Best Beaches in California – Are you looking for the best Beaches in California You’ll Be Delighted to See them? Look no further than the beaches of California. From surfing to swimming and sandcastle building, you can find it all on the California coast.
California’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. With miles of sparkling coastline stretching from San Diego to San Francisco, there’s something for everyone along the way. Whether you’re a sunbather or a thrill-seeker, you’ll be able to find something that tickles your fancy all along California’s coastline.
There’s nothing quite like spending time at the beach on a sunny day so why not make sure your next trip is extra special? Here’s our list of the best beaches in California that you’ll be delighted to see.
Capitola Beach
Capitola Beach is a stunning destination located in the picturesque Capitola Village. With postcard views of colorful houses, waterfront restaurants, and a creek, it’s no wonder why this beach is so popular. Amenities include restrooms, showers, benches, volleyball courts, and a fishing pier. During the summer months, there are free movies on Friday nights and free concerts on Wednesday nights near the beach.
Capitola Village itself has a Mediterranean atmosphere with brightly painted houses and a pretty wharf. Food and drink options range from local pubs to the Shadowbrook Restaurant which overlooks Soquel Creek. It’s just a short drive from Santa Cruz, California making it an ideal spot for locals or visitors looking for some sun and fun! Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the village, Capitola Beach is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Santa Cruz Main Beach
Santa Cruz Main Beach is a great place to spend the day. Located conveniently next to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Wharf, this beach offers plenty of amenities such as restrooms, lifeguards, 16 volleyball courts, nearby amusement park rides, and surf lessons. The long sandy stretches are perfect for swimming and there is even a free concert series in the summer. Best of all, Santa Cruz Main Beach is a free city beach to visit. Parking in the area can be expensive though so it’s best to plan ahead if you’re driving.
Santa Cruz Main Beach was also featured in Jordan Peele’s movie US which makes it an even more popular destination. If you’re looking for other beaches to explore in the area then check out New Brighton State Beach, Santa Maria Beach, Bonny Doon Beach, Rio Del Mar Beach, Davenport Beach, Four Mile Beach (At Wilder Ranch State Park), and Seven Mile Beach. For more California travel inspiration get your FREE California
Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach is a stunning destination located in Santa Cruz, California. It features a natural bridge sea arch near the shore and is popular for birdwatching and spotting migrating whales, seals, and otters. During low tide, visitors can explore the tide pools at the far end of the beach to find colorful sea life such as sea stars, sea anemones, crabs, etc. Nearby is the Monarch Butterfly Grove where up to 8,000 butterflies can be seen from mid-October to mid-February. West Cliff Drive also offers hidden coves and rocky cliffs for watching sunsets.
The beach offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Get your free California Travel Planner to help plan your visit, including printable checklists and a two-week itinerary. Santa Monica Beach offers a great beach, pier, and Balboa Fun Zone for kids to enjoy while Belmont Park is home to the Giant Dipper, a classic carousel, and modern thrill rides.
Sunny Cove
Sunny Cove is a local beach located in the Pleasure Point area of Santa Cruz. It offers free street parking during the week and requires permits on weekends, making it ideal for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of more popular beaches. Amenities are limited but there is a Starbucks nearby and it is dog-friendly on a leash. The beach offers plenty of sand to lay out on and areas along the cliffs for picnics or sunset watching. Visiting during the week will give you a more local feel and make parking easier.
The Pleasure Point area is one of the most beautiful parts of Santa Cruz, with stunning views of the ocean from atop its cliffs. However, California’s beaches are often blanketed in fog and low clouds, a phenomenon known as “June Gloom”. This fog can persist into July and August, earning the nicknames “No Sky July” and “Fogust”. The sun may not appear until mid-to
Pleasure Point Beach
Pleasure Point Beach is a great spot to explore the rocky bluffs and watch surfers at The Hook. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering amenities such as restrooms, showers, and benches and it’s even dog-friendly on a leash. Nearby amenities include coffee shops, restaurants, and Verve Coffee Roasters.
