The beach also has a restored pier, an excellent place for watching the sunset, and a bike path winding along the oceanfront. We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. Wildcat Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore. The beach has plenty to do, including The Strand beach bike path, sand volleyball courts and warm waves perfect for water sports. Grab some scuba gear and head into the water with the seals at La Jolla Cove. The most beautiful Southern California beaches are: El Matador, in Malibu, is known for having one of the clearest waters in California. Youll find several volleyball courts, bonfire pits, and a paved bike trail here. Several of Santa Monica's top attractions are right here at the oceanfront, including the amusement park and Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier. Walk beneath the beachs huge stone arches and check out the aquatic wildlife in its tide pools before taking in the sunset. Carmel City Beach Monterey 7. You can explore the natural world by kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or diving. No matter what kind of beach day youre looking for, weve put together the ultimate guide to the 10 best beaches in Southern California. The water at Laguna is generally clean and calm, though occasionally the Pacific tends to be cool with strong tides. Situated in the namesake neighborhood, this wide stretch of sand spans nearly two miles of oceanfront and rewards visitors with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Check out Visit CaliforniasResponsible Travel Hubfor guidance on how visitors can travel within California safely. Or how can we improve it to help you travel better? The Beach Cove serves as the ideal location for guests to kayak, SUP and take archery lessons. Mission Beach is surrounded by an array of restaurants and family-friendly destinations. Belmont Park is also home to several kid-friendly rides, like the Tilt-A-Whirl and Liberty Carousel. Known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach offers visitors miles of sandy beaches and waves that keep surfers coming back every day. Laguna Beach has the clearest beaches in Southern California. Nestled along the picturesque Atlantic Ocean coast in South Florida, Fort Lauderdale beckons travelers with Barcelona is famous worldwide for its lively atmosphere, dazzling architecture, glittering coastline, and an enviable Dubai is a city that offers countless attractions for travelers to explore. San Onofre Beach is an outdoor lovers paradise in SoCal. Carpinteria State Beach has plenty of tide pools for spotting starfish and sea urchins. 7 Beachfront Hotels in SoCal for a Weekend Getaway See the Pacific Ocean from your window and step right onto the sparkling beaches at these hotels that offer direct access to Southern California's surf and sand. "Blown away," "perfect location," and "amazing" are just some of the words guests have used to describe it. With almost 2 miles of ocean frontage and 94 acres of public beach, Hermosa is the perfect place to enjoy the luminous California sun. Once the core of Los Angeless lively hippie scene, this bohemian neighborhood buzzes with Insta-worthy brunch spots, wellness shops, healthy supermarkets, street performers, and yoga studios. Walk among wildflowers, spot some birds and lizards, and even a coyote if youre lucky! Boasting some of the clearest water in California, this bustling beach with gorgeous blue water and pristine sand is located at 1100 Coast Blvd in La Jolla. Most city beaches are staffed by lifeguards and have restroom and shower facilities. These parking areas are off the Pacific Coast Highway and can get busy during the summer months and weekends. LOS ANGELES COUNTY Surfing, biking, sunbathing, boogie boarding, swimming, and beach volleyball are some of the top experiences visitors can enjoy in Mission Beach. If you somehow get bored of all that, check out my list of fun things to do in La Jolla for more inspiration. Bluff Park, one of the best parks in Long Beach, sits atop Junipero Beach, offering ample green space and an excellent view overlooking the ocean. Other options for beach camping in California include Scorpion Ranch in Channel Islands National Park and Kirk Creek Campground further north in Big Sur. Her favorite destination abroad is a tie between the island of Roatan and Porto Xeli, Greece. What is the clearest beach in Southern California? If you cant get enough of Bolsa Chica in one day (and who could blame you?! Blacks Beach has some of the best surfing in the area and never has loads of tourists or families. Situated on Shelter Island, Kona Kai Resort & Spa boasts a spectacular location, with a lush garden on one side and a white-sand beach and marina on the other side. The Santa Monica Pier is home to an amusement park and an aquarium, so its the perfect place for a day of