Sand Dollar Beach is the largest sandy beach along the rugged Big Sur coastline, forming a crescent of golden sand beneath dramatic cliffs. Part of the Los Padres National Forest, this beach is named for the sand dollars occasionally found along the shore. A developed day-use area provides picnic tables, restrooms, and a stairway leading […]
Santa Monica State Beach North extends from the iconic pier to the city boundary with Pacific Palisades, offering a quieter alternative to the bustling south beach area. This section features the original Muscle Beach with outdoor fitness equipment, plus numerous volleyball courts that host both casual players and professional tournaments. The wide beach has soft, […]
Natural Bridges State Beach is named for the naturally formed arch in the offshore rock, the last remaining of three that once stood in the area. This Santa Cruz beach is renowned for its remarkable tidepools exposed during low tide, containing a rich diversity of marine life including sea stars, crabs, and anemones. The beach […]
Stinson Beach is a 3.5-mile crescent of white sand nestled against Mount Tamalpais, about an hour north of San Francisco. The beach features both a federal section (part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area) and a county park area, providing ample space for recreation. One of the few beaches in Northern California with lifeguard […]
Del Mar City Beach stretches for two scenic miles along the coastline of this charming village north of San Diego. The beach is divided into two main sections: the northern area allows dogs during certain seasons (completely off-leash during winter months), while the main swimming and surfing areas are concentrated around 17th Street. Powerhouse Park […]
Salt Creek Beach is a picturesque stretch of golden sand nestled beneath dramatic bluffs in Dana Point. The beach features excellent surfing conditions, particularly at the southern end where the famous Middles and Gravels surf breaks attract skilled surfers. A scenic park sits atop the bluff with picnic areas and panoramic ocean views, connected to […]
Doheny State Beach was California’s first state beach, established in 1931, and remains one of Southern California’s most popular coastal parks. The beach is divided into two distinct areas: the northern section offers gentler waves ideal for swimming and beginning surfers, while the southern area contains a five-acre lawn with picnic facilities and volleyball courts. […]
El Matador State Beach is one of Malibu’s most dramatically beautiful beaches, characterized by its towering bluffs, massive rock formations, and sea caves. Access requires navigating a steep staircase from the parking area above, but the descent rewards visitors with breathtaking coastal scenery. The beach’s distinctive sea stacks, arches, and caves make it a favorite […]
Carmel Beach is a pristine, white-sand crescent situated at the foot of Ocean Avenue in the charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Known for its cypress-lined backdrop and the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links visible to the north, this dog-friendly beach allows canine companions to run off-leash. The beach offers excellent surfing conditions and permits beach fires […]
Baker Beach stretches along the western shore of the Presidio, offering one of San Francisco’s most iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. This mile-long beach features coarse, golden sand backed by rugged serpentine cliffs, creating a dramatic setting particularly popular with photographers. The northern section is traditionally clothing-optional, while the southern […]