With a coastline of more than 840 miles and over 400 public beaches, coves and bays, California stands out as one of the top beach destinations in America. The Golden State’s nickname may not be directly tied to its beaches, but it should be, as there are countless stretches of soft sandy bays running from San Francisco down to San Diego. Whether you’re searching for a classic sun-soaked spot to relax, a windswept shore of sand ripe for exploring, or a scenic location for whale-watching, you’ll find them all in California. Plus, the coastline is sprinkled with charming seaside towns perfect for grabbing fresh seafood, shopping at beachside boutiques, or enjoying downtime away from the sand.
La Jolla Shores
Down south, near
sunny San Diego, La Jolla Shores is one of the best beaches in California. On any given summer’s day, you’ll find locals and tourists here lapping up the sunshine, surfing, swimming and snorkelling. The white sand has plenty of space to kick back, and it’s within walking distance of La Jolla itself, a local enclave filled with surf shops and trendy cafes.
There are also numerous other gorgeous beaches nearby, so running out of choice isn’t a possibility, and there’s also lots to do for families with children close by, such as visiting the Birch Aquarium, checking out the Children’s Pool or spotting hundreds of sea lions at La Jolla Cove.
Carmel Beach
If you’re lucky enough to swing by Carmel Beach, you’ll discover a sweeping stretch of white sand and blue water surrounded by nature. The beach is popular with everything from swimming and surfing to watching the sunset, but it’s the
nearby town of Carmel-by-the-Sea that really draws visitors here.
A charming coastal town that regularly tops ‘Best of’ lists, Carmel is like stepping back in time. Dotted with cottages straight out of a fairytale, you can wander the streets for hours browsing its many galleries, shops and eateries. At sunset, one of the best activities is heading back to Carmel Beach, where you’re likely to spot dolphins jumping through the waves, or you can enjoy the sunset with some fresh food picked up in town.
Rincon Beach County Park
Rincon Beach County Park is just one of dozens of excellent beaches in the Santa Barbara area, and its sheer size ensures you’ll have lots of space to explore without any crowds. From the beach, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the Pacific coastline and the beach is well-known for having some of the state’s best surfing, whether you’re a pro or want to try your hand by renting gear from one of the nearby surf shops. And don’t forget to explore Santa Barbara itself, a picturesque city with pretty red-tiled rooftops. 
There is a huge range of exciting activities, from visiting the Old Mission and Botanic Gardens to Santa Barbara Zoo and the city’s fantastic wine bars, restaurants and boutiques lining State Street.
Surfer’s Point
Surfer’s Point Beach is a prime destination for both adventure and some sun-soaked relaxation. It’s a big hotspot for both surfers and windsurfers, and there are competitions throughout the year that make for fun viewing, yet the beach is also equally good for a light swim or sunbathing on the sand. Its close proximity to Ventura means you can easily combine the two, including strolling or cycling along the Ventura Promenade.
Equally, Ventura Pier offers sweeping views and some upscale dining options, or in the downtown area, you’ll find tonnes of local cafes, bars and places to grab a bite. While visiting, don’t miss the beautiful Mission San Buenaventura or the Ventura Botanical Gardens which overlook the entire area and coastline.
Zuma Beach
Located in the picturesque neighbourhood of Malibu, Zuma Beach attracts tourists and locals alike, and you might even spot a celebrity or two catching a wave. It has pristine white sand and crashing waves where you can swim, paddleboard, kayak and more. Surfing is incredibly popular here, and there are a few surf schools in the area if you’re keen to learn.
You won’t be lost for things to do either, as there are more beaches and hiking trails close by, such as those around Point Dume State Beach, which are famous for whale-watching in season. A busier alternative is the iconic Malibu Pier, which has souvenir shops, restaurants and other entertainment, while onshore in Malibu are the more expensive boutiques and dining options the area is known for. For a dose of culture, also stop by the Getty Villa Museum, which has spectacular architecture and artwork.
Venice Beach
Almost everyone has heard of Venice Beach, an iconic stretch of golden sand in Los Angeles. It’s a neighbourhood in itself, with skateboarders, surfers, kitsch shops and restaurants and something exciting happening around every corner. It’s known for its lively boardwalk lined with cafes and entertainers, where you can walk, cycle - even rollerblade!
Along the way, you’ll pass the famous Venice Skate Park and Muscle Beach, where Arnold Schwarzenegger used to train, and the beach itself is ideal for swimming, playing games or enjoying a picnic. It’s full of, and surrounded by things to do, whether you explore the canals that gave it its name, check out Abbot Kinney Boulevard’s restaurants and galleries, or head further into the bright city lights of LA to
areas like Santa Monica or even Hollywood.
Laguna Beach
For nature lovers, you can’t go wrong with
Laguna Beach holidays. Laguna Beach itself is actually a city in California, which has loads of different beaches to choose from. From Pearl Street Beach to Table Rock Beach, they all have golden sands and epic ocean views, plus Laguna Beach is also home to a Marine Protected Area, which gives many of the coves tidepools, making them safe for swimming and spotting marine life.
Laguna Beach city is right around the corner from them all, offering fascinating sights like the Laguna Art Museum and scenic Heisler Park. Whale-watching tours are also a fun day trip idea from here, adults can do a wine tasting at McClain Cellars, or at the right time of year, check out the art festival. Laguna, filled with galleries, installations, and summer art festivals, is often called LA’s cultural capital – not to mention the charming live music and food.
Pfeiffer Beach
If you’re looking for a beach that’s immersed in nature, look no further than Pfeiffer Beach. It’s a popular one, thanks to its proximity to Big Sur, but the beach is one of the prettiest in California. It’s just off Highway 1 and is popular with photographers, thanks to the big waves and stunning cliffs and rock formations that surround it.
Although you can’t swim here, the surrounding area is packed with activities. There are multiple state parks to explore, including the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, which is famous for its sea lion population. Of course, Big Sur is also close by and the entire drive along Highway 1 is one of the most spectacular in the world, which is something that you can experience with our incredible
California twin-multi-centre. This area is all about getting into nature, but for shops and restaurants, you’ll need to drive a short way up to Carmel -by-the-Sea, taking in the views as you go.
Baker Beach
Perhaps one of the most iconic beaches in all of California, Baker Beach’s fame comes from its jaw-dropping view of the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding coastline. It can get busy, as locals and tourists love to come here for photos, picnics and sunbathing, while the beach is also close to the Presidio Park where you can hike and explore the military installations.
The beach is easy to reach from the city centre, and with this
San Francisco multi-centre you will be able to experience endless things to see and do. Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 are bustling with seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, entertainment and more, or you can catch a ferry over to the infamous prison Alcatraz. On the hilly streets of San Francisco, you can take a historic tram around the most famous spots, visit Chinatown, see the Painted Ladies in Alamo Square and discover the city’s world-class dining, shopping and landmarks.
Ready to dive into the Golden State? Check out our California holidays for the ultimate beach escape.
close 