Santa Monica Beach offers another great beach experience with its pier and nearby Balboa Fun Zone. Belmont Park is home to the Giant Dipper, carousel, and modern thrill rides while Mission Beach in San Diego features Main Beach and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want to relax on the sand, Pleasure Point Beach has something for everyone.
Twin Lakes State Beach
Twin Lakes State Beach is a great spot for beachgoers looking to relax and take in the stunning views of Santa Cruz. Located on East Cliff Drive, visitors can enjoy free street parking, restrooms, showers, benches, lifeguards during the summer, fire pits, volleyball courts, and a nearby coffee shop and restaurants. Rent standup paddleboards from the SUP Shack Santa Cruz and watch the sunset after West Cliff Drive. Taqueria Michoacan offers burritos for purchase nearby, but beware of seagulls!
Natural Bridges State Beach is another great spot for beachgoers to explore. It features a natural bridge sea arch near the shore and is popular for birdwatching and spotting migrating whales, seals, and otters. During low tide, explore the tide pools at the far end of the beach to find colorful sea life such as sea stars, sea anemones, crabs, and more. Nearby is also the Monarch Butterfly Grove where up to 8,000 butterflies can
Seabright Beach
Seabright Beach is a popular beach in Santa Cruz located near Santa Cruz Harbor. It offers a mix of local vibes and attractions with the Walton Lighthouse and harbors nearby, plenty of room to lay out, and great swimming and bonfire spots. Amenities include restrooms, showers, lifeguards during the summer, fire pits, and nearby restaurants like Aldo’s Seabright Brewery, Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe, and Betty Burgers. Kids will love to climb on the iconic grey whale statue that sits at the beach. Free street parking makes it an ideal spot for a day out.
Seacliff State Beach is located on the eastern side of Santa Cruz County in Aptos and features a sinking cement ship at the end of its pier. The beach is huge and never gets too crowded, making it ideal for swimming or long walks/runs. Amenities include picnic tables, a visitor center with exhibits, restrooms, showers, a fishing pier, lifeguards in
Panther Beach & Shark Fin Cove
Panther Beach and Shark Fin Cove are two secluded beaches located along Highway 1 north of Santa Cruz. Both beaches feature unique rock formations, making them a popular destination for sightseers. However, swimming is not recommended due to strong rip currents. At Panther Beach, Hole-in-the-Wall Beach can be accessed during low tide, while Shark Fin Cove offers a beautiful path for a short hike.
These beaches are clothing-optional, so visitors may encounter people in their birthday suits on a nice day. Trails down to both beaches require some scrambling, but the effort is worth it as they offer stunning views of the coastline and tide pools full of intertidal invertebrates such as mussels, barnacles, sea urchins, anemones, crabs, and starfish. During King Tides twice a month during the winter season, extreme low tides expose rarely seen tide pools that can reveal elusive creatures such as nudibranchs and octopuses.
Seacliff State Beach
Seacliff State Beach is a great spot for beachgoers looking for a unique experience. Located in Santa Cruz, the beach features a sunken cement ship at the end of its pier, making it an interesting sight to behold. Amenities include picnic tables, a visitor center with exhibits, restrooms, showers, a fishing pier, and lifeguards in the summer. The beach stretches 12 miles long and is great for swimming and long walks or runs on the beach. Nearby restaurants like Ambrosia (Mexican/seafood) and Palapas make it easy to grab a bite after a day of fun in the sun.
Seabright Beach is another popular spot in Santa Cruz that offers stunning views of sailboats heading out into Monterey Bay. From late Spring to October, sailboat races take place here as well. The Walton Lighthouse and harbor are nearby attractions that can be explored before heading back to the beach for some sunbathing or bonfires. Kids will love
Best California Beaches for Easy Walking
Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles is a great spot for an easy walk. The long, paved walking path offers stunning views of Santa Monica Bay and is perfect for a romantic evening stroll. There are plenty of surfers to watch, crashing waves to listen to, and golden-colored cliffs to admire. It’s also wheelchair and ECV-accessible, making it an ideal spot for those with mobility issues.
