21 Stunning California Beaches You Have to Visit: The Ultimate Guide to the State’s Best Coastal Gems”

California surely is one of the most beautiful states in the US. There is a reason why Hollywood is there, and that people all over the world want to visit California, or are at least considering moving there.

California is probably the state that I love the most but usually, I travel there just for a weekend escape so that leaves me with not much time to explore. the few hours I have left of the weekend, I am usually relaxing on the beach. so I have tried a few different beaches to relax on in California and wanted to share them with you today.

Laguna Beach

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Laguna Beach is a seaside resort city located in southern Orange County, California, United States. It is known for its mild climate, scenic beaches and coves, and artist community. The population in 2010 was 22,723.

The name Laguna derives from the Spanish word “laguna” which means “lake”. The town of Laguna Beach was officially founded in 1887 by George Shatto, who also brought a large number of like-minded people to the area.

Today, Laguna Beach enjoys a large tourist population throughout the year with many residents also coming to enjoy the mild weather and ocean views. The city has a large bohemian feel that makes it popular with artists and musicians who come to practice their crafts or perform at local venues like the historic Hotel Laguna or at local festivals such as Sawdust Art Festival. Several art galleries within walking distance of each other on South Coast Highway offer free art exhibits on varying days of the week.

You can read Things to do in Laguna Beach for places you and Visit in the area

La Jolla

Source: La Jolla Beach And Tennis Club California

There are many beautiful beaches in California, but some stand out more than others. La Jolla is one of the most picturesque and popular beaches in the state. With its gentle waves, sandy shores, and stunning views, it’s easy to see why La Jolla is a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike. Other great beaches in California include Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Beach, and Coronado Beach. Each has its own unique charms that make them worth visiting again and again.

If you want a relaxing day at the beach, La Jolla can’t be beaten. The water is warm and calm, and there are plenty of places to eat lunch on the sand or in an outdoor cafe.

The best time to visit La Jolla is during the summer months (June through August) when the weather is warmest and driest. However, if you’re looking for a less crowded beach experience, plan your trip during spring break or after Labor Day weekend when many people return to school or work.

To know more about La Jolla, visit Best Beaches in La Jolla to know places for exploring

Malibu Beach

Malibu Beach

The beaches of Malibu are not just popular with celebrities and other rich people. It’s a favorite of the locals too. In fact, some of them even live in the beach area. The main reason why Malibu is so popular is that it’s one of the few beaches that doesn’t have much traffic on it. The beach is also very beautiful with its white sand and crystal clear water.

Malibu Beach has several parks and public access points where you can park your vehicle for free and walk down to the sand. There are also plenty of restaurants nearby where you can eat lunch or dinner before heading back home or staying overnight at one of the local hotels.

Malibu is the kind of place where you can spend a whole day at the beach and not see a single person who isn’t your friend or family. It’s also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in California. The sand here is white and soft, and the water is clear as glass. There are lots of activities to do on the beach: swimming, surfing, body boarding, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Venice Beach

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is a famous beach in southern California. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for something fun to do. There are also many restaurants and shops along the boardwalk that you can visit with friends or family members.

Venice Beach is one of the top attractions for anyone visiting or living in California. Here are few fun things to do:

Go Surfing: The waves at Venice Beach are known to be some of the best in all of LA, but they can be rough, so be careful!

Take a walk on the boardwalk: This is a great place to people watch, grab a bite to eat, or just enjoy the ocean air.

Visit Muscle Beach: This is where people go to work out and get fit! You may even see some celebrities here as well!

Take a ride on The Ferris Wheel at Santa Monica Pier. It’s an iconic part of LA that you simply cannot miss seeing!

Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach is a popular beach in San Diego, California. It’s located in the city of Coronado, which has a population of about 24,000 people.

Coronado means “crown” in Spanish, and this beach does look like a crown from above! The water is beautiful and clear blue with white sand at each end for sunbathing on hot summer days…and there are plenty of places to find shade if you’re not into burning up under direct sunlight (like most Californians).

Along with other tourist attractions like the Hotel del Coronado and historic sites like Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery – it’s easy to see why this spot attracts so many visitors each year!

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Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in California. It sits at the end of a scenic drive through Big Sur, and it’s surrounded by redwood-covered mountains. The beach itself has a gorgeous rocky shoreline with steep cliffs, making it feel like you’re on an island. The water is clear and clean, making it great for snorkeling. This beach is also popular for surfing and swimming.

