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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
Crystal Cove State Park encompasses 3.2 miles of pristine coastline and 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness. The park features several beaches separated by rocky outcroppings, with Moro Beach being the largest and most accessible. A unique aspect of this park is the Historic District with 46 vintage rustic coastal cottages from the 1930s and 40s, […]
Carpinteria State Beach is known as one of the safest beaches in California with its gentle slope, calm waters, and south-facing orientation that protects it from strong currents. This mile-long beach features extensive tide pools at its southern end where visitors can observe sea stars, octopi, and anemones at low tide. The beach also contains […]
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 […]
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. […]
Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is famous for its striking purple sand and the massive Keyhole Rock arch that frames the sunset in perfect alignment during certain times of the year. The beach’s unique color comes from manganese garnet deposits washed down from the hillsides. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and cypress trees, this secluded beach […]