Mission Beach in San Diego is another great beach for easy walking. This beach offers a clifftop boardwalk that is wheelchair and ECV-accessible, as well as tide pools, surfers, crashing waves, and golden-colored cliffs. It’s the perfect spot for hand-in-hand walks or just taking in the scenery. Other beaches that offer easy walks include Moonstone Beach in Cambria, El Matador Beach in Malibu, Main Beach in Orange County, Butterfly Beach in Santa Barbara, and Seascape in Santa Cruz. Manchester Beach in Medoc
Best California Beaches for a Romantic Stroll
El Matador Beach in Malibu is a great spot for romantic sunset strolls. With its dramatic rock formations and secluded coves, it’s the perfect place to take a romantic walk with your special someone. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, providing an intimate atmosphere for couples to enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. The sunsets here are breathtaking, making it an ideal spot for a romantic evening stroll.
Main Beach in Orange County offers beautiful views of La Jolla and is perfect for hand-in-hand walks. This beach is known for its stunning sunsets and picturesque views of the ocean. It’s also home to some of California’s most popular surfing spots, so you can watch surfers riding the waves while you take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. Main Beach also has plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, so you can grab dinner or drinks after your romantic walk together.
California Beaches With Nearby Amusements
California is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and many of them offer plenty of nearby amusements for visitors to enjoy. Santa Monica Beach is a great example, with its pier and Balboa Fun Zone providing plenty of entertainment for kids. Belmont Park is another popular spot, featuring the Giant Dipper roller coaster, a classic carousel, and other thrill rides. Mission Beach in San Diego also offers plenty of attractions, including Main Beach and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Venice Beach in Los Angeles is well-known for its vibrant art scene and street performers. Baker Beach in San Francisco is a great place to people watch, with families, fishermen, and nudists all playing side by side. And finally, Main Beach in Santa Cruz is an ideal spot to watch the goings-on at the amusement park and pier while enjoying some sunbathing or swimming. No matter what type of beach experience you’re looking for, California has something for everyone
Best California Beaches to Take the Kids
Coronado Beach in San Diego is a great beach for families to visit with their kids. The beach has a pebbly texture and the waves are gentle, making it perfect for swimming and playing in the sand. There is also a nearby boardwalk that offers plenty of entertainment, including shops, restaurants, and arcades.
Main Beach in Santa Cruz is another great spot for families to enjoy some time at the beach. This wide sandy beach is located near Fisherman’s Wharf, so there are plenty of activities to do after spending some time on the beach. Kids will love exploring the tide pools and small rocky caves at Asilomar Beach in Monterey. Santa Monica Beach offers a great beach experience with its pier and Balboa Fun Zone nearby. Belmont Park is home to the Giant Dipper roller coaster, carousel, and other modern thrill rides that will keep kids entertained all day long. Finally, Mission Beach in San Diego has Main Beach as well as being
Best California Beach Events
The Sun & Sea Festival in Imperial Beach, San Diego is an annual event that celebrates the sandcastle-building tradition. It’s the largest and longest-running sand castle competition in America, with teams of all ages competing to create the most impressive structures. The festival also features live music, food vendors, and a parade.
Mavericks Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay is one of the world’s premier big wave surfing events. Every winter, some of the best surfers from around the globe come to test their skills against some of the biggest waves on earth. Spectators can watch from shore or take a boat out for a closer look at this thrilling competition.
The AVP Volleyball Championships in Manhattan Beach are known as the Wimbledon of volleyball. This tournament brings together some of the best players from across the country to compete for top honors in beach volleyball. With plenty of food and entertainment options nearby, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon watching some high
In conclusion, California has some of the best beaches in the world, and there are plenty of options for visitors to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach or an event to attend, California has something for everyone.
