Most Beautiful Beaches of California: California is the epicentre of beach-culture in the United States and boasts some of the most beautiful and iconic shorelines in the world. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway with your sweetheart, an adventurous day filled with kayaking and snorkelling, or just want to relax under an umbrella with a book and a good drink, you can find it all in California’s many beaches.
To help you plan your next coastal escape, we’ve put together this list of the top 10 best and most beautiful beaches of California, from Malibu to La Jolla. So grab your sunscreen and beach towel and let’s explore!
1. Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is a California classic. With its long, wide stretches of sand and its proximity to Los Angeles, it’s no wonder this beach is always busy. The waves here are some of the best in Southern California, making it a popular spot for surfers. And when the sun goes down, the beach comes alive with bonfires and people enjoying the cool evening air.
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2. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is one of the most popular beaches in California. It’s known for its incredible sunsets, beautiful people, and great atmosphere. The beach is also a great place to go surfing, paddleboarding, or just relax on the sand.
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3. Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica beach is one of the best beaches in California. The beautiful sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and other beach activities. The beach is also conveniently located near many shops and restaurants.
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4. La Jolla Cove
There are many factors that contribute to La Jolla Cove’s consistently top ranking as a must-see destination in Southern California. First, and most obviously, is its stunning physical beauty. The cove is a small, sheltered beach flanked by cliffs, and the water is almost always calm and clear. It’s also great for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking; in fact, it’s one of the only spots in San Diego where you can surf without having to worry about getting slammed by a wave.
But there’s more to La Jolla Cove than just its looks. The area is home to a large colony of sea lions, which you can often see sunning themselves on the rocks or playing in the water. It’s also a popular spot for scuba diving and whale watching; in fact, it’s not uncommon to see dolphins swimming through the cove.
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an adventure, La Jolla Cove is sure to please. So pack your sunscreen and your swimsuit and head on down to this little slice of paradise.
5. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a small coastal town located in southern California. The town is situated along the Pacific Coast Highway, between Los Angeles and San Diego. Laguna Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, which are popular among surfers and tourists alike. The town also has a thriving art scene, with numerous galleries and studios located throughout. Laguna Beach is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy the California coast.
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6. Cabrillo Beach
Cabrillo Beach is a public beach in Los Angeles, California. It is located on the Santa Monica Bay and is operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors. Cabrillo Beach is named after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who was the first European to explore the California coast.
The beach features two fishing piers, a swimming pool, a children’s play area, and a public marina. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area. Cabrillo Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles and attracts millions of visitors each year.
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7. Leo Carrillo State Park
Leo Carrillo State Park is located on the Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Los Angeles. The park features 1.5 miles of beaches, including a surfable point break, as well as tide pools, hiking trails, and a campground.
A popular spot for both locals and visitors alike, Leo Carrillo State Park is the perfect place to enjoy a day in the sun. The waves at the point break are some of the best in Southern California, making it a popular spot for surfers.
Tide pools can be found along the coast, providing a chance to explore the marine life that inhabits them. Hiking trails wind through the park, offering stunning views of the coastline. And the campground provides a convenient place to stay if you want to extend your visit.
8. Doheny State Beach
Doheny State Beach is one of the most popular beaches in California and it’s no wonder why. The beach is located in Dana Point and is a great spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beach also has a campground if you want to stay overnight.
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9. Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is a hidden gem located in Big Sur. This beach is known for its picturesque views and its secluded location. Visitors can find a number of activities to enjoy while at Pfeiffer Beach such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and hiking.
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10. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is one of the best beaches in California for a number of reasons. First, its location on the Gulf of Mexico means that the water is always warm and clean. Second, the island is home to a large variety of wildlife, including dolphins, turtles, and birds.
Third, there are plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained, such as fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Fourth, the beaches here are some of the most beautiful in all of California. Finally, Sanibel Island is a great place to relax and enjoy the company of friends and family.
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What is the prettiest beach in California?
It can be difficult to determine the prettiest beach in California, as the state has a long coastline with many beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular and picturesque beaches in California include:
- Laguna Beach: Located in Orange County, this beach is known for its beautiful scenery and crystal clear water.
- Santa Monica Beach: Located in the Los Angeles area, this beach is popular with tourists and locals alike. It has a wide sandy beach and a long pier with an amusement park and an aquarium.
- Coronado Beach: Located near San Diego, this beach has fine, white sand and calm, clear water, making it a great spot for swimming and water sports.
- Carmel Beach: Located in the small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, this beach is known for its soft, white sand and beautiful cypress trees.
- La Jolla Beach: Located near San Diego, this beach is known for its rugged coastline and beautiful tide pools.
- Huntington Beach: Located in Orange County, this beach is known for its wide, sandy beach and excellent surf.
- Pfeiffer Beach: Located in Big Sur, this beach is known for its purple sand and picturesque rock formations.
- Moonstone Beach: Located in Cambria, this beach is known for its beautiful views and serene atmosphere.
- Baker Beach: Located in San Francisco, this beach is known for its stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Zuma Beach: Located in Malibu, this beach is known for its wide, sandy beach and excellent surf.