San Onofre State Beach encompasses 3,000 acres of coastal land across several distinct areas. Trestles Beach at the northern end is a world-famous surfing location featuring multiple breaks from the challenging Lower Trestles to Cottons and Church. “San O” or Old Man’s at the southern end offers gentler waves popular with longboarders and maintains a […]
Beaches for Snorkeling
Rosario Beach
Rosario Beach is part of Deception Pass State Park, Washington’s most-visited state park. This small, sheltered cove features exceptional tide pools that are part of a marine protected area. The Maiden of Deception Pass story pole, a Samish Indian carving, tells the legend of the area. Several hiking trails connect Rosario to other parts of […]
Gerstle Cove
Gerstle Cove is part of Salt Point State Park on the rugged Sonoma Coast, featuring a small, protected cove that has been designated as a marine reserve where all marine life is protected. The cove offers some of Northern California’s best tidepooling opportunities during low tide, with abundant sea stars, anemones, and other intertidal creatures […]
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 […]
Victoria Beach
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 […]
Swami’s Beach
Swami’s Beach is a legendary surf spot named for the Self-Realization Fellowship hermitage and gardens situated on the bluff above. Made famous in the Beach Boys’ song “Surfin’ USA,” this beach features a consistent right-hand point break that attracts skilled surfers from around the world. Access to the beach is via a staircase from the […]
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is known for its picturesque coves, crystal-clear waters, and seven miles of coastline featuring over 30 beaches and coves. The Main Beach area offers a scenic boardwalk, beach volleyball courts, and is walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants. Visitors can explore exceptional tide pools teeming with marine life, and the area is […]
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is a small, picturesque cove and beach surrounded by sandstone cliffs in La Jolla, San Diego. Part of a marine protected area, its crystal-clear waters make it ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The cove is home to abundant marine life and frequently visited by sea lions who sunbathe on nearby rocks. Adjacent […]
Packery Channel Beach
Packery Channel Beach surrounds a water passage connecting the Gulf of Mexico to the Laguna Madre between Padre Island and Mustang Island. The beach features jetties extending into the Gulf on both sides of the channel, creating prime fishing spots without needing a boat. The channel area attracts diverse marine life, making it excellent for […]
Gasparilla Island State Park
Gasparilla Island State Park features pristine beaches along the Gulf of Mexico with the historic Port Boca Grande Lighthouse as its centerpiece. The island has a fascinating history tied to the phosphate industry and wealthy winter residents including the du Pont family. The waters around Boca Grande Pass are known as the ‘Tarpon Capital of […]