• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Huntington State Beach, California ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© lunamarina/stock.adobe.com

2. Mandalay Beach Oxnard ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Trish Drury/Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

3. Glass Beach, Fort Bragg

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© wollertz/stock.adobe.com

4. Santa Monica Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© aiisha/stock.adobe.com

5. Carlsbad State Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© sherryvsmith/stock.adobe.com

6. Coronado Municipal Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Stacie/stock.adobe.com

7. Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Hakan Ozturk/stock.adobe.com

8. Dog Beach, San Diego

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© vivalapenler/stock.adobe.com

9. Moonstone Beach, Cambria

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© htrnr/stock.adobe.com

10. El Matador Beach, Malibu

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Lux Blue/stock.adobe.com

11. 1000 Steps Beach, Laguna

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© rouda100/stock.adobe.com

12. Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© irengorbacheva/stock.adobe.com

13. Manhattan State Beach, California

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Sid10./stock.adobe.com

14. Mission Beach, San Diego

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Nicholas/stock.adobe.com

15. Baker Beach, San Francisco

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Chee-Onn Leong/stock.adobe.com

16. Newport Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© lunamarina/stock.adobe.com

17. Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Melastmohican/stock.adobe.com

18. Arroyo Burro County Beach Park, Santa Barbara

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Entoptic Studios/stock.adobe.com

19. Pismo Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Pismo Beach/stock.adobe.com

20. San Clemente State Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© SailingAway/stock.adobe.com

21. La Jolla Cove

© Kyle/stock.adobe.com

22. Stinson Beach, California

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Tupungato/stock.adobe.com

23. Torrey Pines State Reserve

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Brian G. Lewis/stock.adobe.com

24. Windansea Beach, La Jolla

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Jo Ann Snover/stock.adobe.com

25. Zuma Beach, Malibu

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© vivoo/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Whether you prefer the endless expanses of fine, golden sand of Zuma Beach in Malibu, or the purple sands of Pfeiffer Beach in Northern California, you will find your ideal beach in California for your weekend getaway.
  • There are beaches where people-watching is more fun than swimming, like in Santa Monica or Newport Beach in Southern California.
  • There are beaches where families bring kids to play in the sand and warm surf, and others where rip currents and underwater reefs make powerful waves only surfers can love.

Map:


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