The places, most named first
From the 4 guides that rank for "best beaches in california"
Named by 2 of 41. Baker BeachOffers wide views of the Golden Gate Bridge from below the Presidio.Better for scenery and picnics than swimming, since the water can be cold and rough.
Named by 2 of 42. Crystal Cove State ParkHas tide pools, hiking trails and vintage beach cottages.Sits about 5 minutes from Laguna Beach.
Named by 2 of 43. Santa CruzThe writer's favorites along Highway 1 are Bonny Doon, Panther Beach and Shark Fin Cove.Beaches in town are usually windy and cold, even in summer.
Named by 2 of 44. Pfeiffer BeachKnown for purple sand and rock formations including the Keyhole Arch.Hard to find, so it is often more secluded.
Named by 2 of 45. CarlsbadSunset magazine praised the town for surf breaks, flower fields and hiking trails.Carlsbad State Beach has stairs down to the sand and a mellow vibe.
Named by 2 of 46. Avila BeachWarmer and sunnier than many Central Coast beaches.Good for sunbathing, gentle swimming and paddleboarding; sea otters or whales may pass by.
Named by 2 of 47. Pismo BeachPismo State Beach is on the guide's Central Coast list.
8. Half Moon BayPoplar Beach is large enough to find a quiet spot even when crowded.Dog friendly, with a cliff walk and horseback riding, but no facilities.
9. La Jolla CoveA good day trip from San Diego for spotting seals.Paths through Ellen Browning Scripps Park run beside the cove.
10. Laguna BeachA creative seaside village with golden coves and rugged bluffs.Has a boardwalk at Main Beach and Victoria Beach nearby.
11. Newport BeachDescribed as elegant, with yachts and oceanfront restaurants.Has wide sandy beaches.
12. Dog BeachAbout 15 minutes from downtown San Diego.Dogs are allowed off leash all year.
13. Carmel BeachA leash-free beach for dogs, with cypress trees behind it.Suited to long walks and bonfires at dusk.
14. El Matador BeachHas rugged cliffs, sea caves and rock formations.Best at low tide, and reached by a walk down steep stairs.
15. Moonlight State BeachHas volleyball courts, playgrounds and picnic areas.Waves are gentle and downtown Encinitas is close.
16. CapitolaColorful cottages line the shore of this old fishing village.Good for paddle boarding and kayaking.
17. Coronado BeachMica in the sand makes it sparkle.Calm surf makes it suited to swimming and wading.
18. MontecitoSunset chose California beaches for year-round sunshine, ocean views and activities.The magazine also praised it as a glamorous neighbor to Santa Barbara.
19. Ventura County coastSunset lists the coast among the most beautiful in the West for 2025.Covers four towns: Camarillo, Port Hueneme, Oxnard and Ventura.
20. Trinidad State BeachA Northern California beach with cliffs, sea stacks and forest.
Fares from your city
Pick a place for live fares. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.
Finding fares from your airport…
When to go
Travel guides most often name April to May and September to October as the best time to visit California.
Questions people ask
- What are some coastal towns in Northern California?
- A Bay Area guide names Davenport, a tiny town on Highway 1, as a sleepy Northern California beach town, and also covers Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz.