This beach offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains. The sand is soft and golden, and the water is clear and calm enough for swimming. There are also tide pools to explore and plenty of hiking trails nearby if you want more adventure.

The beach is located at the bottom of Pfeiffer Canyon Drive, which winds through a forested area before reaching the ocean. In the parking lot, you’ll find a restroom and picnic tables. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk. Dogs are allowed off-leash on this beach; however, they must be kept under control at all times and should not chase wildlife or other dogs.

Half Moon Bay

green grass field near body of water during daytime

Half Moon Bay is a small beach town located on the coast of California. It is known for its surf culture and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. The beach itself is one of the most beautiful in all of California, with soft sand and clear water. In addition to the view, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and other attractions nearby that make this an ideal place for families or couples to spend the day together.

The Half Moon Bay State Beach is located just north of downtown Half Moon Bay on Highway 1. This popular destination is a great place to enjoy scenic views and take in the fresh sea air. The beach itself has soft sand and calm waters which are perfect for swimming, fishing, or surfing – even beginners can enjoy this spot! There are also several restaurants nearby if you want to grab a bite after your day at the beach.

The beach itself is very large and has plenty of parking spaces available near it so you can easily park your car when you arrive at the beach. There are lifeguards on duty at all times during peak seasons, so if you have any concerns about safety or swimming conditions, make sure to ask them before getting into the water.

Hermosa Beach

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Hermosa Beach is a beachfront city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The city is located in the South Bay region of the greater Los Angeles area and is one of the three Beach Cities.

Hermosa Beach is bordered by the other two, Manhattan Beach to the north and Redondo Beach to the south and east.

The city’s beach is popular for sunbathing, beach volleyball, surfing, paddleboarding, and bars. The city itself extends only about 15 blocks from east to west and 40 blocks from north to south.

Situated on Santa Monica Bay, Hermosa’s average temperature is 70°F (21°C) in the summer and 48°F (9°C) in winter.

Pismo Beach

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Pismo Beach is a popular destination for surfers and beachgoers alike. The Pacific Coast Highway runs right through the heart of town, giving visitors easy access to dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops. Pismo Beach is also known for its natural beauty. The beach itself stretches for nearly four miles and is home to a variety of wildlife, including seals that can be seen lounging on the rocks near the shoreline.

Monterey

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Monterey is one of California’s most popular tourist destinations and boasts 2 miles of pristine coastline along its downtown waterfront.

Visitors can enjoy views of Monterey Bay from Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, or take a harbor cruise to see marine life such as dolphins or sea lions up close. The city has several beaches open to the public including Lover’s Point Park, Monterey State Historic Park and Del Monte Beach County Park.

Carpinteria

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Carpinteria is a small beach town located between Santa Barbara and Ventura. It has a pier, making it a great place to enjoy the ocean while keeping socially distant.

Carpinteria State Beach lies at the southern end of Santa Barbara County just north of Carpinteria City Hall where Hwy 101 meets Hwy 150 at Carpinteria Ave. This 2-mile long beach offers plenty to do with its many facilities like picnic tables, restrooms, showers & changing rooms; volleyball nets; soccer field;

East Beach

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East Beach is a beautiful beach in Santa Barbara, California. For tourists visiting the city, East Beach is a nice place to go for a walk and enjoy the sand. It’s also a popular spot for volleyball and other sports, so you may want to bring your own equipment if you plan on participating. The views at this beach are stunning and make for stunning photos!

Carmel Beach

Photos of Carmel Beach Boardwalk| Image: Johnny Trekkie

If you’re looking for a beach that is great for walking the dog and is also a prime spot to find some of the best restaurants, bars, live music, and sunset views in California—look no further than Carmel City Beach.

Located in the picturesque city of Carmel-by-the-Sea on Highway 1 (also known as Ocean Avenue), this wide sandy beach offers plenty of space to spread out your blanket or stake out your spot with chairs and umbrellas. If you want to walk into town, there is an easy bike path that connects this beautiful stretch of coastline with downtown Carmel where there are even more restaurants to choose from as well as shops and galleries galore!

The vibe here changes during various times throughout the day depending on what kind of activity floats your boat: if you want quiet time away from all those people packed into Monterey Bay Aquarium (which is just down the street), then head down here early morning before tourists arrive or after 5 pm when locals pack up their cars for home so they can beat the traffic back up Highway 1 heading northbound toward Silicon Valley suburbs such as Los Altos Hills.

