23 Beaches in CALIFORNIA (Blissful, Fun & Relaxing)
Beaches are a very good destination for tourists, travel bloggers, and hard workers that need a little vacation or getaway.
Nature lovers, swimmers, surfers, beach volleyballers, and so on all appreciate a visit to the beach for a nice time.
However, most beaches have restrictions on some of these activities, while others outrightly discourage or prohibit them, mainly for the safety of the visitors.
For instance, some beaches do not allow visitors to surf, and some proscribe swimming, mostly because of high tides and rip currents.
In this piece, you will go on a journey to numerous beaches in California, know the activities you are free to do, and in some cases, when you can.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Resorts on the Beach in California.
Beaches in Malibu, California
1. Malibu Lagoon Beach (Confluence of Malibu Creek)
More often than not, people go to the beach to get wet, kick the sand, and sunbathe, but with Malibu Lagoon State Beach, which is more than the beach itself, you get more.
It contains other incredible attractions in Malibu, like the confluence of Malibu Creek and the ocean, Surfrider Beach, as well the Malibu Pier.
Towards the east, this state beach opens up to the long crescent shore surrounding the Malibu Pier, where you will find Surfrider Beach, responsible for bringing surfing to the Southern parts of California and still a popular place to visit, especially for tourists.
However, of all the places to be on the Malibu Lagoon Beach, the pier is the best, as it offers a great view of the coastline, is great for taking pictures, and also for food because it is home to the Malibu Farm Restaurant.
Address: 23500 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90265, US
2. Zuma Beach (Two Miles of Coastline)
Zuma Beach is located in Los Angeles County, west of Point Dume, and regarded as one of the largest in Malibu, as it goes on for about two miles along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Unlike many other beaches and their coastline in Malibu, the Zuma beach is as expansive as some of them, there are no big beach houses at the end of the sands, but restrooms are available all around the beach.
As a result of the size of Zuma Beach, there are numerous activities that you can engage in when you visit, including simple, relaxing ones like getting a beach chair out on the sand, lounging, and watching others have fun too as they walk in the surf, bodyboard, swim, and surf.
You should know, especially if you intend to enter the ocean, that there could possibly be strong tides coming in once in a while.
Address: 30000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, US
3. El Matador State Beach (Picturesque Rock Formations)
Three beaches make up the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach in Malibu, and the popular one is El Matador State Beach, beautiful and captivating with incredible rock formations that make it a great location for memorable pictures and a superb tourist destination.
El Matador is an absolutely stunning sight, and this cannot possibly be overstated, especially when you take into account the fantastic view you get, overlooking the whole beach from the top of the staircase on the trail down the bluff side.
Taking a walk towards the northern or southern part of the shoreline is as relaxing as one can expect, if not more, especially during low tides, when the rocks are not underwater, and you can see the formations.
Address: 32350 E Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, US
4. Topanga Beach (Rocky Terrain, Perfect for Surfing)
Topanga Beach is the beach closest to Los Angeles in Malibu because it is located in the far eastern part, so the relatively short distance drive from the city of Angels, coupled with its shape and orientation that makes it perfect for surfing, is responsible for the fame the beach has.
However, even though the beach is perfect for surfing, it is quite popular for other activities, too, including snorkeling, scuba diving, wildlife spotting and watching, and so on.
Interestingly, you will be surprised to know that the beach is not a great place for swimming, no thanks to the shore being a rocky terrain.
For those that will be going to the beach with their vehicles, the parking area is close to the Pacific Coast Highway, and it should be mentioned that it is quickly filled up, especially on weekends, because the spots available are not up to 100.
Address: 18700 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, US
5. South Beach, Leo Carrillo State Park (Tour Sea Caves)
South Beach is located in Leo Carrillo State Park, towards the western parts of Malibu in California, ad frankly, not the only attraction site in the Park for tourists, with others being the Campground with more than a hundred sites, Sequit Point, which is the rocky outcropping between the North and South beaches of the Park, sea caves, and so much more.
However, the beach itself is a sight and site to behold, with many great and outstanding features itself, like the aforementioned Sequit Point with massive boulders, which are best toured when the tide is low, and they are visible.
You have to go through a tunnel to get to South Beach in Leo Carrillo, not far from the parking area, which is quite large enough to accommodate numerous vehicles.
Address: 35000 East Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, US
6. Big Dume Beach, Point Dume(Point Dume Natural Preserve)
Much like the situation at Leo Carrillo State Park, Point Dume is a Natural Preserve that contains two beaches on either side of it for attractions and tourism.
