California is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are over 840 miles of coastline, making it one of the best places for beach lovers to visit. Alongside that, California's beaches have many different attractions besides the sand, providing many outdoor activities for those who love being active while having fun in the sun!
Pfeiffer Beach is a secluded beach and one of the most beautiful in California. It is an excellent spot for camping, hiking, or soaking up some sun.
The massive rock formation that separates waves from crashing onshore creates an awe-inspiring view while walking along the beach's edge. Though not always safe enough for swimming due to its rough surf conditions, visitors can still enjoy taking long walks here or sitting at picnic tables with family as they watch the sun go down into the horizon right before their eyes.
Southern California is home to some of the most serene and beautiful beaches in the world. Malibu's pristine sands are accessible via a 10-mile drive north from Santa Monica, which also offers multiple beach environments for swimming or surfing on any given day.
Zuma Beach is the perfect place for a fun day of sunbathing and people-watching. You'll find plenty of lifeguard stands, showers, public restrooms, and snack stands to keep you comfortable while enjoying your time on this sprawling shoreline.
La Jolla Shores is a beautiful beach just north of San Diego. As one of California's most popular beaches, and it can get quite crowded, but you'll still be able to find some quieter parts if you're willing to walk down the shoreline.
La Jolla Shores is a critical nesting area for sea turtles which makes this spot even more amazing! The sand here is also incredibly soft, making it great for playing on or digging your toes into while sitting on the warm rocks beneath you.
Stinson beach is a beautiful spot with secluded coves and tide pools. It is an excellent place for families to go on vacation together because it has many things for kids to do, including fishing and rock climbing!
Stinson Beach also offers some of the best bike trails in all of Marin County, so you can enjoy nature while feeling an adrenaline rush at the same time. It may be one of California's most popular beaches, but its remote location ensures that crowds are never too big or intrusive.
Carmel beach is a beautiful beach with stunning views of Monterey Bay. It is located near Big Sur, and while it's not secluded, you'll still be able to enjoy some peace along this mile-long stretch of sand.
This fantastic local offers perfect waves for surfing or swimming in warmer waters, so you can go all day without needing an extra suit! The water here also tends to have higher salinity levels than at other beaches, making the nearby kelp forests thrive.
It's hard not to feel transported into a fairy tale when exploring the nearby enchanting seaside town of Carmel. The quaint, charming streets with their cottages and boutique stores provide an ambiance best enjoyed in silence.
This quaint little town on the Northern California coast has a whole lot to offer, and it's all just steps away from one another. Visitors can find restaurants and shops downtown while exploring colorful houses along the beach with lush Mediterranean landscapes that look strikingly similar to the seaside towns of Cinque Terre in Italy.
Capitola Beach is a small but pleasantly scenic beach on the California coast. Surrounded by Esplanade Park with benches for visitors to rest during their visit, this beautiful space offers an excellent opportunity to relax in nature or enjoy some time at the shoreline while stretching out on your towel.
The recreational opportunities at this beach are endless! You can enjoy a day in the sun, people watching, or find some friends to play volleyball with. The waves roll gently onto shore and make it perfect for beginning surfers who want more adventure than just swimming.
Southern California is a hot destination for tourists and locals alike. Laguna Beach in Orange County offers beautiful scenery with its picturesque beaches that stretch out on either side.
The calm, long stretch of sand at Main Beach is the perfect setting for a day at the beach. Dedicated volleyball courts and basketball courts are well-kept and allow visitors to enjoy their favorite sport during downtime between waves. The bright yellow sands contrast beautifully against the deep blues in the sky and water, adding even more allure to this already breathtaking location.
One thing to note when visiting this beach town: be sure not to leave without trying the fresh seafood at one of their many restaurants!
Huntington State Beach is one of the most popular beaches in all of Los Angeles. There is ample parking and bathrooms at this location, making it an excellent spot for families to visit together.
Huntington State Beach offers excellent surfing during high tide as well as some beautiful volleyball nets, so you can play on the sand or join tournaments with locals anytime you want. The water here tends to be warmer than in other spots, but not too warm that wetsuits are needed when going out.
Santa Monica Beach is one of the most popular beaches in California. It is a beautiful mile-long stretch of sand with an amusement park and pier at one end, making this spot perfect for those looking to spend some time on rides while they enjoy sunbathing.
Additionally, Santa Monica Beach offers an oceanfront that guests can explore easily on foot. There are many boardwalks, beautiful restaurants, and shops in the area to give you some of that sweet Southern California salt air flavor. You will never want to leave this place!
Venice Beach is the most popular beach in Los Angeles. It is a long stretch of sand with many public art installations adding to its vibrant atmosphere and making it one of California's best beaches for exploring culture too.
Venice Beach is an excellent place for people watching, eating out, and getting some exercise. The Venice Breakwater is one of the most famous surf spots in the state.
After soaking up the waves on the beach, you can explore the town of Venice, California, which is a shopper's paradise. It's home to one of the world-famous boardwalks. If you're looking for cool things to do in Venice Beach, then look no further because it offers so much more than just that with its unique independent shops and restaurants. There's also attractions like Abbot Kinney Blvd., which is packed full of funky bars, boutiques, art galleries - basically everything your heart desires.