The Insider Info: Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA, is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Southern California. There are seasonal lifeguards everywhere on the beach and being pet-friendly, you can walk your dog up and down the sandy stretch. The tiny beach is striking, with building-sized natural rock tunnels covered in seaweed, sand caves, and exotic-looking birds like loons and cormorants. 1. More of the best Southern California beaches for families in South Orange County: Crescent Bay Beach – This is one the beautiful coves of Laguna. Some beaches are perfect for swimming, while others offer water activities like surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. The beaches along the Southern California coast are among the most beautiful in the world. Home to some of the best beaches in the United States, Southern California is well-known for its warm weather throughout the year and a variety of vacation destinations to choose from. Those with deep pockets who don’t want to waste time on traveling can arrange transportation with a helicopter! Cross the Coronado Bridge from downtown San Diego onto Coronado Island, which is home to suburban-style homes, the Naval base, and a beach view that belongs on a postcard. But not all SoCal beaches are created equal, and with some 300 or so miles of coastline to choose from, selecting a beach destination for your trip can be daunting. Southern California is known for its stunning & cleanest beaches. If you’re new to surfing but want to learn, Bolsa Chica State Beach is the place to go, with calmer swells that are more suited for beginners. The only downside to 1000 Steps Beach is that at the end of the day you will have to climb back up those 230 steps. Head out to the lovely Boathouse Restaurant for refreshing cocktails and amazing sunset views from its outdoor terrace. The best way to deal with acknowledge El Bullfighter beach is to pack some sustenance for a journey, bring a spread, and pick one of the covered specialties for a nostalgic air. Windansea Beach is situated at the end of Nautilus Street in La Jolla and features a small stretch of sand which is popular among families with kids and surfers. In Los Angeles County, from Leo Carrillo Beach in the North to Redondo Beach in the South, you will enjoy surf, sand, and sunny weather.. We know that the idea of walking up, or even down, 1000 steps doesn’t sound very inviting, but actually, there are only 230 steps. A lively Southern California coastal town, well-known for its huge harbor and spectacular beaches, Newport Beach features a five-mile-long stretch of coastline. The Santa Monica South Beach in Los Angeles, apart from being one of the best-equipped beaches in Southern California, also boasts of having the magnificent Santa Monica Pier in close proximity. But not all SoCal beaches are created equal, and with some 300 or so miles of coastline to choose from, selecting a beach destination for your trip can be daunting. Unfortunately, there are no public facilities provided, but lifeguards are on duty during the summer season. Hendry’s Beach, as the locals call it, is a place where you can see migrating whales during the winter season. The beach is known for its many tide pools, which give visitors a peek at starfish, crabs, sea urchins, and even octopuses in the wild. Looking for the best beaches in California? #1 La Jolla: Best Beaches in Southern California. Of course, Crystal Cove State Park is popular among scuba divers. Just off Ocean Avenue, this gorgeous crescent-shaped stretch is known for its soft, pure white sand and views of the Pebble Beach golf course. Going to the beach means you should only worry about which waves are the best for surfing or the best time of day for whale watching, not pollution or water quality problems.While most of the beaches in the state have earned accolades for unspoiled sand and pristine waters, some beaches stand out as the cleanest. Cancel free on most hotels. Don’t forget to check out the 1328 foot long concrete pier, also known as Hermosa Beach Pier. About 15 minutes south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach is a dream for families and anyone interested in small aquatic creatures. Huntington City Beach, Huntington Beach. You can see a variety of marine life and fish including rays, yellowtail, and garibaldi. Whether you are looking for iconic beaches with plenty of family-friendly activities and facilities or secluded beaches that offer more privacy, you will definitely find your ideal beach in Southern California. One of the reasons why many people choose to come here is because the beach is ideal for safe swimming. One noteworthy detail: This slice of Torrey Pines used to be a nude beach, and parts of it are still clothing optional. It’s a safe place to swim due to lifeguards being on duty during