Caspar State Beach. Every one of these beaches features manageable waves, ample facilities, and family-friendly activities that will keep the whole gang happy. You can also board the Catalina Flyer for a day trip to Catalina Island. . Depending on what you're looking to do, these are the best beaches in California for surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and the like. San Felipe is a remote town on the Sea of Cortez, best known for sportfishing and off-road motorsports, but it also has a long, crescent beach and warm, emerald waters - it's the best place to swim in northern Baja. Waves can be large and strong here, often unsuitable for swimming or surfing. 12 Best Small Beach Towns in California (And Where to Stay) Laguna Beach. In the following article, I provide a description of over 50 of the best beaches in the United States in winter. Calawee Cove and Lester Beach are must-see, must swim spots for any visitor to this stunning lake. A favorite beach among families, Coronado is also a favorite of Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach, who ranked it America's Best Beach for 2012 in his 22nd annual Top 10 Beach List, which is based on 50 factors including water quality, beach cleanliness and swimmer safety. On the other end is North Beachalso known as Dog Beach, one of the best dog beaches in Californiawhere dogs are pretty much free to roam. All of these are risks for the dolphins. A sandy beach best known for its old wooden fishing pier built in 1875. El Matador is one of Malibu's most visually striking stretches of coastline, with sea caves, enormous rocks and boulders on the sand, and steep cliffs lining the shore and providing outstanding views of the coastline below. Montara State Beach. They have 3 or 4 bathrooms down the beach, not exactly clean but it's better than a "portapotty" and they have showers! Whether you want to find the Pirate Tower on Victoria Beach, try to swim in the pool, skimboard, or just chill, this is pretty . Find the best Carlsbad beaches for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and more fun in San Diego sunshine. A recent poll in USA Today had local experts nominate their favorite beaches in Mexico and readers voted on these selections. La Jolla Cove. Average water temperature in July: 66.7 degrees. Crystal Cove State Park. 21. It's also known for its fish tacos and shellfish cocktails. Cayucos. That is why we recommend now hidden beaches in Southern California where you can unwind and enjoy yourself without the crowds! The park is open 7 a.m. to 30 minutes before sunset. Ten miles of shoreline and five beaches, including Huntington Dog Beach, offer ideal swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, and fishing conditions. Situated 30 minutes north of Seattle, Jetty Island Park is a small, manmade, two-mile-long island off the Everett waterfront. Here is our list of the best beaches in Southern California: 1. Free Stickers Bookmarks Interests Settings Sign Out Sign Join Sustainability National Parks Hiking Outdoor Camping Beaches and Islands Wildlife View all travel news Travel COVID Lux Travel Airports Flying Budget Travel Epic Stays Road Trips Culture Religion. La Jolla Shores has public restrooms, outdoor showers, and a picnic area. Each of these cities is about a half-hour drive depending on traffic. One side is sectioned off just for swimming; boats and kayaks are not permitted near the beach. 7. Strolling along Laguna Beach's clean, warm sand during December or January will be a treat compared to some of the country's colder climates. On the north side of Pillar Point between the city of Moss Beach and Half Moon Bay, Ross Cove Beach is located inside the San Mateo County-operated Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Ross Cove Beach. Playa Pichilingue (Pichilingue Beach) 256. By phylliss36. Why it made the list: "During the summer months, Hapuna . This is especially the case in the event that you swim in a lagoon area. Weather Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego within Orange County, Laguna Beach is perfectly situated on the stunning Southern California coast. Best California Beaches Laguna Beach La Jolla Malibu Pfeiffer Beach Half Moon Bay Hermosa Beach Pismo Beach Monterey Carpinteria East Beach Carmel Beach Coronado Beach Point Reyes National Seashore. La Jolla Cove. Santa Monica State Beach. . 