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Top Ten Beaches in California

Santa Monica
Santa Monica

In the middle of the beach, extending from Colorado Blvd and the center of Santa Monica is the Santa Monica Pier. Featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and restaurants, the pier is a landmark for the beach and the city.

Malibu
Malibu

La Costa Beach in Malibu is a public beach as all California beaches are public below the mean high... See Beach Details . La Piedra State Beach. La Piedra Beach is the middle of three beaches in Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, a... See Beach Details . Las Flores Beach. Las Flores Beach is a narrow sandy beach below homes in east Malibu, CA.

Los Angeles
Los Angeles

Point Dume State Beach is operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors and is one of the few California State Parks that does not accept the Annual Day Use Pass. Their parking fee varies by season.

source: tripsavvy.com
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach

Map of Best Beaches in Laguna Beach. This is the companion map to our article on the Best Beaches in Laguna Beach, California. Above you can see a map of all these top beaches. Below is a full […] See map . Hotels. Surf & Sand Resort. The Surf and Sand Resort was built so that just about everyone gets an ocean view from their room.

San Diego
San Diego

Grab your beach towels, slather on the sunscreen, and get out to explore some of the best beaches and bays in the world in California's Beach City, San Diego!

source: sandiego.org
image: snipview.com
Coronado
Coronado

The long sandy beaches here are special and literally sparkle, thanks to the mineral mica in its golden sand, which is one of the reasons Coronado is consistently voted one of America’s finest beaches by The Travel Channel, Dr. Beach, and many others.

source: sandiego.org
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel Beach. At the foot of Ocean Avenue, Carmel Beach is one of the most iconic spots on California's Central Coast and is rated "One of America's Top Beach Towns.". From morning to night Carmel Beach attracts visitors and locals alike to take in the majestic scenery and fun activities.

image: pixels.com
Big Sur
Big Sur

While Big Sur's beaches hardly resemble the vast stretches of sun-baked sand that dot Southern California's easily-accessible coastline, they offer the visitor a wide variety of recreational possibilities. Even during the summer, Big Sur's beaches are subject to generally cool weather.

Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz

With more than 30 beaches, Santa Cruz has plenty to offer tourists.

Fort Bragg, California
Fort Bragg, California

About Fort Bragg Once a pre Civil War military site, Fort Bragg is now better known for its scenery. There are six beaches making up nearby MacKerricher State Park, including perhaps the most popular, Glass Beach. This famous location is a big draw for tourists, known mostly for its sea glass.

Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara

See Beach Details . West Beach of Santa Barbara. West Beach in Santa Barbara is a wide beach located west of and adjacent to Stearns Wharf Pier at... See Beach Details . Articles. Relax At These Secluded Hotels On The California Coast. Part of the fun of a California beach vacation is definitely the relaxation.

Monterey
Monterey

Monterey County has 99 miles of spectacular coastline with beaches suitable for surfing, fishing and swimming. Find the perfect beach in Monterey, CA.

Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach

So popular with surfers its nicknamed “Surf City USA” the community of Huntington Beach offers up impressively consistent surfing all year long.

San Francisco
San Francisco

They may not be the sandy, sun-drenched variety Southern California is known for, but San Francisco has no shortage of beaches. If you’re looking for a beautiful outdoor excursion, San Francisco’s beaches offer breathtaking views as well as plenty of hiking, kite-flying, surfing, relaxing and more.

source: sftravel.com
Newport Beach
Newport Beach

With eight miles of beachfront and the sophistication of a picturesque Southern California community, Newport Beach has plenty to offer tourists and locals alike.

Carlsbad
Carlsbad

Carlsbad hosts seven miles of spectacular Pacific Ocean coastline, with beaches perfect for surfing, fishing, and more. Explore the best Carlsbad beaches now! Carlsbad hosts seven miles of spectacular Pacific Ocean coastline, with beaches perfect for surfing, fishing, and more.

Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay

Poplar Beach is a city-run beach in Half Moon Bay, CA. Poplar is a popular beach with families, dog... See Beach Details . Redondo Beach on Half Moon Bay. Redondo Beach is just south of downtown Half Moon Bay and just north of the Half Moon Bay Golf... See Beach Details . Roosevelt Beach – Half Moon Bay State Beach. Roosevelt Beach, a.k.a. Naples Beach is the northernmost beach in Half Moon Bay State Beach.

San Clemente
San Clemente

Famed for its Spanish Colonial architecture, San Clemente attracts vacationers with its dramatic views and powerful winds.

Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach

About Hermosa Beach Close to one of California’s largest cities, but far from boasting a big city atmosphere, the City of Hermosa Beach provides an undemanding and mellow vibe. Home to Hermosa City Beach, this surfing community includes the Surfer’s Walk of Fame.

Dana Point
Dana Point

California has quite a few private beaches. All of them are immediately in front of private property, many of which are gated communities. Monarch Bay Beach in Dana Point is […] See map . Beach Camping in California. We have every California beach campground covered on our site.

Long Beach
Long Beach

With a diverse locale, Long Beach provides close proximity to big city attractions, as well as Southern California adventures.

Ventura
Ventura

Ventura Pier Beach. The sandy beach at Ventura Pier is the main central beach of Ventura. The San Buenaventura City... See Beach Details . Articles. 10 Strange Things Found on California Beaches. Over years of traveling the California Coast to visit beaches, we have discovered so many amazing places and also some strange things.

Oceanside
Oceanside

Best Beaches Oceanside is proud of its 3.5 miles of clean, soft, white sandy beaches allowing one to enjoy a variety of fun activities. Surf, swim or bodyboard in the rolling waves.

Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach is one of the three Beach Cities in Los Angeles County, California, United States, located in the South Bay region of the Greater Los Angeles area. The population was 66,748 at the 2010 census, up from 63,261 at the 2000 census.

Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach

Surfing and beach volleyball are top draws for one of the most exquisite communities in all of Los Angeles County.

Santa Catalina Island
Santa Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island is just a short ferry ride away from ports in Long Beach, Dana Point, and the San Pedro District of Los Angeles. There are only two cities on the island, Avalon and Two Harbors. Most tourists opt for Avalon as it has more services and lodging options.

Morro Bay
Morro Bay

The boutique-style 456 Embarcadero Inn & Suites sits along California’s Central Coast, a family-owned and pet friendly destination in Morro Bay. Overlooking the Morro Bay Estuary, hotel guests are just […] See hotel . Inn At Morro Bay. Inn at Morro Bay is located at the base of a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Morro Rock.

Del Mar
Del Mar

Directions to Del Mar Beaches. From freeway 5 exit Del Mar Heights Road or Via De La Valle and head west. Del Mar Heights leads to the south end of Del Mar at Pacific Coast Hwy and 4th Street; Via De La Valle meets Pacific Coast Hwy on the extreme north end of Del Mar at the Rivermouth.

source: sandiego.org
South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe

Best Beaches in South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 - El Dorado Beach, Kiva Beach, Lakeside Beach, Secret Cove, Zephyr Cove - North Beach, Calawee Cove, Thomas F Regan Memorial City Beach, Fallen Leaf Lake, Baldwin Beach, Hidden Beach

source: yelp.com
image: expedia.com
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore

From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges, Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 species of plants and animals to discover.

source: nps.gov
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach Pier. The icon of Pismo Beach (once know for clams), is the wooden pier that is visible from many of the cliff-side hotels and resorts where guests can climb down sets […] See attraction . About Pismo Beach With clean beaches and plenty of caves and coves to explore, Pismo Beach offers a thrilling opportunity for outdoor adventurists.

Encinitas
Encinitas

Known widely for its incredible floral industry, including poinsettias, the beachfront City of Encinitas provides a vintage feel where surfing is the dominant sport.

