When it comes to choosing the best beach in California, it's quite hard to pick the best, as almost all of them are worth a visit. Almost 1400 km of California coastline features over 420 public beaches. Here you can find all kinds of beaches from sandy or rocky to sunny or foggy. Whether you like crowded loud party beaches or secluded, romantic ones, you can find any kind you like. Surfers can find beaches with perfect waves. There are beaches good for swimming and even nude beaches.
Bolinas Beach is one of the secluded beaches with beginner-friendly waves. But it is also a hot spot for great white sharks, and there will be no special sign when it appears, so you should keep an eye on the water surface all the time.
Carmel Beach is one of the best spots with clear white sand, beautiful cypress trees, and gorgeous sunsets. It is also known for great waves perfect for intense surfing and dog-friendly rules. Although swimming isn’t allowed here, because of the vicious riptides. It's a good place for romantic escapes.
Cayucos is a perfect beach for water activities and kilometres of beautiful walks. If you are up to surfing, kiteboarding, kayaking and even fishing. Coronado Beach is a magical spot with white sand beaches and warm water for swimming. The infrastructure is also quite good, including restrooms, showers, dog run, volleyball, and seasonal lifequards. This flat beach is also good for skimboarding. Manhattan Beach is one of those glamorous beaches with all that shine and glory. Surfers, volley players, jogging people, girls in bikinis, million-dollar homes, chic shops, and expensive restaurants.
Moonstone Beach is a quiet escape to nature. This small town offers cute little inns, cozy cafes with tasty food, and fine wine. The beach itself is never crowded and here you may see whales, dolphins, and sea otters. Santa Monica State Beach offers amazing mountain views to its visitors. It also features beach volleyball courts, surf classes, and famous bike paths. This destination is also known for its food, shopping, and entertainment. Colorful roller coasters, Ferris wheels, arcade games, and lots of other activities are waiting for you there as well.
One of the most recognizable beaches of California is Venice Beach. It's a circus with sand and ocean. It is popular with bodybuilders (at Muscle Beach), various performers, tourist shops, and surfing.
Huntington Beach is one of the top ten best California beaches. It is known as a Surf City USA thanks to its fantastic waves and annual surfing competitions, like the US Open of Surfing. It is a home to the International Surfing Museum. It is also a popular family beach with a separate section for dogs. Dog beach in San Diego is a paradise for dog owners and surfers. One of the most beautiful beaches can be found in western Malibu.
Practical info
What is the best time to visit the beaches in California?
To enjoy a beach trip in California, May to September presents the ideal weather conditions. These are the months when the beaches are less affected by the fog and the water is suitable for different water activities. It may be crowded during holidays and weekends, so visitors should consider this when planning their trip. Prior to visiting, checking the weather conditions is recommended. Show more
What type of beaches can be found in California?
California beaches are diverse, featuring sand or rocks, sun or fog, secluded or crowded, even nude beaches. Some beaches have large waves, making them ideal for surfing, while others are renowned for their stunning views of natural formations or city landmarks. Manhattan and Coronado beaches are among those with amenities, such as restrooms and lifeguards. California's coast spans 1,400 km, so visitors can discover beaches that cater to their preferences. Show more
What are the unique features of Cayucos beach?
Cayucos beach, found in California, offers several unique features that set it apart from other beaches. In addition to several kilometers of picturesque beach, visitors can relish surfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, and fishing. Rental equipment and expert instructors are available for surfing. In the area, visitors can find cozy cafes with great food and wine. Cayucos presents an exclusive beach-town combination, earning it a top spot as a weekend getaway destination. Show more
What is the surfing culture like at Huntington Beach?
Huntington Beach, tagged as Surf City USA, is popular for its rich surfing culture. The US Open of Surfing is a significant surfing event that is held here yearly, attracting top surfers worldwide. The International Surfing Museum caters to those interested in surfing history and culture. Huntington Beach accommodates different skill levels of surfers with lessons and facilities available. This family and pet-friendly beach spot offers restaurants and shops to keep visitors both entertained and refreshed. Show more
What is the best way to enjoy Santa Monica State Beach?
Santa Monica State Beach is an ideal destination that offers breathtaking mountain views alongside the pleasures of a beach trip. This charming beach offers multiple activities, including courts for playing volleyball and surf lessons for those who fancy water sports. Biking offers a great way to enjoy the iconic Santa Monica beach boardwalk. The beach offers different food, entertainment, and shopping options, including amusement areas full of exciting coaster rides, arcade gaming, among other attractions. Show more
