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 […]
Alamitos Beach
Alamitos Beach stretches along Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach, offering a wide sandy shoreline protected by a breakwater that creates calm swimming conditions. The beach features numerous volleyball courts where casual players and organized leagues compete year-round. A wide beachfront path, part of the 3.1-mile Long Beach Shoreline Bike Path, accommodates cyclists, joggers, and skaters […]
Will Rogers State Beach
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 […]
Redondo Beach
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 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 […]
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 […]
Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach is a wide, flat beach with distinctive sparkling sand due to the mineral mica that gives it a silvery sheen. The beach stretches 1.5 miles along the peninsula and is backed by the iconic red turrets of the historic Hotel del Coronado. Known for its gentle waves and clean, family-friendly environment, Coronado Beach […]
Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach epitomizes Southern California beach culture along its 1.5-mile stretch of sandy coastline. The Strand, a paved oceanfront path, buzzes with cyclists, joggers, and skaters, while the beach itself hosts numerous volleyball courts where both amateur players and professionals hone their skills. The iconic Hermosa Beach Pier extends 1,000 feet into the Pacific, with […]