Discover the top 10 best beaches in California. See the characteristics of each one and which one best suits your itinerary.
1. La Jolla Beach in San Diego, California
Our first tip could only be La Jolla beach in San Diego. As well as having a refreshing sea and white sands, La Jolla allows you to come into contact with many marine animals. But the real highlight is diving in the Pacific Ocean, which highlights the beach’s natural beauty, with amazing seaweed and underwater crevices.
2. Coronado Beach in San Diego, California
Coronado Island is one of the best places San Diego has to offer. There are so many things to do there, from a visit to the Coronado Historical Museum to a swim on the refreshing beach in the area. And along the waterfront, you’ll find a long stretch of white sand that attracts many visitors to sunbathe. This is certainly one of the top 10 best beaches in California.
- Important tip: California is a state that has many tourist cities, with museums, attractions and tours. So, regardless of where you go there, always buy the tickets in advance. We buy everything on this website that has the best price.
3. San Onofre State Beach in San Clemente, California
About 60 km from San Diego is San Clemente, another California highlight. Over the course of a year, San Onofre State Beach attracts around 3 million tourists looking for fun and sports.
This makes it a favorite with surfers, who find incredible waves there. If you’re interested in having the unique experience of surfing in California, don’t miss the opportunity to include this beach in your travel itinerary.
4. Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach, California
Victoria Beach is a beach unknown to tourists, but with unparalleled beauty. Charming and small, the beach offers emerald green water, white sand and rocky walls that complete the exotic scenery. An unusual tower has also been built there, which is still standing despite the force of the water. Take the opportunity to take lots of original photos of the monument in the area.
5. Crystal Cove State Park beach in Laguna Beach, California
Continuing with our guide to the top 10 best beaches in California, another beach that deserves attention is Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach. This favorite beach for surfers has a great infrastructure, offering everything visitors need.
There are parking lots, restaurants, houses, hiking trails and much more in the area. Don’t be surprised if someone shows up on horseback, as it’s quite common in the area.
6. Huntington Beach in California
South of Los Angeles is another of the top 10 best beaches in California. We’re talking about the magnificent Huntington Beach. Known as the city of surfing, it has a museum dedicated to the sport, the International Surfing Museum. There are also stores and restaurants right by the sea for those who want to enjoy the local atmosphere.
7. Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California
Located on the west side of Los Angeles, the area has come to be called Venice because of its resemblance to Venice. Like the Italian city, several canals cross this area of Los Angeles, giving it a special charm.
The main highlight of the beach is its promenade, which attracts tourists and locals alike, who take the opportunity to walk, play sports, cycle and much more. The area is very popular with all walks of life, be they surfers, rappers or hippies. Everyone is seen enjoying the sun and waves of Venice Beach.
And our top tip is to rent a board, skateboard, bike or bodyboard when you visit Venice Beach, to enjoy the beach like a true Los Angeles resident.
8. Hermosa Beach in Los Angeles, California
Within the movie capital is another of the top 10 best beaches in California: Hermosa Beach. Like the other highlight of Los Angeles, Venice Beach, Hermosa Beach has many visitors who love to do physical activities in the area.
Its beachfront is super trendy, offering the best of Californian gastronomy alongside many irresistible shops.
- Important tip: to make the most of your trip to California, staying in the best tourist cities is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the main cities and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
9. Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica is a beach town 40 minutes from Los Angeles. Despite having one of the best beaches in the region, what really stands out about Santa Monica Beach is its pier, with lots of great things to enjoy.
It has an excellent amusement park: Pacific Park. It was here that the first roller coaster and Ferris wheel on the entire west coast of the United States appeared. The pier also has restaurants, shops and an arcade that will delight gamers of all ages.
After spending a whole day there, there’s nothing better than enjoying a magnificent sunset from the pier, which makes for lovely photos for your social networks.
10. Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, California
The last beach could only be in Big Sur, one of California’s paradises, which boasts the most beautiful stretch of the entire Highway 1. The region’s landscape is utterly splendid, surrounded by natural beauty: the mountain range on one side and the peaceful ocean on the other.
The water at Pfeiffer Beach is crystal clear, its sands are golden and there are rocky walls along the coast. In the middle of the ocean, there is The Rock, a gigantic rock that makes the place even more unique.
Save money on your trip to California:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to California cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Tickets: find out where to buy your California tickets in the cheapest and safest way. You can save up to 40%!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
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