Capitola
Capitola

Capitola City Beach is a sandy beach at the north end of Monterey Bay in Capitola, CA. It's a popular urban beach that can be jam packed on sunny days and

Cayucos
Cayucos

About Cayucos Enjoy miles of sandy beaches, with resort-style amenities close-at-hand, in the lovely coastal community of Cayucos. This charming Central California city offers classic features like Cayucos Pier, located in the center of Cayucos State Beach.

Cambria
Cambria

Situated between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the small village of Cambria offers lovely beaches, as well as primitive and untouched views.

Carpinteria
Carpinteria

Carpinteria / k ɑːr p ɪ n t ə ˈ r iː ə / is a small oceanside city located in southeastern Santa Barbara County, California, east of Santa Barbara and northwest of Ventura. The population was 13,040 at the 2010 census.

Avila Beach
Avila Beach

Avila Beach Pier is a popular spot for tourists, while Harford Pier primarily serves commercial fisherman. Both piers and the beach have views out into the beautiful protected bay known as Port San Luis.

San Simeon
San Simeon

Hearst San Simeon State Park Beaches Hearst San Simeon State Park contains most of the waterfront property along a 20-mile segment of Highway 1 north of the city of Cambria on California’s Central Coast.

Oxnard
Oxnard

One of the wealthiest and safest communities in the nation, Oxnard is known for its quiet beaches, family-friendly festivals and extraordinary weather.

Pacifica
Pacifica

Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar) Pacifica State Beach is located in a wide cove in the southern part of Pacifica, CA. The city of... See Beach Details. Point San Pedro Beach Point San Pedro Beach is a remote rocky beach in Pacifica near San Francisco.

Mendocino
Mendocino

Private Beaches in California ANYONE Can Go To. California has quite a few private beaches. All of them are immediately in front of private property, many of which are gated communities. Monarch Bay Beach in Dana Point is […] See map . Beach Camping in California. We have every California beach campground covered on our site.

Davenport
Davenport

Davenport Beach is cold, but the sand is soft while the high winds of Waddell State Beach mark the perfect conditions for windsurfing and hang-gliding. The anticipated Coast Dairies State Park includes a number of additional beaches in and around the Davenport area.

Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey

See Beach Details . Mother’s Beach. Marina Beach in Marina Del Rey is usually referred to as Mother's Beach by locals because it has a... See Beach Details . Articles. The 10 Must See Beaches For Your Next Trip To LA. Expedia.com asked us to share a list of the “must see” beaches in the Los Angeles area.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

About Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park there is no beach or ocean access in this park The turn-off for popular Pfeiffer Beach is located on Highway 1, approximately one mile south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park's entrance. Heading south from the State Park entrance, it is the second right turn. Pfeiffer Beach is not a California State Park and charges a separate entrance fee.

source: parks.ca.gov
Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Cardiff-by-the-Sea, usually referred to as Cardiff, is a beach community located in Encinitas, bordering Solana Beach to the south in San Diego County, California. The Pacific Ocean is to the west of Cardiff, Encinitas on its east and north, and a beach and lagoon on its south.

image: bcre.com
Pescadero
Pescadero

Abundant wildlife and serene wilderness dot the landscape of Pescadero.

San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo

How to get there: From Highway 101 South, take the San Luis Bay exit. Turn right on Avila Beach Drive and follow the road into Avila Beach. What you’ll see: Avila Beach is a quirky California beach town with a family-friendly setting, a scenic pier and a cute boardwalk brimming with small shops and eateries. The beach faces south, guaranteeing sunny weather and comparatively warm, welcoming water most of the year.

Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay

Shorttail Gulch Beach is a hidden beach in the housing community Bodega Harbor in the town of... See Beach Details . South Salmon Creek Beach. South Salmon Creek Beach is between Bodega Dunes and Salmon Creek just north of the town of Bodega... See Beach Details . Westside Park. Westside Park is on the west side of Bodega Harbor in Bodega Bay, CA.

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