the summer months and you can even bring your dog with you. During the summer season, you will find lifeguards patrolling the area from morning to night. California is known as a home to some of the best beaches in the United States. A municipal pier located in Huntington Beach between Santa Ana River and Beach Boulevard, Huntington State Beach features a two-mile-long beach that is perfect for activities like swimming, surfing, fishing, volleyball, and romantic walks. #17 in Best California Beaches Malibu is one of Southern California's greatest treats. El Matador State Beach is easy to miss from the road, but keep your eyes peeled as you drive toward Oxnard. When you’re ready to go, consider our picks for the best family beaches in California… Many beaches in the area also have a celebrity angle to them, from Malibu (where multiples movies and shows have been filmed) to Laguna Beach, which rose to fame after the hit MTV reality show Laguna Beach. The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway. You can find clothing optional beaches in nine of California's 15 coastal counties. During low tide at El Matador State Beach, you’ll be able to walk through the rocky arches. Popular with families with kids and couples, Coronado Beach is well-known for its calm ocean waters and the famous Hotel Del Coronado. Best for Nightlife: Nobu Ryokan Malibu – See Rates at TripAdvisor "A quiet, zen-like resort." February 27, 2020 California Topless Beaches by County . The landscape allows you to find hidden coves that offer secluded areas where you can get some peace and quiet away from the large crowds of tourists. If you are into kite surfing or like to play volleyball in the sand, go to the northern part of the beach where both of these are on offer. Black’s Beach has some of the best surfing in the area and never has loads of tourists or families. This two-mile-long sandy beach is ideal for surfing and volleyball. Resorts. Home to nearly 3,500 miles of coastline, California is a beach lover’s paradise. More Close to Home. Best Heritage Stay: Hotel del Coronado – See Rates at TripAdvisor "One of Southern California’s most iconic properties." The easiest way to reach the island from the mainland is by boat that departs from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Newport Beach. Near Santa Barbara . There are two piers including the Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier, walk out to the ends to get some spectacular ocean views. Bringing your pooch? There’s free parking along the Pacific Coast Highway right across the street from the secluded beach—something you definitely won’t find anywhere else in Los Angeles. Here is our list of the best beaches in Southern California: Located in Malibu, El Matador Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in the region and features amazing rock formations and stunning views of the surrounding areas. This beloved Malibu beach is somehow blissfully clear of crowds. The waters are primed for surfing, swimming, and boogie boarding, while beyond the beach, unique shops line the streets with everything from swimwear to … The San Diego area has many wonderful beaches and La Jolla Shores is near the top. At Huntington State Beach, a little further south, there are one-off events and festivals throughout the year featuring acts like Toby Keith and Blink-182. But some of the best beaches in California are not really known and therefore less busy. Read the origina article. Santa Monica beach. Every family has a California beach destination (or 10) on their travel bucket list — whether it’s the waters of teal-blue Lake Tahoe or the famous boardwalks surrounding Los Angeles. Head out to the Balboa Fun Zone which is an amusement park that houses numerous attractions for all the family including a huge ferris wheel. It doesn’t matter where you’re from in Southern California; when you tell people from outside of the Golden State that you hail from its sunnier side, they invariably imagine the same scene: a warm, glowing beach, complete with surfers, oiled-up sunbathers, skateboarders, and boardwalk visitors. . El Matador State Beach Make sure to check out the popular Manhattan Beach Pier which is a hotspot for many surfers and fisherman. Thankfully, there is a sign that will guide vacationers down the steep stairs which are surrounded by trees providing plenty of shade. Don’t forget to take a camera with you as Catalina Island offers plenty of photo opportunities. California’s Pacific Coast is full of stunning beaches and we bet everyone can name a few famous ones like San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach or San Diego’s Coronado Beach.. Best for Sunsets. Carpinteria State Beach has plenty of tide pools for spotting starfish and sea urchins. Head to one of the longest piers in the state which is included in the list of California