1. With purple sand and a famous "keyhole" arch, Pfeiffer Beach represents one of a few accessible beaches along Big Sur's stunning coastline. Don't fret; we've rounded up the best beaches in Southern California just for you, complete with tips and why they made it to this list. This 1.5 mile-long sandy beach is located right by the famous Hotel Coronado, famous for its classic Victorian architecture and signature red rood. Leo Carrillo State Beach has the best of both worlds: a well-equipped stretch of sand plus seclusion and scenic beauty. Beaches in Monterey County. Palm Beach. After playing in the sand and the serene waves, take the little ones to Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park; both are great for barbecues, playgrounds, and picnics. . 20. Venice Beach is located in Los Angeles County and is one of those places that is known more for its bohemian feel than for the beach itself. One of the most popular beaches in California, Santa Monica is not just a great base for beach holidays, but also for visiting LA. This guide to the 17 best beaches the Golden State has to offer should help visitors narrow down where they should put their toes in the sand. Out of all the beaches to go swimming at, Caspar State Beach is one of the best. Drakes Beach. Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk. Drakes Beach. 10. Water Sports and Activities in San Diego. Santa Monica Beach. Here are our top 10 best swimming beaches in California: Santa Monica Beach Venice Beach Coronado Island Manhattan Beach Hermosa Beach Huntington Beach Catalina Island Moonlight State Beach Newport Beach Zuma Beach 1. Address: 1000 Steps Beach, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. However, Victoria Beach is definitely one of the top beaches in Southern California and has some unique features. In a state that boasts nine national parks, a. #5 Zuma Beach: Best Southern California Beach For many, Southern California conjures images of bright sunny skies, beautiful beaches, and sun-tanned surfers bobbing in the Pacific Ocean. Ross Cove Beach. Drakes Beach is another beach that is part of the Point Reyes National Seashore and is almost adjacent to Point Reyes Lighthouse. Montara State Beach is just under 2-hours from Sacramento and is a great ocean beach to explore the tide pools and enjoy stunning beach views. The Argentine 1% flock to Carlo, a three-hour drive south of Buenos Aires, for its lush pine forests and idyllic beaches, not to mention hip hangouts like Parador Neruda, a waterfront seafood restaurant and spa that opened in October.Put on your helmet and harness to traverse the lofted wood walkway through the forest canopy at Bosque Aereo Carilo, go for a reiki massage at Carilo Village . It's a wide, sandy beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The sand is soft and not just rocks like Nevada Beach. Lifeguards are on duty daily, 10 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Facilities include picnic areas, restrooms, and a . Thanks for checking out this post on visiting Best beaches in Southern California. Laguna Beach. The city is widely known for its beautiful coastline and wonderful weather. Swimming, scuba diving, surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, jet skiing, sport fishing, whale watching, and hiking are favourite activities in San Diego. (Photo: SeeMonterey.com) Best for: A swim and restaurant lunch. Plenty of parking and tons of beach for everyone to "beach contract" lol. Itineraries A year round retreat to get away from it all and into it all. Coronado Beach. When you arrive, you may be a little disappointed by the crowds, particularly at weekends. Longboarders can paddle out for mellow wavesit gets no more than chest-high. The Shore at Crystal Beach Park is a pristine spot for swimming and . The vibe is really chill and relaxed, which makes it perfect for groups and families. Fern-draped waterfalls, alpine lakes, walled-in gorges, sandy beaches, frigid streams, and hot springs--California has it all. Why go? Parking lots belonging to California State Parks require a $10 fee during low-season, and a $15 fee in the high season. Crystal Cove State Beach. With all the great ways of how the sand meets the Sea in the southern state it is not surprising that 6 of the 10 best . Laguna is one of Orange County's most fashionable towns, rich in both culture and scenery. Here are some of the best swimming holes in the state. 1.8 Silver Strand. Although Bluff Cove is best known for its excellent surfing, this hidden spot is also a dreamy place to soak up the rugged beauty of the landscape. On the south side is Maverick's Beach, another popular beach, where the annual Maverick's Surf Competition takes place. Zuma Beach Location: Pacific Coast Highway and Busch Drive, Malibu This famous beach has made a number of appearances, thanks to the paparazziit's a favorite among SoCal celebrities. The 10 Best Beaches in America. Malibu Vs. Laguna Beach: Which Makes For A Better West Coast Beach Trip? So, start planning and check out the best beaches in Northern California. 