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Check out our selection of the best beaches in California, and find the information and inspiration to plan your next coastal visit.
Sun, sand and sea. It’s a simple but enduringly classic set of ingredients – and there’s no denying that California is synonymous with it. In fact, the US state remains one of the best beach holiday destinations, both in the USA and worldwide.
Whatever the particular flavor of beach and activity you’re seeking, the Golden State has a truly dazzling array of sandy havens to match your vibe. With 840 miles of coastline and over 420 public beaches to explore, you’ll also need a few pointers to help you choose the right one for you.
The enduring popularity of California’s beaches see more than 50 million yearly visitors to these scenic wonders in Los Angeles County alone.
Whether it’s the best beaches in California for families, sporting activities, nature, romance, dog walking and anything in between, our handy guide will give you a solid overview of some of the most incredible coastal spots on offer. Read on to discover the Californian coast for yourself.
Table of Contents
- Best California Beaches for Swimming
- Best California Beaches for Couples
- Best California Hidden Beaches
- Best California Beaches to Surf
- Best Dog Beaches in California
- Discover the Best Beaches in California with Blacklane
Best California Beaches for Swimming
East Beach, Santa Barbara
For a wide, sandy swathe of coastline that’s both easy on the eye and loaded with exciting activities, Santa Barbara’s East Beach has you covered.
Separated from the West Beach by California’s oldest working wharf, East Beach’s spacious stretch is a favorite with volleyball players, cyclists, walkers and, of course, swimmers. For beginner to intermediate water enthusiasts, the relaxed surf here makes it easy to enjoy the sea at your leisure. Meanwhile, for the more competitive East Beach’s weekly Reef and Run swim races offer 500m, 1,000m and a hardcore one-mile swim, known for its challenging open water conditions and strong currents.
Reef and Run has become something of an institution in this part of the world, taking place every Thursday evening and complete with live music, hot cocoa and a great atmosphere for both athletes and families. As well as being an outstanding community for swimmers, the initiative has also donated tens of thousands of dollars to the Santa Barbara Junior Lifeguards program, ensuring water safety for future generations.
Beyond swimming, East Beach also offers a dazzling range of amenities to support its claim as Santa Barbara’s premier tourist beach. A grassy park can be found at its border, while a kids’ play area, picnic tables, skate park, showers and walking path all add to your options. Please note that dogs aren’t allowed on this beach.
Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles
Nicknamed Beverly Hills on the beach, Manhattan Beach in LA offers a high-end neighborhood full of luxury shopping and fine dining – and an exceptional 115-acre beach for some invigorating swimming.
This clean, sandy enclave is easy to reach from LAX Airport, but still spacious and laid back enough to ensure you feel like you’re disconnected from the bustle, traffic and noise of the big city. The Manhattan Beach Pier stretches out into the big blue, and is ideal for a relaxed meander, complete with an aspirational view of some of Los Angeles’ most exclusive beachfront homes.
In terms of swimming, you can expect temperatures around 66°F in summer – though some visitors find the choppy Pacific waters to be quite bracing compared with spots further south. The wave strength here is frequently low to moderate, making it a perfect sea for a relaxed swim that gives you ample time to soak up the California sun.
After you’ve hit the water, check out Manhattan Beach’s Roundhouse Aquarium. Compact, free and charming, this small but mighty public attraction offers viewing pools and touch tanks where you can discover starfish and other ocean creatures. And you won’t even need to swim.
Del Monte Beach, Monterey
Sick of the overabundance of warm sand and surf California boasts, and in the market for a swim destination with a little more edge instead?
Del Monte Beach in Monterey may be just what you’re after. Located just over an hour’s drive south of San Jose, this windswept beach is hidden away from Monterey Bay’s main streets, reached via a one-way road where visitors can park up and traipse over the boardwalk, crossing the dunes to the seashore beyond.
On arrival, you’ll find a big, open beach with miles of golden-white sands and a rolling tide beckoning you in. Be warned though – this water is crisp! Temperatures peak between 57°F and 64°F in late summer, but can drop to a teeth-chattering 51 degrees in April. A wetsuit may be preferable on colder days.
