Top 10 best beaches in California

Here is a list of the top 10 best beaches in California, according to various sources:

10. Pismo Beach

#10 in best beaches in California

Pismo Beach is a city located in San Luis Obispo County, on the Central Coast of California. It is known for its wide, sandy beach, which stretches for miles along the Pacific Ocean. The beach is popular for swimming, surfing, and other beach activities, and it is also a great spot for wildlife viewing, as it is home to a variety of birds and other animals.

Pismo Beach also has a number of restaurants, shops, and other attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, go for a swim, or explore the local area, Pismo Beach is a great place to visit.

9. Monterey Bay Beach

#9 in best beaches in California

Monterey Bay Beach is a beautiful and popular beach located on the Pacific coast in Monterey County, California. The beach is located in the city of Monterey, which is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, charming boutiques, art galleries, and seafood restaurants.

Monterey Bay Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities, and it is also a good spot for surfing, thanks to the consistent waves that roll in from the Pacific Ocean. The beach is also home to a number of popular events and festivals throughout the year, including the Monterey Bay Kite Festival and the Monterey Bay Blues Festival.

8. Carmel Beach

#8 in best beaches in California

Carmel Beach is a beautiful and popular beach located on the Pacific coast in Monterey County, California. It is known for its wide, sandy shoreline, clear water, and picturesque surroundings. The beach is located in the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, which is a popular tourist destination known for its charming boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

Carmel Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities, and it is also a good spot for surfing, thanks to the consistent waves that roll in from the Pacific Ocean. The beach is also home to a number of popular events and festivals throughout the year, including the Carmel Beach Sandcastle Festival and the Big Sur Marathon.

7. Newport Beach

#7 in best beaches in California

Newport Beach is one of the most popular beaches in California. The beach is situated in Orange County and is known for its beautiful weather and stunning scenery. The beach is also home to a number of activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, and sunbathing.

6. La Jolla Shores Beach

#6 in best beaches in California

Another highly regarded beach in California La Jolla Shores Beach. Located in the city of La Jolla, which is just north of San Diego, La Jolla Shores Beach is known for its wide, sandy shoreline and clear, warm water. It is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities, and it is also a great spot for surfing, thanks to the consistent waves that roll in from the Pacific Ocean.

La Jolla Shores Beach is also home to a number of popular events and festivals throughout the year, including the La Jolla Shores Surf Classic and the La Jolla Shores Beach Festival. The beach is also adjacent to the La Jolla Shores Park, which offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and other amenities for visitors to enjoy.

5. Venice Beach

#5 in best beaches in California

Venice Beach is one of the most popular beaches in California. With its wide beach, Venice Boardwalk, and many shops and restaurants, it is no wonder that this beach is always crowded. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing, skateboarding, and more.

4. Santa Monica Beach

#4 in best beaches in California

Santa Monica Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Southern California. The wide, sandy beach is located just south of downtown Los Angeles and is a great place to enjoy the sunny weather and beautiful ocean views.

There are plenty of things to do at Santa Monica Beach, including swimming, sunbathing, surfing, paddleboarding, and more. There are also several restaurants and cafes located near the beach, so you can grab a bite to eat or drink while you enjoy the view.

3. Huntington Beach

#3 in best beaches in California

Huntington Beach is a popular beach town in Orange County, California. The city’s population is just over 200,000 and the median age is 36 years old. The city is known for its surfing, swiming, and coastal lifestyle.

Huntington Beach has 10 miles of coastline and is adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. The beach itself is wide and sandy with great waves for surfing. There are also many restaurants, bars, and shops lining the shore. The city is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

2. Laguna Beach

#2 in best beaches in California

Laguna Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in California. It is located in Orange County and is well known for its art colony. The beach is also a great place to surf, swim, and sunbathe.

Laguna Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, charming downtown area, and vibrant arts scene. The city is home to the Laguna Beach Art Museum, which features works by local artists and traveling exhibits. The downtown area is filled with boutiques and restaurants, and there are also several galleries and studios where visitors can purchase handmade crafts and artwork.

