Best beaches California
By Dejan B.. Published on June 3, 2020
With an 840 mile-long coastline and with over 400 public beaches, California definitely has plenty to offer for travelers who are looking for that perfect vacation. There are beaches that are great for surfing, beaches where families can just relax in the sun, and beaches where you can swim all day long. To help you decide which beach suits you best, we have come up with a list of top 10 beaches to visit in Californian this summer.
Santa Monica Beach
Located just a 20-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica Beach is one of the most popular beaches in California. It is a great place for surfing, volleyball, swimming, and just chilling in the sun. Go to the Santa Monica Pier and visit the aquarium or check out the fabulous amusement park. You can also rent a bike and take it on a 22 mile-long journey from Santa Monica Beach to Torrance Country Beach. Don’t forget to watch the sun go down from the pier. Everyone says that the sunsets here are amazing.
Bolinas Beach
Bolinas Beach is a true hidden gem and a perfect beach for everyone who wants to spend a laid-back weekend away from the hustle and bustle of overcrowded beaches in California. This quiet public beach is great for surfing, especially for beginners. If you own a dog, you will be happy to hear that it is allowed to take your pet here without a leash on. The funny thing is that the locals don’t like having signs in the area that point to the beach, but still people manage to find this secluded dream spot.
Coronado Beach
Popular with couples and families with kids, Coronado Beach is well-known its calm ocean waters and the famous Hotel Del Coronado. What I personally like about this beach is that it is well-maintained and has all the necessary facilities like restrooms and showers. There are seasonal lifeguards everywhere and Coronado Beach is also a pet-friendly place. If you get hungry and want to go out to a fancy restaurant for dinner, make sure to visit the nearby Gaslamp Quarter.
East Beach
Perfect for kayaking and surrounded by palm trees, East Beach offers plenty of activities and attractions including volleyball courts, a number of beachfront restaurants, and a bike path. The good news is that on work days East Beach is not that crowded and visitors can find some peace and quiet. There is also plenty of parking available in the area and the sunsets here are simply amazing.
Moonstone Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches of the California Central Coast, Moonstone Beach is surrounded by cliffs and covered by small pebbles. The beach is boarded with a mile- long boardwalk where you can grab a bite or unwind with a drink in one of the many bars. Many people like the Moonstone Beach because it is not overcrowded and everyone can find their small private space and relax in the sun.
Mission Beach
Located between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay, Mission Beach is quite popular and always packed with travelers. It is a great place for surfing, as well as for swimming, biking, and skateboarding. There are also a couple of volleyball courts and a big recreation center which is located on the bay side. Don’t forget to take a walk on the boardwalk or have a picnic on the grassy area.
Carmel City Beach
Famous for its killer sunsets and cypress trees, Carmel City Beach is a pet-friendly beach with bright white sand. Surfers love it because of the vicious riptides, but the only downside is that swimming is not allowed. It’s a great place for a romantic weekend and the locals in the town are super friendly. Take a stroll along the scenic Bluff Path or play volleyball with friends. Please be aware that there are no lifeguards on the beach and conditions on the coastline can change quickly.
Cowell Beach
Cowell Beach is a famous for its beginner waves for surfers and for featuring 15 volleyball courts. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is easily reachable and the famous Dream Inn hotel is minutes away. This scenic beach is so popular that is quite difficult to find free parking spots over the weekends, especially on the pier. You can check the nearby streets for parking and hope for the best. Cowell Beach is an ideal place for people who want just to chill on the beach and for surfers who are just starting to learn how to ride the waves.
Zuma Beach
Located right next to Point Dume in Malibu, Zuma Beach is popular among surfers and there are even a couple of large annual surfing events that take place here. Keep in mind that the rip current can be strong, but there are lifeguards on duty all day long. Go to the northern part of the beach if you are into kitesurfing or play volleyball in the sand. If you get hungry after all of the water activities, there are a couple of great food joints in the area including the Sunset Restaurant and Spruzzo Restaurant & Bar.
Huntington State Beach
Huntington State Beach is located between Beach Boulevard and the Santa Ana River and offers summer activities such as sunbathing, fishing, surfing, and beach volleyball. The beach is two miles long and features fire-rings and a couple of basketball courts. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the year and there is free parking available in the area. There are picnic tables available in case you brought a snack or want to make one. Huntington State Beach is open every day from 6 am to 10 pm.
Khloe Phan on 6/13/2020, said:
Is there any beaches in California that have good rocks, seashells, or sea glass?
Tom on 3/3/2022, said:
I love Santa Cruz. Home of some of the Best surfing in the world and ideal for relaxing away from the hustle and bustle in the larger beach towns in Southern Cali. Friendly locals will help beginning surfers become familiar with the Best protected surfing spots. Hwy 1 is such a beautiful highway.