Best Beaches in California
Searching for the best beaches in California to visit on your next day trip or road trip vacation? Well, you are in the right place! I’ve found California’s beaches to be some of the most unforgettable places to enjoy the ocean, After much exploring, we've found a stretch of sand here for every mood. This is exactly why I decided to share my favourite experiences in coastal California, so that you can use my guide as an inspiration to plan your own road trip.
To be honest, it was super hard making this best beaches in California list because we had to leave off many incredible beaches we discovered on our trip! Here are the beaches I recommend from our four week road trip, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too. My article is a long one because it includes (at least) 200 things to do in these areas. I hope you'll love these beaches too.
- - Best Beaches in Southern California
- Huntington State Beach - Mandalay State Beach - Zuma Beach - Santa Monica Beach - Carlsbad State Beach - Coronado Beach - Crystal Cove State Park - Dog Beach in San Diego - La Jolla Cove - Laguna Beach - Santa Cruz - Newport Beach - Torrey Pines
- - Best Beaches on California's Central Coast
- - Pismo State Beach, Central Coast - Moonstone Beach, Cambria - Pfeiffer Beach
- - My Favorite Northern California Beaches
- - Glass Beach, Central Coast - Stinson Beach - Baker Beach
Best Beaches in Southern California
I notice that when friends ask me about what is the best beach to visit in California, they usually mean Southern California, where some of the best beaches in all of USA are located! I hope you will enjoy reading about my SoCal favorites in this section and have a nice time there yourself.
Huntington State Beach
This is my #1 beach in California with its miles of soft golden sand. The steady Pacific waves here are perfect for surfers! We started our road trip through California beaches at Huntington State Beach.
You'll reach it after an easy 10-minute drive from central Huntington Beach (nicknamed “Surf City, USA”). First, head straight to the beach and you won't regret it. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and surfing (of course!).
Next, head to Huntington Beach Pier, a fantastic spot for photos at sunset.
Before visiting for the first time, I have to admit that I mostly associated Huntington Beach with surf competitions. But spending time here showed me that it's truly one of the best beaches on the West Coast! For me, Huntington State Beach now means classic Southern California surf culture at its finest.
What I like most about Huntington State Beach as a day trip is how accessible it is. If you’re coming from LA or Orange County, driving is the easiest option. There are large paid parking lots right by the sand (typically around $15 USD for the day). Public transport is possible, but it takes a bit more planning.
What I loved best:
I loved that I could start my day with a barefoot walk and a swim on the broad beach. Then watch surfers, and then bike on the paved 8.5-mile Huntington Beach Bike Trail along the shoreline.
In addition, I enjoyed exploring Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve with Chris and our son. Its saltwater marshes were teeming with herons and egrets.
I based myself at the hip 4-star Pasea Hotel & Spa for two relaxing days. We especially loved the ocean views right from the hotel!
Mandalay State Beach
This is one of the beach beaches in California, just 10 minutes from downtown Oxnard!
From the moment we arrived, my pace here was unhurried. We started with a morning walk along the empty shoreline, then relaxed on the sand with a picnic and a nap. We spend the afternoon exploring the Mandalay State Beach's Google Maps pin heaps of dunes. The wildlife preserve was fantastic.
What I loved best:
We ended the day with a magical sunset with Channel Islands on the horizon, my favorite highlight.
Where I stayed:
Just a few minutes’ drive from Oxnard in Ventura County, we settled in for a coastal escape in a King sized room at the beachfront Zachari Dunes Resort for two days. We had a laid-back 4-star stay with direct ocean access.
Zuma Beach
Chris and I both absolutely love Zuma Beach, and have been many times. Every time I visit on a road trip, I’m reminded why it’s one of my favorite California beaches.
First off, we love that Zuma Beach is located in Malibu. Since it's close to Los Angeles, it's an easy escape without a ton of driving.
You can feel the magic the moment you step on the wide sands. The space alone makes this beach feel spectacular.
You can enjoy long walks, sunbathe, and bring a picnic lunch. Don't miss the beautiful Southern California sunset at the end of the day.
Santa Monica Beach
The first time we visited, I was struck by heaps of things to do here, both on and off the shore. This is what makes Santa Monica Beach one of the beach California beaches.
