Best Surfing Beaches in California

Stretching along the western coast of Huntington Beach, Huntington State Beach is one of the most popular and iconic surf beaches in the world. Home to the Surfer’s Hall of Fame, Huntington State Beach spans 121 acres and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique coastal experience in Orange County.

Located only an 8-minute drive north of downtown La Jolla, La Jolla Shores beach is popular with families and active beachgoers because of its endless activities and many amenities including lifeguards, restrooms, and showers. 

Located at the south end of the city of Encinitas, Swami’s Beach is considered among the best beaches for surfing in the nation. The beach is also known as ‘Swami’s Reef,’ ‘Swamis,’ ‘Swamis Seaside Park,’ and ‘Sea Cliff Park,’ – and was named after Swami Paramahansa’s Self-Realization Fellowship ashram located on top of a cliff that overlooks the beach.

Located near US Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Trestles Beach is a two-and-half mile-long popular surfing spot renowned among surfers throughout the United States. Trestles Beach is a part of a 3,000-acre state park called San Onofre State Beach. Trestles Beach has pale cream sand and is named after a wooden train trestle bridge that used to run near the beach. The San Mateo Creek forms a wetland near the beach. The beach is also mentioned in the hit Beach Boys song "Surfin’ in the U.S.A." 

Located on the southern part of the neighborhood of La Jolla, Windansea Beach is located below a bluff-top residential area in the city of San Diego. The beach has light brown sand, strong water currents, and large waves. There are numerous large sandstone rock formations along the beach shoreline, and a rocky reef is also present in the water near the beach. The name Windansea Beach is a shortened description of "Wind-and-Sea" which was the name of a hotel near the beach shoreline that burned down in the 1940s. 

Located near the northern end of the city of Half Moon Bay, Mavericks Beach - also known as Pillar Point Beach - is situated adjacent to Pillar Point Harbor. Mavericks Beach has light brown sand and rocky reefs along its shoreline and is located below the bluff-top Pillar Point Air Force Station. The water near the beach is known for its gigantic and monstrous waves and is extremely dangerous for swimming, so it's recommended to be careful when visiting the beach’s shoreline. Big wave surfing enthusiasts often flock to this location, drawn by the renowned waves and the legend of discovering Mavericks.

Located in the city of Coronado, Silver Strand State Beach is a two-mile-long beach on the west side of Silver Strand Boulevard. The beach is situated south of a US military property and north of a campground that provides parking space for RVs.

Located near the United States Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generation System plant, San Onofre State Beach-Surfing Beach is situated in San Diego County. The beach has three alternate names - Surf Beach, Old Man’s, and San O. The beach is situated within San Onofre State Beach, a state park spread over 3,000 acres. San Onofre State Beach-Surfing Beach has light brown sand, rocky reefs, and water with mild waves. 

Located below a blufftop residential area near the border between Ventura County and Santa Barbara County, Rincon Point State Beach is a narrow rock-and-sand beach. The popular beach is a part of a state park known as Carpinteria State Beach. Portions of the beach are fixed with rocky embankments to prevent erosion. 

Located at the western end of the City of Santa Cruz, Steamer Lane is a very popular surfing spot in the city of Santa Cruz. The beach area has very little sand and is composed mostly of bluff side walls and rocky boulders. You might get some sandy areas during low tide but it’s not an ideal beach for quietly basking in the sun. Surfer Magazine in 2009 designated Santa Cruz as the "best surfing town" and wrote of Steamer Lane as a "world-class right-hand reef-point." The beach earned its name when earlier surfers on the beach would look out for waves in the naval lanes used by steamships heading towards the Santa Cruz Wharf. The beach area is always bustling with surfers looking for a piece of large and fast-paced waves found in the waters here. Situated to the west of Steamer Lane is Lighthouse Field State Beach along with the iconic Santa Cruz Lighthouse, while to the south is a blufftop shelf also used by surfers. 

Located in the city of Dana Point, Doheny State Beach – North Beach is a scenic beach with light brown sand, nestled within the larger state-managed Doheny State Beach area. This beach is not only a gateway to the beautiful Pacific Ocean but also features a unique creek, San Juan Creek, which flows adjacent to the beach before meeting the ocean. Notably, the beach and its surrounding area offer excellent opportunities to explore tide pools, especially during low tide, making it a prime location for tidepooling enthusiasts. This makes Doheny State Beach a distinctive destination among the many state parks in Orange County.

