Morro Strand State Beach extends over three miles along California’s central coast, offering spectacular views of Morro Rock, a 576-foot volcanic plug that is the most distinctive landmark in the area. This long, straight beach features fine sand and gentle sloping terrain, making it ideal for extended beach walks and jogging. The protected waters of […]
Thousand Steps Beach is named for the long, steep staircase (actually 218 steps) that leads from street level down to this secluded Laguna Beach cove. The effort required to access this beach means it’s often less crowded than other area beaches, especially on weekdays. At the southern end, visitors can explore sea caves during low […]
Carlsbad State Beach, also known as Tamarack Beach, stretches along a scenic 4-mile coastline in North San Diego County. This narrow, bluff-backed beach offers good swimming conditions with seasonal lifeguard service and excellent surf breaks for all skill levels. The Carlsbad Seawall, a paved walkway running alongside the beach, provides a popular route for walkers, […]
Half Moon Bay State Beach encompasses four distinct beach areas (Francis, Venice, Dunes, and Roosevelt beaches) along a scenic stretch of the San Mateo coast. This wide, sandy beach extends for nearly three miles, backed by gentle bluffs and the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail that connects the beaches and offers stunning ocean views. The […]
Coronado Central Beach, fronting the iconic Hotel del Coronado with its distinctive red turrets, is famous for its sparkling sand that contains the mineral mica, creating a shimmering effect in sunlight. This wide, flat beach stretches for 1.5 miles along the resort peninsula and consistently ranks among America’s top beaches for its clean water, excellent […]
Victoria Beach is a hidden gem in Laguna Beach, accessible via a steep staircase between residential properties. The beach is famous for its 60-foot medieval-looking “La Tour” (also called the Pirate Tower), a stone tower built in 1926 as a private staircase for the owner of the cliffside home above. This photogenic structure against the […]
Asilomar State Beach encompasses a scenic one-mile strip of rocky shoreline and dune habitat on the Monterey Peninsula. A paved coastal trail runs parallel to the beach, offering stunning views of the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens State Marine Conservation Area offshore. The beach is characterized by rocky outcroppings, tide pools, and small sandy coves rather […]
Ocean Beach stretches for 3.5 miles along San Francisco’s western edge, offering a wild, windswept coastal experience unlike the city’s more sheltered bayside beaches. This wide, sandy beach attracts serious surfers willing to brave the challenging waves and strong currents, though swimming is generally discouraged due to dangerous conditions. Fire rings are available for bonfires […]
Coronado Beach is a wide, flat beach with distinctive sparkling sand due to the mineral mica that gives it a silvery sheen. The beach stretches 1.5 miles along the peninsula and is backed by the iconic red turrets of the historic Hotel del Coronado. Known for its gentle waves and clean, family-friendly environment, Coronado Beach […]
Pismo Beach spans several miles of expansive shoreline on California’s Central Coast, anchored by a vintage wooden pier extending 1,200 feet into the Pacific. Once known as the “Clam Capital of the World,” this classic beach town offers vehicle access to certain sections of beach, extensive dunes for ATV riding, and the Monarch Butterfly Grove […]