Best Beaches in California 

The Golden State, or California as it is commonly called, is blessed with an amazing coastline that is home to a variety of lovely beaches that rank among the best in the country.

Many people have the impression that California is a relaxed location and a surfer’s paradise since it sets trends in pop culture, and its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere undoubtedly contribute to this impression.

One of the first images that spring to mind for first-time visitors to California is probably the beach. One may picture climbers navigating cliffs along the coast in the north or bathing suit-clad beachgoers sashaying along sunny California boardwalks in the south. In either case, California has a huge selection of beaches. 

Best Beaches in California for 2023

California and its stunning beaches are the locations to go, offering the most alluring combination of stunning landscape, energetic cities, and hospitable, kind people. Lets check out some of the Best Beaches in California for 2023.

Manhattan Beach – Los Angeles, California

It comes as no surprise that Manhattan Beach, with its premium vibe and magnificent location on the Pacific coast, is one of the most expensive locations to reside in Los Angeles County.

Visitors will discover a multitude of stunning homes on exhibit in addition to the fantastic beach, as well as dozens of upscale eateries, hip boutiques, and some extremely fashionable hotels. Weekends can be a tad congested as the wealthy and famous flock to Manhattan Beach to take advantage of everything it has to offer.

In addition to all of this, the Los Angeles city center is just a 30-minute drive away. Therefore, this is the ideal location if you wish to combine a trip to the beach with a view of the Hollywood sign, a drive to Beverly Hills, and a stroll down Sunset Boulevard.

Laguna Beach – Orange County, California

The California dream consists of Laguna Beach. This picturesque location offers visitors isolated beaches, gorgeous coastal parks, and flowing, lush mountains. Just a few of the numerous characteristics that make this southern California location special include all of the aforementioned, as well as its small town vibe and historical arts culture. Furthermore, getting there is quite simple. Laguna Beach is the ideal stop for your California road trip because it is positioned directly along Pacific Coast Highway and is midway between San Diego and Los Angeles.

Whale watching is a popular activity, the town is home to a number of wildflower-filled coastal parks, including one of the few intact coastal canyons in southern California, and the headquarters for the rescue and rehabilitation of the Orange County coast seal population is situated here. Take the time to get to know the people of Laguna Beach, take in as much of the coastline as you can, and don’t forget to snap lots of photographs along the way.

Paradise Cove – Malibu, California

The rightfully titled Paradise Cove is a charming little place to explore. It is tucked away among some dramatic looking jagged cliffs and tree-covered hills. It is without a doubt one of the state’s most stunning beaches.

The gorgeous beach currently charges a fee to access due to its popularity; while this has helped to reduce crowds in certain cases, weekends may still be a bit busy.

Paradise Cove more than lives up to its name with its sun-kissed golden sands, stunning vistas of the Pacific, and inviting, laid-back environment.

Malibu – Los Angeles, California

One of Southern California’s most treasured destinations is Malibu, which is located about 20 miles to the west of Santa Monica. There are calm beaches here of various sizes that are ideal for exploration, relaxing, or both. Visit Zuma Beach or Point Dume State Beach if you want plenty of space on the sand. Celebrity sightings are possible at Carbon Beach and Puerco Beach, which gaze out over some of the houses that make up this rich neighborhood. You should set aside at least a few days to explore the region, with the many beaches and close-by Santa Monica Mountains.

Natural Bridges State Beach – California

Natural Bridges State Beach, one of the nicest beaches in the whole Golden State, got its name from a stunning rock arch that is breathtaking to look at. The area has a highly untamed and wild appearance.

The beach, which is just outside of Santa Cruz, is situated in a magnificent state park with lots of wildlife. Many visitors come here to see the annual stunning monarch butterfly migration, during which tens of thousands of them float around the park. 

Pfeiffer Beach – California

One of Big Sur’s few accessible beaches, this well-liked beach along Highway 1 is also one of the state of California’s most picturesque. Pfeiffer Beach, which is roughly 10 miles southeast of Andrew Molera State Park, is impressive due to the surrounding breathtaking cliffs and variety of rock formations. Visit this hidden gem to take pictures of Keyhole Rock and explore the tidal pools, ideally around twilight for the greatest lighting. But keep in mind that because of the underlying rocks and strong currents, the beach is not suitable for swimming.

Carmel Beach – California

Carmel Beach’s sparkling white sands are bordered by gorgeous green hills, making wandering there while admiring the ocean views a delightful experience.

Carmel Beach is unquestionably one of California’s most stunning beaches. It is also considerably calmer and laid-back than many other beaches in the state.

Although there are several hotels, restaurants, and pubs around Carmel-by-the-Sea, the majority of guests come for the seclusion and the breathtaking surroundings.

Hermosa Beach – Los Angeles, California

Hermosa Beach, which is roughly 20 miles southwest of Los Angeles, is the kind of beachfront that may appeal to different beachgoers. Nearly two miles of sand are available for visitors to relax on, and depending on the season, they could find the waves to be calm enough for swimming or the perfect conditions for surfing. Visitors will love strolling down the Strand, the 1,140-foot-long Hermosa Beach Pier, and the miles-long beach boardwalk, where sunsets are especially magnificent. Additionally, there are several restaurants nearby, as well as beach volleyball courts, bathrooms, and showers.

Huntington Beach – California

Given that Huntington Beach is known as “Surf City,” it should not be surprising that it is well-known for its world-class surf locations. Therefore, it seemed only natural that it would appear in a Beach Boys song at some time.

The nearly fifteen-kilometer palm tree-lined beach is breathtaking to see, and the enormous waves that break violently close offshore make it a magnet for surfers.

Away from the lake, there is a lot going on in the city itself. After a hectic day of sunbathing or strolling along the pier, there are several pubs and nightclubs to go out at.

Venice Beach – Los Angeles, California

Venice Beach’s boardwalk is a wonderful destination to visit with its bustling yet laid-back ambiance that manages to be both fun and celebratory at the same time. You’ll find folks from all walks of life here, in fact.

Venice Beach is known for its alternative culture and embraces everyone, whether it’s street performers putting on a wild and thrilling performance, artists drawing caricatures of people, or bodybuilders working out along the shoreline.

The beach itself is stunning and a favorite hangout for Los Angeles locals. It is also home to a lot of artists, activists, and eccentrics. Tourists visit this location to take in the vibrant Ocean Front Walk and the charming tiny canals that are located immediately behind the shoreline.