Alamitos Beach stretches along Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach, offering a wide sandy shoreline protected by a breakwater that creates calm swimming conditions. The beach features numerous volleyball courts where casual players and organized leagues compete year-round. A wide beachfront path, part of the 3.1-mile Long Beach Shoreline Bike Path, accommodates cyclists, joggers, and skaters […]
Beaches for Picnicking
Pomponio State Beach
Pomponio State Beach is a wide, sandy beach situated in a valley along Highway 1 between Half Moon Bay and Pescadero. The beach sits at the mouth of Pomponio Creek, which forms a small lagoon that attracts shorebirds and creates a protected area for wading. Sandy cliffs and coastal scrub vegetation frame the beach, providing […]
Seacliff State Beach
Seacliff State Beach features the iconic concrete ship SS Palo Alto at its southernmost end, an unusual World War I-era tanker now serving as an artificial reef and fishing pier. The beach stretches along Monterey Bay with views of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the north, offering excellent whale watching opportunities during migration seasons. A […]
Will Rogers State Beach
Will Rogers State Beach extends for three miles along Pacific Coast Highway between Santa Monica and Malibu, offering a less crowded alternative to neighboring beaches. Named after the famous humorist and actor who once owned the adjacent land, the beach features a wide expanse of clean, golden sand with good facilities including volleyball courts and […]
San Gregorio State Beach
San Gregorio State Beach features a wide, flat sandy beach backed by impressive sandstone cliffs along Highway 1 south of Half Moon Bay. The beach sits at the mouth of San Gregorio Creek, which forms a lagoon that attracts numerous bird species. During low tide, visitors can explore small caves and rock formations at the […]
Carlsbad State Beach
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, […]
San Onofre State Beach
San Onofre State Beach encompasses several distinct areas spread over 3,000 acres of scenic coastline. Trestles Beach at the northern end features world-class surf breaks that host international competitions. The central section includes Old Man’s, a gentler break popular with longboarders and beginning surfers, embodying the beach’s laid-back surf culture dating back to the 1930s. […]
Huntington Dog Beach
Huntington Dog Beach is a 1.5-mile stretch of coastline where dogs can run unleashed along the shore, splash in the waves, and socialize with other canines. This non-profit, volunteer-maintained beach section between Seapoint Street and 21st Street has become a beloved institution for dog owners throughout Southern California. The wide, flat beach provides ample space […]
La Jolla Shores Beach
La Jolla Shores Beach is a mile-long crescent of fine sand with gentle waves, making it one of San Diego’s most family-friendly beaches. It borders the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, a marine sanctuary with abundant sea life that creates exceptional snorkeling, diving, and kayaking opportunities. The beach features separate swimming and surfing zones, with […]
Half Moon Bay State Beach
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 […]