1.2 La Jolla Cove. Kids especially love Balboa Fun Zone, where you can ride the waterfront Ferris wheel, play some old-school games in the arcade, nosh on funnel cake or rent bicycles to explore the area. El Matador State Beach 723 Beaches By 250ka1 Spectacular views there and it is a peaceful beach to relax and take Instagram photo-worthy moments at. 1.6 Victoria Beach. La Jolla Shores, La Jolla. Zuma Beach. This Alpine lake is located at the border of California and Nevada and is surrounded by green pine forests and pristine beaches. The main beaches in these areas have standard facilities and watchful . The four basic types of beach chairs are camp chairs, low-profile chairs that sit low to . On the north side of Pillar Point between the city of Moss Beach and Half Moon Bay, Ross Cove Beach is located inside the San Mateo County-operated Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Caspar State Beach is set in a cove called Caspar Anchorage, which is positioned in the coastal town of Caspar. Moonstone Beach 2,104 Beaches By mbartnikowski Laguna is one of Orange County's most fashionable towns, rich in both culture and scenery. The Golden State, as it is also known, California is blessed with an incredible coastline that is home to a host of beautiful beaches that are among the best in the United States. South Ponto Beach is a rare gem in that it is one of the widest beaches in the county and exists in an undeveloped area. In southern Newport Beach, Crystal Cove pairs 3.2 miles of natural seashore with 2400 acres of woodlands. Meeks Bay Beach - This long beach is one of the favorites for Tahoe visitors, and it is easy to see why. Similarly, watches, hats, jewelry and electronic devices should be left behind. Zuma Beach. Its long white sandy beaches, pier, and Annenberg Community Beach House define it, and it . Strolling along Laguna Beach's clean, warm sand during December or January will be a treat compared to some of the country's colder climates. 1. Probably one of the most famous beaches in Baja California, Balandra is a must-see for any La Paz visitor, with miles of shallow turquoise water, blinding white sand backed by mountains and lush, green oases. Best Lakes in California: LAKE TAHOE. Monterey Municipal Beach, also known as Monterey City Beach and Monterey Municipal Beach at the Wharf, is the city-owned beach near Wharf 2 Pier.This beach marks one end of the Monterey State Beach chain of beaches in Monterey. Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach: Swim, wade, and splash in the Russian River on this great sandy beach. On the south side is Maverick's Beach, another popular beach, where the annual Maverick's Surf Competition takes place. Coronado Beach. Finding. El Matador Beach. Aztec Falls - This is one of the most popular swimming holes near Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mountains, and one look explains why . Despair not, this place is huge. Source: divanov / shutterstock. 6. The Best Beaches in Southern California Located at 30000 Pacific Coast Highway, Zuma Beach is one of the largest and most popular in Los Angeles County. You can expect 65-70 degree days, fewer crowds and more small local events in the winter. The beach is a favorite of swimmers, surfers and sunbathers, and you'll notice a silvery sheen in the sand which is due to the presence of mica. However, El Matador has the most stunning scenery with giant rock formations jutting out from the shoreline and sea caves buried in the cliffs. With secret pools, secluded coves, and a castle, Laguna has some pretty cool places to explore. 2021 9. 1. Santa Monica is one of the most iconic beaches in the Greater Los Angeles area. Natural Bridges State Beach [SEE MAP] One of the best beaches in the whole of the Golden State, Natural Bridges State Beach is so named because of its beautiful rock arch that is so impressive to gaze upon. Balboa Beach. . 7. All the beaches on Santa Monica Bay and on the shores of Laguna Beach and Dana Point aren't much farther. 