Best Beaches in California offer sun, sand, and unforgettable views for every traveler. Choosing the right beach can feel tricky, but you’re not alone.
You, the visitor, want relaxing spots, fun activities, and hidden gems along the coast. We are your guide, sharing years of experience exploring California’s beaches to help you plan your trip easily.
Here’s the plan:
- Top beaches in Northern California
- Must-see spots in Central California
- Favorite destinations in Southern California
Discover beaches with soft sand, cliffs, tide pools, and lively boardwalks—your perfect coastal adventure awaits!
Best Beaches in Northern California
1. Stinson Beach
Stinson Beach is located just 20 miles north of San Francisco, making it an easy destination for visitors from the city. The beach has soft sand and calm waters, which makes it ideal for swimming. Trails that start at the beach lead into Mount Tamalpais State Park, offering visitors beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Every June, the Dipsea Race, the oldest trail race in the United States, takes place at Stinson Beach, attracting runners and spectators from near and far. With its combination of beach activities, outdoor trails, and local events, Stinson Beach is a popular spot for a day trip.
2. Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is one of the best beaches in Northern California, located about 45 minutes south of San Francisco. It has several beaches, including Poplar, Venice, and Mavericks, which is famous for its very large waves. The town has a main street with restaurants and shops, where visitors can eat or explore.
Coastal trails offer great ocean views all year. The hills and golf course at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay look like they belong in Scotland. With its beaches, walking trails, and calm town atmosphere, Half Moon Bay is a top spot for a day by the sea.
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Best Beaches in Central California
3. Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is one of the best beaches in Central California, known for its soft sand and unusual rock formations. Visitors will notice the purple-colored sand, which comes from rainwater running off the nearby cliffs. This rare feature makes the beach a favorite for photographers, with towering rocks and crashing waves creating beautiful scenes.
Swimming is not recommended, but the beach is perfect for walking, climbing over the rocky areas, and enjoying a quiet, natural setting. The beach is about a two-mile walk from Highway 1, giving visitors a peaceful escape. For those who want to stay nearby, Glen Oaks Big Sur, just 15 minutes away, offers luxury wooden cabins for overnight visits.
4. McWay Falls, Big Sur
McWay Falls, in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, is one of the few waterfalls in California that falls directly onto a beach. Visitors cannot go down to the beach to protect the area, but a short, easy trail from the park’s main parking lot leads to a viewing spot with great views of the falls and the ocean.
The falls are located south of Big Sur town and are a popular stop for travelers driving along Highway 1. With its rare waterfall and ocean setting, McWay Falls is one of Central California’s most special coastal spots.
5. Carmel Shore
Carmel Shore Beach stretches for a long distance and is one of the best beaches in California for people who enjoy a natural, rugged coastline. Nearby, Monastery Beach, also called San Jose Creek Beach, is another scenic spot to visit.
Swimming and paddling are not allowed at Carmel Shore because of strong waves and dangerous currents. Visitors can enjoy walking on the sand and taking in the views safely.
Best Beaches in Southern California
6. Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach stretches for more than three miles with soft, powdery sand and is a popular spot for surfing, located between the Pacific Palisades and Venice Beach.
At the center of the beach is the well-known Santa Monica Pier, where visitors can enjoy the Pacific Park amusement park. Riding the Ferris wheel at sunset is a favorite activity and makes the beach one of the best places in California to see the sunset over the ocean.
The area around the beach also has many restaurants. Visitors can find American, Mexican, vegetarian, seafood, pizza, and burger options. The Lobster is a popular restaurant serving fresh lobster dishes.
7. La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is one of the best beaches in Southern California. It is a small crescent-shaped beach set against tall sandstone cliffs on the California coast. Its picturesque cove makes it a top choice for people who enjoy dramatic coastlines.
Another thing, some of the best features of this beach are actually hidden below the surface. The beach is excellent for scuba diving and snorkeling when conditions are safe.
Visitors should always follow lifeguard advice and snorkel responsibly. The wide, flat beach is also ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and beginner surf lessons.
8. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is one of the most famous beaches in California. Unlike many other beaches, the activity is not only in the water but all around the coast. Visitors can stroll or ride a bike along the area, enjoy an ice-cold shake, and watch performers at the street circus.
No visit to Venice Beach is complete without walking along the Ocean Front Walk, a three-quarter-mile boardwalk filled with small shops, flea markets, and quirky stores. With its lively atmosphere and unique attractions, Venice Beach is a top spot for anyone visiting Southern California.
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9. Victoria Beach
Victoria Beach is a scenic beach in Southern California. It is known for the Pirate Tower, built into the cliffside, which makes the area very photogenic.
The beach is mostly visited by locals and is reached by a steep staircase from Victoria Drive. During low tide, visitors can walk to the tower and explore small tide pools. At sunset, photographers often come to capture the views.
Best Beaches in California: A Recap
Best Beaches in California offer something for every kind of traveler. For warm, sunny days and calm waters, late spring through early fall is perfect for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, paddleboarding, and other beach activities at places like Santa Monica Beach or La Jolla Shores.
For fewer crowds and milder weather, spring and autumn are good for visiting quieter beaches such as Pfeiffer Beach or Half Moon Bay.
Even in cooler months, some Southern California beaches, like Venice Beach or Victoria Beach, are still enjoyable for walks, photography, and exploring the coast. From rugged cliffs and hidden coves to long sandy stretches and lively boardwalks, California’s beaches offer many ways to enjoy the coast throughout the year.