Thousand Steps Beach is named for the long, steep staircase (actually 218 steps) that leads from street level down to this secluded Laguna Beach cove. The effort required to access this beach means it’s often less crowded than other area beaches, especially on weekdays. At the southern end, visitors can explore sea caves during low […]
California Beaches
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, […]
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 Piedra State Beach
La Piedra State Beach is part of Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, comprising three “pocket beaches” along the Malibu coast. Accessed via a steep trail from the Pacific Coast Highway, this secluded beach rewards visitors with dramatic scenery featuring massive rock formations and clear waters. The beach’s relative isolation means it’s typically less crowded […]
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 […]
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Half Moon Bay State Beach encompasses four distinct beach areas (Francis, Venice, Dunes, and Roosevelt beaches) along a scenic stretch of the San Mateo coast. This wide, sandy beach extends for nearly three miles, backed by gentle bluffs and the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail that connects the beaches and offers stunning ocean views. The […]
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 […]
Rodeo Beach
Rodeo Beach is a unique pebbly beach located in the Marin Headlands section of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, just north of San Francisco. Unlike most sandy beaches, Rodeo Beach is composed of colorful, polished pebbles including jasper, carnelian, black agate, and jade, making it a favorite for rock collectors. The beach sits at […]
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 […]