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  • 07-02-2025
  • Category: travel
  • Author: Flightsguard
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California is famous for its beaches, which is one reason why people around the world come to California just to explore its beaches. Whether looking for surfing, a romantic sunset, or lying on the sand, you can get it all at these places. If you plan to visit California and explore its beaches,

Here Are the Top 20 Best California Beaches You Must Go To:

1. Laguna Beach: If you like history, Art, and coastal landscape, you will love this beach. It is perfect for those who want to explore cliffs, tide pools, and fine dining.

  • Entry Fee: Free for the public
  • Distance: Approximately 50 miles from Los Angeles.
  • Timings: 24 hours open.

2. La Jolla: Located near downtown San Diego, La Jolla is a family beach where you can easily go and enjoy your holidays or weekends with family or friends. Its crystal-clear water makes it the perfect spot for kayaking and snorkeling.

  • Entry Fee: There is no fee
  • Distance: Nearly 12 miles from Downtown San Diego
  • Timings: 24 hours Open

3. Pfeiffer Beach: This is one of the most famous beaches in California because of its purple sand and rock formations. Many photographers love it because of its unique beauty and escape.

  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Distance: it is nearly 30 miles from Monterey
  • Timings: all hours open

4. Malibu: If you want a more luxurious experience, head to the Malibu beach. It offers stunning views and sandy shores. There are many opportunities for surfing, and if you are seeking dining, there are many seafood restaurants.

  • Entry Fee: free for the public
  • Distance: around 30 miles from Los Angeles
  • Timings: all hours open.

5. Santa Monica Beach: It is ideal for families and children because there are many fun spots, such as a Ferris wheel, arcade, and more. People also prefer to go cycling there and enjoy ocean views.

  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Distance: 15 miles from Los Angeles
  • Timings: 24 hours open

6. Coronado Central Beach: People who come to San Diego to explore must go to Coronado Central Beach. The gentle waves create a great environment, and the sound of the ocean will mesmerize you. 

  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Distance: 3 miles from San Diego
  • Timings: 24 hours

7. Venice Beach: This beach has a vibrant scene and a funky boardwalk. There are many performances and concerts and a mix of activities. You can plan to visit this beach to meet new people and watch street performances.

  • Entry Fee: free for all
  • Distance: 15 miles from the LA
  • Timings: open 24 hours but busy between 10 am and 8 pm.

8. Carmel by the Sea: You can have a broad with your dog on this beach on the Pacific Ocean's shore. Carmel Beach has white sand, which gives a romantic vibe, which is why it is famous among couples for relaxation and exploration.

  • Entry Fee: free for the public
  • Distance: 4 miles from Monterey
  • Timings: open for 24 hours.

9. Oceanside, CA: This beach is one of the less crowded beaches. It is a long beach that runs along the city coastline. Many bikers or athletes love it because of its length.

  • Entry Fee: free
  • Distance: 40 miles north of San Deigo
  • Timings: 24 hours

10. Bodie State Park Beach: Located in the eastern Sierra region, this beach offers a peaceful atmosphere at Mono Lake. You go hiking, wildlife watching, and more.

  • Entry Fee: except parking, entry is free
  • Distance: 50 miles from Mammoth Lakes
  • Timings: Entrances close after sunset

11. Moonstone Beach: Located in Cambria, it is unique and offers an attractive shoreline, perfect for tide pooling and relaxation.

  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Distance: 30 miles from San Luis Obispo
  • Timings: 24 hours open.

12. East Beach: Walk along the sand and watch the sun set below the horizon. If you are visiting Santa Barbara, you must visit East Beach.

  • Entry Fee: Free entry
  • Distance: 1.5 miles from Santa Barbara.
  • Timings: all hours.

13. Big Sur: One of California's best beaches where you can capture dramatic beach scenes.

  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Distance: 50 miles from Monterey
  • Timings: 24 hours open.

14. Point Reyes Beach: Located in the Point Reyes National Seashore, this beautiful place offers breathtaking landscapes, hiking, and beachcombing.

  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Distance: 40 miles from San Francisco
  • Timings: 24 hours

15. Manhattan Beach: Sea waves, sand, and birds make impressive landscapes that you can't forget at this beach.

  • Entry Fee: Free entry
  • Distance: 20 miles from LA
  • Timings: 24 hours

16. Santa Cruz: This is another beautiful beach in California state. It offers the perfect spot for swimming, historic landmarks, and an amusement park. It's an excellent spot for families to enjoy the day at the beach, ride, or hang out.

  • Entry Fee: It is free, but parking may be paid for.
  • Distance: 7 miles from Santa Cruz and 30 miles from  San Jose.
  • Timings: 24 hours open.

17. Carpinteria: One of California's well-maintained beaches offering perfect relaxation.

  • Entry Fee: free
  • Distance: 12 miles from Santa Barbara
  • Timings: The gate may close before midnight

18. Glass Beach: Famous for its glass-like sea view and glass bottle debris sparkling the view.

  • Entry Fee: free
  • Distance: less than a mile
  • Timings: 24 hours

19. Rodeo Beach: There are plenty of dining options, making Rodeo Beach a great place to spend a long day with family.

  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Distance: 14 miles from San Francisco
  • Timings: 24-hours

20. Huntington Beach or Sunset Beach: If you want to see the most beautiful sunsets, then you must visit this beach. You can capture mesmerizing sunset clips, but you need to be cautious about the spot because it is one of the busiest beaches in California.

  • Entry Fee: Entry is free
  • Distance: 5 miles from the town.
  • Timings: Open for all hours.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the prettiest beach in California?

California has numerous beaches with gorgeous oceanic views, palm trees, clear water, and charming weather. It is difficult to take any name from these beaches, but if you go with most people's reviews, you can find Carmel Beach stunning and prettiest.

Where is the clearest water beach in California?

Laguna Beach is quite famous for many reasons, including its crystal clear water, which attracts many travelers across the globe. On the other hand, if you visit La Jolla Beach, you can also find its water mirrors, such as Clear, offering the best sport for snorkeling and swimming.

What is the nicest beach town in California?

California has several beach towns, but Carmel-by-the-Sea stands out as the nicest because of its beauty, European-style cottages, and several other reasons.

What beach in California looks like Hawaii?

Most people who have visited Hawaii and Malibu Beach have found that they look the same and share a similar charm: golden sands and amazing sea waves.

What is the cost of a stay Near California beaches?

The cost of a stay varies depending on the season and the area you are traveling in. During peak seasons, people pay more, and during off-seasons, they pay less. Normally, the cost is around $100 or more per night, depending on the luxury, perks, and location.

Can I find a vacation rental suitable for a group near California Beaches?

Yes, all the California beaches offer a wide range of vacation rentals for all kinds of travelers. These rentals are near the beaches and within walking distance. If you are in a group, you can easily find a vacation rental near California beaches at an affordable cost in popular areas.

What types of vacation homes can I find?

Various kinds of vacation homes, from small apartments to luxury villas, can be found near beaches in California. These come with amenities like bathtubs, pools, kitchens, oceanfront views, and others, so whether you travel solo or in a group, you will find an easy living.