family fun in the sun. You can chill at the beach or head into town for fresh seafood, wine tasting, and live musical performances. Theres free parking along the Pacific Coast Highway right across the street from the secluded beachsomething you definitely wont find anywhere else in Los Angeles. ORANGE COUNTY Whether you want to explore sea caves, surf, or just lay out in the sun and relax, youll find the perfect beach for you in Southern California. The campground supports both tents and RVs and has over 100 sites available. The city also hosts the annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in April. The swimming area is roped off, as this is also an area for launching SUPs (stand up paddleboards) and kayaks. Level Up Your Travel Skills With Our Newsletter. Zuma Beach is a famous beach on the Pacific Coast in Malibu, California, United States. The 60-foot tower seems to have been carved directly from the sandstone cliffs that surround it. The park is easily accessible between the harbor and Shoreline Park, right across from Santa Barbara City College. Feel the stress melt away as you enjoy its tranquil setting, or get out and explore the nearby shops, markets, cafes, and restaurants. Southern California is famous for its sunny skies and warm weather, and of course, for its miles and miles of coastline. Dating back to 1965, the mid-century modern . Picturesque Sunset Cliffs Beach in San Diego offers a quiet, lesser-known hideaway. This beachs long stretch of sand and clear blue waters make it popular among locals and visitors alike. Hidden below the bluffs in Santa Barbara is More Mesa Beach. Perhaps the most picturesque of the three sites and easily accessible by staircase -- read: no tricky trails involved -- El Matador is nestled against light stone bluffs, and its grottos and jutting boulders make it feel more Oregon than O.C., especially on a foggy Malibu morning. Victoria Beach is one of Lagunas most enchanting places. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Google Maps | Website | Parking: paid parking lots, metered street parking, free street parking inside the town | Best Nearby Hotel: Huntington Surf Inn. If youre new to surfing but want to learn, Bolsa Chica State Beach is the place to go, with calmer swells that are more suited for beginners. Huntington Beach City Beach 9. There are plenty of beaches in Southern California where you can spend the day swimming in paradise. A rocky outcropping on the north end of the beach forms a bit of a cove here, making the area well-suited for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Nestled between Redondo Beach and Malaga Cove, the 40-acre beach has plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the Southern California sunshine. Angela is the staff writer for Only in Your State - Southern California. If youre interested in these ocean activities, there are many rental spots and tours available, so you dont have to bring your own gear if you dont have any. The famous Redondo Pier is nearby, with its shops and restaurants worth exploring. Check out our guide to the best things to do in Santa Monica. A concrete boardwalk fronts the beach, lined with houses and apartments. Upgrade your browser - Unfortunately, this site has updated features that cannot run on this version of Internet Explorer. Around the beach, youll find some of the top attractions in Santa Monica, including the Santa Monica Pier, the Pacific Park, and the Heal The Bay Aquarium. Rita DeBolt/Vrbo For an affordable stay, wonderful privacy, proximity to the beach, and more, this darling cottage is ideal. Linda Lane Beach, San Clemente 8. 4. And if you visit at low tide, you can check out the beachs sea cave and tide pools. 1. Southern California is full of fantastic beaches, and I hope this guide can serve as inspiration for your visit! Aside from the glitz and glam, there's still some old-school charm in a few neighborhoods, like on tiny Balboa Island. The area's famous Muscle Beach, an iconic, open-air weightlifting area, is a private gym, with memberships and day passes ($10 per day, $50 per week) available to the public. It's also quite beautiful and photogenic; there's a lot of mica in the sand, and it reflects the sunlight. It is a perfect place to view wildlife, enjoy water sports, and experience luxury in California. The sand has several entrance points, although the Mission Beach Boardwalk and Mission Beach Park have the most parking. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Esplanade Beach is Pacificas official off-leash dog beach, making it a great option for families with four-legged members. In this blog post, weve compiled a list of the top 16 most beautiful beaches in Southern California. The community of Sunset Beach is nearby, where you can pick up food and browse shops. Google Maps | Website | Parking: paid lots and garages near the beach and in Santa Monica ($7 to $18) | Best Nearby Hotel: Hotel Shangri-La. It doesnt matter where youre from in Southern California; when you tell people from outside of the Golden State that you hail from its sunnier side, they invariably imagine the same scene: a warm, glowing beach, complete with surfers, oiled-up sunbathers, skateboarders, and boardwalk visitors. Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. Adventure seekers will love visiting San Diegos La Jolla Shores Beach. Of all the south-facing beaches, it and the nearby Manhattan Beach combine the best of wide-open beaches, a year-round residential population, an excellent selection of local restaurants and shops, along with a few reasonably priced hotels. Time your visit to La Piedra State Beach just right and you may have one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Southern Californial all to yourself. From entire towns to smaller beaches within them, Southern California is home to many beaches. Surf conditions vary by season and weather, but these beaches are generally excellent for swimming. This beach is a wonderful place for sunbathing, swimming, and catching breathtaking sunsets. This secluded beach is popular for scuba diving and spotting interesting marine life. Kona Kai Resort & Spa, a Noble House Resort (from USD 179) Show all photos. This beloved Malibu beach is somehow blissfully clear of crowds. Newport Beach Municipal Beach 6. The underwater park here covers more than 1,000 acres and is filled with kelp forests. The city's main beach, Huntington City Beach is a 3.5-mile-long stretch of wide, flat beach. Do you think La Jolla Cove is one of the best beaches in California? SAN DIEGO COUNTY The shore is a bit rocky, so consider bringing sandals or booties if youre going to hand out at Doheny. Parking is limited in the area (the beachs only lot accommodates just 20 cars), so go early to snag a spot and youll have the beach practically to yourself all day long. The parking area is off the PCH and is much smaller than the crowds that pull over to visit. Sunset Cliffs Beach in San Diego Also, Zuma Beach consistently ranks among the healthiest beaches for clean water conditions in Los Angeles County. Doheny State Beach is a popular 62 acres of oceanfront in Dana Point, approximately halfway between San Clemente and Laguna Beach. Descanso Beach also has sugar-white sand and pristine waters to snorkel, swim, and paddleboard. After a relaxing day of picnicking and watching cormorants take flight, visitors can check into the nearby historic Requa Inn, overlooking the mouth of the Klamath River in Redwood National and State Parks. Google Maps | Website | Parking: parking lot (hourly: $3 per hour, day use: $15) | Best Nearby Hotel: Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel. Dont worry there are actually only 218 steps that lead down to Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna. Seal Beach is a charming beach town in Orange County, located between Pacific Coast Highway and the Pacific Ocean. The beach is popular for surfing, suntanning, and walking the shoreline. Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in San Clemente, CA. Google Maps | Website | Parking: parking lot, rates vary | Best Nearby Hotel: Surfbreak Hotel. It's located right off the 101 Highway, so it's perfect for people taking a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway. ), you can stay overnight in an RV. A number of beaches in this region are situated in parks right along San Diego Bay. For more, check out our full guide to what to do in Newport Beach. Huntington Dog Beachhome to a dog surfing competition and one of the largest corgi beach parties in the United Statesis great for dog owners and lovers. Read Next: Best Shopping Malls in Southern California. Address. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. What are the best beaches in Southern California for swimming? Pro Tip: Just across Pacific Coast Highway from the beach, youll find a beautiful ecological preserve full of nature trails and wildlife. El Matador State Beach is on the western Malibu coastline, less than three miles east of Leo Carrillo State Park. For a luxurious beach experience that makes you feel like youre on a tropical island, check out Descanso Beach on Catalina Island. Bowling Ball Beach is accessible via a short hike across the bluffs and a moderate scramble down a dirt path. If you cant get enough of the best California beaches, you might also enjoy taking a look at these Southern California beaches, which are the perfect summertime destinations. Kick back and relax at the hotel, or hit the beach for a day of classic Southern California sunshine. It's also filled with birds that are quick to steal any food you might leave behind. East Beach, Santa Barbara East Beach, Santa Barbara. Santa Monica Beach Santa Monica 3. For those willing to pay for privacy, the Monarch Bay Beach Club at Monarch Beach Resort offers guests and members private access to the beach, complete with umbrellas, towels and chair service. Quiet and peaceful, this rarely crowded beach is great for surf fishing, surfing, and soaking up the sun. We send expert travel tips & guides that save you money, stress & FOMO: TravelLemming.