1.7 Guadalupe Dunes. Every one of these beaches features manageable waves, ample facilities, and family-friendly activities that will keep the whole gang happy. Can go on a banana boat, jet-ski, mini sailboat, or rent an ATV and zip down the beach. These Are California's Best Beaches, According To Your Favorite Beach Activity. The town itself is known as being an art haven, with plenty of galleries and boutiques to check out. 5. As one of the best summer towns in Southern California, La Jolla Cove can get pretty packed, especially on the weekends, so make . There's no shortage of things to see and do in the area, places to eat, and hotels to stay in. Laguna Beach. Hapuna Beach State Park - Big Island, Hawaii. In the center part of OB, you can swim and play in the water, or relax in the sand. El Matador: best quiet beach. Mission Beach at Belmont Park is one of the city's most popular beaches, boasting a boardwalk, rollercoaster, and gentle waves for swimming. A dreamy Southern California beach destination, La Jolla Shores is a well-protected mile-long beach with gentle waves, making it perfect for kids and families. South Carlsbad State Beach extends from Palomar Airport Road to La Costa Ave. Maps Although, maximum people visit Lake Tahoe in the summer months, however, winter is also famous . 1.5 Cardiff State Beach. Drakes Beach. Coronado Beach. 1.3 Redondo State Beach. La Jolla Shores, La Jolla. Beaches. Northern California's answer to England's White Cliffs of Dover, this beautiful, wide beach has the similar striking, white sandstone cliffs as the English coastline. Bluff Cove Beach, Palos Verdes Estates. 1.4 Newport Beach. 7. But if you can deal with that, then no worries! 24. 1. Whether you are there to swim, surf or just relax, the right beach chair and canopy make your day complete. Why go: This the best La Jolla beach for all-day sunbathing, family fun and a wide range of water sports. 9. 8. Monterey County has 99 miles of spectacular coastline encompassing every coastal landscape. The other two are El Pescador and La Piedra. El Matador Beach. Why We Recommend This Beach Unlike Carlsbad State Beach to the north, this beach has few amenities, except for the campgrounds, and [] Explore Now. All of them boast winter temperatures over 60 o F, with many consistently reaching 70Fs . Southern California. They are found in 7 states - South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, and Hawaii - and one US territory - Puerto Rico. California's best beaches for warm winter weather are along the southern coast, particularly south-facing shores. 1 Here are 10 of the best Cleanest Beaches in Southern California. There are facilities at some, but not all, of the beaches. El Matador State Beach | Malibu, California. Explore the best beaches in Southern California beaches for a fun beach day Southern California and spending a fabulous day on the beach and enjoying the SoCal vibe is what it's all about here. Baja California Sur has a great number of outstanding beaches with a variety of reasons to make a list of the best beaches in Mexico or even the world. very bonito beach, calm and relaing as all the la paz beaches, a beautiful beach to be alone and meditate. "National Geographic Adventure Magazine": America's Best Swimming Holes ; Travel Channel; Top 10 Southern California Beaches; Jennifer Plum Auvil ; Red Tricycle: The Best Swimming Holes in Los Angeles It's just one of many sights to behold in San Diego County. The city has 30 beaches to choose from. Near the pier, you can catch some awesome waves, if you are a surfer. Zuma Beach in Malibu will give you exactly that - with close to 300 sunny days per year, the odds are good that you will have the picture-perfect experience. Cayucos is often called "the last of the California beach towns" thanks to its laid-back . La Jolla Shores Beach is a 1-mile long stretch of beach that sits just south of the Village (downtown La . There is a very untouched and wild look about the place. Fire rings at three of the beaches make. Playa San Felipe. 1.1 Pacific Beach. Victoria Beach is located in Laguna Beach, just halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. At a height of 625 ft, Lake Tahoe is one of the highest elevation lakes in the USA. Here are 8 of the best beaches in Laguna Beach, California. 8. Its north-facing location makes it safer for swimming than other Monterey beaches, and that, along with . A view of Hapuna Beach State Park in Big Island, Hawaii. From dramatic cliffs with breathtaking waterfalls, to rocky shores perfect for the avid tidepooler or rock hunter, to sandy California beaches suitable for surfing, fishing and swimming, Monterey County has it all. Enjoy and relax; The best way to interact with a dolphin is to swim with them since you are going to do this in their natural habitat. 