The Golden State, as it is also known, California is blessed with an incredible coastline that is home to a host of beautiful beaches that are among the best in the United States. Very much a trendsetter when it comes to popular culture, many people imagine California to be a laidback place that is a paradise for surfers; its scenic beaches with their chilled out vibe certainly promote this image.
Whether it’s your first visit to California or your twentieth, chances are you will be visiting one of the state’s countless beaches – and luckily, local access to all beaches is enshrined in state law. There’s a perfect strip of sand out there for everyone, but to help you get your visit started, here are 10 of the best beaches in California for sea, surf, sand and sun.
But it’s only once you fly into one of California’s big cities, then explore the coast, that you realise just how many incredible beaches there are. And, more surprisingly, the wide-ranging variety of beach scenes they present. So whether you’re a swimmer or a surfer, a birdwatcher or a shopper, or just a general beach lover — we’ve got you covered. Explore our favorites below to find out which California beach is the right one for you.
1. Natural Bridges State Beach
One of the best beaches in the whole of the Golden State, Natural Bridges State Beach is so named because of its beautiful rock arch that is so impressive to gaze upon. There is a very untouched and wild look about the place. Located in a lovely state park just outside of Santa Cruz, the beach has loads of wildlife on show. Many people come here to watch the spectacular monarch butterfly migration which takes place every year when thousands upon thousands of them flutter their way through the park.
Due to its proximity to Santa Cruz, there is loads to see and do in the local area. After taking in the delightful views and lounging on the beach for a while, visitors can choose to go hiking, surfing or even head off to explore the city itself. Well worth a visit, the desolate and unspoiled appearance of Natural Bridges State Park will make you feel like you’re a million miles away from civilization, so is ideal for people looking to immerse themselves in nature.
2. El Matador State Beach
Undoubtedly one of Malibu’s most beautiful landscapes, El Matador State Beach boasts incredible ocean views from the rugged cliffs above, which you’ll have no choice but to perch upon, as the beach can only be accessed by a steep trail leading down to the shore. The magnificent cliffs, unique rock structures, and hidden sea caves make you feel like you’re in a scene straight out of Game of Thrones.
Here, you’ll be able to witness one of the most mesmerizing sunsets in the world, and if you come during the off-season (anytime but summer), you may even find yourself with the beach all to yourself. After a long day of hiking, swimming, and exploring, head to Malibu Seafood for fish taquitos, and fresh ceviche — just don’t forget to bring a cold six-pack at this laid-back, BYOB seafood joint.
3. Seacliff State Beach
California’s Central Coast has more than 100 named beaches, varying from hidden coves perfect for quiet contemplation to long stretches of sunny sand backed by boisterous arcades and amusements, but some lure wildlife spotters as well as sunseekers.
The northern star of the incredible sweep of sand that curves around Monterey Bay is Seacliff State Beach. It’s a perennial local hangout and swimming and jogging spot. Offshore, the crumbling remains of a freighter built of concrete once served as a fishing pier, and the deeper waters of the bay are known for being a great white shark breeding ground.
In fact, Monterey Bay is home to an extraordinary bounty of sea life, above and below the water. It’s easily the richest natural habitat on the entire California coast. Even just standing on the shore you can see some of its wildlife, from gray whales to sea lions, seals and otters. If you see a great white, stick to the land!
4. Pfeiffer Beach
famous for its gorgeous sands and stunning rock formations. Also, keep an eye out for the purple-y coloured sands, you will be amazed when you see this colouration that’s caused by the run-off rainwater from the surrounding cliffs. It really is unique and totally is up there with the best beaches in California.
Take your camera for some amazing sights among the towering formations of rocks and the crashing of waves for this beach is a paradise for photographers. This beach is not for swimming, but for climbing over the rough terrain, taking in the views or having the appearance of being lost in the wilderness, well it is a long two-mile hike to Highway 1.
If you would like to stay here overnight you really should try to book one of the luxury wooden cabins for hire at Glen Oaks Big Sur, it is just 15 minutes away from this beach.
