California is massive. It’s the third-largest state in the country and boasts more than 840 miles of coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean. From the beautiful redwoods and picturesque towns of the North Coast to the untamed shores bordering Mexico in the south, California’s sandy beaches are breathtaking at every turn. The best beach is the perfect getaway for couples, families, and anyone seeking fun in the sun.
Here are the 15 best beaches in California you need to visit at least once in your lifetime.
1. 1000 Steps Beach
If you’re ever in South Laguna, California, 1000 Steps Beach is a hidden gem you need to visit. The beach derives its name from the numerous steps leading down to the waterfront, although there aren’t nearly as many. They are a little over 200, with plenty of resting spots along the way. They’re well worth the effort to get to the picturesque views of the crystal-clear ocean waters and overhanging cliffs.
If you know a thing or two about California beaches, you know how crowded they can get. Not 1000 Steps Beach, though. (It might have something to do with those darn steps you’ll have to climb on your way back). It is one of the few beaches in the area that don’t attract throngs of people, making it the perfect little getaway if you want to enjoy a quiet day at the beach.
It is worth noting that the beach doesn’t have any food kiosks, so you will need to bring your own snacks and beverages.
Recommended nearby stay in South Oceanside: View listing
2. Baker Beach
Baker Beach is second on our list of best beaches in California. Its mile-long shorefront sits at the foot of tall winding cliffs, providing breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Whether you’re looking to swim, surf, or sunbathe, Baker Beach’s sandy expanse is the place to do it. When you do go there, be sure to stick around for the sunset. You’ll be glad you did.
It is worth mentioning that Baker Beach is one of the few “clothing-optional” beaches in the state. There’s a good chance you might encounter nudity, so keep this in mind if you intend to go there with your family, especially if you have young children.
3. Coronado Beach
Everything about Coronado Beach is breathtaking. Crystal-clear blue waters, stunning white sandy beaches, and picturesque views. Dubbed one of California’s most beautiful beaches, Coronado is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to surf, sunbathe, or swim.
The beach is well-maintained, with many functional amenities like showers, restrooms, and nearby restaurants if you need a quick bite. One thing that stands out about Coronado Beach is the glittery sand. It almost looks like fine gold dust when the sun hits the surface. This can be attributed to the mica particles scattered within the sand. It’s a place you won’t forget any time soon.
Recommended nearby stay in South Oceanside: View listing
4. Dog Beach
Dogs and the beach – Is there anything better? If you’re a dog lover looking for a beach where you can let them run free, Dog Beach San Diego is where you need to be. While there are many off-leash dog beaches in California, Dog Beach went down in history as the first of its kind and is undoubtedly the most famous one nationwide.
The beach has plenty of amenities to cater to your four-legged companions, including conveniently located water stations to quench their thirst. You can let your furry companions surf, swim, run, and play off-leash while you enjoy the refreshing waters, cooling sea breeze, and stunning Pacific views. You’ll particularly enjoy the community of dog owners and perhaps even share tips and interesting stories about caring for your dogs.
Recommended nearby stay in Oceanside: View listing
5. El Matador Beach
If you’re looking for a scenic and quiet getaway away from the hustle and bustle of city life, El Matador Beach is the perfect place to do it. This southern California beach is known for its peaceful charm and scenic views stretching for miles. It is set against a stunning backdrop of serpentine cliffs and thick vegetation, making it perfect for exploratory hikes before indulging in a refreshing dip in the cool Pacific waters.
The best time to visit El Matador Beach is during the off-peak season, as it tends to get pretty crowded during the summer. It is a popular spot for swimmers, surfers, sunbathers, and anyone looking for adventure.
Recommended nearby stay in Oceanside: View listing
6. Glass Beach
For several decades, the residents of Fort Bragg had a habit of tossing glass bottles and old appliances into the ocean in the northern part of the city. As time passed, Mother Nature molded this glass into small colorful jewel-like pebbles and debris that were washed ashore, covering the shoreline. Glass Beach was born and dotted with smooth, rounded, polished stones of mesmerizing colors like red, brown, blue, and green.
The beach became so much of a tourist attraction that crowds would hunt for the colorful glass to take home as souvenirs. The Park management has since banned the activity. Aside from the colorful sea glass, Glass Beach is an excellent location for hiking, picnicking, swimming, and sunbathing. It is the perfect place to soak up the sun.
Recommended nearby stay in Oceanside: View listing
7. Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach is a stunning coastal city in South Bay, Los Angeles County. It is known for its expansive, hard-packed sandy beach, which makes it perfect for beach volleyball, picnics, soaking up the sun, and building sandcastles.
Hermosa has no shortage of outdoor recreational activities. It has a vibrant nightlife scene with many clubs and bars and hosts several festivals and concerts year-round. For the foodies, you will love the dining experience with a wide range of continental cuisines.
When you visit, stroll on the Strand, particularly at sunset. It is a massive 1,300-foot-long pier with breathtaking views and refreshing ocean breezes where you can take loads of Instagram-worthy photos.