We started exploring along Santa Monica's historic pier, complete with a Ferris wheel, old-fashioned arcade games, and people-watching. Nearby, you’ll find Palisades Park overlooking the Pacific.
Later, head to Third Street Promenade for shopping and dining in the afternoon. I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge!
Getting to Santa Monica is relatively easy by LA standards. If you’re driving, timing matters because traffic can be intense during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–10 am and 3–7 pm). If you want to avoid driving altogether, the Metro E Line (Expo Line) connects downtown LA directly to Santa Monica.
Another excellent way to experience Santa Monica is through an organized tour, especially if you’re short on time. We often find that tours with a local guide are a fantastic way to see multiple highlights in one day. This way, you can learn about the area’s history and culture without worrying about logistics.
- Check prices at 5-star Shutters on the Beach (a AAA Four Diamond winner)
What I loved best:
Biking down the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail toward Venice Beach with my son was my personal highlight.
A downside? Runoff sometimes pushes bacteria levels high enough to trigger advisories for this area...so keep your eye on the local news coverage!
Carlsbad State Beach
This is one of my favorite California beaches when I'm in the mood for a mellower vibe. There are heaps of sandstone bluffs. There is a stair leading down to the beach.
Our journey from our stop in Santa Monica Beach to Carlsbad State Beach took less than two hours. We made a couple of stops on our road trip so that we could enjoy the view.
I started my visit by heading straight to the beach. After relaxing for a while, we enjoyed cycling along the oceanfront Coast Highway. When we got hungry, we ventured into the charming downtown. I loved that it was easy to find a great spot for lunch.
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was lunch at The Camp Store right on the beach!
Coronado Beach
I thought this was the best family beach in California when we were based in San Diego for two weeks.
This famous beach has a wide shoreline where the sand actually sparkles (really!). This natural beauty happens thanks to flecks of mica. The historic 4-star Hotel del Coronado is THE place to stay here for a family beach vacation. It rises like a fairytale castle at the water’s edge and you can't miss it!
A downside? The only real downside for me was the cost. And how easily Hotel del Coronado sells out during holiday and summer weekends.
Crystal Cove State Park
I had so much for exploring the tidepools with sea life with my son on this beach! Crystal Cove State Park is one of my favorite beaches in California. I especially admired the historic beachside village that captures the charm of the 1930s and 40s. I truly felt like I was stepping back into a quieter side of the Southern California coast.
What I loved best:
Unlike the bustle of Santa Monica or Huntington, this beach offers a restorative vibe which is why I loved it! You can swim, enjoy scenic hiking trails, and photograph dramatic Pacific views.
Dog Beach in San Diego
I think that Dog Beach in San Diego (Google Maps pin) radiates pure joy. For me, it's a stretch of sand where surf, sun, and wagging tails make it one of the happiest corners of the california coast. Instead of polished piers or historic resorts, Dog Beach is all about freedom with dogs racing through the waves. You'll see frisbees sailing across the sky, and hear laughter mixed with barking.
What I loved best:
It has an easy, come-as-you-are vibe. This makes it feel welcoming. I didn't have a pup of my own but the joyful vibe was contagious! It's one of my favorite beaches on the West Caost for dog owners!
La Jolla Cove
This place is one of California’s best vacation ideas. I was glad we discovered it on our road trip and it's now a must-visit beach for my family. La Jolla Cove is alive with marine energy.
I recommend walking along the blufftop paths of Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Exploring the galleries, cafés, and boutiques of La Jolla Village is also fun.
Laguna Beach
I thought this place was a dazzling slice of the California coast and it quickly became one of my favorite beaches to drive to from LA when I moved here.
Laguna Beach is such a creative seaside village! Golden coves meet heaps of rugged bluffs. Art seems to spill out of every gallery, garden, and festival tent.
Just an hour’s drive south of Los Angeles (or 90 minutes from San Diego), we settled in for a few days at a local vacation rental.
You can stroll along the boardwalk at Main Beach, visit Victoria Beach with its “pirate tower”, and hike on the hills of Crystal Cove State Park.
What I loved best:
In town, I browsed art galleries, discovered sculpted gardens, and caught live music, my favorite highlight.
Santa Cruz
This was a classic California coastal escape with a playful heart! I was charmed by surf culture in Santa Cruz, home to the some of the best beaches in California. I also liked seeing redwood forests nearby in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
First thing, visit the historic boardwalk. Heads up, Santa Cruz has that “endless summer” energy that instantly puts you in vacation mode. It's hard to leave this place! Later, have coffee on the Santa Cruz Wharf. Then watch sea lions lounging around.
