Best California Beaches

Welcome to our Best California Beaches page. We are going to mention just a few of the best beaches of the Golden State.

California is blessed by more than 800 miles of coast and amazing beaches. Some are rough and great for sightseeing but not for swimming, but most of them are ideal for all kind of water activities almost year round.

The beaches of Sonoma are wild and great for surfing

Sonoma Coast State Beaches

These are some of the most natural beaches in the state with the cleanest waters. It is located between Bodega bay and Jenner, way north of San Francisco.

That said you may imagine that the beaches are not so great for swimming because of the cold waters. It is also said that some waves could be treacherous and catch you by surprise. Never seat with the back to the ocean here.

Best California Beaches

The beaches of Santa Cruz in the Monterey Bay Area

Santa Cruz Beaches

The beaches of Santa Cruz are in the Monterey bay Area. There are about 30 beaches as varied as they can be to please everyone. To get there you can walk through the Santa Cruz Boardwalk to the main beach. The beach has all amenities necessary for a great visit, like lifeguards, sun beds, umbrellas and more.  This beach is great for surfing, swimming, sunbathing and sail boarding. They are recommended as the best California Beaches for families with small children.

• Cowell Beach Santa Cruz
  
  This beach is located near Bay Avenue on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. It is great for surfing and playing volleyball. Hint; park for free by Depot Park up the road
  

Rodeo Beach at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

• Rodeo Beach
  
  It is located at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area at Marin Headlands on Highway 101. It is not the ideal beach for swimming, but you will see crowds of people walking with their dogs. It also has an area for nude bathing.
  
  
• Point Lobos State Reserve
  
  Located on the Carmel Highlands this beach has strong winds, but the people keep coming to wander the coastal trails. This reserve has been called "the crown jewel of the State Park System." During the spring you may watch adult and baby harbor seals.
  
  
• Cayucos State Beach, Cayucos

Located at the end of Cayuco’s drive, this town is regarded by Californians as a one of the best getaways in the state.

It features breathtaking views of the ocean. This place is where the “Annual Polar Bear Dip” happens annually on New Year’s Day. Would you take a dip? Not me…

Santa Barbara California features the Best California Beaches

Santa Barbara East Beach

Santa Barbara itself is a lovely city. I have visited several times and I always enjoy the manicured lawns and gardens and the beautiful homes.

Regarding the beach, I have heard that the waters are not so clean. So you better check with local authorities before venturing into the waters.

The beach has umbrellas, chairs people playing volleyball and on Sundays, local artists display their art under the palm trees.

• Rincon Beach, Santa Barbara
  
  This Santa Barbara Beach is located near the Santa Barbara and Ventura county line. From Highway 101, take the Bates Road turn off south to the park entrance.
  
  It is considered one of the best surf spots on the west coast of the United States.

World renowned Malibu Beach in California

• Malibu Beaches
  
  These best California beaches are a tradition for many Californians. The beaches of Zuma and Surfrider are located near the Malibu Pier. Zuma features all amenities including restaurants, bars and restrooms. The area is famous for its sunbathing and strolling on the beach in front of the multimillion dollar homes of the artists.

• El Matador Beach
  
  It is a great place to watch the beautiful people of Hollywood. Many bodysurfers and body boarders meet here for the delight of watchers.

For more information visit California Tourism Website

La Jolla Beaches in Southern California

• La Jolla Beaches
  
  These are probably the state’s most beautiful beaches. It is a popular beach for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling. This is where you’ll find the orange California State fish, the Garibaldi. There is a nude beach, difficult to get to it known as Glider Port. In La Jolla area the beaches with most amenities are Mission Bay and Mission Beach.

• Coronado Beach
  
  Located in San Diego it is popular with locals, families, and tourists. It is located in Coronado island south of the Naval Air Station and continues south to the Hotel Del Coronado and beyond. If you like to relax under an umbrella with a book in hand, this is your beach. But once you get bored, there are many beach activities going on. One of them may be migrating whale watching.

images credits for best california beaches

usa santa cruz beach    dvorty girl
pismo california beach    hey paul
usa santa barbara    john  wiley
usa la jolla solana beach    timeforkindergarten

all courtesy of wikimedia commons

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