However, should you be brave enough to endure the water the rewards are obvious – a wide expanse of gorgeous sea next to a secluded gem of a beach. A dip at Del Monte is sure to blow out your cobwebs and leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Del Monte beach is also regarded as one of the best beaches to find sea glass in California. These mesmerizing, ocean-smoothed nuggets come in all sorts of beautiful colors, and can be discovered by rambling along the shoreline. Surely a unique and inspiring way to warm up after you’ve had your swim.
Best California Beaches for Couples
Coronado Beach, San Diego
For a slice of old California glamor, look no further than San Diego’s majestic Coronado Beach.
Famous for its appearance in the classic 1959 romantic comedy Some Like It Hot, featuring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, Coronado Beach today remains a thriving, multi-purpose beauty spot that’s ideal for a long couple’s stroll by the surf. Behind you, the fantastical Victorian facades of the Hotel del Coronado provide an unmistakable landmark, while miles of soft silver-hued sand, ambitious sandcastles and lofty palm trees complete the sense of the dreamlike picturesque. Aptly enough, Coronado Beach even has its own special sparkle, thanks to the high concentration of the mineral mica in its sands.
As one of the best beaches for couples in California, Coronado offers warm water for swimming, gentle waves for easy surfing and boogie boarding, bike and segway tours and plenty of great spots to eat and drink. Just be aware that it’s also popular – visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience.
Finally, make sure you don’t miss the sunset. The rosy glow over the horizon, combined with the tall, thin silhouettes of the palms, is truly divine.
Pismo Beach and Oceano Dunes, San Luis Obispo County
For a beach experience that’s a little wilder, check out Pismo Beach and the nearby Oceano Dunes, situated just 18 miles from Santa Maria and halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Famed as a hotspot for alternative vehicles, the Dunes’ status as a State Vehicular Recreation Area means you’ll be sure to spot all manner of exotic off-road transports, including dune buggies, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), all terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other kinds of souped up contraptions. And of course, if off-roading is your jam you can always take part yourself – it could be just the spot for a high-powered date.
Why all those roaring engines? Well, this is part of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes complex, a deep body of 4,800 acres of coastal sand that is also one of the most dynamic coastal habitats in the USA. Therefore, perhaps paradoxically, Oceano Dunes is both a biodiversity miracle and a playground for petrolheads, making it one of the most unusual beaches in California.
If the thought of all that revving is a little too much, you’ll be relieved to hear that Pismo Beach offers a far more relaxed experience for visitors. Its long, white sand beaches are ideal for a romantic stroll while gazing out at jaw-dropping coastal vistas. You can also wander down the 1200-foot pier to people watch or try your hand at some fishing. Boardwalk shopping and eateries are nearby, while surfing, horseback riding, wineries and lush green golf courses are all easy to access.
El Matador State Beach, Malibu
Malibu may be synonymous with a particular brand of Californian wealth and luxury, but El Matador State Beach will show you a less polished, more adventurous side to this coastal beauty spot.
Tucked away to the side of the Pacific Coast Highway between Point Dume and Leo Carrrillo, El Matador is accessed by a small parking lot with some steps down to the sand. And oh, what beautiful sand it is – complete with patches of gorgeously shaggy vegetation, seaweed-coated rocks and a series of fascinating sandstone rock formations that divide the beach and are ripe for exploring.
Thanks to its somewhat secluded location, El Matador is the binary opposite of an overcrowded tourist beach. Rather, this is an ideal place for couples seeking a slice of real, rugged nature, complete with seabirds nesting on the rocks and inspiring views of the coast. At sundown the beach is particularly stunning, bathed in golden hues while the shadows of the rocks lengthen across the sands.
It’ll come as no surprise that El Matador is also a favorite with photographers, not to mention swimsuit modeling. Bodyboarding is also popular here, partly thanks to the pods of dolphins swimming off the coast. If all this wild nature has left you wanting more, you can also make the 5.5-mile hike to Point Dume to soak up even more of this powerful stretch of shoreline.
Best California Hidden Beaches
Crescent Bay Beach, Laguna Beach
Hidden away between Laguna Beach and Emerald Bay, just a little south of LA, you can discover a sumptuous hideaway that brings a taste of the Caribbean to Cali.
