Best Beaches in California

Pacific Coast Highway Travel's list of the best beaches in California with beaches in Santa Monica, Big Sur, Malibu, Carmel, Cambria, La Jolla and Coronado.

A California beach with dramatic clouds at sunset

Picking the best beaches in California is a difficult choice, as what appeals to one person may not appeal to someone else. Some people like quiet beaches, others like beaches where there's lots to do, which inevitably means lots of people.

Families may like beaches which shelve gently, while keen swimmers may want the opposite. Some people want great surf while others couldn't care less.

Our Pick of the California Guides

Some people want a beach where you can walk and get something to eat (like Santa Monica and Huntington Beach), while others might prefer a great place for a picnic, like Pfeiffer Beach.

Nevertheless, here's our attempt to pick what we'd better call some of the best beaches in California! And they're listed purely in the order we thought of them.

Best Beaches in California

Santa Monica Beach

Located in Santa Monica, this great beach is known for its wide sandy shore, bustling boardwalk, and oceanfront amusements. It's right by Santa Monica Pier.

We've a soft spot for it as it was the first beach we visited when we made our first ever trip to California, to see Los Angeles and Disneyland.

Main Beach

Laguna Beach

Situated in Laguna Beach, this scenic beach is noted for its cliffs, coves, and tide pools, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and exploring. You can't really go wrong in Laguna Beach, though, as it has nine beaches altogether, spread over several miles of coastline.

Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach with the Hotel del Coronado in the Background

Located on Coronado Island in San Diego, this expansive beach features wide, flat sand, sparkling blue waters, and stunning views of the Hotel del Coronado. The beach is roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 kms) long and features soft, fine-grained sand, gentle waves, and clear water. What more do you want?

There are also lifeguards on duty during peak season, restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. There's also some surfing here, and beach volleyball, and it's a popular spot for jogging, and has bike paths nearby.

Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach
Photo by KEHN HERMANO: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-seashore-during-golden-hour-3816807/

This secluded beach, located in Big Sur, is known for its purple sand, towering rock formations, and breathtaking sunsets. The purple hue comes from the presence of manganese garnet particles that have been washed down from the nearby hillsides.

The beach is also famous for its natural rock formations, including a large archway that sits just offshore. These formations provide plenty of photo opportunities and make for a beautiful backdrop.

The waves at Pfeiffer Beach can get quite big, making it a popular spot for surfing. However, the beach isn't always safe for swimming due to the strong currents and undertows.

Watch for the turning on the west of Highway 1, a mile south of Big Sur Lodge, marked 'Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park'. Access to the beach is along a narrow, winding road, and parking is limited. There's also a small entry fee (cash only).

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove Beach

Situated in lovely La Jolla, this picturesque beach features crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and abundant marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The cliffs and rocky formations create a natural barrier and make the water calmer than other nearby beaches. The rocky formations also provide an excellent habitat for a range of marine animals, such as seals, sea lions, and various species of fish.

Huntington Beach

The Huntington Beach that gives the town its name (or is it the other way round?) is known for its consistent waves, wide stretch of sand, and lively atmosphere. The consistent waves mean that you'll see lots of surfing here, which is why the town is nicknamed 'Surf City USA'.

Other popular activities here include beach volleyball, and beachcombing. The beach is also home to a famous pier, which offers panoramic views of the coastline and is a popular spot for fishing and a great place to eat.

Baker Beach

Baker Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge

Located in the Presidio of San Francisco, this rugged beach offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, hiking trails, and a clothing-optional area at the northern end.

While Baker Beach is a beautiful spot for a day at the beach, you should be aware of the strong currents and cold water here. Swimming is allowed, but it's not recommended due to the hazardous conditions.

There are restrooms here, and outdoor showers, but no lifeguards or food concessions. Visitors should bring their own food, water, and sunscreen.

Zuma Beach

Malibu Beach at Sunset

Situated in Malibu, this wide, sandy beach is popular for its surf breaks, scenic views, and iconic rock formations. The sand is ideal for sunbathing and building sandcastles. You'll also see beach volleyball being played here. There's also a year-round dedicated lifeguard team.

The beach has restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and food concessions. There are also several parking lots, although they can get crowded during peak season and especially at weekends. It's also one of the few beaches in the Los Angeles area that is dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed on the beach, but they must be leashed and under control at all times.

Carmel Beach

A Sunset at Carmel Beach

Located in the quaint town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, this beach features white sand, clear water, and picturesque views of Pebble Beach and Point Lobos. It's a dog-friendly, and dogs are allowed to run off-leash.

It's also a great place to watch sunsets, as we know from personal experience. There are restrooms and outdoor showers, but no lifeguards. As currents can be strong and the water cold, exercise caution about swimming.

