With the pandemic constantly developing our lives and everyone being in dire need of a vacation, there are many spots across the globe to visit. However, one of the more relaxing and scenic ones would be California. California is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes globally, and for those tech wizards, it is where silicon valley is, home to giants like Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) is present. While one can go on about the many sights to see in California, there is a need to emphasize the convenience of accommodation and food available. Since it’s a place where many ethnic communities have settled over the years, there is a vast availability of cuisines from Indian to the Mediterranean. Companies such as Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG) and AirBnB Inc. (NASDAQ: ABNB) offer excellent deals on lodgings and can make your vacation affordable and comfortable. The range of sights to see, places to stay and food to eat makes this the best place for you to visit. With an established road network, the best advice would be to rent a car and drive all over. Whether you’re a student or just on vacation, the coastline is one of the more attractive features of this place.

With this context in mind, let’s now discuss our list of the 20 best beaches in California.

25 Best Beaches in California

25. Zuma Beach

The last on the list of beaches in this county beach is located in Los Angeles. It is one of the most popular and the largest, with a lifeguard unit. It is. Beach with good surf, so it has its fair share of rip currents. There are several surfing events throughout the year, and it offers most of the water sports one can assume a well-equipped beach would. There is easy access to the central city, and one can easily shop, explore and try the various restaurants in the surroundings. The benefit of visiting such a beach is you have all the amenities, liveliness and yet there is peace on the beach, and it can be very relaxing for visitors.

24. Windansea Beach

Located in La Jolla, San Diego, the beach is a reef break, where the surf breaks at the shoreline, so in the winter months, the surf can be six to eight feet in height. A famous landmark of this beach is the historic WIndansea Shack which was constructed to help surfers, so the wax on their surfboards wouldn’t melt back in 1947. Now it has been declared a historical landmark, and the spot is famous for surfing and the quiet, comfortable beach that it is.

23. Torrey Pines State Reserve

It is a park that consists of 2000 acres of land in Southern California. The reserve is quite large and consists of a plateau with cliffs and a lagoon where migrating seabirds are seen. The beach is a particularly scenic location from where several whale species such as gray and humpback are seen. La Jolla is visible to the south and Del Mar to the north from places along the beach. People often do the eight-mile trek and visit the park to witness the wildfire in their element.

22. Stinson Beach

In Marin County, California, the beach is located at an 8 m, 2.5 miles east-southeast of Bolinas. There are attractions such as the Muir Woods National Monument and Muir beach close by. The beach is quiet along and has cold water, which produces fogs throughout the year. A lot of people enjoy hiking on the beach and just relaxing. The beach is not very populated and has rustic art galleries along with it, where one can peruse and enjoy

21. La Jolla Cove

Truly one of its kind, the cove has such a wide variety of activities available that it’s the perfect spot to visit and the La Jolla Cove. The waters around the cove are part of an Ecological Reserve of 6000 acres, where plenty of wildlife live, such as seals and barracudas. One can snorkel and interact with the marine life in the area or take a kayaking tour where guides may inform you of the treasures found in the caves and how to swim with various marine life.

20. San Clemente State Beach

The mile-long beach offers steep sandstone bluffs, many family-friendly activities, and, most importantly, a campground. The campground overlooks the coast and allows access to the beach at all times. Due to the beach sandbars that continue to shift, anglers often find opportunities to cast their lines and collect fish such as bass. Whales are seen frequently and on some rare occasions, so are orcas. It isn’t easy to access the beach at high tide, so one should be careful about when they plan to go there. However, due to the wide range of activities and views it offers, it is an ideal place for people to visit and appreciate nature.

19. Pismo Beach

It is located on California’s famous central coast, halfway between San Fransisco and Los Angeles. The beach has sandy dunes to ride in a four-wheel ATV vehicle, surf, horseback riding, and even fishing. The boardwalk has many stores where one can purchase souvenirs and eat some local food. There are lodgings available on early booking, which many families may enjoy as they will be staying next to a picturesque location.

18. Arroyo Burro County Beach Park

Locally called Hendry’s Beach, it is a lovely space to relax and enjoy. All forms of activities are offered, such as strolling, jogging along the beach, and taking your pet dog on a walk. Since this is a dog-friendly beach, it allows for a nice getaway for both you and your pet. There are plenty of places to eat along the coast, and it is a family-friendly environment.

17. Pfeiffer Beach

Known for its KeyHole Rock, it is located in the Big Sur region of California. Many photographers and videographers visit this place to take pictures and have photoshoots. Along the Big Sur, it is one of the main access points of the Big Sur. It is 2.2 miles and could be challenging to find.