Recommended nearby stay in Oceanside: View listing
8. Huntington Beach
Huntington State Beach in Orange County, CA, has miles of sandy beaches stretching from Santa Ana River to Beach Boulevard. Aside from the stunning views of the Pacific, it is the perfect location for surfing, fishing, swimming, sunbathing, and even beach sports such as beach volleyball.
Huntington Beach is situated within the expansive state park, established in the 1940s to protect the delicate beach ecosystem. The beautiful California snowy plovers and Least Terns, both endangered species, use Huntington Beach as their nesting sanctuary.
Recommended nearby stay in Oceanside: View listing
9. La Jolla Cove Beach
La Jolla Cove is a small, scenic cove surrounded by cliffs and a stunning sandy beach. Since it forms part of a marine reserve, boogie boards, surfboards, and other boards are prohibited.
Nonetheless, the underwater world is La Jolla Cove’s main attraction. It is rich in marine life, making it a great vacation destination for scuba divers, snorkelers, and swimmers interested in watching exotic fish species such as leopard sharks, rays, and even yellowtail garibaldi that make appearances now and then.
Recommended nearby stay in San Diego County: View listing
10. Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach has been fondly christened a sportsman’s paradise. Situated between Hermosa Beach and LAX, the two-mile stretch of expansive sandy beaches is world-renowned for beach volleyball and surfing. Manhattan boasts dozens of volleyball courts and hosts an annual volleyball tournament and surf festival that attracts thousands of sports enthusiasts from across the globe.
At the center of the beach is the historic Manhattan Beach Pier, which stretches almost 1,000 feet into the ocean. Views from the pier are breathtaking, particularly at sunrise and sunset – depending on the time of year you visit. It is a popular fishing and hangout spot. While you’re there, visit the Roundhouse Aquarium for a better, close-up view of the underwater marine life.
Recommended nearby stay in Oceanside: View listing
11. Moonstone Beach
The long expansive beaches of southern California are great, but they can get pretty crowded, especially during peak season. If you venture north, you will find the serene, secluded wild beaches of the Central Coast. Moonstone Beach is, by far, the most spectacular of the rugged central coast shorelines.
Unlike the fine, powder-like sand synonymous with southern beaches, Moonstone Beach is peppered with tiny, rounded pebbles polished to jewel-level perfection by the Pacific waters. The beach is surrounded by tall, jagged cliffs and a mile-long boardwalk that offers the most magnificent ocean views.
Whether you prefer to spend your time lounging on this central coast beach or walking along the shore in search of driftwood and tide pools, one thing is for sure – Moonstone Beach in central California needs to be on your bucket list.
Recommended nearby stay in Arroyo Grande: View listing
12. Newport Beach
Newport Beach is famous for its boat-filled marina, massive harbor, and stunning beaches. This lively Southern California city boasts an expansive five-mile-long stretch of sandy beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing all year round.
When you go there, stop by the Newport Beach Pier. The sunset views from this spot are nothing short of magical. If you prefer some good, old-fashioned fun, Newport Beach has an amusement park and a Ferris wheel that offers magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean.
Recommended nearby stay in South Oceanside: View listing
13. Pfeiffer Beach
First, the drive to the beach feels like you’re taking a trip back in time. Situated off Highway 1 near Los Padres National Forest, Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most stunning Big Sur Beaches. The massive primeval redwoods along the road render an ancient appeal to the place. It’s like something you would expect to see in a medieval film.
Pfeiffer Beach is just as magnificent. It is in a small cove surrounded by rugged cliffs and massive boulders dotting the shimmery purple sand. Nobody knows why the sand is purple. You need to see it for yourself to appreciate its wild beauty.
The Pacific Ocean waves at this cove beach are quite strong, so it is not ideal for swimming, but the views make for stunning photos.
Recommended nearby stay in Arroyo Grande: View listing
14. Pismo Beach
The Pismo Beach shoreline stretches for about 17 miles and is bordered by massive dunes that extend outward to the surrounding coastal towns. The beach opens out to the clear blue-green waters of the Pacific, ideal for surfing, fishing, and swimming. If you’re up for an adventure, you can go hiking or camping.
Pismo Beach is home to several exotic bird species native to California. The great blue heron, ivory gull, and brown pelican use it as their nesting sanctuary. You will have a great time here if you’re an avid bird watcher.
Recommended nearby stay in Arroyo Grande: View listing
15. Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Southern California. This ocean beach stretches three and a half miles and is conveniently close to major restaurants, bars, and hotels.
The main beach is split into two by the iconic Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park, aquarium, and several eateries. There’s also a bike trail that extends 22 miles to Torrance Beach.
Santa Monica Beach is perfect for volleyball, sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. The best surfing spot at this southern California beach is located near Bay Street and has lots of kiosks that rent out equipment and offer lessons.
Recommended nearby stay in South Oceanside: View listing
In the meantime, check out these stunning Crystal River Florida beaches you must visit at least once.