5. Santa Monica State Beach
Stretching along most of Santa Monica’s coastline, this lively beach is great fun to head to. There is so much going on here, and its fantastic location means that you’re only a stone’s throw away from such renowned sights as Beverly Hills and Venice Beach.
The delightful Santa Monica Pier, for instance, has lots of amusement rides on offer that will keep the whole family entertained. Along the beachfront, there is a multitude of great restaurants, bars, and cafes for you to check out.
While simply kicking back and relaxing on the beach is divine, there are loads of beach activities to try your hand at, such as volleyball, surfing, and swimming, alongside relaxing yoga classes.
There is a very laidback atmosphere about the place, and Santa Monica itself is known for its alternative scene. Indeed, there are lots of great little art galleries scattered around town and many street performers putting on shows along the boardwalk.
6. Dockweiler Beach
Plane spotters adore Dockweiler Beach – the vibrant stretch of sand lies directly opposite LAX. And even though the roaring jet engines of America’s second busiest airport add an element of noise pollution, the inconvenience is worth it to see oversized jumbos up close.
Despite the racket, Dockweiler Beach draws in thick crowds of locals and out-of-towners, especially during the evenings in summer, when the hordes gather around council-approved beach bonfires. The fishing is superb, both off the shore and the pier, and there’s a pretty promenade for cycling, jogging, and rollerskating. Public restrooms are available on-site, and you’ll find plenty of parking for daytrippers and RVs.
7. Coronado Beach
The long, white stretch of sand that makes up Coronado Beach is one of San Diego’s most beautiful. The shore is as smooth as they come and the water is ideal for both surfing and swimming, but the real standout here is the famed Hotel del Coronado. It’s a National Historic Landmark and is best known for its stunning Victorian architecture, as well as being one of the largest wooden structures in the U.S. If you’re coming to San Diego, “The Del” is a must-visit. Just be careful: the historic property is just as famous for its topnotch interiors and amenities as it is for its history of hauntings.
8. Stinson Beach
Stinson Beach is a mere 20 miles north of the city of San Francisco and two and a half miles from the secluded (and totally lovely) Bolinas Bay. Once here, make sure you take a dip in the ocean as it’s highly rated as one of the best beaches in California for swimming. If you’re more of a rambler, then take the California hiking trails from the beach lead you to Mount Tamalpais State Park.
If you visit in June you can watch or even compete in the USA’s oldest trail race the 7.4 miles long Dipsea Race, which looks totally fun and exhausting in equal measure. For a great place to stay, head to the gorgeous Hotel Triton, it’s literally so beautiful.
9. Venice Beach
With its lively yet laidback atmosphere that manages to be both fun and festive at the same time, Venice Beach’s boardwalk is a special place to visit. Here, you really will come across people from all walks of life. Whether it’s streets performers putting on a crazy and exciting show, artists sketching caricatures of people, or bodybuilders working out along the beachfront, Venice Beach welcomes everyone and is renowned for its alternative culture.
Home to a number of artists, activists, and eccentrics, the beach itself is gorgeous and is a favorite haunt amongst Los Angeles residents. Tourists come here to enjoy its lively Ocean Front Walk and the sweet little canals that lie just behind the beachfront. Although the area has become slightly gentrified in recent years, it still retains many of the delightful little shops, atmospheric cafes, and hip coffee bars that help make it Venice Beach.
10. Newport Beach
Newport Beach is one of the best beaches in California to spot a great sunset. I know, I know… all of the California coasts is westerly facing (meaning it’s great for sunset) but there’s something about this beach that makes it so special. The wide stretch of 5 miles of silky blond sand begins at Newport Pier and goes south all the way to Balboa Pier. Here as you walk along the sand you can watch the surfers catch some waves.
If that’s not your thing, head over to the historic pier and lifeguard stands that totally take you back to an earlier time; all you need is the backing of a Beach Boys song and you’re done! Oh, and make sure to walk around the harbour area and see the Balboa Island Artwork that happens around May and take a look at the Resort At Pelican Beach, it’s a lovely (and totally plus spot) to stay at.
