25 Best California Beaches for a Gorgeous Day Trip in the Golden State

Filled with sunshine, white sands and clear blue waters, California is indeed “The Golden State.” With the state’s warm weather, it’s no wonder that visits to the beach are so popular. Even now as kids are heading back to school, parents can still sneak in a beach getaway with moderate temperatures in this west coast state. You can take part in water activities like snorkeling, swimming, fishing and boogie boarding. Biking, walking and even amusement parks also provide entertainment outside of the water.

There is no shortage of beaches you can visit in California. In fact, the state boasts more than 400 public beaches alone! Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly trip, a romantic excursion or fun with your friends, California has it. We take a look at 25 of the best beaches that the state has to offer. From popular tourist attractions to more secluded hideaways, we provide a listing of places where you’re sure to enjoy rest, relaxation and fun.

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25 Best California Beaches

1. Butterfly Beach

Sunbathing, swimming and kayaking are among visitors’ favorite activities at Butterfly Beach. This Santa Barbara beach is also known for an occasional celebrity sighting or two. You can see the Channel Islands and may also spot a whale in the distance.

2. Carmel-by-the-Sea

Walking on the sand hand-in-hand is a favorite activity at this beach. Its clear blue waters and natural Cypress trees give it a very romantic feel. Visitors recommend enjoying the beach’s beauty at sunset. Carmel-by-the-Sea is dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend can come along for the ride.

3. Carpinteria

Families enjoy the city and state beaches in Carpinteria. The safe environments and beautiful white sands are inviting. There are over 200 camping spots near the state beach. Tide pools, swimming and even bird watching are also available activities.

4. Catalina Island

This island boasts not only miles of beautiful beaches, but also water activities that the entire family can enjoy. Kayaking, sailing and snorkeling are popular activities. Visitors also love watching the marine life in the clear water.

5. Coronado Beach

This San Diego beach is a favorite for families, as well as for romantic getaways. Soft sands and the famous Hotel del Coronado as a backdrop make this beach a crowd-pleaser. You can enjoy water sports or bring your four-legged friend for some fun on the dog beach. Visitors say the beach is clean and welcoming. If you don’t mind the potential crowds, it’s a great place to visit.

6. Cowell Beach

Though smaller than Santa Cruz’s main beach, Cowell has a lot to offer. It’s home to Steamer Lane, a well-known spot for top-notch surfers. It also has several sand volleyball courts. When the water and conditions are right, visitors also enjoy surfing here.

7. Del Mar Beach

With over two miles of sandy beaches, this destination offers a relaxing beach experience. Swimming, surfing and jogging are frequent activities on the sands. The area also has great picnic spots for families, plenty of space for volleyball games and room for dogs to run around and play.

8. East Beach

East Beach has enough excitement for adults, and calm activities for the kids. Peaceful waters are inviting for the little ones to play, while adults can enjoy swimming or volleyball on the beach. Not feeling like getting wet? Sit back and take in the beautiful mountain views.

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9. Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay State Beach provides the perfect setting for sunbathing, fishing and having a family picnic. The location is ideal for families, with a nearby campground.

10. Hermosa Beach

Hermosa’s two miles of sandy beach has fun for everyone. Swimmers and surfers can dive in when the waters are calm. The 1,140-foot Hermosa Beach Pier boasts fantastic views, especially during sunset. Other activities include beach volleyball and long walks.

11. Huntington Beach

This 3.5-mile beach is located along the Pacific Coast Highway. It houses the renowned Huntington Beach Pier, which boasts unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean. The pier is an impressive 1850 feet long. Surfing, volleyball and biking are just some of the activities that visitors love to enjoy here.

12. La Jolla Shores Beach

From 300-foot cliffs to golden sands, La Jolla Shores Beach has a lot to offer. Known as “The Jewel” of San Diego, this stretch of coast provides picturesque views. Although the beach itself is small when compared to other California beaches, it allows snorkelers to get a look at local marine life. Kayaking, swimming and scuba diving are also popular activities.

13. Laguna Beach

If you love watching marine life, Laguna Beach is for you. Known for its clear blue waters, it boasts the only marine reserve in southern California. Snorkeling, swimming, diving, paddle boarding and surfing are just some of the activities offered by Laguna Beach.

14. Main Beach

Santa Cruz’s Main Beach is a favorite for families. Its boardwalk, complete with an amusement park, has earned it the name Boardwalk Beach. Along with all the boardwalk activities, visitors can enjoy volleyball, kayaking, boating and, of course, sunbathing.

15. Malibu Lagoon State Beach

This beach is full of history and landmarks. For magnificent views, check out the famous Malibu Pier. Surfing enthusiasts may also want to check out the place where modern surfing culture came to be, Surfrider Beach. The Adamson House, located at the beach, is a historic California landmark filled with artifacts.

16. Manhattan Beach

If you’re interested in a less-crowded beach experience, Manhattan Beach is the way to go. Not only does it have perfect waves for surfing, but there are also beautiful views of the Palo Verdes Peninsula. If you’re looking for activities outside the water, take advantage of the beach volleyball courts.

17. Mission Beach

Sports enthusiasts love this beach for volleyball, basketball, swimming and surfing. Boogie-boarding and biking are also popular activities here. Visitors also say the beach is perfect for sunbathing. Families may want to make a point of checking out the beachfront amusement park, Belmont Park. It has a wooden rollercoaster and tons of fun carnival games.

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18. Oceanside

For a less crowded beach experience, the beaches along Oceanside’s coast are sure to please. One of the longest piers on the west coast, the Oceanside Pier allows you to take in the views. Walking, biking and picnicking are just some of the activities visitors enjoy.

19. Pacific Beach

Sandy beaches and clear waters are par for the course here. The calm vibe causes many of this area’s beaches to be a favorite of surfers. The beaches also provide activities and enjoyment for the entire family.

20. Pfeiffer Beach

This popular beach is nestled in picturesque cliffs and stunning rock formations. While the beach is not safe for swimming, it is still a favorite because of its unmatched beauty. Visitors recommend hitting this secluded spot for pictures at sunset. Be sure to snap some of Keyhole Rock.

21. Pismo Beach

At Pismo Beach, less is more. The beach offers fewer activities, but more relaxation and the ability to escape the crowds. It’s a scenic destination and offers pristine waters and beautiful white sand. Enjoy fun in the water with kayaking, surfing and body boarding.

22. San Onofre Beach

Nestled in the north coastal region of San Diego, this rugged beach is popular for surfing as well as overnight camping. In fact, the San Onofre State Beach Campground has close to 400 sites for tent camping and RVs. Clam digging, tide pooling and surf fishing are among visitors’ favorite activities here. San Onofre State Surfing Beach is an acclaimed surfing spot where some of the pros have sharpened their skills.

23. Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica State Beach and Pier are famous must-see stops. The 3.5-mile beach boasts an amusement park and an aquarium. Along with the many water activities, this beach has something for the entire family.

24. Venice Beach

This beach is a favorite among tourists, for good reason. For this beach, it’s more about the experience of being there. You can enjoy the sun and the sand, but there’s also an abundance of activities. Walking, biking and skating on the beachfront promenade are favorite activities. The lively atmosphere highlights something to do for all ages.

25. Ventura Beach

Ventura Beach hosts two of the most well-known surfing spots, Rincon Beach and C-Street. Along with surfing, this dog-friendly beach is popular for boogie-boarding, fishing and even dolphin-watching. You can also enjoy hiking, biking and the sand dunes. Families love this beach because the entire family can find something to do.

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