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 […]
California Beaches
Sand Dollar Beach
Sand Dollar Beach is the largest sandy beach along the rugged Big Sur coastline, forming a crescent of golden sand beneath dramatic cliffs. Part of the Los Padres National Forest, this beach is named for the sand dollars occasionally found along the shore. A developed day-use area provides picnic tables, restrooms, and a stairway leading […]
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, […]
Swami’s Beach
Swami’s Beach is a legendary surf spot named for the Self-Realization Fellowship hermitage and gardens situated on the bluff above. Made famous in the Beach Boys’ song “Surfin’ USA,” this beach features a consistent right-hand point break that attracts skilled surfers from around the world. Access to the beach is via a staircase from the […]
Asilomar State Beach
Asilomar State Beach encompasses a scenic one-mile strip of rocky shoreline and dune habitat on the Monterey Peninsula. A paved coastal trail runs parallel to the beach, offering stunning views of the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens State Marine Conservation Area offshore. The beach is characterized by rocky outcroppings, tide pools, and small sandy coves rather […]
Big Sur Beaches
The Big Sur coastline features several spectacular beaches set against dramatic cliffs where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. Pfeiffer Beach is known for its purple-tinted sand and the iconic Keyhole Rock that frames the sunset. Garrapata State Beach offers two miles of pristine shoreline with wildflowers in spring and sea otter sightings […]
San Clemente State Beach
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 […]
Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach is named for the naturally formed arch in the offshore rock, the last remaining of three that once stood in the area. This Santa Cruz beach is renowned for its remarkable tidepools exposed during low tide, containing a rich diversity of marine life including sea stars, crabs, and anemones. The beach […]
Coronado Dog Beach
Coronado Dog Beach offers a slice of paradise for canine companions and their humans at the north end of Coronado Beach. This off-leash beach allows dogs to run freely, splash in the waves, and socialize with other pets year-round. The wide, sandy beach provides ample space for both active play and relaxation, with the backdrop […]
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park encompasses 3.2 miles of pristine coastline and 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness. The park features several beaches separated by rocky outcroppings, with Moro Beach being the largest and most accessible. A unique aspect of this park is the Historic District with 46 vintage rustic coastal cottages from the 1930s and 40s, […]