Laguna Beach is a popular destination for surfers, as the waves are often good and there are several surf schools in the area that offer lessons. The city is also home to the Laguna Beach Playhouse, where visitors can attend live performances. In addition to its many cultural attractions, Laguna Beach is also home to several parks and natural areas, including Heisler Park, which has breathtaking views of the ocean and the iconic sculpture by Bernar Venet.

1. Coronado Beach

#1 in best beaches in California

Coronado Beach is indeed a popular and highly regarded beach in California. Located on the Pacific coast in San Diego County, it is known for its wide, sandy shoreline, warm water temperatures, and beautiful surroundings. The beach is located on the island of Coronado, which is just a short drive from downtown San Diego.

It is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and other beach activities. The water is usually calm and clear, making it a good spot for snorkelling and other water sports. Coronado Beach is also home to a number of popular events and festivals throughout the year, including the Coronado Sand Castle Competition and the Coronado Flower Show.

San Diego boasts world-renowned beaches with breathtaking views, year-round pleasant weather, and endless recreational opportunities, perfect for any beach enthusiast. Whether you prefer a tranquil retreat or a lively atmosphere, San Diego beaches offer something for every kind of traveler.

Among the most popular San Diego beaches are Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Shores, and Coronado Beach. Mission Beach is bustling with a vibrant boardwalk brimming with shops and eateries. Pacific Beach is ideal for surfing and sunbathing, while La Jolla Shores boasts calm waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. For a secluded paradise with pristine white sand and crystal-clear blue waters, head to Coronado Beach.

San Diego has a multitude of stunning beaches, each with its own unique character and charm. Here are five of the best beaches in San Diego that you won't want to miss:

1. La Jolla Shores Beach: Known for its vast expanse of sandy shore and translucent blue waters, La Jolla Shores Beach is a popular destination for beach activities like swimming and surfing.

2. Coronado Beach: Situated on Coronado Island, this beach features a wide, sandy expanse and crystal-clear blue waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities.

3. Pacific Beach: With a lively atmosphere and a wide, sandy beach, Pacific Beach is a favored spot for swimming, surfing, and other beach activities. You'll also find an abundance of restaurants and shops.

4. Mission Beach: Boasting a broad stretch of sandy beach and an animated ambiance, Mission Beach is a favorite spot for beachgoers looking for fun-filled activities, and it's home to a myriad of restaurants and shops.

5. Ocean Beach: Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Ocean Beach features a wide, sandy shore and is perfect for swimming, surfing, and other beach activities. Plus, you'll find plenty of shops and restaurants to explore.

Southern California Best Beaches

Southern California boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, making it a top destination for beach lovers. With so many amazing beaches to choose from, it can be tough to pick just one. To help you out, here are the top 5 best beaches in Southern California:

1. Santa Monica Beach: Located in Los Angeles County, Santa Monica Beach is a must-visit for beach enthusiasts. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and more, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants on the nearby Santa Monica Pier.

2. Venice Beach: Another popular Los Angeles County beach is Venice Beach. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and people watching opportunities, this beach is a must-see. You can also explore the various shops and restaurants in the area.

3. Malibu Lagoon State Beach: This state beach in Los Angeles County is perfect for swimming, surfing, picnicking, and more. The adjacent Malibu Pier is also worth exploring.

4. Manhattan Beach: Manhattan Beach, also located in Los Angeles County, is renowned for its spectacular views of the coastline. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and more.

5. Hermosa Beach: Hermosa Beach is another gem in Los Angeles County that showcases stunning views of oceanfront property developments along The Strand.

Best Northern California Beaches

10 best beach towns in California

1. Newport Beach
2. Laguna Beach
3. Dana Point
4. Huntington Beach
5. Hermosa Beach
6. Manhattan Beach
7. Venice Beach
8. Malibu
9. La Jolla
10. Carmel-by-the-Sea

California is blessed with some of the best beaches in the world, and choosing just 10 was no easy task. From Santa Barbara to San Diego, from Big Sur to Malibu – each of these beaches offer something unique that makes them special and a great destination for either a weekend getaway or an extended vacation. Whether you’re looking for dramatic cliffs, majestic sunsets, serene ocean views, or vibrant nightlife scenes – there’s something here for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Grab your beach gear and get ready to explore California’s beautiful coastline!