Monterey State Beach stretches along the southern shoreline of Monterey Bay, extending from Monterey to Seaside with spectacular views of the entire bay. The beach’s protected location within the bay creates gentler conditions than many California beaches, making it popular for swimming and water sports. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail runs adjacent to sections […]
California Beaches
Butterfly Beach
Butterfly Beach sits in front of the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore in upscale Montecito, offering a quiet alternative to Santa Barbara’s main beaches. Unlike most California beaches that face west, Butterfly Beach has a south-facing orientation that provides spectacular views of the Channel Islands and exceptional sunset vistas. The narrow sandy beach is backed […]
Dillon Beach
Dillon Beach is a privately owned but public-accessible beach at the mouth of Tomales Bay in Marin County, characterized by its expansive white sand shoreline and dunes. Unlike most California beaches, it allows dogs off-leash, making it exceptionally popular with pet owners from throughout the Bay Area. The beach offers spectacular views of Point Reyes […]
Limantour Beach
Limantour Beach stretches along a narrow spit of land separating Drakes Bay from an estuary within Point Reyes National Seashore. This long, pristine beach offers more sheltered conditions than many Northern California beaches, making swimming possible during calmer days. The beach’s dual-sided nature, with the protected estuary on one side and the open ocean on […]
Jenner Beach
Jenner Beach sits at the mouth of the Russian River where it meets the Pacific Ocean, creating a dynamic coastal environment with shifting sandbars and a rich diversity of wildlife. The beach is known for its colony of harbor seals that can be observed from a safe distance, particularly during pupping season. The surrounding area […]
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 […]
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 […]
Avila Beach
Avila Beach is a sheltered cove protected by the surrounding hills and Point San Luis, creating warmer water temperatures and calmer conditions than many Central Coast beaches. The south-facing beach spans about a half-mile along a rebuilt, pedestrian-friendly downtown with restaurants and shops fronting the sand. Avila’s 1,685-foot pier offers fishing without a license and […]
Carpinteria State Beach
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 […]
Capitola Beach
Capitola Beach is a charming, small sandy beach at the heart of Capitola Village, one of California’s oldest seaside resort towns. The beach is nestled at the mouth of Soquel Creek, creating a natural lagoon that provides a calm swimming area for families. Colorful Mediterranean-style buildings known as the Venetian Court line the beachfront, creating […]