If you are feeling active, bike along the dramatic West Cliff Drive. Stop to watch surfers at the legendary Steamer Lane.
We spent three breezy days at 3-star Hyatt Place Santa Cruz (from $143/night).
Newport Beach
I thought this place was pure Southern California elegance by the sea with its wide sandy beaches. We loved the harbor dotted with yachts! Newport Beach had a polished energy. There were lots of amazing local restaurants.
I recommend The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove. We had the delicious Shrimp Basil Pesto Pasta on our anniversary.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
This beach was untouched and serene. We followed the trail down to to a wide beach.
After just a 20-minute day trip north of downtown San Diego, I devoted a full day at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and was glad I did.
In the afternoon, walk on the Guy Fleming Trail. My favorite were the sandstone cliffs, with endless Pacific views.
Best Beaches on California's Central Coast
When it comes to California's Central Coast beaches, I have to say that I was surprised by how underrated they are. In fact, some of my favorite West Coast beaches are located in this area and I hope you will enjoy them too.
Pismo State Beach, Central Coast
This is classic Central California beach. It's wide, golden, and stretching for miles. I loved watching the waves rolling in steady and strong. The mall-town vibe felt nostalgic to me. That's why Pismo State Beach to me is one of the best beaches in California.
Moonstone Beach, Cambria
This is one of my favorite beached on California's Central Coast! Why? Moonstone Beach in Cambria is a place where rugged California coastline meets small-town charm. I adored this windswept stretch of shoreline lined with smooth pebbles.
In addition, if you look closely, you can find the occasional shimmering moonstone after which the beach is named. I also love how it's framed by dramatic bluffs and Monterey pines.
Pfeiffer Beach
For me, this was one of California’s most otherworldly stretches of shoreline. Trust me, it's a hidden Big Sur treasure!
We spent time admiring the sea-carved rock formations on our road trip. I thought that purple-tinted sands created incredible beauty. P
What I loved best:
I wandered along the beach until I reached the iconic Keyhole Arch. It's a massive rock formation with a natural window. At sunset, the golden light pours through in a breathtaking glow, my favorite highlight!
Glass Beach, Central Coast
It’s less about swimming here. The water is cold and waves can be rough. But this Glass Beach is one of my favorite California beaches for beach-combing on the North Coast.
Just outside the town of Fort Bragg in Mendocino County, Glass Beach was the perfect stop along Highway 1 on my Northern California road trip.
I loved seeing the rocky coves, and walking along the coastal bluffs with wildflowers.
Looking into tidepools filled with starfish and anemones was my personal highlight.
My Favorite Northern California Beaches
Of all the beaches in California, I'm least familiar with the northern part of the state. I'm planning a four week road trip again there soon, but for now, here are my favorite beaches in Northern California so far...
Stinson Beach, Northern California
For me, this was Northern California at its most timeless! I instantly fell for the heaps of soft sand.
I loved the rolling hills and rugged bluffs. To me, the Pacific felt both wild and welcoming on beautiful Stinson Beach which is, for me, is one of the best beaches in California.
Baker Beach
This is one of San Francisco’s most breathtaking escapes! I loved the wild stretch of sand where the Pacific meets the city. The Golden Gate Bridge rises dramatically on the horizon.
Start by walking down the sandy path toward the shoreline. Then take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge through the mist.
My favorite part was strolling barefoot along the water.
The cliffs and wind-sculpted dunes gave the beach a wild feeling, like we’d discovered a secret place despite being so close to the city.
We wrapped ourselves in jackets and sat in the sand and enjoyed the scenery.
I loved how the beach felt different every few minutes with sun breaking through the clouds, wind picking up, waves crashing.
What I loved best:
Baker Beach is one of my favorite California beaches. I love everything here - the scenery, the breeze, that it's close to heaps of things to see and do...
In addition, it had that perfect mix of rugged natural beauty and iconic urban backdrop that felt uniquely San Francisco!
Wow! Congratulations for reading through all my Best Beaches in California on a Road Trip. I hope that our experiences inspire you to go on your own road trip to one (or more!) of my favorite USA destinations!
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