3. Ocean Beach, California. El Matador Beach Malibu 32350 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90265 (818) 880-0363 Malibu's west end is home to three "pocket beaches" offering coves, cliffs, bluffs, and rock formations. The swimming area (created by a temporary dam) is usually open July 1 to Labor Day. This 1-mile long sandy beach is located on the San Mateo County coast. A 12.3-acre coastal section of the park is the federally recognized historic district with dozens of 1930s to 50's vintage cottages well preserved and many open to overnight guests. Long Beach, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach are the closest cities on the ocean near Anaheim. Best beaches for swimming Bolsa Chica State Beach, Orange County Bolsa Chica State Beach. This beach is known for its smooth "moonstones" as well as sea glass and driftwood. The only criticism you could make is that this place gets a bit crowded. El Matador is one of three pocket beaches that make up the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach at the northern end of Malibu. Warm days in winter also occur at Imperial Beach, San Diego . Destin. By Aunindita Bhatia Jul 6, 2021. From New York to California, these are the 25 best beaches in the U.S. notable for their attractions, location, or unique amenities. You can expect 65-70 degree days, fewer crowds and more small local events in the winter. Here is a round-up of the best California Beaches that you may already know and some lesser-known gems around the state. Related: More beach vacation ideas Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii This half-mile wide beach features shallow, warmer waters that are ideal for kite surfers from beginner to expert. Cowell Ranch Beach, Half Moon Bay. South Ponto Beach. Venice Beach. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/Digital First Media/Orange County Register/Getty Images) This 3-mile-long stretch of golden sand near Huntington Beach is popular with surfers, families, volleyball-players and sun-seekers of all types. 198 reviews of Sand Harbor Beach "Best beach in Tahoe! Nature lovers will also want . Ross Cove Beach W Point Avenue Half Moon Bay, CA After a satisfying jog in Pillar Point Bluff Park, head down to Ross Cove Beach inside the James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Cayucos State Beach. SANTA MONICA BEACH Photo by Shauna Murray Warm beaches in Southern California Avila Beach Newport Beach La Jolla Cove Aliso Beach Zuma Beach Leadbetter Beach Manhattan Beach Warmest beaches in Northern California Crown Memorial Beach Seacliff State Beach South Beach - Crescent City Hearts Desire Beach Coyote Point Beach Stinson Beach Big River Beach - Mendocino Headlands State Park Balboa Beach is the place for families to be in Newport Beach, California. Situated on the Florida Panhandle, Destin boasts miles of picturesque white sand beaches. This is not a great beach for swimming as there are many rip currents. It's a perfect getaway for the family and it is an ideal beach for swimming, body surfing or boogie boarding as the w. 8. Crystal Cove State Park. 01 of 17 Coronado Beach Courtesy of SanDiego.org Address Coronado Beach, Coronado, CA 92118, USA Found on the island across from San Diego's downtown, this beach regularly appears on "best of" lists. Santa Monica Beach. #3 in Best Beaches in the U.S. Some of the best swimming beaches are in Orange County; two in Huntington Beach and two in Newport Beach were the only California beaches to be awarded "five-star" ratings for clean water by the. Ocean Beach is the Hippie Beach town in San Diego. Transportation One of the many great things about Laguna Beach is the walkability of our coastal village. Very much a trendsetter when it comes to popular culture, many people imagine California to be a laidback place that is a paradise for surfers; its scenic beaches with their chilled out vibe certainly promote this image. Boasting some of the clearest water in California, this bustling beach with gorgeous blue water and pristine sand is located at 1100 Coast Blvd in La Jolla. Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk. 13. What to know before you go. One of the best beaches in Central California for beachcombing, Moonstone Beach encourages exploration for visitors of all ages. In fact, it's one of the best San Diego beaches if not the best. 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. It has fast become one of the best beaches in the Pacific Northwest for kiteboarding. The warmest temperatures happen at Avila Beach, Long Beach and Laguna Beach where the days get up to at least 67 degrees F (19 C) on average in December and January. Located in Orange County, halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach is seven miles of coves and beaches that lay claim to tide pools, boardwalks, and bluffs. It's one of the most stunning hidden beaches in Southern California. Table of Contents Seal Beach Crystal Cove Emerald Bay Ponto State Beach Imperial Beach Fletcher Cove El Matador State Beach Leo Carrillo State Beach Abalone Cove Butterfly Beach Seal Beach Here are 8 of the best beaches in Laguna Beach, California. This beach is great for camping; there is an RV campground right across the road.