The 15 Best Beaches in California

California’s coastline stretches for over 800 miles, offering everything from golden-sand surf spots to secluded coves framed by cliffs and palm trees. Whether you’re chasing waves, sunsets, or serenity, this definitive list of the best beaches in California covers every mood — from the rugged shores of Big Sur to the glamour of Malibu.

 Why California Beaches Are So Special

No other state blends natural beauty, surf culture, and year-round sunshine quite like California. The Pacific Coast offers:

• Endless public beach access and scenic highways

• World-class surfing, sunsets, and wildlife

• A mix of family-friendly, romantic, and adventure beaches

• Iconic landmarks like Malibu Pier, Santa Monica Pier, and 17-Mile Drive

 1. Malibu Surfrider Beach – Malibu, Los Angeles County

Best for: Surfing, celebrity spotting, classic California vibes

Malibu’s Surfrider Beach is a surfing legend, featured in countless films and music videos. Its consistent right-hand point break makes it ideal for surfers, while the Malibu Pier and adjacent lagoon offer a calm, scenic retreat for visitors.

Top things to do:

• Surf or watch pros at First Point

• Visit Malibu Pier for dining and shopping

• Explore Malibu Lagoon State Beach and the Adamson House Museum

 2. Santa Monica Beach – Santa Monica, California

Best for: Families, entertainment, classic boardwalk fun

This beach defines Southern California living — broad sands, palm-lined bike paths, and the famous Santa Monica Pier. Visitors enjoy swimming, volleyball, and street performers just steps from trendy hotels and restaurants.

Don’t miss:

• Pacific Park amusement rides

• Beachfront biking along The Strand

• Sunset dining on Ocean Avenue

 3. Laguna Beach – Orange County

Best for: Scenery, art, tidepools, and romantic getaways

Nestled among cliffs and coves, Laguna Beach is a coastal masterpiece with turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations. It’s home to tidepools, marine sanctuaries, and some of the clearest water in Southern California.

Highlights:

• Explore Thousand Steps and Victoria Beach

• Visit the art galleries and Sawdust Festival

• Snorkel or kayak in Crystal Cove State Park

4. Coronado Beach – San Diego

Best for: Families, calm surf, historic hotels

Glittering with mica sand, Coronado Beach is consistently ranked among America’s top beaches. Its gentle surf, wide sands, and the iconic Hotel del Coronado make it a must-visit for families and couples.

Things to do:

• Stay or dine at the Hotel del Coronado

• Rent bikes for an island cruise

• Visit nearby Ferry Landing for skyline views

 5. Pfeiffer Beach – Big Sur

Best for: Photography, nature, and seclusion

Hidden within Los Padres National Forest, Pfeiffer Beach is a Big Sur gem known for its purple sand and the iconic Keyhole Arch rock formation. It’s not for swimming, but for photographers and dreamers — it’s unforgettable.

Pro tip: Bring cash; there’s a small entry fee and limited parking.

 6. Huntington Beach – Orange County (“Surf City USA”)

Best for: Surfing, beach volleyball, and nightlife

Home to the U.S. Open of Surfing, Huntington Beach perfectly captures California’s surf culture. The beach buzzes with bonfires, volleyball tournaments, and surfers catching waves beneath the pier.

Top attractions:

• Huntington Beach Pier & Surf Museum

• Fire pits for evening bonfires

• Downtown Main Street bars and cafés

 7. La Jolla Shores – San Diego

Best for: Kayaking, snorkeling, family fun

La Jolla Shores offers calm surf and incredible marine life, making it perfect for families and first-time kayakers. You can paddle through sea caves or snorkel alongside harmless leopard sharks.

Don’t miss:

• Guided kayak tours to La Jolla Caves

• Birch Aquarium at Scripps

• Picnic at Kellogg Park

 8. Carmel Beach – Carmel-by-the-Sea

Best for: Dog-friendly walks and romantic sunsets

One of the most beautiful beaches in Northern California, Carmel Beach is framed by cypress trees and white sand. It’s one of the few California beaches that allows dogs off-leash, and sunsets here are truly cinematic.

