Emma Wood State Beach stretches along a narrow strip of coastline between Highway 101 and the Pacific Ocean near Ventura. The beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions and fishing opportunities, attracting outdoor enthusiasts year-round. A unique feature of this beach is its self-contained RV camping area with 90 primitive sites situated directly on […]
California Beaches
North Beach Campground
North Beach is part of Sonoma Coast State Park, offering a vast, windswept shoreline characterized by its wide sandy beach and dramatic backdrop of coastal bluffs. The beach is particularly known for its excellent beachcombing opportunities, with interesting driftwood, shells, and occasionally Japanese glass floats washing ashore. Adjacent to the beach is the North Beach […]
Manresa State Beach
Manresa State Beach features a long stretch of pristine shoreline south of Santa Cruz, offering a less developed beach experience than more tourist-oriented areas. The beach is backed by impressive eroding bluffs and dunes that provide a natural buffer from nearby agricultural lands. A campground sits atop the bluff with 60 campsites offering proximity to […]
Leo Carrillo State Beach
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 […]
Jalama Beach
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
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
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 […]
Carlsbad State Beach
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, […]
San Onofre State Beach
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. […]
Morro Strand State Beach
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 […]