Moonstone Beach

The Boardwalk at Moonstone Beach in Cambria

This scenic beach, located near the town of Cambria, is known for its unique moonstone pebbles, tide pools, and scenic boardwalk. The shiny pebbles wash up on the shore and are believed to have healing properties. We loved staying at the Pelican Inn and Suites and being able to get up and go for a stroll along the boardwalk in the morning.

It's popular for surfing and fishing, though you do need a fishing permit. It's also a good place to watch for whales, especially gray whales in winter.

There are also plenty of shops and eating options lining the road that's the other side of the boardwalk. Even if you're not staying here, stop off and take a break as it's only just off the Pacific Coast Highway.

Best Beach in California

Actually, we've missed the very best beach in California. That's because you have to be an elephant seal to use it - the wonderful Piedras Blancas Beach!

Elephant Seals at Piedras Blancas Beach

Some Great Big Sur Souvenirs

Big Sur Retro T-shirt

IPhone 13 Case

Bixby Bridge Laptop Sleeve

Girl's T-shirt

Other California coast pages

Bixby Bridge
Drive the Pacific Coast Highway and you have to cross Bixby Bridge in California, ten miles north of Big Sur and 30 minutes south of Monterey.
Encinitas
Encinitas is a beach city in Southern California, famous for surfing, and regularly chosen as one of the best places to live in both California and the USA.
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is just off the Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica near Los Angeles, with an amusement park, an aquarium and many other attractions.
Lighthouse Inn at Point Cabrillo
The Lighthouse Inn at Point Cabrillo is a romantic, historic guesthouse on the Mendocino California coast, on the Pacific Coast Highway.
Point Lobos State Reserve near Carmel and Monterey, with photos
A walk around the Point Lobos State Reserve near Monterey and Carmel provides lots of photo opportunities, especially of the Harbor Seal Birthing Area.
Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica in California is famous for its pier, and beaches, and is one of the best west coast vacation spots, with hotels, restaurants, surfing, museums.
Dana Point
Dana Point in California is the official start or end of the Pacific Coast Highway, and its attractions include whale watching, and Doheny State Beach.
Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is a small California coastal town on the borders of Marin County and Sonoma County, and the filming location for Alfred Hitchcock's the Birds.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay is a delightful small town on the California coast roughly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles and noted for the huge Morro Rock.
Top Wildlife Spots on the California Coast
Pacific Coast Highway Travel recommends some of the top wildlife spots along the California coast.
Oceanside
Oceanside is a typical southern California beach town with a surf culture and with the Pacific Coast Highway running right through it.
Mendocino
Mendocino in Mendocino County is a small but pretty California coastal town, popular with artists and with travelers. It has featured in many songs and movies.
Stanford Inn by the Sea Mendocino
The Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino on the California coast is an eco-resort with yoga classes and the award-winning Ravens Restaurant.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz on the Pacific Coast Highway in California has its famous boardwalk, beaches, wine tastings, Surfing Museum, Mission, and Marine Discovery Center.
San Clemente California
San Clemente in California is a small city on the Pacific Coast Highway midway between San Diego and Los Angeles, noted for its beaches and surfing.
La Jolla, in southern California
La Jolla in southern California is north of San Diego off the Pacific Coast Highway and has museums, restaurants, hotels, beaches, and the Birch Aquarium.
California Coast Guide
One of the best California coast guides is the California Coastal Access Guide, describing the coast’s beaches, National Parks, State Parks, with many maps.
Coastal California Guidebook
Lonely Planet's Coastal California guidebook is the ideal travel guide for driving or cycling the Pacific Coast Highway from the Oregon border to Mexico.
Monterey, on the Pacific Coast Highway in California
Monterey in California is off the Pacific Coast Highway and home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Monterey State Historic Park.
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo in California is half-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, on the Pacific Coast Highway and with lots of things to do and see.
Crescent City
Crescent City is on the Pacific Coast Highway in northern California and noted for its crescent-shaped beach, Ocean World sea park, and nearby redwoods and state parks.
Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove is a small city on the California coast, next to Monterey and close to Carmel, with attractions including its historic Victorian houses.
Best Time to Visit Mendocino
PCH Travel picks the best time to visit Mendocino, with a monthly summary of the weather, plus hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.
Pelican Inn and Suites in Cambria on the Central Coast of California
The Pelican Inn and Suites in Cambria on California's Central Coast has oceanfront views, swimming pool, gardens, and is right on the beach near Hearst Castle.
Vagabond's House Inn
Historic and romantic Vagabond's House Inn Bed and Breakfast in Carmel is a great place to stay with free wine and cheese and generous breakfast.