CA Best Beaches: The Ultimate Guide to California’s Most Beautiful Shorelines

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Amazon
• Pinterest

If there’s one thing California does exceptionally well, it’s beaches. I know I’m biased because I live in California, but I’ve been to a lot of places. And I still appreciate all that the California beaches have to offer. From dramatic cliffs and rugged coves to wide sandy shores perfect for sandcastle-building, the Golden State truly delivers. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic escape, or just a sun-soaked day trip, this guide to the best beaches in CA will help you find the perfect stretch of sand.

As someone who believes beach days are almost always a good idea, I can confidently say: California has a beach for everyone.

Let’s dive in.

1. CA Best Beaches: Coronado Beach – San Diego

I’ve written about it before, and I’m sure I’ll write about it again. If you’re looking for soft sand, gentle waves, and postcard-worthy scenery, Coronado Beach is hard to beat. It’s one of the best beaches in San Diego for good reason. Located on Coronado Island just across the bay from downtown San Diego, this beach is known for its sparkling mica-infused sand and wide-open shoreline.

It’s especially perfect for families. The waves tend to be manageable, there’s plenty of space to spread out, and you can walk to shops and restaurants afterward, so it works well for kids and adults alike. The iconic backdrop of the historic Hotel del Coronado doesn’t hurt either.

Check out my complete Coronado beach guide for information about parking, rules and other important information when visiting here.

Why it’s one of California’s best beaches: Clean, safe, family-friendly, and absolutely beautiful.

2. Laguna Beach – Orange County

Laguna Beach feels like a Mediterranean escape without leaving California. With its hidden coves, tide pools, and crystal-clear water, plus the serene beauty of spots around South Laguna, it’s easily one of the most scenic coastal towns in the state—and honestly one of my favorite beach picks.

Be sure to check out Victoria Beach for its famous pirate tower or explore tide pools at Crystal Cove State Park at low tide, when you may spot sea anemones.

Why it’s one of the CA best beaches: Stunning scenery, charming town vibe, and incredible photo ops. There are also lovely art galleries to browse in town.

3. Santa Monica Beach – One of the best beaches in Los Angeles, Ca

If you want that classic California beach experience—this is it. Think palm trees, rollerbladers, bike paths, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Besides being one of the best beaches in Los Angeles, Santa Monica Beach, formally Santa Monica State Beach, is one of the best beaches in all of California and easily one of the best cities to visit in California.

It’s lively, energetic, and has a lively atmosphere that’s perfect if you want more than just sunbathing. Rent bikes, ride the Ferris wheel, or grab fish tacos nearby in the walkable downtown. Around the pier and promenade, street performers add to the fun, and Pacific Palisades is a scenic nearby coastal area.

Why it’s one of the best beaches in Cali: It’s iconic California—vibrant, fun, and full of things to do.

4. Pfeiffer Beach – Big Sur

For something dramatic and unforgettable, head to Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, along the region’s rugged coastline. Known for its purple-hued sand and massive rock formations, this beach feels wild and untouched, and nearby coastal trails add even more scenic appeal.

The waves here can be rough, with crashing waves making it more about soaking in the scenery than swimming. But it’s especially memorable at stunning sunset.

McWay Beach is another iconic nearby stop in Big Sur. If you plan to visit here, check out my guide to Big Sur to help you plan your visit.

Why it’s one of California’s best beaches: Unique purple sand and jaw-dropping coastal cliffs.

5. Huntington Beach – Orange County

Nicknamed “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach is a must for wave lovers. The long pier, consistent surf, and beach bonfire culture, complete with fire rings, make it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

It’s wide, walkable, and its long stretch is great for long walks or an active beach day with the family.

Why it’s one of the best beaches in Ca: Classic SoCal surf culture and endless sandy shoreline.

6. Carmel Beach – Monterey County

Carmel Beach is pure coastal charm, with golden sands and cypress trees that make it feel almost storybook-like. It’s also famously dog-friendly, which makes it a win for pet-loving families.

