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 […]
California Beaches
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 […]
Coronado Central Beach
Coronado Central Beach, fronting the iconic Hotel del Coronado with its distinctive red turrets, is famous for its sparkling sand that contains the mineral mica, creating a shimmering effect in sunlight. This wide, flat beach stretches for 1.5 miles along the resort peninsula and consistently ranks among America’s top beaches for its clean water, excellent […]
Point Dume State Beach
Point Dume State Beach features a headland with towering bluffs that extend into the Pacific, creating a magnificent promontory visible from much of the Malibu coast. A trail leads to the top of the point, offering panoramic views of the Santa Monica Bay, Santa Monica Mountains, and even Catalina Island on clear days. The beach […]
Victoria Beach
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 […]
Santa Monica State Beach North
Santa Monica State Beach North extends from the iconic pier to the city boundary with Pacific Palisades, offering a quieter alternative to the bustling south beach area. This section features the original Muscle Beach with outdoor fitness equipment, plus numerous volleyball courts that host both casual players and professional tournaments. The wide beach has soft, […]
Stinson Beach
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 […]
Del Mar City Beach
Del Mar City Beach stretches for two scenic miles along the coastline of this charming village north of San Diego. The beach is divided into two main sections: the northern area allows dogs during certain seasons (completely off-leash during winter months), while the main swimming and surfing areas are concentrated around 17th Street. Powerhouse Park […]
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 […]