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 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 […]
Leo Carrillo State Beach, named after the actor and conservationist, encompasses 1.5 miles of scenic coastline at the northwestern edge of Los Angeles County. The beach is notable for its sea caves, reefs, and tide pools that can be explored during low tide, revealing a fascinating array of marine life. North Beach allows dogs on […]
Cayucos State Beach wraps around a protective cove on California’s Central Coast, offering a gentle beach experience with typically calm waters suitable for swimming. The beach is anchored by the historic 982-foot Cayucos Pier, originally built in 1872 and recently renovated, providing fishing opportunities and expansive views of Estero Bay and Morro Rock in the […]
Jalama Beach County Park offers a remote beach experience at the end of a 14-mile winding road through ranchland and oak-studded hills. This isolation has preserved the natural beauty and uncrowded atmosphere of the beach, making it a favorite for those seeking to escape more developed coastal areas. The beach features consistent winds that attract […]
Bolsa Chica State Beach stretches for three miles along Pacific Coast Highway, offering a wide, flat sandy shoreline with excellent facilities. The beach features fire rings for evening bonfires, a rare amenity on California beaches, making it a popular gathering spot after sunset. A paved multi-use path runs the length of the beach, connecting to […]
Refugio State Beach is distinguished by its crescent-shaped cove lined with palm trees, creating an almost tropical atmosphere on the Central California coast. The relatively shallow, protected waters make this beach particularly good for swimming and beginning kayakers, with rental equipment available seasonally. Visitors can explore the coastal ecosystem via the Refugio Beach to El […]
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. […]
Solana Beach features several cove-like beaches nestled beneath scenic sandstone bluffs north of San Diego. Fletcher Cove Beach Park, the main access point, includes a grassy park area atop the bluff with a playground and picnic facilities, plus a gradually sloping ramp down to the beach. Tide Beach Park to the north offers excellent tide […]
Malibu Lagoon State Beach encompasses Surfrider Beach, a legendary surfing location known for its perfect right-hand breaks and designated as the first World Surfing Reserve. Adjacent to the beach is the restored Malibu Lagoon, where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, creating an important estuary that attracts over 200 species of birds. Walking trails and […]