24 Best Beach Towns in California
By: ROS Team
California is famous for its stunning coastline, and it’s no wonder why. With over 800 miles of pristine shoreline along the Pacific Ocean, the Golden State offers an array of beautiful beach towns for both residents and visitors to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape, water sports adventure, or a vibrant beach scene, California has it all. In this guide, we’ll explore the 24 best beach towns in California, each with its unique charm and reasons why it deserves a spot on your travel list.
Best Beach Towns in California
1. Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a classic California beach town known for its iconic pier, vibrant street life, and beautiful sandy beaches. You can shop on the famous Third Street Promenade, ride the Ferris wheel, or simply relax on the beach. It’s the perfect blend of urban and coastal living.
2. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach offers artistic charm, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters. Explore the thriving art scene, take in the stunning coastal views at Heisler Park, or catch a wave at Thousand Steps Beach.
3. Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, also known as “Surf City, USA,” holds tremendous appeal for surfers and beach enthusiasts worldwide. This captivating coastal destination boasts a lively pier and a relaxed atmosphere that is simply irresistible. It comes as no surprise that it remains a top priority on every traveler’s list for an authentic California beach experience.
4. Malibu
Malibu boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in California, attracting celebrities and sunseekers alike. Zuma Beach and El Matador State Beach are among the favorites for their stunning rock formations and expansive sands.
5. San Diego
San Diego’s coastal communities like La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Mission Beach offer diverse beach experiences. La Jolla Shores is perfect for families, while Pacific Beach is a hotspot for nightlife and watersports.
6. Monterey
With a population of 29,874, Monterey is one of the best California beach towns. Monterey’s Cannery Row and Aquarium draw visitors, but its scenic beaches like Carmel Beach and Asilomar State Beach are equally captivating.
7. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, a fun-loving beach town situated on the Central Coast, boasts an enjoyable and vibrant atmosphere.
Renowned for its iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, filled with thrilling amusement park rides, this charming destination offers endless opportunities to bask in the sun, experience exhilarating roller coaster rides, and indulge in arcade games.
Whether you seek relaxation by the shore or excitement among the attractions, Santa Cruz is undeniably a haven of beachside bliss.
8. Big Sur
Bordered to the east by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the west by the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur is another one of the best California beach towns. While not a traditional beach town, Big Sur’s rugged coastline and dramatic cliffs are a sight to behold. McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach are among its must-visit spots.
9. Pismo Beach
Known for its wineries and many beaches, Pismo Beach stands tall as one of the beach towns in California. The beach town is a charming coastal town with a famous pier and soft sandy beaches. It’s a popular spot for clam digging and dune buggy adventures at Oceano Dunes.
10. Santa Barbara
Known as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara boasts a Mediterranean-style setting with palm-lined streets and stunning beaches like Butterfly Beach and East Beach. Santa Barbara is a great place to enjoy the beach, go shopping, or visit one of the many museums and art galleries.
11. Newport Beach
Newport Beach, situated in Orange County, is a coastal town known for its picturesque harbor, extravagant yachts, and upscale shopping and dining establishments.
Boasting a plethora of world-class restaurants, it offers an ideal destination for boating enthusiasts and those seeking indulgence in retail therapy or exquisite culinary experiences. Additionally, Newport Beach allures avid yachters with its opulent shopping at Fashion Island and serene sandy shores like Balboa and Corona del Mar.
12. Oceanside
Renowned for palm-dotted Harbor Beach and nearby Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside is another best beach town in California. Oceanside offers a laid-back atmosphere, historic sites like Mission San Luis Rey, and a vibrant harbor. The Oceanside Pier and its beaches are perfect for a stroll.
13. Morro Bay
Founded in 1870, Morro Bay is a historic beach town in California. It is home to Morro Bay State Park’s Museum which exhibits local Native American culture. Morro Bay is famous for its towering Morro Rock and scenic bay. It’s a haven for birdwatchers and kayakers, and the beaches are ideal for relaxing and picnicking.
14. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a quirky and eclectic beach town known for its bohemian spirit, colorful boardwalk, street performers, and Muscle Beach Gym. It’s a must-visit for people-watching.
15. Capitola
Capitola is a charming beach town located just south of Santa Cruz. It’s known for its colorful cottages, secluded beach, and laid-back vibe. Capitola is a great place to relax and unwind, or to enjoy activities like swimming, surfing, and shopping.
16. Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea, situated on the stunning Monterey Peninsula, is a captivating beach town. Its allure lies in its quaint cottages, charming art galleries, and welcoming dog-friendly beach. Delight in the opportunity to unwind and relax or engage in enjoyable activities such as shopping, dining, and exploring the historic Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo.
17. Manhattan Beach
Popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts, Manhattan Beach is one of the top beach towns in California. Manhattan Beach is an upscale coastal community known for its stunning beachfront properties, upscale dining, and a beautiful stretch of sandy shore.
18. Coronado
Coronado, a captivating beach town located just across the bay from San Diego, exudes charm. Its allure lies in its pristine beaches, the iconic historic Hotel del Coronado, and a warm and inviting atmosphere for families.
The tranquil ambiance of Coronado Island coupled with the grandeur of Hotel del Coronado make it an unforgettable destination. Not to mention the renowned Coronado Beach that adds to its appeal.
19. Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay, a peaceful coastal town with a strong connection to the ocean, is famous for its monster waves at Mavericks. It offers a perfect setting for beach walks and delightful dining experiences at local seafood spots.
Additionally, Half Moon Bay is renowned for its annual pumpkin festival and boasts scenic beaches like Mavericks Beach, known for its awe-inspiring waves.
20. Oxnard
Oxnard is a diverse beach town located north of Los Angeles. It’s known for its Channel Islands National Park, Strawberry Festival, and family-friendly atmosphere. The best thing about Oxnard is that unlike other beach towns mentioned above, it is one of the cheapest beach towns in California.
21. Ventura
Just like Oxnard, Ventura is another one of the cheapest beach towns in California. According to Livability report, Ventura ranks among California’s five most affordable cities. The city is a laid-back beach town located north of Los Angeles. It’s known for its surf culture, beautiful beaches, and charming downtown area.
22. Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is synonymous with golf but boasts beautiful coastal views and stunning beaches along 17-Mile Drive. The beach town is also home to Pebble Beach Golf Links, the No. 1 public course in the country.
23. Dana Point
The penultimate beach town on our list is Dana Point. Dana Point offers a picturesque harbor and beautiful beaches like Salt Creek Beach, perfect for water sports and family outings.
24. Avila Beach
Avila Beach is located in San Luis Obispo County and wraps up our list of best California beach towns. This beach town is a relaxing coastal town with a charming promenade and mineral hot springs. It’s ideal for unwinding and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
California Beach Towns: Final Words
In conclusion, California’s beach towns are as diverse as the state itself, offering travelers a wide range of experiences. Whether you’re seeking world-class surfing, artistic communities, or simply a place to soak up the sun, you’ll find it in one of these best beach towns in California.
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