Crescent Bay Beach’s most immediate impact is its looks: This is one stunner of a sandy retreat. Curving between two majestic clifftops flanked by tall palm trees, the beach’s titular crescent of golden sand and turquoise water seems impossibly inviting when the weather is good. Overlooking this pristine scene are a beautiful assortment of coloured beach houses, perched high on the bluffs.
Like the rolling waves, the popularity of Crescent Bay Beach waxes and wanes on the daily; some reviewers find it super busy, while others encounter a peaceful, secluded sanctuary. To enjoy at its most chilled, we suggest heading down to Crescent Bay early in the morning or just around sunset, at which point you can enjoy even more spectacular vistas.
This beach is also known for its own particular flavor of surfing – body whomping. This is the Laguna locals’ term for riding Crescent Bay Beach’s enormous waves all the way back to the sand. Entertaining to watch, but be warned – it’s probably one for experienced surfers only. For the rest of us, the beach is well catered by some great local restaurants and watering holes, so you can enjoy perfect refreshments to match the view.
Swimming and snorkeling is also popular, and for little adventurers, Crescent Bay Beach is dotted with tide pools amongst its rockier sections – ideal for hunting crabs, small fish and other marine life.
Shark Fin Cove, Davenport
About an hour’s drive south of the San Jose, and a stone’s throw from Santa Cruz, the piratical-sounding Shark Fin Cove awaits those in search of a rugged gem of a secluded beach.
Named for the imposing, shark fin-shaped rock that dominates the waters directly in front of the beach, this small but unique spot is one of the area’s best loved secrets – and one of the best hidden beaches in California.
However, it can also be tricky to find without GPS. Shark Fin Cove also goes by the names Davenport Cove and Shark Tooth Beach, and isn’t marked by road signs. You can’t even see the cove from the Pacific Coast Highway, so you’ll likely need a map to track it down.
But oh boy, is it worth it. After a short 10 to 15 minute hike from the parking lot next to the highway over an old railroad track, you’ll soon find yourself gazing down onto this epic corner of beach from the bluffs high above. The good news is, you can’t miss it – the rocky shark fin (or tooth) itself is instantly recognizable.
You’ve come all this way, so we’re guessing you’ll want to check out the beach proper from up close. Not a problem! Once you’re overlooking the fin at the bluffs, it’s less than half a mile downhill to reach the ocean…but be careful, as despite the short distance the incline is steep and can be treacherous. Thankfully, the climb back up is a lot easier.
After your descent, you can at last see what all the fuss is about. A gorgeous pocket of golden sand flanked by rising, rocky cliffs will greet you. It’s a small but highly welcoming beach, ideal for some sunbathing, wandering or light swimming. This craggy enclave also boasts sea caves and an old mining tunnel – as if you needed any more pirate vibes.
Despite being somewhat off the beaten track, Shark Fin Cove is popular with locals and can get busy on weekends. So perhaps consider visiting during the week. Also, be aware that this is one basic beach – you won’t find any amenities here beyond the beautiful sand, sea and sun, so come prepared.
Goat Rock Beach at Sonoma Coast State Park, Jenner
We’ve gushed about the Bay Area’s forest bathing power before – and now it’s time to celebrate Sonoma Coast State Park’s unique and magical beaches.
A little under 2 hours’ drive from San Francisco, you can encounter a seaside haven for wildlife and exploring at Goat Rock Beach, close by the town of Jenner. It may take a while to get there, but a drive among the park’s towering Redwood trees could be just the antidote to the city. Upon arrival you’ll come face to face with invigorating ocean air, tranquil dark sands and the mighty ocean rolling into this ruggedly beautiful stretch of coast.
Goat Rock’s biodiversity is one of its most impressive features; on this beach you can see birds such as sandpipers and gulls, whales breaching out in the bay and Pacific Harbour seals with pups. It’s also exceptionally good for hiking, giving you the chance to soak up this untouched coastline at your leisure and reconnect with nature. Please take note that dogs aren’t allowed on the beach, in case they disturb this fragile and precious ecosystem.