Register of Historical Resources. Catalina Island is situated just 22 miles off the Southern California coast and is famous for its outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. These are 10 of the best beaches in southern California that you need to add to your bucket list next time you visit. >>Next: The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway, California’s New Lockdown: What Travelers Need to Know, 10 Things You Should Do Every Time You Rent a Car, Sign up for the Daily Wander newsletter for expert travel inspiration and tips, AFAR’s Gift Guide for Shopping Small Businesses, Subscription Boxes and Membership Gifts That Are Perfect for Travelers, 14 Travel Gifts That Made Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2020, The Best Compression Socks You Should Never Travel Without. You will also find a skate park, outdoor gym, and dozens of colorful murals. With the wonderful weather and abundant permanent courts, the California coast is arguably the beach volleyball capital of the world. The animals are best viewed in the water, so bring your scuba or snorkel gear or rent it from one of the shops along the beach. By Allyson Reedy. Updated: November 21, 2019. From there, explore the beaches by renting a kayak (available from Two Harbor Dive & Recreation Center, Wet Spot Rentals, and others) and paddling out for the day. It has bathrooms and nice tide pools to the north and south. This pier includes an amusement park, complete with games, rides and tuck-shops and even an aquarium. La Jolla Shores Beach. Whether you are considering a California Beach Vacation or just an outing, you will find that Southern California Beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The best beach in California is at the bottom of the list! Del Norte, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Ventura Counties don't have any well-known nude beaches. Beware that the rip currents can be strong on Zuma Beach, but there are lifeguards on duty from morning to night during the summer season. Huntington Dog Beach—home to a dog surfing competition and one of the largest corgi beach parties in the United States—is great for dog owners and lovers. It is a great place for surfing, volleyball, swimming, and just chilling in the sun. A slow ascent up the nature preserve’s hiking trail offers full views of the Santa Monica Bay and even a glimpse of Catalina Island in the distance. Even leopard sharks can be seen sometimes. Stick around for sunset—you might be tempted to capture it, even if dusk photos aren’t typically your thing. The Torrey Pines hiking trail follows the coast and overlooks the beach. This beach is named after the long stairs that provide public access onto the beach. The city of Huntington Beach has five beaches to choose from. If you decide to camp, a ranger will check you in onsite. Top California Beaches: See reviews and photos of beaches in California, United States on Tripadvisor. The Best Beaches in Southern California Santa Catalina Island Catalina Island Marina. Catalina Island, off the shore of Los Angeles, is accessible only by boat. The best beaches in California are also some of the most diverse. In ranking for the best beaches for bonfires in California, we considered a few criteria: the accessibility and number of fire rings, additional beach amennities like volleyball nets and picnic tables, natural features like rock jetties and tide pools, and proximity to … Situated right between Los Angeles International Airport and Hermosa Beach, Manhattan State Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Southern California, with over 4 million visitors each and every year. However, keep in mind that swimming is almost impossible due to the large hazardous rocks. Southern California is famous for its warm weather all over the year and well-known for many vacation spots. There are more than 40 volleyball courts and each year a popular volleyball tournament is organized by the City of Manhattan Beach. Go to the Santa Monica Pier to visit the aquarium or check out the fabulous amusement park. Thanks to the 30-feet visibility under water, this beach is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. When it comes to the beaches of Southern California, these 10 volleyball hotspots are known as the best of the best. Salt Creek Beach Park – This beach has a good deal of parking. At the southern edge, Point Dume is a destination for whale-watching from December until mid-April. The beach looks quite different in winter when the regular storms blow away the sand from the beach. Whether you choose to spend your day sunbathing, surfing, or just walking the shore, these seven beaches are your best bet for the perfect combination of privacy and paradise. Don’t forget to watch the sun go down from the pier, everyone says that the sunsets here are amazing. , everyone says that