Point Dume itself is located towards the Western parts of Malibu and is a great site that offers fantastic views and access to one of the most incredible coastlines in Malibu city, not to mention the hiking trails and superb vantage points to watch whales.
One of the beaches in Point Dume is called Big Dume Beach, which is also called Dume Cove Beach, and it is the one situated east of Point Dume.
Some of the great features of the Big Dume Beach, like its counterpart, Westward Beach, are the volleyball nets installed on the beach and the ever-ready lifeguards on duty.
Address: 29245 Cliffside Drive Malibu, CA 90265, US
Also see our article on Hotels on the Beach in California.
Beaches in Santa Cruz, California
1. Manresa State Beach (Unsafe for Swimming)
Manresa State Beach can be found where it is nestled behind parklands and the ocean bluffs in Santa Cruz, California.
The beach is known for its beautiful vast shoreline with fine golden sand, as well as the impeccable views of the Santa Cruz Mountains when you look to the north and lovely hills when you look to the south.
However, swimmers will be disappointed because the waters at the Manresa State Beach are unsafe for swimming and surfing because of water temperature, rip currents, and so on, although exceptionally experienced surfers might be able to surf safely there.
Not to be discouraged, though, because there are lots of other things you can do at the beach, like fishing, camping, bird-watching, and so on.
Also, with amenities like picnic areas, restrooms, and outdoor showers, the beach promises to be fun, even without being able to swim.
Address: 1445 San Andreas Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076, US
2. Main Beach (Warm Waters & Gentle Waves)
Main Beach, also known as Boardwalk Beach because it is nestled within Boardwalk Amusement Park, is located in Santa Cruz and has proven to be one of the leading destinations for tourist attractions in California.
During summer, the beach is always filled up with sunbathers, volleyball players, surfers, and of course, swimmers, mainly because of the warm waters and the fun to be had on the lively beach.
The waves at the Main Beach are ever so consistently gentle and welcoming, but for those who are not interested in swimming or getting wet, they would definitely pay no mind in getting some sand between their toes playing volleyball, sunbathing, or just having a picnic.
Due to the high traffic on summer days, lifeguards are always on duty at the beach, which automatically translates to safer swimming conditions for intending swimmers.
Address: 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, US
3. Four Mile Beach (Reach the Beach)
According to the name of the beach, it is easy for you to believe it was inspired by the dimension, in length, of the beach, but surprisingly, that is not the case; rather, the beach is named for its distance from Santa Cruz, which is four miles.
Located in Wilder Ranch State Park, a nature preserve area that used to be pasture lands for some old dairy ranch, Four Mile Beach is the largest in the Park, rugged and unspoiled, with lush meadows, groves, freshwater streams, farmlands, and other nice features.
Much like the other beaches at the Park, Four Mile Beach has an untamed feel, evident in the journey you have to take to get there, which involves hiking along the Ohlone Bluff Trail, although the hiking itself is fun as you will get a fantastic view of the coastline and Pacific waters.
Address: 3810 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, US
4. Capitola Beach (Ideal for Amateur Surfers)
Capitola Beach has been known to be a good place for amateur surfers, as well as beginners, because of the gentleness of the wave, which is because it is located in a small cove.
With the natural surroundings and gentle water, the beach is a great relaxation spot, and this is one of the reasons sunbathers love lounging on beach chairs while taking in the great ambiance and watching volleyballers enjoy a match in the sands.
There are benches on the beach as well, for those that just want to sit and watch everyone do their thing, especially during summer, when the beach is always packed with everyone seeking to enjoy the great weather and cool waters; on days like that, lifeguards are always on duty, ensuring the safety of everyone.
Address: 131 Monterey Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010, US
5. Seacliff State Beach (Home to a Historic Pier)
If the thought behind naming the Four Mile Beach is anything to go on, then the Seacliff State Beach should be called Five Mile Beach because it is located about five miles from Santa Cruz.
Seacliff State Beach is such a beauty to lay eyes on; the amazing sandy shoreline and the ocean bluffs with thick forest serve as windbreakers for the beach and, as such, make the water much more gentle.
The beach has some history, too, to be found in a historic pier, which once made up part of a working port, although today, the pier is used for fun activities like a father-son fishing destination.
Not far from what is now a fishing pier, there is another attraction at the Seacliff State Beach, which is a World War I era ship – the S.S. Palo Alto, which was never used in war, and today is an amusement center housing a restaurant and so on.
Address: State Park Drive, Aptos, CA 95003, US
6. New Brighton State Beach (Sandstone Cliffs & Forested Bluffs)
Like the Seacliff State Beach, the New Brighton State Beach is also surrounded by forested ocean bluffs and goes a step further with its sandstone cliff for a perimeter.