The views and atmosphere truly are breathtaking, making this one of the best hidden beaches in California. And for movie buffs there’s something extra. Goat Rock Beach was where the big finale of beloved 80s kids’ flick The Goonies was filmed, giving you one more excuse to dust off your adolescent pirate fantasies and pay homage to an all-time Hollywood classic. Hey you guys!
Best California Beaches to Surf
Huntington Beach, Orange County
What more can possibly be written about the iconic, evergreen surf mecca that is Huntington Beach? Of all the destinations on this list, Surf City USA is almost certainly the one that carries the biggest reputation – especially when it comes to surfing. In fact, it’s so significant we found it impossible to pick a specific beach to recommend from the overall city and area.
From the early days of the sport through to today, Huntington Beach has been a watchword for some of the best surfers and surfing ever. For some decades, this part of California was also a countercultural hotbed, playing host to an amazing array of alternative music, skateboard and surf scenes.
Thankfully, the rich and vibrant culture of surfing is still at the beating heart of the town today, and its 10-mile coast and five individual beaches are home to a veritable infrastructure and industry of surf shops, schools and events. There’s even a surfing museum.
As you might expect from such a long-established scene, Huntington Beach’s surfing ecosystem can be complex and full of unspoken hierarchies. Bolsa Chica State Beach, about 10 minutes drive north, is often cited as a good starter spot to break yourself in before you brave the more famous breaks down by Huntington Beach Pier.
For more experienced or bold surfers who want a slice of the Huntington Beach legend, the south side of the pier offers some dramatic, iconic action – but is also extremely popular and liable to be crowded with other surfers. We recommend doing your homework and taking a reading on both the waves and the overall vibe before you make your choices.
The Wedge at Newport Beach, Orange County
Seriously into surfing, and seeking a real challenge?
Newport Beach can be considered Huntington Beach’s twin – and is likewise one of the best beaches for surfing in California. The two are only separated by the Santa Ana River, but the consensus seems to be that Newport is worlds apart when it comes to its laid back, welcoming atmosphere. If you’re moving between Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, The River Jetties area may be worth a visit, providing a respected, less crowded alternative to the main attraction offered by Huntington Beach Pier and its surrounding waters.
For thrill seekers in search of big waves, however, The Wedge is the place to be. Located at the southeast tip of the Balboa Peninsula, this surf spot can famously generate up to 30-foot high waves, not to mention an intensely powerful backwash. As a result, bodyboarding and bodysurfing are often the more popular options for visitors, unless they happen to be highly experienced surfers looking to ride some monster breaks. Visiting pros are known to frequent The Wedge for practice, so keep your eyes peeled. Discretion is also strongly advised, as the waves here can, unsurprisingly, be exceptionally powerful and dangerous.
If you just want to watch the masters at work, the good news is that The Wedge is a great place to do so, with typically fewer crowds to distract. Clean sands and clear waters are usually easy to find, though be aware there are no bathroom facilities on the beach. But fear not – some great local restaurants nearby make it easy to watch the waves in comfort.
Tourmaline Beach, San Diego
Head way down south to San Diego and you’ll encounter some out-of-this-world surf, courtesy of Tourmaline Beach – also classified as the Tourmaline Surfing Park. This area was inaugurated in the 1960s, and since then has built a reputation as one of California’s best places to ride waves. The beach and its surfers were also a focal point of Tom Wolfe’s bestselling book of subculture essays ‘The Pumphouse Gang’, published in 1968.
Despite its popularity Tourmaline Beach has space to spare, meaning even on busy summer days it shouldn’t get too crowded. Parking is right next to the beach itself, so it’s super easy to get directly into the water on arrival.
Steep cliffs over 60 feet high frame the beach itself, but don’t be intimidated – the gorgeous water and warm sands harmonize to create an ideal spot for surfing. Slow, gentle waves make Tourmaline particularly popular with learners and novices, and dolphins are also frequently sighted. Be aware that, as the name suggests, this is a surf-only beach – if you want to swim, you’ll need to head further down the coast. There’s also a brilliant assortment of seafood and Mexican restaurants in the La Jolla neighborhood, where Tourmaline Beach is situated – just what the doctor ordered post-surf.
Best Dog Beaches in California
Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea
For grainy white sands, windswept coastal vistas and endless entertainment for your favorite pooch, look no further than Carmel Beach near Monterey.
