The Top 13 Beaches in California

California is famous for its sun-soaked sandy shores lining the Pacific coast, and rightfully so. You can’t achieve iconic status in US beach culture without having some remarkable beaches that truly embody the Golden State’s charm.

Experience family-friendly fun in La Jolla, watch elite surfers in Huntington Beach, enjoy the artistic vibe at Venice Beach, share a cozy sunset in a Big Sur cove, or hike the breathtaking Lost Coast Trail.

No trip to California is complete without lounging on the beach, and there are endless choices for the countless visitors drawn here each year. Beach days are revered here – public access is guaranteed by state law. To kick off your itinerary, here are ten must-visit beaches in California.

1. Seacliff State Beach

Top Beach for Local Vibes

California's Central Coast boasts over 100 named beaches, ranging from secluded coves ideal for peaceful reflection to extensive sunny shores lined with lively arcades and attractions, some of which also attract wildlife enthusiasts alongside sunbathers.

The crown jewel of the stunning shoreline surrounding Monterey Bay is Seacliff State Beach, located just over 70 miles south of San Francisco. This popular spot for locals offers swimming and jogging opportunities. Off the coast, the remnants of a concrete freighter, once a fishing pier, now add to the scenery, while the bay's deeper waters are known as a great white shark breeding ground.

Monterey Bay is rich in marine life, both above and below the surface, making it the most abundant natural habitat along the California coast. Just by standing on the beach, you might spot wildlife including gray whales, sea lions, seals, and otters. If you happen to see a great white, it’s best to stay on land!

Insider Advice: Central Coast waters are typically brisk, hovering in the 50s°F, which is why Jack O'Neill invented the modern wetsuit here in the 1950s. If that temperature is too cool for you, consider visiting Monterey and its famous aquarium.

2. Pfeiffer Beach – Big Sur

Ideal beach for breathtaking vistas

Nestled among lush redwood forests, the rocky Big Sur coastline is enchanting. Discover hidden waterfalls and hot springs, and keep an eye out for endangered California condors while strolling along the sea cliffs. The stunning crescent-shaped stretch of sand at Pfeiffer Beach is celebrated as one of California's most picturesque beaches, featuring the impressive Keyhole Rock arch through which powerful waves crash with invigorating energy.

Feel the unique purple sand beneath your toes! The hue comes from manganese garnet that washes down from the rugged hills above. While it can be windy and the surf is too hazardous for swimming, it’s a lovely spot for a stroll.

Insider Tip: Take your time. Heavy traffic, road closures, and detours due to weather, wildfires, and falling rocks can slow you down on Hwy 1. Plus, there are plenty of enticing stops along the way that might tempt you to explore.

3. Huntington Beach

Top beach for tacos and surfers

One of Southern California's premier beaches, this sandy surfing paradise features a vibrant, walkable promenade near the pier. It fills up quickly on summer weekends with surfers, volleyball enthusiasts, swimmers, and families enjoying the sun.

Grab a taco and enjoy watching professional surfers in action, or rent a board if you’re up for a challenge. It’s a fantastic spot for learning how to surf.

Insider Tip: If you’re looking to have a bonfire or barbecue, claim one of the many cement fire rings early in the day, especially on holiday weekends. It’s best to arrive when the beach opens.

Planning Tip: Most of Huntington Beach doesn’t allow pets, except for the 1.5-mile stretch of Huntington Dog Beach between Goldenwest and Seapoint Streets. In spring and fall, this beach hosts Corgi Beach Day, a free, family-friendly celebration for dog lovers.

4. El Matador State Beach – Malibu

Ideal beach for Instagram-worthy shots

Often hailed as Malibu's most breathtaking beach, El Matador is renowned for being a favorite backdrop for swimsuit model photo shoots. Park on the cliffs above and follow a trail down to encounter sandstone rock formations emerging from crystal-clear coves.

Sunbathers enjoy one of California's warmest beaches, bodysurfing in the waves and keeping an eye out for dolphins leaping beyond the surf.

Planning Tip: While camping isn’t allowed at El Matador, you can find camping options at Sycamore Canyon Beach a few miles to the north.