The beach has been an attraction site for so long because, as far back as the 1850s, this sandy New Brighton State Beach has been a top destination for vacations and sightseeing.
While the name has been changed from Brighton Beach to New Brighton State Beach, not much is different in terms of the visitors the beach gets; in fact, if anything, there are more visitors to the beach now.
Many people come to New Brighton State Beach to camp, fish, beachcombing, and do even simpler activities like nature walks, and some just come to take in the beautiful view of the Monterey Bays from hiking trails around the beach.
Address: 1500 Park Avenue Capitola, CA 95010, US
Also see our article on Waterfalls in California.
Beaches in San Francisco, California
1. Ocean Beach (City’s Longest Sandy Stretch)
Ocean Beach in San Francisco, California, is a wild beach with strong waves and an expanse of white sand with rocks offshore.
The beach is about 3.5 miles in length, and as expected, this makes Ocean Beach the city’s longest sandy stretch; because of this, it scarcely makes visitors feel they are in a crowded space.
While the beach sees its fair share of tourists, visitors, and so on, the residents nearby make use of the beach more often, as they go jogging, go on walks, alone and sometimes with their dogs, or even their kids, who generally enjoy making castles and all kinds of sand art.
Ocean Beach is also known to be the foggiest and chilliest beach in San Francisco, mainly because of its open exposure, so, on most days, the mists do not give way to sunshine until midday, and by evening, the calmness is swept away by gusts from the Pacific Ocean.
Address: Sloat Boulevard and Great Highway San Francisco, CA 94102, US
2. Aquatic Park Cove (Sheltered Cove)
One of the great things about the Aquatic Park Cove, especially for tourists, is that it is not far from Ghirardelli Square, which is a tourist attraction site itself; in fact, they are a couple of steps apart.
This beach is quite sheltered from waves, making it super calm and gentle, so calm that you would feel like you are in a swimming pool; this makes it very safe for swimmers.
Aquatic Park Cove is in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, and as the name suggests, it has many historic features, like the historic ships that are docked at the Hyde Street Pier.
There are benches at the cove, where visitors can sit back and take in the scenes, but unlike many other beaches in this piece, Aquatic Park Cove does not have restrooms or free parking space, only metered street parking for those coming with their cars; so, it is advisable to take the cable car, which will drop you few steps from the beach.
Address: Aquatic Park Pier, San Francisco, CA 94109, US
3. Baker Beach (Backdrop of Golden Gate Bridge)
Baker Beach is perhaps one of the beaches in California that people visit not just because they want to get their feet wet and some sand between their toes but because of the amazing backdrop that the famous Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands provide for vacation and tourism pictures.
In fact, it is so stunning that it is the only reason some people visit the beach.
However, the beach, one mile in length, is also a great place for nature walks, to relax and take in the breathtaking views of the sunset, and lovers of wildlife also get to spot California Brown Pelicans soaring the shore or even harbor porpoises swimming in the water.
Visitors are strongly warned against going for a swim in the ocean or even surfing because of the strong currents and waves, coupled with the fact that there are no lifeguards on the beach.
Address: 1770 Gibson Rd. San Francisco, CA 94129, US
4. Muir Beach (Offers Hiking Trails & Scenic views)
Many people visit Muir Beach because of its pastoral setting and the views, as well as the scent in the air, so it is unsurprising that the beach is prized and often visited by nature lovers.
The beach’s shoreline is nestled behind a protected wetland, the Redwood Creek Lagoon, a nature preserve, which was formed to serve as a habitat for the endangered Coho salmon, and many other threatened species.
Apart from the nice view and scenery, Muir Beach is also popular for numerous activities like volleyball and hiking, with a number of trails that begin at Muir Beach and lead either inland towards the Zen Center or westward along the coastline.
Muir Beach has no lifeguards, so it is highly discouraged to go for a swim or to surf in the waters, especially with its strong current.
Address: 200 Pacific Way Muir Beach, CA 94965, US
5. Stinson Beach (Scenic Mountainous Route)
Sometimes, the memorable moment is not only the destination but the journey as well, and this could not be more accurate when it comes to going to Stinson Beach because getting to the beach involves passing the mountainous Highway One route, which is characterized by the breathtaking views of the ocean.
Once at the beach, there are lots of fun things to do, depending on what tickles your fancy; you can go for walks along the shoreline or join a team to play some beach volleyball, while others can swim, surf, or fish before all retiring to have a picnic in the shaded pine grove.
Stinson Beach has public restrooms, and a free parking lot, which is good news for those going in their cars, but on some weekends and summer days, the parking lot often fills up by midday, so a helpful tip would be that you make sure to arrive early.