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. From the day-use parking area at San Clemente State Beach, it's either a short but steep, or long and winding, route to the beach. Tripadvisor. Planning a trip to the area and wondering what are the best beaches in Southern California? Beach Vacations 17 Best Beaches in Southern California Whether you're seeking ideal surfing or swimming conditions or a secluded spot to sunbathe, there's a SoCal beach for you. While exploring this dramatic region, youll easily find seaside escapes of every shape and size to suit beachgoers of all types. 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA. This beachfront San Diego Airbnb has got it all, including a rooftop deck, Jacuzzi, and dining area above the beautiful Mission Bay. Laguna Beach. If youre looking to sunbathe, there are plenty of opportunities to hike down to the beach as well. Moonlight State Beach. Ben Weston Beach is a popular beach for surfing, but requires a one-mile hike from the road. It features stunning coastal views and a beautiful drive best done in a luxury convertible. The beach here is popular for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and just hanging out. Sorted by Recommended Sort. Along the beach are areas for barbecuing and several restrooms and shower facilities. Note:As communities re-open after COVID-19-related closures, some parks, businesses and attractions may still be closed or have new protocols in place. El Matador State Beach is easy to miss from the road, but keep your eyes peeled as you drive north of Malibu. 1. The Torrey Pines hiking trail follows the coast and overlooks the beach. The coastline is known as "The American Riviera" because of its beauty and glamour.The city itself is packed with tourist . The coastline stretching roughly from Santa Barbara County to San Diego County has hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches. Remote Beaches of Catalina Island This park includes several stunning views of the Laguna coastline. Enjoy your next Southern California getaway with these best beaches in Southern California. If its relaxation youre after, settle down in a lounge chair or cabana and order a drink from Descanso Beach Club. This Southern California beach town is filled with restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops, so youll never run out of options. Youll be happy to know that theres plenty of parking at this SoCal beach so even at its most crowded, you should be able to access the beach. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Beaches define the Southern California lifestyle. Moro Beach is a prime place for bodyboarding, paddle boarding, fishing, and kayaking, while Reef Point is a top-notch spot for scuba diving. So, if you want to scope out the local marine life, this is the perfect place to do so! Southern California's most entertaining beach is Venice Beach, where it's as much fun to people-watch as it is to enjoy the ocean. Or go all out and boat in with weekender supplies, including camping basics, which you can rent from Two Harbor Visitor Services. As a SoCal local and beach enthusiast, Im here to give you some inside information on the best beaches in Southern California, and which to visit depending on what you want to do. Dating back to 1965, the mid-century modern Clubhouse building features sweeping ocean views, an indoor-outdoor bar, a wrap-around deck and an adjacent Beach Lawn with fire pits. Both directions lead to a wide and welcoming beach that easily accommodates hundreds of visitors on the weekends. Zuma Beach: best beach for families Zuma looks like the quintessential Southern California beach with an impossibly long stretch of sand, nearly two miles long, dotted with volleyball nets, beach umbrellas and LA's iconic light blue lifeguard stands. Love SoCal? Black Sands Beach The super Instagrammable Black Sands Beach in Humboldt County puts the S in secluded. Some dazzling natural features youll find while exploring the park include majestic bluffs, dramatic canyons, and developed woodlands. 5 Tips for Redeeming AmEx Membership Rewards Points for Top Value, 11 Travel-Ready Fanny Packs That Are Actually Stylish, This Is the Best Country for Expats to Live and Work Abroad, How to Visit This Charming Colorado Mountain Town and the Distillery That Calls It Home, 7 Delightful Ways to Go Beyond the Shore in Myrtle Beach, Why Washington, D.C. 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