is unsafe as the surf can be unpredictable. Also, since there are no lifeguards on duty, do not try it.
Address: Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz, CA, United States Phone: +18314234609
Beaches in California
15. Moonstone Beach, Cambria
Located along the Cambria Coastline, Moonstone Beach is a beautiful, wild, and uncrowded beach.
Moonstone Beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs and features a long boardwalk that stretches more than a mile from the Leffingwell Landing day-use area to Santa Rosa Creek.
So, you can walk, jog, or bike along Moonstone Beach Boardwalk while enjoying the beauty.
Also, the beach is filled with shiny and smooth pebbles washed by the sea. Apart from that, you can see plenty of tide pools and interesting driftwood along with beautiful stones.
At the same time, you can spot sea otters, whales, and different kinds of seabirds too.
Aside from that boardwalk, Moonstone Beach features parking lots, plenty of hotels, and several restaurants.
If you are here with your dog, put on the leash and walk along the boardwalk because dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Beaches in California
16. Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore is a huge protected coastline in Northern California’s Marin County. And, it features plenty of scenic beaches, including Wildcat Beach with the famous Alamere Falls and the Great Beach.
If you come from San Francisco, the Great Beach or Point Reyes Beach is just one hour away. Stretching for 11 miles, the Great Beach is a raw and undeveloped beach surrounded by green grasslands, dunes, and rock cliffs.
So, do not expect to have hotels, restaurants, and houses.
Therefore, Point Reyes Beach is perfect for relaxing while exploring, walking, and hiking. But, Point Reyes Beach is not suitable for swimming or any other watersport since the water is cold and the waves are rough.
Address: Point Reyes Beach N, Inverness, CA 94937, United States Phone: +14154645100
Beaches in California
17. Corona del Mar State Beach, Newport Beach
Newport Beach is a fun beach city located on the Southern California coastline.
Obviously, it features beautiful beaches like Corona del Mar State Beach and Wedge Beach, a large harbor, and a marina filled with boats.
The municipal beach stretches for five miles and contains fine powdery sand and warm waters. Therefore, it attracts many swimmers and sunbathers to enjoy warm waters and year-round mild temperatures.
On the other hand, Wedge Beach in Newport Beach is famous for its big waves. So, it attracts a lot of surfers from all over the country.
And Corona del Mar State Beach Park is a 30 acres park that features a fantastic family-friendly beach. The park is also called Big Corona Beach and is perfect for swimming, diving, surfing, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.
Therefore, plan to visit the beautiful Corona del Mar State Beach Park with your family and have a fun day.
Address: Corona Del Mar State Beach Park, California 92625, United States
Beaches in California
18. Beaches in California: Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles County
Located in the South Bay area in Los Angeles County, Hermosa Beach is a fun beachfront city.
Although Hermosa Beach city spreads only on 18 blocks, it features two miles of wide and fabulous sandy beach. And it is perfect for picnicking, building sandcastles, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball.
Also, Hermosa Beach has a wide boardwalk along the beach called the Strand. It runs from Torrance Beach to Santa Monica. So, you can walk, jog, or bike along the Strand while enjoying the cool ocean breeze and scenic views.
Another famous attraction on Hermosa Beach is the Hermosa Beach pier, a 1328-foot long historic pier. Being one of the main entertainment and shopping areas of Hermosa Beach, it is perfect for spending a fun evening with your family.
And do not miss the spectacular sunset from the Hermosa Beach pier.
Address: 1315 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, United States Phone: (310) 318-0239
Beaches in California
19. Arroyo Burro County Beach Park
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park or Hendry’s Beach is located in Santa Barbara County, California. (five miles from Santa Barbara and off of Cliff Drive)
And it is the place where Arroyo Burro Creek meets the ocean.
Being one of the most popular beaches in California, Arroyo Burro Beach has a wide sandy coastline that is perfect for picnicking and surfing.
Of course, it features facilities for a fun family picnic, including nice grassy areas, barbecues, picnic tables, and benches. You can bring your dog too.
Aside from that, Arroyo Burro Beach attracts beach lovers for surf fishing, spotting migrating whales, and evening beach parties. So, plan for a sunset cocktail on Arroyo Burro Beach with your friends.
Address: 2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States Phone: +1 805-687-3714
Beaches in California
20. Manhattan Beach, California
Manhattan Beach is a famous family-friendly beach located in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. Also, it has been famous as a sportsmen’s paradise for so many years.
Located between Hermosa Beach and Los Angeles International Airport, Manhattan Beach features a two-mile-long wide sandy beach. And it is perfect for surfing, playing beach volleyball, fishing, and many other watersports.
Therefore, Manhattan Beach attracts millions of beach lovers annually.
Especially, its 50 volleyball courts are always busy. If you are a beach volleyball fan, you can participate in the annual volleyball tournament organized by Manhattan Beach.
On the other hand, it organizes an international surf festival for surfers.
This well-maintained attractive beach also features the historic Manhattan Beach Pier that stretches 928 feet into the ocean. And it is perfect for fishing. Also, the pier’s base features the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium.
Address: Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, United States
Beaches in California
21. Beaches in California: Pismo State Beach
Pismo State Beach is 17 miles long beach located on the Pacific coast in the city of Pismo Beach.
It is popular among surfers and beach volleyball players. Therefore, Pismo State Beach attracts a lot of visitors during summertime. So, you can see plenty of hotels, casual restaurants, café, and surf shops downtown.
Actually, there are several beach areas in Pismo State Beach, including a section of sand dunes. And these expansive sandy beaches provide plenty of recreational activities and a relaxing environment.
For example, visitors can experience picnicking, surfing, sunbathing, bird-watching, sailing, building sandcastles with their families.
Aside from that, the long Pismo Beach Pier is perfect for ocean fishing. Also, the pier features picnic tables and benches to enjoy spectacular beach views.
Further, the beach facilities include an entertaining boardwalk, public restrooms, campgrounds, and well-trained lifeguards.
Address: 555 Pier Ave, Oceano, CA 93445, United States Phone: +18054737220
Beaches in California
22. Beaches in California: Stinson Beach, Marin County
Stinson Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches located on the Northern California coastline. Located around 20 miles north of San Francisco, the journey to Stinson Beach through Marin County‘s rolling hills is scenic.
This beach has been a famous resort destination since the 19th century. But, it has preserved its authentic beauty over the years. So, you can see locally-owned shops, small cafes, and homey restaurants.
Stinson Beach is perfect for every beach activity, including sunbathing and playing beach games, featuring powdery soft white sands and gentle waves. But, swimming is allowed only during ideal conditions.
In the case of facilities, Stinson Beach features public restrooms, showers, picnic areas, a snack bar, and lifeguards from July through Labor Day weekend.
Being a protected beach, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Stinson Beach area is also perfect for hiking to see scenic coastal hillsides, redwood forests, and valleys. For example, Dipsea Trail is a seven-mile hike that begins in Stinson Beach.
Address: 43 Arenal Ave, Stinson Beach, CA 94970, United States
Beaches in California
Beaches in California
- La Jolla Cove, San Diego
- Huntington State Beach
- Beaches in Malibu
- Coronado Beach, Coronado
- Balboa Beach, Newport Beach
- Laguna Beach
- South Carlsbad State Beach, Carlsbad
- Santa Monica State Beach, Santa Monica
- Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur
- Carmel City Beach, Monterey
- Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz
- Point Reyes National Seashore
- Corona del Mar State Beach, Newport Beach
- Hermosa Beach
- Manhattan Beach
- Pismo Beach
- Stinson Beach, Marin County
Beaches in California