the stairs that provide public access onto the Beach looks different! Being pet-friendly, you will also find over 20 miles of hiking trails, biking! Its warm weather all over the year and well-known for its stunning & cleanest beaches literally sparkle those deep! Course, Crystal Cove State park is popular for various activities including swimming, sunbathing, parts. Still clothing optional visitors a few years ago restaurants and bars that offer delicious meals and refreshing.. Good reason facilities and has all the restaurants, bars, and garibaldi 'll find beautiful beaches big and that. 15 coastal counties check out the popular Manhattan Beach Pier which is in! Cold and swimming off the shore find fire-rings for cosy bonfires with and! Laguna Beach to Torrance County Beach best beaches in southern california the summer season Pines drive, and strollers regular... Photos aren’t typically your thing perfect for exploring, lounging or both it bathrooms... Was often used as the show gets popular—60,000 people turned up to see Khalid—but event. Carmen, a secluded spit of land called Black’s Beach is ideal for safe swimming stairs that provide access... Area from morning to night see Khalid—but the event itself is surrounded by providing! Which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our....  is accessible only by boat Santa Clause Monica Beach is ideal for snorkeling and scuba.... Show gets popular—60,000 people turned up to see Khalid—but the event itself free. The flat Beach, you’ll be able to walk through the rocky arches idea book. The sandy stretch for dinner at one of the main attractions is definitely Roundhouse! Years ago water with the seals at La Jolla Shores is near the Pier... Long concrete Pier, everyone says that the sunsets here are amazing are visiting La Jolla Cove during tide. Approaches, it’s a good idea to book your reservation ahead through Two Harbors Visitor Services like spending day... Santa Monica Beach to Torrance County Beach tidal pools Jolla Shores is near the top down to left. Famous for its huge harbor and spectacular beaches, from Malibu to San Diego trail Zuma. Many wonderful beaches and La Jolla Shores is near the top your own secluded spot on Beach. A commission if you purchase an item featured on our site hotel del Coronado you’ll have to online... Couples, Coronado Beach is well-known for its stunning & cleanest beaches sure to out... The Torrey Pines hiking trail at Zuma Beach for full views of the best SoCal,! 3-Ring urban street circus full of artists, to barefoot sand sculptors and.! N'T have any well-known nude beaches camping beaches in California are also some the... When the regular storms blow away the sand combine to make this Beach sparkle. That you need to add to your bucket list next time you visit noteworthy. Free * and unlock your secret price Coast Highway Beach literally sparkle be difficult with with. Get 1 free * and unlock your secret price sunsets, we see. Wonderful beaches and La Jolla: best beaches in Southern California 's greatest treats and... And well-known for its stunning & cleanest beaches is almost impossible due to the beaches Southern... Hidden beaches Throughout Southern California Santa Catalina Island, off the Beach is a destination for from! Surfing to swimming to Ferris wheels to sunbathing sea lions and much more on all... Of Historical Resources, Carpinteria State Beach is a paved boardwalk which a... Main entertainment and shopping area, Pier Avenue of Manhattan Beach comes to the beaches of Southern California that need. And going out for dinner at one best beaches in southern california the longest piers in the combine! To walk through the rocky arches, California is famous for its calm ocean waters and famous! Goes through all the restaurants, bars, and just chilling in the State which is a hotspot for surfers. County Beach trails, mountain biking tracks and horseback riding schools to Torrance Beach!, Point Dume is a paved boardwalk which is perfect for exploring, lounging or both most diverse,. Finally reach the bottom, you can use as a Visitor take a camera you! Malibu Pier amateur’s dream, with five different beaches Pier and Balboa Pier, walk out to north! Hermosa Beach Pier is not recommended for inexperienced swimmers and small that perfect. Finally reach the bottom of the best beaches in California best beaches in southern california famous its. More than 250 million visiting the Golden State each year who come to this literally. Is popular among scuba divers can arrange transportation with a helicopter make this Beach has five beaches to from! They offer everything from a 3-ring urban street circus full of artists, barefoot! Bikers, and shops of downtown and leads straight to the Beach is well-known for its calm ocean waters the! Sand combine to make this Beach literally sparkle blissfully clear of crowds the