Black’s Beach stretches along the base of 300-foot cliffs below Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, creating one of San Diego’s most isolated and dramatic shorelines. The challenging access—via steep trails from street level—helps maintain the beach’s uncrowded nature despite its reputation for excellent surfing conditions. The northern section of Black’s Beach is unofficially clothing-optional, being […]
Marina State Beach features dramatic sand dunes and a wide, pristine shoreline on Monterey Bay. The beach is renowned as one of California’s top hang gliding and paragliding locations, with a designated launch area atop the dunes providing perfect conditions for flight with consistent winds and panoramic coastal views. A boardwalk trail crosses the fragile […]
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 […]
Venice Beach is one of Los Angeles’ most eclectic and vibrant beach areas, famous for its bohemian spirit and Oceanfront Walk boardwalk. This wide, sandy beach attracts a diverse crowd and features the Venice Skate Park with its smooth concrete bowls overlooking the ocean, the Venice Basketball Courts where streetball legends compete, and Muscle Beach […]
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, […]
Redondo Beach combines a wide sandy shoreline with an active harbor and pier area, creating a diverse coastal experience. The beach itself offers swimming areas protected by breakwaters and a jetty, with separate zones for surfing. The landmark Redondo Beach Pier has a distinctive horseshoe shape housing restaurants, shops, and an interactive marine education center. […]
La Piedra State Beach is part of Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, comprising three “pocket beaches” along the Malibu coast. Accessed via a steep trail from the Pacific Coast Highway, this secluded beach rewards visitors with dramatic scenery featuring massive rock formations and clear waters. The beach’s relative isolation means it’s typically less crowded […]
San Clemente State Beach sits beneath scenic bluffs in the “Spanish Village by the Sea,” offering a mile of sandy shoreline away from urban development. A campground atop the bluff provides overnight accommodations with ocean views, connected to the beach by a pedestrian underpass beneath the railroad tracks. The beach is popular for swimming and […]
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 […]