After your beach walk, wander through the adorable village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Nearby, Ocean Boulevard adds to the appeal with its walkable shops-and-cafes feel. The scenic setting also makes this a favorite spot for family portraits.

Why it’s one of the CA best beaches: Scenic, peaceful, and perfect for long sunset strolls.

7. La Jolla Shores – One of the best beaches in San Diego, Ca

La Jolla Shores offers gentle waves and a long sandy stretch that’s ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It’s one of the best beaches in Southern California for beginners who want to try surfing.

Nearby, you can explore the sea caves via kayak or head to La Jolla Cove to see sea lions and go scuba diving. Check out my guide to all of the best La Jolla beaches for even more information.

Why it’s one of the best California beaches: Calm waters, outdoor adventure, and incredible marine life.

Some Honorable Mentions

There is some tough competition when comparing the best beaches in California. I gave you the top 10, in my opinion, but there are others that some would argue should have a spot on this list. If you want even more options, check out some of these other contenders:

• Malibu (Zuma Beach) – Definitely one of the best beaches in Los Angeles.
• Santa Cruz Beach
• Pismo Beach
• Newport Beach / Balboa Peninsula – I love Balboa Island, but I don’t love that the beaches break right on the shore at Newport Beach. My kids love tumbling in these waves, but it scares me to watch!
• Santa Barbara (East Beach or Arroyo Burro) – with plenty of family resorts in Santa Barbara to turn a beach day into a full getaway
• Glass Beach (Fort Bragg) – As its name suggests, this beach is famous for its smooth, colorful seaglass.
• Moonstone Beach (Central Coast)
• Moonlight Beach – A family-friendly Encinitas favorite with gentle waves and room to spread out.
• Venice Beach – An iconic pick for its lively boardwalk vibe, street performers, and people-watching.
• Half Moon Bay – A scenic stretch of coast known for pretty views and a classic Northern California feel.
• Morro Rock Beach – Worth a stop for its wide sandy shore and unforgettable landmark scenery.

Quick Guide: Best California Beaches by Type

• Best for families → Coronado Beach
• Best for surfing → Huntington Beach
• Best for scenery in Northern California → Big Sur (Pfeiffer Beach)
• Best for kids → La Jolla Shores
• Best for iconic vibes → Santa Monica
• Best for camping → San Clemente State Beach. It’s one of the best family camping spots in Southern California. And there are so many fun things to do in San Clemente with kids.
• Best for stunning beaches along the California coast → Big Sur (Pfeiffer Beach) which also offers excellent summer camping destinations in California

What Makes the CA Best Beaches So Special?

California’s coastline stretches over 800 miles, offering everything from sandy shores to rocky coves. That means you can experience:

• Surrounding cliffs in Big Sur
• Classic surf towns in Orange County
• Family-friendly shores in San Diego
• Iconic boardwalks in Los Angeles
• Secluded coves, tide pools, and hidden gems throughout
• Scenic hiking trails near the coast

Few states offer that kind of variety.

Whether you’re building sandcastles with your kids, planning a romantic sunset picnic, or chasing the perfect wave, the CA best beaches truly offer something for every type of traveler, especially if you’re dreaming about the best family beach vacations in the USA.

Final Thoughts on CA’s Best Beaches

The beauty of California’s coastline is that no two beaches feel exactly the same, and you can go from a lively pier to other beaches with a quieter or more rugged feel.

So, if you’re planning a California getaway, consider building your itinerary around the shoreline. After all, some of the very best memories are made with sandy toes and salty air.

And if you ask me? There’s no such thing as too many beach days.

Looking for more beach vacation ideas? Check out these awesome east coast beaches for families.

And if you need more resources for your California trip, check out these other popular posts:

• Things to do on Catalina Island
• The Best Family Hotels in Los Angeles
• San Diego Beach Resorts
• California PCH Road Trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco
• Where to Camp on the Beach in Southern California
• Things to do on Balboa Island, Newport Beach

Note: Affiliate links on this page may earn me commission if used to make purchases. This doesn’t cost you a penny extra, and it helps to keep my website up and running for free.