Detour: Take the 5.5-mile trek to Point Dume for breathtaking vistas of this striking coastline. You might need to wait around half an hour to secure a parking spot, but the views are well worth it.

5. Sonoma Coast State Park 

Ideal beach for diverse scenery

Spanning 19 miles, Sonoma Coast State Park features a series of wave-battered sandy nooks separated by dramatic rocky outcrops. Some beaches are quaint and tucked away in small coves adorned with rock formations, while others are more expansive. Most are linked by coastal hiking trails that offer stunning views along the bluffs. 

Don't forget your binoculars and camera—the sights of small islands, inlets, and changing tides are spectacular. This area is perfect for a day-long exploration, but facilities are scarce, so remember to bring water, snacks, and a fully charged cell phone. 

Local tip: Pack some cocktails for sunset and a picnic, or head to the beautifully located River's End restaurant and bar at the Russian River to enjoy the stunning sunset views.

6. Baker Beach – San Francisco 

Top beach for naturists

Find a peaceful retreat from the hustle of San Francisco at Baker Beach, a mile-long stretch along the Pacific that showcases stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Located on the western side of the Presidio, it offers a unique vantage point of this iconic landmark and the Marin headlands in the distance from its golden sands.

Ideal for picnicking, though it can become quite busy on weekends, especially on clear days. For those interested in nude sunbathing, the northern end is the place to go, while the southern end is favored by those who prefer to stay clothed.

Planning tip: If you’re looking to explore more beaches, consider what San Jose has to offer.

7. The Lost Coast

Top beach for hiking and black sand

Exploring the Lost Coast reveals stunning volcanic black sand beaches shrouded in mystical mist, with the thunderous surf crashing nearby as majestic Roosevelt elk roam the forests.

The King Range rises dramatically to 4,000 feet within just three miles of the coastline, from where Hwy 1 veers inland north of Westport to just south of Ferndale. This coast earned the name 'lost' when the state's highway system declared the area impassable in the mid-20th century.

The best way to experience the Lost Coast is by hiking. Autumn offers clear and cool weather, while wildflowers bloom from April to May, and gray whales migrate past the shores from December to April. The warmest and driest months are June through September, although foggy days can occur and weather can change swiftly.

Detour: Consider embarking on an epic backpacking adventure in the region. Those camping overnight will need a bear canister and a backcountry permit, both obtainable from the Bureau of Land Management; it’s advisable to secure the latter weeks in advance via recreation.gov.

8. Tourmaline Beach – La Jolla

Best beach for dedicated surfers

While you can battle the crowds and take surf lessons at San Diego's popular Ocean Beach or Pacific Beach, Tourmaline Beach in La Jolla features some of the best gentle waves for longboarders and novices. Its expansive sandy shoreline also boasts one of the most relaxed vibes in San Diego.

Here, you’re bound to catch some enjoyable waves, even on quieter days, and if you hit a big swell, you’re in luck. Local surfers may be a bit protective of the waves near Black's Beach to the north, but at Tourmaline, the atmosphere remains laid-back. Enjoy the sand, surf, and complimentary showers. If you prefer beachcombing, head north to the serene tide pools at Bird Rock.

Planning tip: La Jolla Cove, located just up the coast, is recognized as one of the cleanest beaches in California. Surrounded by sandstone cliffs, its calm blue waters are perfect for both snorkeling and swimming.

Local tip: Enjoy some of the finest Mexican cuisine in the area at Oscar's on the bluff, where you can savor fish tacos—a San Diego classic—or delicious ceviche.

9. Laguna Beach

Best beach for discovery

Welcome to Laguna, a splendid collection of tranquil coves, azure waves, and coastal parks, all infused with an artistic touch. With 30 public beaches stretching along seven miles of coastline, Laguna Beach is ideal for those who love to explore—there’s always another breathtaking view or secret cove just waiting to be found around the corner.

While many coves are hidden from view by luxurious homes, keen observers can find stairways leading from the Pacific Coast Highway down to the beach. Just watch for the 'beach access' signs and be ready to navigate through private backyards to reach the shore.

