When the days get warmer, there’s no better place to unwind than a beach. Fortunately, southern California is filled with beaches that offer an unforgettable time. But there are endless beaches spread over 150 miles of the beautiful coastline. Choosing the best ones can be confusing. So here’s a list of over 15 of the best beaches in southern California where you can have endless fun.
Best Beaches in Southern California
1. Coronado Beach
Coronado has long dominated the list of the best beaches in Southern California. It is an island paradise with many sparkling beaches, gentle surf, and a quaint main street. The beach is located beside the iconic Hotel Del Coronado. It is ideal for romantic getaways, having fun with kids, or roaming around with your dog. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon.
2. Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach in Los Angeles is one of the best beaches in Southern California for swimming. It has the renowned Santa Monica pier at its backdrop, calming waters for swimming, and an array of shops around. This beach gets over 300 days of sunshine every year. When here, go for a bike ride or ride the Ferris Wheel. You can also catch lively street performances.
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3. El Matador State Beach
The stunning rock formations on the shoreline of El Matador State Beach make it a must-visit. The dramatic rock formations rise from the Pacific, giving the beach a natural, unexploited beauty. Here, you can snorkel, sunbathe, walk barefoot, and enjoy great sunset views.
4. Seal Beach
Are you looking for the least crowded best beaches in Southern California? Seal Beach is the perfect place. It is sparklingly clean, so you can walk into the water without encountering debris or seaweed. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it has bright sand and turquoise water. This beach is ideal for those traveling solo or those looking for some relaxation over the weekend. This beach is a popular spot for kite-boarding, windsurfing, and sup-surfing.
5. Huntington Beach
Another one of the best beaches in Southern California for swimming is Huntington Beach. It is well-known for its gorgeous beaches. The beach has a pleasant climate throughout the year. You can enjoy activities like surfing, swimming, and sunbathing any day. There are several cultural events and festivals hosted here throughout the year. It makes it a vibrant place to spend time.
6. Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Taken care of by the California State Parks and located in the middle of Malibu, this beach is one of the prettiest places in SoCal. Also called the Surf Rider Beach, the right-hand break is among the best surfing spots here. You’ll find lifeguards on duty during the daytime. Besides surfing, swimming and fishing are other activities you can partake in.
7. Doheny State Beach
Doheny State Beach is quite a popular one, especially in the summertime. Situated in Dana Point City, it offers people surfing activities and picnic facilities. There are also many camping spots and volleyball courts. You can also hike to the San Juan Creek Trail or spend time in various cafes in the evening.
8. La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is one of the best beaches in Southern California for viewing marine life, especially dolphins and turtles. It has a small surf in summer, so it becomes ideal for swimmers and scuba divers. It is located at the core of La Jolla, or the Village of La Jolla, as it is locally known. There are various amenities and activities here that you can enjoy with kids. Engage in swimming, snorkeling, and diving as you enter the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park. It’s a manmade marine reserve that offers a breathtaking view of the sea life.
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9. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a popular weekend getaway in Los Angeles. Surfers, sunbathers, and beach volleyball enthusiasts visit this beach in large numbers yearly. Belly dancers, street performers, bikini-clad roller skaters, and bodybuilders also frequent it.
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10. Pier Shoals-Ventura County, CA
This pristine beach is situated at Ventura County’s northern end. It’s one of the most beautiful and least crowded beaches in Southern California. The reason behind the lack of crowds is the difficulty of parking. Two of the best things to do here are enjoy the spectacular sunset views and walk on the long stretch of sandy areas. The waves are gentle, and you can view the Channel Islands off the coast.
11. Little Dune Beach
Situated in the western part of Malibu and tucked between Paradise Cove Beach and Point Dune State Beach, Little Dune Beach is a tiny sand beach. It has rocky coves, cliffs, headlands, and luxurious villas, making it a perfect place to snap photos and make memories. However, Little Dune Beach does not have amenities like lifeguards, so keep that in mind while planning a trip here. This beach is perfect for surfers, hikers, swimmers, scuba divers, and paddleboarders.
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12. Carmel-by-the-Sea Beaches
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a tiny beach town on California’s central coast. The place is famous for its beautiful beaches stretching over 17 miles of coastline. The best beaches are Carmel River State Beach and Carmel Beach. While Carmel Beach has sugary white sand and is dotted with Cyprus trees, the Carmel River State Beach is more secluded but equally gorgeous. Its sand is a bit coarser but still suitable for playing. Carmel Beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and playing volleyball. The Carmel River State Beach has rougher waves, so you must be more careful. It has a dedicated spot for bird watching and various tide pools suitable for kids.
13. Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is an extremely safe beach on the West Coast. It was discovered in 1921 and today boasts a range of acclaimed restaurants. It’s a beautiful place to live as you can easily access exquisite sandy beaches and the Pacific Ocean. If you want a slice of the California lifestyle, visit this beach. Besides restaurants, there are many pubs and bike rental shops that you won’t want to miss.
14. Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach is one of the best beaches in Southern California, famous for its wide sands and great surf. It is also one of the healthiest beaches with clean waters. This beach is popular for body surfing and swimming. Besides these activities, it has food stands, wheelchairs, and picnic tables. The beach has also been a filming location for the Planet of the Apes and Barton Fink movies.
15. Hermosa Beach
This beach resembles Manhattan Beach with long sands, easy waves, and activities like volleyball. Here, you can find skaters, dog walkers, joggers, and all those who love the outdoors. The beach has its quintessential SoCal bicycle. People use it to travel up and down the Strand and to visit nearby cities. A great about this beach is the Hermosa Beach Pier. The place becomes mesmerizing at sunset, with live music in the background and a bustling restaurant scene.
16. Catalina Island Beaches
The beaches in Catalina Island have something for everyone. From the finest seafood dining to waterfront cocktails and activities like snorkeling and kayaking, the beaches promise an unforgettable time. If you want private time with your partner, visit Descanso Beach. It offers cabanas for rent, and you can get food and drinks right at your place. To have some family fun, head to South Beach. This public beach is perfect for shopping, fine dining, and surfing. For scenic views, go to the Middle Beach. Here, you’ll find several shops selling souvenirs, which you can buy as a token of your visit.
Concluding Words
This list of the best beaches in Southern California will suit every beachgoer’s preference. Whether you prefer the serenity of secluded coves, the excitement of bustling boardwalks, or the allure of sparkling sands stretching for miles, you’ll find a shoreline that fulfills your desires. It’s time to pack your sunscreen and towel and discover the charm of Southern California’s coastal treasures.