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In contrast, if you don’t mind crowds while soaking up rays while listening to live music then try heading over here later afternoon because it gets busy quickly after lunchtime hours kick off around 11 am-12 pm when all those hungry families come clogging up streets trying to find parking spots near food trucks—but boy oh boy do they have delicious tacos!

Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach is a famous beach in San Diego, California. It’s located in the city of Coronado, which has a population of about 24,000 people.

Coronado means “crown” in Spanish, and this beach does look like a crown from above! The water is beautiful and clear blue with white sand at each end for sunbathing on hot summer days…and there are plenty of places to find shade if you’re not into burning up under direct sunlight (like most Californians).

Along with other tourist attractions like the Hotel del Coronado and historic sites like Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery – it’s easy to see why this spot attracts so many visitors each year!

Point Reyes National Seashore

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Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the most popular places in California for a beach vacation. This beautiful park is located near San Francisco and is filled with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The park has a wide variety of beaches and surf spots that are great for swimming, fishing, and surfing.

The park has three main access points: Bear Valley Visitor Center, Drakes Beach, and Chimney Rock. The visitor center will give you a map of the park’s attractions and points of interest. Chimney Rock is named after the nearby rock formation that resembles a chimney when viewed from the ocean side. It’s also home to one of the most famous beaches in Point Reyes National Seashore — Arch Rock Beach. This beach is known for its tide pools filled with sea anemones, crabs, and other marine life.

Visitors can drive or take a bus or ferry to Point Reyes Station where there is a small museum and some interpretive displays. The area close to the visitor center may be reached by road, but some parts of the park are accessible only by trail or boat.

The park is open year-round from sunrise until sunset; however, some areas are only open during certain times of day depending on their location within the park boundaries (for example, Arch Rock Beach).

The best time to visit Point Reyes National Seashore is in the spring or fall when crowds are smaller and the weather is cooler.

Crystal Cove State Park & Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

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Crystal Cove is the oldest state park in California, and it has been a haven for generations of Southern Californians. It’s not just the beach that people come for, but also the park’s unique coastal bluffs and canyons. The Crystal Cove State Park campground is open year-round, but it does get crowded on weekends during the warmer months. It’s best to visit during the week if you want to avoid crowds.

The park has many hiking trails that lead to amazing ocean views, including the Laguna Canyon Trail, which leads to the famous tide pools at Mussel Rock. You can also take a boat tour through nearby Dana Point Harbor to see some of the most beautiful homes along its coast.

Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) or fall (October-December) is best because there are fewer people and less chance of rain or foggy weather (although you will still get some rain).

Nearby Attractions: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park includes three miles of rugged coastline with tide pools, sandy beaches, and coastal bluffs overlooking Dana Point Harbor and Catalina Island. It’s also home to a variety of birds such as terns and gulls that nest on offshore islands during spring migration season.

Oceanside, CA

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This beach town is just north of San Diego and offers gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s also home to some great restaurants and bars, so plan on spending a few days here if you can.

How to Visit

The best way to get to Oceanside is by car. The city is located about 90 miles from Los Angeles and San Diego and can be reached in a little over an hour. If you’re traveling from San Diego, take Interstate 5 southbound and then head west on State Route 78. From Los Angeles, take Interstate 5 northbound and then head west on State Route 78.

Visitors can easily get to Oceanside by car or bus from San Diego or Los Angeles. Parking can be difficult at times, especially during summer weekends when many visitors come to enjoy the beachfront bars and restaurants.

Best Time to Visit

Oceanside is a year-round destination for beachgoers, but the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warmest and most people are on vacation. Winter months can be chilly, but it’s still a great place to watch whales migrating along the coast during the winter months.

Cambria

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Cambria is a small town in California, and it’s located about an hour and a half north of Los Angeles. It’s also home to one of the best beaches in California — Moonstone Beach.

The beach town of Cambria is a must-visit if you’re planning a road trip or vacation in California. This quaint little town is located just east of San Luis Obispo and north of Morro Bay. Its beautiful beaches are popular destinations for travelers looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy the sun.

