Best beaches in California
California’s coast runs the full range — we’ve mapped 15 of its best beaches, from family, scenic, snorkel, surf shores. Find the vibe you want, then build the trip around it.
glittering, mica-flecked sand below the grand Hotel del Coronado.
the classic wide L.A. beach with the pier and Pacific Park.
purple-tinged sand and a sea arch that catches winter sunlight.
clear, protected water with sea lions, leopard sharks, and reef snorkeling.
long, consistent waves at the original "Surf City USA".
white sand and cypress at the foot of a storybook village.
a wide Central Coast beach with a pier and nearby dunes.
the boardwalk circus of street performers, Muscle Beach, and skaters.
coves, tide pools, and clear water in an artsy Orange County town.
a polished South Bay beach with a classic pier and volleyball courts.
a long, wide Malibu beach with dependable waves.
a three-mile sweep of sand just north of San Francisco.
home of the West Coast’s last beachfront amusement park and a famous surf point.
a boardwalk along bluffs strewn with sea-polished moonstones.
sea caves, arches, and rock stacks below a Malibu bluff.
Check local conditions, parking, and seasonal fees before you go — and always heed posted flags, rip-current warnings, and lifeguard guidance.