Address: 3514 Shoreline Hwy Stinson Beach, CA 94970, US
Also see our article on Indoor Water Parks in California.
Beaches in Santa Barbara, California
1. Miramar Beach (Good for Surfing)
Miramar Beach has some fun things for every beach lover because if you are not interested in swimming, you would not mind surfing, and if both activities prove too tasking or strenuous, you could always just go for a regular stroll along the shoreline alone or with your dog, as long as it is on a leash.
You should know that it is always best to visit the beach during low tide because this is the only time you will be able to walk miles and miles to the west to Hammonds Beach, another great surfing spot, or walk to the east past the beachfront homes at Fernald Point.
Unlike other beaches with restrooms, picnic areas, and so on, Miramar Beach has no facilities except a parking space, which is limited as well, but the good news for car owners is that you can park around in the neighborhood.
Address: Miramar Beach Montecito, CA 93108, US
2. Leadbetter Beach (Sheltered by Cliffs)
Leadbetter Beach is regarded as one of the most sheltered of all the beaches along Santa Barbara’s downtown waterfront area, sheltered by cliffs and the like.
The beach is a great place to go, especially as a tourist or travel blogger, because it gives you the real feel and vibe of Santa Barbara, and it is close to other tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Students often hang out at the beach, too, especially during breaks because of the beach’s proximity to Santa Barbara City College.
It is a popular spot for jogging, swimming, strolling for the locals, as well as surfing, and depending on your level, there are several spots for surfing, with the western end of the beach being a perfect spot for beginners rather than experienced surfers.
Address: 801 Shoreline Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, US
Also see our article on Water Parks in California.
Beaches in San Diego, California
1. Pacific Beach (Miles of White Sandy Shoreline)
Pacific Beach, named after the city it is located and also the main public beach of the city, is a wide expanse of white sandy shoreline that is miles long, with ever-ready lifeguards on duty.
There is a beachfront area, which houses restaurants, cafes, stores, and accommodations, not far from the sands, and this gives the beach a little edge over others in the area.
Interestingly, you do not have to be right on the beach to have a nice view of it; in fact, if you mind getting sand in your toes or getting your feet wet but at the same time want to have the feel of the beach, you could lodge in the Surfer Beach Hotel, which is so close to the beach, and has most of its rooms facing the ocean.
Address: 4500 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92109, US
2. La Jolla Shores (Aesthetically Appealing & Gentle)
La Jolla Shores is one of the most aesthetically appealing beaches in San Diego, a couple of minutes from Pacific Beach.
It is about a mile in length and quite gentle as the beach is sheltered and shielded from large waves, and this makes it a great spot for surfing, no matter how experienced you are.
Although La Jolla Shores is known for its gentility and is regarded as the most gentle surfing spot in San Diego, there are still lifeguards on duty to give visitors that extra sense of safety.
There are a number of attractions close to the beach; for instance, after a nice day at the beach, you can go into the small La Jolla seaside town to shop, go on a cool evening walk, or visit the comedy house in the town.
Address: 8200 Camino del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037, US
Also see our article on Kayaking in California.
Beaches in Laguna Beach, California
1. Main Beach (Encourages Swimming)
If you are in the mood for any ocean-based activity, Main Beach, with its wide sandy shoreline, is the spot to be in Laguna Beach, California.
The beach is just across the Coast Highway from downtown and has no elevation gain to get access to the shoreline, and the ease in accessibility and location are the reasons for the popularity of Main Beach.
There is a lifeguard tower, with lifeguards watching over every activity on the beach and in the ocean.
Due to the crowd influx during summer, surfing is not allowed, but swimming is very much encouraged, as long as you talk to a lifeguard about the tides first.
Generally, Main Beach is a sight to see, so you can arrange a coffee date or a picnic just to have a nice time outdoors.
Address: Pacific Coast Highway & Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, US
2. Victoria Beach (Famous for Pirate Tower)
While Main Beach is the place to be for all ocean activity, Victoria Beach is regarded as one of the most famous beaches in Laguna Beach.
There is a 60-foot-high Pirate Tower, also known as La Tour, that makes for a great backdrop for pictures on the beach’s northern side and also has enough space for visitors to enjoy a mini picnic on the sands.
Interestingly, despite the fame the beach has got, it is mostly uncrowded, and this is due to the lack of parking space and the long stairway you have to take to access the beach.
However, those that do not mind the little stress are in for a nice time once they make it to the sands, where there is enough space to set-down a beach chair, relax, and sunbathe.
Address: 2713 Victoria Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, US
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Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the most beautiful beaches in Florida and Texas.