16. Newport Beach

You’ll see surfers and yacht lovers on this beach. The harbor offers open parks, art galleries, whale watching spots, and many different food options. There is a line of ocean Side mansions on one side, and on the other side, dive bars and historic cottages, so there is quite the element of a beach town to this place. For a nice and peaceful getaway from everyday life, this is the place to go. A stroll along the beach with an ice cream cone in your hand will be the perfect fit for a place like this.

15. Baker Beach

With a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge, this beach is to be visited for the aesthetic and panoramic views it offers. Unfortunately, the water is too unsafe for swimming, and there are significant waves, undertow, and rip currents. There are plenty of picnic spots and restrooms for visitors and a quick trip to a scenic area when visiting the city.

14. Mission Beach

The perfect spot for all ages. The amusement park has a wide variety of well-known thrilling rides and miniature golf, bumper cars, and much more for children and those interested. The nightlife is also thrilling, with several bars and restaurants along the beach. Also, it is the perfect spot for young adults to enjoy themselves. A short walk away is the famous SeaWorld San Diego, the largest aquatic water park in the world of its kind, with grassy parks and picnic tables, and so much more. It is the perfect place for a family to visit and even for field trips.

13. Manhattan State Beach

Neighboring Hermosa Beach, this 2-mile long beach is beautiful and sandy. It has a large pier where fishing is permitted and is quite a tourist attraction. The beach is referred to as El Porto, where you can surf and even take lessons. Volleyball nets extend to Hermosa Beach, and competitions are held annually, creating many buzzes and attracting folks from all over, including students. This lively environment is one you want to be part of, so book your tickets on Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG) and Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE).

12. Hermosa Beach

A famous beach in Los Angeles County, it stretches over almost 2 miles of ocean and is a hotspot for volleyball. Surf festivals and volleyball tournaments are held here annually, and there is a large area where concession stands and restaurants are present. A busy beach, yet one where one can enjoy the hustle-bustle of the city and relax simultaneously. If you’re not able to get away from work for very long, this is an appropriate choice as it is close to the city and allows you easy access to other entertainment opportunities in the area.

11. 1000 Steps Beach

Known for the steep descent down a flight of 216 steps, this beach is bordered by sandstone cliffs that are a gorgeous attraction. Towards the south end of the shoreline, there is a famous sea cave where one can walk through and feel like they are in a movie. One should be wary of high tide as, during that time, the cave is inaccessible. Like the beaches in Laguna, this beach offers various activities such as surfing, kayaking, and exploring tide pools.

10. El Matador Beach

This small beach is home to towering cliffs, craggy rock formations, and long stretches of white sand just north of Malibu. Quite the scenic location, this beach is well known to be visited and used for photoshoots, as photographers aim to capture their models amidst the crashing waves and breeze. It is also a well-known spot for surfers and bodyboarders and has multiple renewed hotels next door to house all forms of visitors.

9. Moonstone Beach

Located in Cambria, this beach offers breathtaking views and an escape from your busy life. There are tide pools to explore, where diverse marine life can be admired and studied. Other activities such as surfing, boating, and scuba diving can be done as well. Whale watching, dolphin watching, and playing with the sea otters are also offered.

8. Dog Beach

A wonderland for owners and their pets, this beach is the first official leash-free beach in the United States. The beach committee aims to make this a safe space for owners and dogs of all types. If you’re someone who is attached to their pet dog or want to give them a nice comfortable vacation where you both get to enjoy yourself, this is the place to go. In the background, surfers are riding the waves, and dogs are enjoying each other’s company on the beach.

7. Crystal Cove State Park

It is one of Orange County’s largest open spaces that offer a natural seashore. The beach stretches a vast area of 2400 acres and has a lot of wilderness surrounding it. For an experience filled with a touch of nature and a small seaside town, this might be the place for you. Websites such as Expedia Group (NASDAQ: EXPE) are beneficial in finding places to stay and visit in such rustic locations. Various talks on geology and research in the area are done, so this is an exciting adventure away from home for the more curious minds.

6. Coronado Municipal Beach

This beach has been ranked as the number one beach in America in an annual survey done by Professor Stephen P. Leatherman of Florida International University. It is the best in terms of environmental qualities. It is set against the iconic Hotel Del Coronado backdrop, which would be well suited for a family vacation or romantic getaway in the San Diego area. The area has a nice mix of history and entertainment which seems like fun for everyone.

5. Carlsbad State Beach

It is a protected beach located on the San Diego coast and has a multitude of activities such as swimming, surfing, scuba diving, and fishing. There are campsites and amenities such as showers and bathrooms for visitors. It is over an area of 44 acres and is a comfortable place to take your family.