This exquisite swathe of coast is a reminder of just how breathtaking California’s abundance of untouched nature can be. Close to the Pacific Coast Highway, Carmel Beach is under two hours’ drive from San Jose; and if you like your beaches a little rough around the edges it’s well worth the trip. The rugged beauty here is intensified by wandering clouds, patchworks of scrub among the sand and the twisted trunks of lonely Cypress Trees standing sentinel. The climate also bucks the trend for Californian sunshine at times – particularly from May through August when fog can descend over the sands. Crisp, chilly days in autumn and winter add to the sense of moody isolation.
But you’re not here alone – and for a canine adventurer this is close to paradise. Please note that dogs are allowed off-leash, but must be responsive to your vocal commands. Watching your beloved muttley run and frolic in the surf is sure to bring a smile to your face (and theirs).
Carmel Beach is also great for swimming, as long as you don’t mind your water a little brisker. There’s a good selection of nearby shops and eateries to help you warm up again after you’ve finished exploring.
Limantour Beach, Point Reyes Station
North of San Francisco, you can escape the hubbub of the big city and discover a place full of wild dunes and grasses, where the misty shoreline is watched over by sheer, rocky cliffs and a network of wetlands filled with birds.
Limantour Beach has long been a family favorite for those seeking a secluded, utterly beautiful piece of wild nature – and is a must for dog lovers in the area too. The beach stretches several miles along the coast, making it ideal for a short hike in bracingly fresh air. Your canine companion must be kept on a 6-foot leash or shorter, so this scenic wild haven may be ideal for a more relaxed visit, or if your dog is a little older.
Limantour Beach’s tidal pools are brimming with sea life, including crabs, anemones and sea stars. So for families visiting with kids in tow, it’s a special place for exploring, beachcombing and marveling at nature. A big parking lot near the beach makes access fairly easy – just be aware that the climate here can often be cool and damp, so pack appropriately. The sea along Limantour Beach tends to be chilly, but waves are also fairly gentle too, making the shoreline ideal for pooches and wetsuited kids alike.
Original Dog Beach at Ocean Beach, San Diego
Imagine a beach that is literally dedicated to humankind’s most faithful furry friend – and then incorporate the Original Dog Beach in San Diego into your travel plans!
Part of the Ocean Beach community at the mouth of the San Diego River, Dog Beach is a celebration of that most excellent combo: Doggos and the sandy Californian shoreline. Officially inaugurated in 1972, and popular with dog lovers long before, it’s one of America’s longest running, pooch-friendly, leash-free beaches. Here you can see dogs of all breeds, sizes, shapes and colors hanging out with each other and their equally diverse assortment of owners, enjoying the beach as it’s truly meant to be.
As well as the dogs themselves, Original Dog Beach is open for swimming, surfing and picnicking, and also has volleyball courts nearby (for humans, not dogs. Yet.). The vibe here is super chilled, busy and friendly, with dogs running free; many Ocean Beach residents and visitors are, unsurprisingly, dog owners, and this gorgeous patch is now an institution in the local area. Thankfully, Original Dog Beach is also pretty spacious, meaning there’s plenty of room for everyone to enjoy, including a large amount of seating. The key condition here, as on every beach, is to leave no trace: Clean up after yourself and your dog and leave your spot looking as pristine as possible. Thankfully, the beach offers plenty of clean-up spots to make the task easier for you.
Discover the Best Beaches in California with Blacklane
You’ve now reached the end of our tour of the best beaches in California – and hopefully have enough fresh ideas and inspiration to work some sand, sea and sun into your future travel plans.
So, when you’re ready for a sun-filled beach day, choose Blacklane’s beach transfer service for a premium experience. Enjoy the comfort of a chauffeured ride that takes the stress out of your beach journey. No traffic, no parking hassle—just a smooth, stylish ride to your seaside destination.
From our airport transfers to city-to-city rides, we’ll provide the same level of professionalism and convenience wherever you’re headed. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let your sense of adventure be your guide!
Nick Hagan
Nick Hagan is a freelance writer based in Oxford and Reading, UK. He runs Curio Books and Culture in Oxford, and enjoys writing about culture, travel, film, psychology and just about everything in-between.