Cambria’s beaches are known for their soft sand and calm waves. There are several different beaches within walking distance of each other, so it’s easy to find the perfect spot for you! If you’re looking for great places to visit while traveling in California, consider checking out these top five Cambria beaches:

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If you want to visit Cambria and Moonstone Beach, make sure you go during spring or fall when the weather is still warm but not too hot. Also, make sure you plan ahead because there isn’t much in the way of public transportation that goes directly to Cambria — you’ll need a car if you want to get here from L.A., San Francisco, or any other city where public transportation exists.

Manhattan Beach

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Manhattan Beach is a beachfront city in southwestern Los Angeles County, California, United States. Manhattan Beach is one of the three Beach Cities that make up the South Bay, the others being Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. It is also part of the homonymously named Beach Cities Metropolitan Area.

Manhattan Beach is known for its mild climate, low crime rate, and excellent schools. It enjoys a relaxed atmosphere with more than 20 miles of sandy beaches and over 200 restaurants in a variety of cuisines. The Manhattan Beach Unified School District boasts some of the highest test scores in California. Local schools include Miraleste Intermediate School and Miraleste High School.

Ventura

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Ventura Beach is the perfect beach for the whole family. It’s right off the 101, so it’s easy to get to and easy to get home from. There are plenty of places to eat, shop, and have fun. If you’re looking for a beach that has it all, then Ventura Beach is where you should be.

Ventura Beach Things To Do

There are a lot of things to do at Ventura Beach. It’s actually hard to choose just one thing because there’s so much more than just sand and water! Here are a few things that we recommend:

Visit the pier – Ventura Pier is one of the most popular attractions in town. You can walk out onto it and enjoy the view of the ocean or take a stroll along with it if you’d like. There are also shops and restaurants along with this landmark that make it even more interesting!

Shop until you drop – There are many great shopping centers in Ventura that offer everything from clothes and accessories to home goods and electronics! The ultimate shopping experience is at The Outlets at Oxnard where you’ll find everything from high-end stores like Louis Vuitton, Prada & Burberry alongside other top brands such as Nike & Under Armour. If you’re looking for something smaller with

Santa Cruz

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Santa Cruz is a coastal city in California, United States, situated on the north edge of Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz lies north of San Jose and south of San Francisco on the Pacific coast. While it is often overshadowed by its neighbors, Santa Cruz is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been a mainstay since 1907 when it was built by local businessmen to promote tourism. Today, the boardwalk still stands as one of the most popular places to visit in Santa Cruz. It features rides like the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and a number of carnival games as well as places to eat and drink. The beach itself is a beautiful stretch of sand that goes on for miles. The water can get rough at times due to strong waves, but it usually isn’t too bad unless there is stormy weather approaching.

Santa Cruz has plenty of other activities besides visiting the beach or going on rides at the boardwalk. You can take part in kite flying on Cowell Beach or rent kayaks from Natural Bridges State Park to explore the nearby waters. There are also many hiking trails near town that provide excellent views of both land and sea creatures like whales and dolphins

Redondo Beach

Photo Credit: Albywon

Redondo Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations in Southern California, thanks to its mild climate and wide sandy beaches. Visitors come to Redondo Beach to enjoy swimming, surfing, and other water sports on a beautiful sandy beach.

Redondo Beach is located in Los Angeles County along the Pacific coast. The city has an interesting history that dates back over 100 years. If you’re planning a trip to Redondo Beach, here are some things to do and places to visit:

Things To Do

The best way to spend your time in Redondo Beach is on the beach itself. There are several points at which you can enter the water from land, but it’s best if you go early in the morning when there are fewer crowds. If you want to get away from the crowds altogether, go surfing or kayaking; both activities take place off of shorelines that are farther away from people who want to sunbathe on the sand rather than swim or surf in the ocean.

Places To Visit

The Redondo Beach pier is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike who want to watch fishermen as well as enjoy some fresh seafood right off their boats after catching it themselves.

Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a magical place. It’s home to pristine beaches, wildflowers, and some of the best hiking in Southern California.

Catalina Island is a two hour ferry ride from Long Beach, and it’s 22 miles off the coast of California. Catalina Island has some great places to go camping, hiking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. It’s a touristy place but still beautiful.

The best time to visit Catalina Island is during the summer months when temperatures are warm and sunny days are plentiful. Summer months also offer the most activities on Catalina Island as well as more transportation options for getting around.

If you plan to visit during the winter months (November-April), be sure to pack your jacket or sweater and remember that there is no overnight lodging available on Catalina Island during this time period unless you choose to stay at one of the hotels in Los Angeles or San Pedro before or after your trip to Catalina Island.