The best beaches in California

The best beaches in California

Laguna Beach

Image from commons.wikimedia.org

 

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Filled with natural beauty, exciting cities, and amazing things to do, it is tough not to love California. It has nine national parks, incredible road trips, and has destinations with the best city life on this planet. It is no surprise that California is the most visited state in the country!

California's beaches are stunning too. From vast lengths of sand in the cities of LA and San Diego to peaceful hidden beaches along the magnificent Big Sur seaside drive, the beaches here will delight, surprise, and most likely steal your breath away.

So, where are the best beaches in California? The ones with the softest sand, and gentle waves, where you can kick back and relax with your friends and family.

This handpicked list of the best beaches in California eliminates the guesswork, allowing you to just grab your towel and sunscreen and prepare for a day of fun.

1.      Half Moon Bay State Beach, San Mateo

Half Moon Bay State Beach
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The Beach is a long expanse of sand in Half Moon Bay, California, that stretches across cliffs and dunes. This Beach is a single state park with 4 beaches, which include Dunes Beach, Francis Beach, Roosevelt Beach, and Venice Beach. Within the state park's boundaries, there are four distinct named entry areas.   This beach is popular for sunbathing, surfing, picnics at the beach, camping, and fishing. The 4-mile stretch of wide, white sand beach at this state park has become a major spot for Bay Area beachgoers and travellers from all over the world.

2.      San Clemente State Beach, San Clemente

San Clemente State Beach
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This beach is nearly a mile long and positioned at the bottom of a steep bluff. Snorkelling, Paddleboarding, Surfing, Bodysurfing, and swimming are just a few of the water sports available at this Oceanside state park. In the surf, fishermen can capture croaker, barred perch, bass, and corbina.

There are hot showers and flush toilets at the campground. Shower use is timed and controlled by tokens purchased from machines nearby. Outdoor showers are also available for a quick clean-up after a day of sand play. San Mateo, the San Onofre Bluffs, and Doheny State Beach are some other local campgrounds to explore near the beach.

3.      Zuma Beach, Malibu

Zuma Beach
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Zuma Beach is recognized for its long, wide sands and great surf, as well as a variety of amenities like restrooms, volleyball, showers, and food stalls. The Zuma boardwalk is over a mile long and a wonderful location to wander. It spans 1.8 miles along the coast and has a broad stretch of sand that makes it significantly more appealing than some of Malibu's little pocket beaches.
 
Browse the neighboring Trancas Market Shopping Center for eatables and other picnic goods before plopping your beach blanket on the sand. Consider visiting the adjacent Point Dume Nature Reserve after a day of sun and beach. Hiking the upward walk rewards you and your family with spectacular views of the north Malibu Coast, Santa Monica Bays and distant Catalina Island.

4.      La Jolla Beach

La Jolla Beach
Image from lajolla.com

 

On the California coast, this beach is a small beach shaped in the form of a crescent and is hidden among high sandstone cliffs. The cove is modest but beautiful, which further makes it one of California's best beaches for those who enjoy spectacular coastal locations.
 
Furthermore, some of the finest aspects of this beach are hidden beneath the surface and it offers a great experience for scuba diving and snorkelling. Simply follow the advice of local lifeguards and snorkel sensibly to experience the best the beach has to offer.

5.      Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach
Image from hbchamber.net

 

Hermosa Beach is the place to go if you want to get a taste of the laid-back and casual surfer lifestyle. The beach is a site where a skateboarder is more likely to be seen than a spa. It has the smallest population of the South Bay communities and is ideal for unwinding in classic ‘SoCal’ style: casual attire, beach lounging, and enjoying the great California weather.
 
At Hermosa City Beach, surfing is one of my favourite activities. The seas are suitable for surfing due to the medium tides and dual swells that are typical here. Throughout the year, surf events are held throughout the area. Swimmers, sunbathers, locals of the area, and the volleyball players go to the seaside all year to enjoy this slice of paradise.
 

6.      Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach
Image from visitcalifornia.com

 

With its silky sands and magnificent setting, flanked by wind-carved trees of cypress, the Carmel Beach, a one-mile/2-km-long crescent, is a beautiful place to play and relax. Kids also love making castles of sand in this beach area.
 
On bright days, the beach can get crowded, but this portion of the coast is usually cold and gloomy, making it simple to find a spot on this big beach. This is also a dog-friendly beach wherein the owners play with their beloved pets and is a paradise for travellers.

7.      The Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur

The Pfeiffer Beach
Image from californiabeaches.com

 

Pfeiffer Beach is a hidden gem away from California's normal tourist traps. It's a terrific site for surfing, photography, or simply relaxing and reflecting on life. The waves are enjoyable to both watch and ride, and the sand appears purple due to manganese particles blown down from a surrounding hillside. An eroding stone arch emerges from the sea just off the beach, through which the sun's golden rays travel at the end of the day, creating a spectacular natural show of light and sound every day at sunset.
 
You can also go swimming, but be aware that the water is chilly and that there are no lifeguards on duty. The currents can be dangerous, so inspect the water carefully before entering. Climbing rocks is possible, but they may tend to be slippery and have jagged edges, so wear appropriate footwear to experience the best the beach has to offer. The view at the beach is stunning, with plenty of opportunities to stop and breathe in the beauty of nature.
 
So that's our list of the best beaches in California. Pick out any one of the beaches and let the magic of the California sun and sand revive your soul.
 

 

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