15 x Best Beaches in California

California, often known as the Golden State, is endowed with a magnificent coastline home to a plethora of stunning beaches that rank among the greatest in the United States. Many people perceive California to be a laid-back area that is a surfers' paradise; its picturesque beaches and chilled-out ambiance undoubtedly foster this image.

Photo by Craig Melville on Unsplash

With world-famous cities such as San Francisco,Los Angeles, and San Diego and known sites such as Beverly Hills and the Golden Gate Bridge, California is a great area to visit, with something for everyone to enjoy. California and its magnificent beaches are the places to visit if you want to experience the most alluring combination of breathtaking scenery, dynamic cities, and warm, inviting people.

1. Manhattan State Beach

Manhattan State Beach is located in the Los Angeles South Bay area, between Hermosa Beach and Los Angeles International Airport. The sand on this family-friendly beach is so smooth that Hawaiian beaches have been known to import it. You can attempt body surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and other water activities at this famous beach, or simply shop under an umbrella and people-watch till the sun goes down.

2. Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur

Pfeiffer Beach, with its purple sand and massive boulders, is one of Big Sur's most stunning beaches. It's down the hill from Highway 1, at the end of unmarked Sycamore Canyon Road, on Los Padres National Forest land.

The beach is small and level, located in a small cove, with massive craggy stones scattered across the purple sand. The beach is not suited for swimming because of rough waves, yet the natural beauty is captivating and makes for great photography.

3. Santa Monica Beach

4. Baker Beach, San Francisco

5. Venice Beach

6. Stinson Beach

7. La Jolla Shores Beach

8. Coronado Municipal Beach

9. Huntington State Beach

Huntington State Beach is a municipal pier located in Huntington Beach between the Santa Ana River and Beach Boulevard. It has a two-mile-long beach ideal for activities like swimming, fishing, surfing, volleyball, and romantic stroll.

There will be fire rings for cozy bonfires with friends and a few basketball courts for the more active. Visit one of the state's longest piers on the California Register of Historical Resources.

10. Arroyo Burro Beach

11. Carlsbad State Beach

12. Natural Bridges State Beach

13. Moonstone Beach, Cambria

The beaches of the California Central Coast are uncrowded and wild, in contrast to the long stretches of fine powdery sand in the south. Moonstone Beach is one of the most stunning Cambria Coastline beaches, surrounded by cliffs and bordered by a mile-long boardwalk. 

Walking along the beach looking for tide pools, intriguing driftwood, and the most beautiful stones is an excellent way to spend time there. You can also observe sea otters enjoying fun in the water, check for passing whales, and observe various birds.

14. Dog Beach, San Diego

15. El Matador Beach, Malibu

El Matador State Beach, perhaps one of Malibu's most gorgeous settings, provides spectacular ocean views from the craggy cliffs above, which you'll have no option but to sit atop, as the beach can only be reached via a steep dirt trail leading down to the sea.