Planning tip: Take a break from the sun and sand to enjoy local events such as the Festival of Arts, which takes place in July and August in Laguna Beach. This festival showcases art exhibits and demonstrations by 140 artists across various media, culminating in a reenactment of famous paintings by actors in costume, accompanied by orchestral music.

Detour: Just a short distance away, Crystal Cove is perfect for camping and features an underwater park where you can scuba dive, tide pool, fish, kayak, and surf along the untouched shoreline.

10. Lake Tahoe

Best for elevated beaches

Don't forget the stunning inland jewel that is Lake Tahoe. In the summer, it becomes California's top high-altitude getaway, a brilliant gem nestled within the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains.

In South Lake Tahoe, the best beaches include Pope Beach, Kiva Beach, and Baldwin Beach. Other popular spots along the shoreline feature the always-bustling Zephyr Cove, with its sandy, mile-long stretch. Sheer granite cliffs and a rugged coastline surround the glacier-formed Emerald Bay State Park, a teardrop-shaped cove with vibrant green waters. You can even take a small boat to the only island in the lake, located just offshore.

Planning tip: Carnelian West, Waterman's Landing, Hidden Beach, and Chimney Beach are dog-friendly, although some may require dogs to be leashed.

11. Arroyo Burro Beach – Santa Barbara

Best beach for dogs

Grab your furry friend and head to Arroyo Burro Beach, an incredibly pet-friendly spot featuring a dog wash right in the parking lot. Located five miles south of the upscale Santa Barbara, this beach boasts a wide expanse of soft sand and waves that can get wild enough to attract serious surfers.

When hunger strikes, check out The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. The views are breathtaking, especially during sunset, and the food comes highly recommended. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they offer great cocktail deals during happy hour.

Planning tip: After loading up on sunscreen and towels, take some time to explore Santa Barbara, a picturesque coastal destination framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains. Stroll through the Spanish Colonial-style downtown, characterized by its white stucco buildings with red tile roofs, vibrant flower-filled balconies, charming fountains, and tree-lined streets.

12. Belmont Shore Beach – Long Beach

Best beach for leisurely floating

At Belmont Shore Beach, the breakwaters create tranquil waters perfect for swimming or simply floating. You can also cast a line from the nearby Belmont Shore Pier or enjoy a burger and beer at the Belmont Brewing Company while soaking in the sweeping ocean views.

For those who crave a lively beach atmosphere, this is the ideal spot, featuring amenities like sand volleyball courts, bike paths, and scenic walking trails. When you need a break from the sun, the trendy 2nd Street, lined with shops and boutiques, is just around the corner.

Planning tip: Close by is one of Long Beach’s most exclusive neighborhoods, showcasing rows of historic homes along the Naples Canal, built in the early 1900s. Enjoy a leisurely gondola tour along the picturesque waterway.

13. Santa Monica Beach – Santa Monica

Best beach for a relaxed L.A. vibe

Located just west of Los Angeles, Santa Monica offers a relaxed beach vibe that contrasts with the bustling streets of L.A. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty to keep you entertained.

The main draw for sun seekers and water lovers is the expansive Santa Monica Beach, boasting acres of soft sand and rolling waves. The iconic Santa Monica Pier adds to the fun, featuring an amusement park complete with a roller coaster and Ferris Wheel, plus free concerts.

Whether before or after hitting the beach, indulge in the town’s fantastic culinary scene. For brunch, don’t miss the avocado fries at Bru’s Wiffle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What beach is the cleanest in California?

Among California's cleanest beaches are La Jolla Cove, Bean Hollow, and Emerald Bay State Park.

Which beach in California has the clearest water?

Santa Barbara beaches, Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Emerald Bay State Park, Catalina Island, and Big Sur’s Pfeiffer Beach are renowned for their crystal-clear waters.

Are there beaches in California that welcome pets?

Huntington Dog Beach, Laguna Beach (check seasonal hours), and Arroyo Burro Beach in Santa Barbara all permit dogs. Lake Tahoe features ten dog-friendly beaches, contributing to a total of 214 beaches across California that allow dogs.

When is the ideal time to visit California's beaches?

The prime beach season, when the Pacific Ocean reaches its warmest temperatures, spans from June to August.