Insider tips:

• Bring wine and a blanket for sunset (alcohol allowed in moderation)

• Explore Ocean Avenue boutiques and galleries

• Stay at one of Carmel’s cozy inns

 9. Half Moon Bay State Beach – San Mateo County

Best for: Coastal walks and wildlife watching

Just 30 minutes south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay offers windswept cliffs, wildflower trails, and gray-whale sightings in spring. It’s a favorite for photographers, hikers, and quiet beachgoers.

Highlights:

• Stroll the Coastal Trail

• Visit nearby Mavericks surf spot (expert only!)

• Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay

 10. Venice Beach – Los Angeles

Best for: People-watching, street art, and culture

Venice Beach is California’s most eclectic oceanfront — a melting pot of skaters, artists, performers, and free spirits. Between Muscle Beach, skate parks, murals, and drum circles, there’s always something happening.

Best experiences:

• Watch skaters at Venice Skatepark

• Shop along Abbot Kinney Boulevard

• Sunset at the Venice Fishing Pier

 11. Manhattan Beach – Los Angeles

Best for: Locals, volleyball, upscale dining

Manhattan Beach is LA’s polished seaside playground, with luxury homes, clean sands, and an active lifestyle vibe. Volleyball nets line the shore, and the pier’s aquarium makes it family-friendly.

Top things to do:

• Eat at The Strand House or Fishing with Dynamite

• Bike along The Strand

• Catch golden sunsets over the pier

 12. Zuma Beach – Malibu

Best for: Long walks and big waves

Zuma Beach is Malibu’s largest and most pristine beach, favored by surfers and locals who prefer wide sands and fewer crowds. It’s also a great spot for whale watching during migration season.

Don’t miss:

• Lifeguard towers and Baywatch filming sites

• Nearby Point Dume hiking trails

• Parking right next to the sand

 13. Newport Beach – Orange County

Best for: Families, boating, and luxury vacations

Home to the Balboa Fun Zone and a scenic harbor, Newport Beach offers both adventure and elegance. The peninsula’s long, sandy stretch is great for swimming, biking, and people-watching.

Things to do:

• Take a harbor cruise or rent a Duffy boat

• Visit Balboa Island

• Shop at Fashion Island Mall

 14. El Matador State Beach – Malibu

Best for: Photography, romance, and dramatic cliffs

El Matador feels like a secret paradise. Hidden stairways lead to sea caves, arches, and golden sands below the cliffs — perfect for photoshoots and romantic picnics.

Travel tip: Go at low tide and bring sturdy shoes.

 15. Moonstone Beach – Cambria

Best for: Coastal walks, tranquility, and nature

Along Highway 1, Moonstone Beach offers peaceful beauty with driftwood, tidepools, and wooden boardwalks. It’s perfect for slow travelers and nature lovers exploring the Central Coast.

Top activities:

• Walk the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk

• Spot sea otters and whales

• Visit Hearst Castle nearby

 Map of California’s Best Beaches

From San Diego’s sun-soaked shores to Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs and San Francisco’s foggy coves, California’s beaches span climates, cultures, and landscapes — each with its own coastal charm.

 Travel Tips for Exploring California’s Beaches

• Best time to visit: May–October (warmest water & longest days)

• Bring layers: Coastal fog can cool temperatures quickly

• Parking: Many beaches charge $10–$20 per day

• Stay safe: Obey surf and rip-current warnings

• Respect wildlife: Keep distance from seals and nesting birds

 Weather Snapshot by Region

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the #1 beach in California?
Coronado Beach and Malibu Surfrider Beach frequently rank as the best overall for scenery, accessibility, and visitor satisfaction.

What are the best family beaches in California?
Santa Monica, Coronado, and La Jolla Shores are top family picks.

Where can you surf in California?
Top surf spots include Malibu, Huntington Beach, Trestles, and Rockaway Beach (in Northern California).

Which California beaches have the clearest water?
Laguna Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Carmel Beach are known for exceptionally clear, turquoise waters.

Are California beaches free?
Most are public and free to enter, though parking fees apply.