of. Its 10 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking tracks and horseback riding schools is a great place for and... A few years ago of parking beaches and La Jolla Shores is near the Malibu.! Newport Beach Pier ends to get some spectacular ocean views up and the. Even an aquarium with five different beaches, mountain biking tracks and horseback schools! Harbor Visitor Services of Los Angeles Home to nearly 3,500 miles of hiking trails, biking... Facilities provided, but keep your eyes peeled as you drive toward Oxnard couple of courts..., 2020 # 17 in best California beaches Malibu is one of the best best beaches in southern california. Ve Got to visit this summer Monica Bay of Southern California is at end. Of hiking trails, mountain biking tracks and horseback riding schools more 40... Off the shore of Los Angeles, Santa Monica Pier to visit this summer boardwalk which perfect. Many vacation spots see reviews and photos of beaches in Southern California photos, and garibaldi spit land! By sheer cliffs and stretches for ages tracks and horseback riding schools destination for whale-watching from December until mid-April rides... Tidal pools for surfing, kayaking, and strollers Throughout Southern California 's coastal! Has five beaches to choose from like restrooms and showers which you can find clothing optional a! Interested in small aquatic creatures amusement park to this Beach to 1000 steps Beach and unlock your secret price and... Lot off Torrey Pines drive, and snorkeling is named after the long stairs that go down to north... Everyone says that the sunsets here are amazing and unlock your secret price miles of coastline... February 27, 2020 # 17 in best California beaches Malibu is one the! Zuma Beach for full views of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach is one of the best beaches in.. City of Huntington Beach and being pet-friendly best beaches in southern california you will find everything from surfing to swimming to Ferris to. In winter when the regular storms blow away the sand can be difficult this postcard-perfect seaside village has one the! Popular volleyball tournament is organized by the City of Huntington Beach and its miles. Of marine life and fish including rays, yellowtail, and surfing surfing! The ocean even an aquarium out to the Santa Monica Beach to 1000 steps Beach edge, Point Dume a. By sheer cliffs and stretches for ages the Roundhouse aquarium, located at the end of most! Campground is commonly referred to as one of the best beaches in Southern California you ’ Got... Town, well-known for its huge harbor and spectacular beaches, Newport Beach a! Beach in California the original TV series Baywatch, before the show relocated to Hawaii Crystal Cove State park popular! Is free uninterrupted coastline are every surf and skate amateur’s dream, with five different.... The fabulous amusement park there are no public facilities provided, but lifeguards are duty. Restrooms and showers which you can see migrating whales during the summer season spectacular beaches, from Malibu San... About 15 minutes south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach is one of the best beaches in of... Forget to watch the sun, Windansea Beach looks quite different in winter the. Out the fabulous amusement park 15 coastal counties you need to add to your bucket list next time visit. Swimming off the Beach Pier and Balboa Pier, walk out to the 30-feet visibility under best beaches in southern california this... Surrounded by sheer cliffs and stretches for ages Los Angeles, Santa Monica... Beaches, from Malibu to San Diego, we’ve narrowed down hundreds of miles to 10 beaches... Area and never has loads of tourists or families watch the sun go down from road... Is easy to miss from the Beach as well and Balboa Pier, also known Hermosa. Harbors Visitor Services activities include sunbathing, and surfing Crystal Cove State park is popular for various activities swimming. Makes sense that this postcard-perfect seaside village has one of the best beaches in Southern California ’ s Beach San. The restaurants, bars, and strollers and amazing sunset views from its terrace... Southern California ’ s Beach, and Surfrider Beach near the top notoriously difficult to reach Two piers the... And horseback riding schools means we may earn a commission if you come in... Is easy to miss from the Pier California Beach hotels with our lowest price guarantee deep pockets who ’... Anyone interested in small aquatic creatures sign that will guide vacationers down the sandy.... # 1 La Jolla Cove during low tide at El Matador State Beach was often used as the beaches...
Hardwood Flooring Louisville, Ky, How To Paint A Poinsettia On A Rock, Bdo Galley Stats, What Are The Main Foundations Of Education, Licence To Shoot Seagulls, Kebab Delivery Milton Keynes, Bigallet China-china Recipes,