Doheny State Beach – North Beach is open between 6 am and 10 pm.

Located in the city of Malibu, Surfrider Beach - also known as Malibu Surfrider Beach - is a mile long and is considered the place to go for the ideal Southern California surfing experience. The beach is part of the Malibu Lagoon State Beach, which is spread over 110 acres and also includes the Malibu Lagoon and the Malibu Pier. Surfrider Beach is positioned on the western side of the Malibu Lagoon, where Malibu Creek drains into the Pacific Ocean. The beach has a spectacular background of many oceanfront buildings, including hotels, restaurants, and a museum, which together provide Instagram-worthy views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean, especially at sunset.

Zuma Beach—also known as Zuma County Beach—is a popular, scenic destination located in Malibu. With nearly two miles of white sand stretching across 105 acres, this southwest-facing beach is loved by locals and visitors alike.

This beach was listed as one of the best on the West Coast of the United States by Ventura County Star and as one of the cleanest beaches in Los Angeles by Los Angeles Times. It was also named one of the best beaches in Malibu by Lonely Planet, and is a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert. This beach is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Located in the city of Oceanside, Oceanside Pier View North Beach is a long and wide beach that is surrounded by palm trees.  Oceanside Pier View North Beach is situated on the north side of the Oceanside Municipal Fishing Pier and is a great fishing spot.  

Located in the center of the City of Pismo Beach, the northern end of Pismo State Beach gives way to a bustling beach area centered around the iconic Pismo Beach Pier. The southern areas of the beach provide access to the North Beach Campground area where Pismo Creek forms a lagoon while in the north of the beach are volleyball courts, several rock formations, and another beach area (which is also accessible via Wilmar Stairs). The beach is the starting point of a massive stretch of a continuous sandy area that spans several miles and ends in the City of Guadalupe, California. 

Located in Newport Beach in Southern California, Newport Municipal Beach is one of the beaches most popular with families in the area because of its clear waters, expansive sands, and picturesque pier. 

Located along the Monterey Peninsula and in the city of Pacific Grove, Asilomar State Beach- also officially known as Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds State Park - is a narrow one-mile-long state-protected beach.  This beach is located below oceanfront bluffs.  This beach is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.  Asilomar State Beach is composed of multiple coves that are naturally carved from granodiorite rocks. These coves have both rocky and sandy portions.

Located along the County of Los Angeles shoreline, Manhattan Beach – also known as Manhattan County Beach – is a two-mile-long and wide beach with light brown sand, a pier named the Manhattan Beach Pier, nearby shrubs and palm trees, and a nearby reef.  This beach is located within a city that is also called Manhattan Beach.   This beach is also part of a region within the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area that is called South Bay.  

This beach has been listed as one of the best beaches in California by many publications, including Reader’s Digest and Travel+Leisure magazine, and is a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.

Located six miles north of Ventura, Mondos Beach is a small yet popular spot along the Ventura County coastline. Known for its mix of rocky and sandy areas, Mondos Beach offers generally calm waters with mild waves, making it ideal for beginner activities. Residential areas flank the beach to the east and west. There are no lifeguards or major amenities, so it’s best to come prepared. Dogs on leash are welcome at Mondos Beach. You can find it easily at 3674 Pacific Coast Highway, with a free parking lot across the highway. Please be cautious when crossing, as it’s a busy road. The western end of the beach has a rocky access point, so suitable footwear is recommended.

Mondos Beach is well-loved for its variety of water activities, such as surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. For beginner surfers and paddle boarders, the beach offers a sandy surf bar with gentle, crumbly waves that are perfect for practicing. However, the water near Mondos Beach can have rip currents, so it’s essential to exercise caution. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot seals, sea lions, dolphins, and even migrating grey whales from December to April. Mondos Beach was one of the preferred surfing spots of Mary Monks, also known as "Mondos Mary," a pioneering female surfer from Ventura County. Her legacy is celebrated in an exhibition at the Museum of Ventura County.

For anyone new to surfing, Mondos Beach is often highlighted in surf guides like the "mondos surf guide" for its beginner-friendly conditions. The guide covers tips on the best times to visit, equipment to bring, and safety precautions specific to Mondos Beach. For more insights, exploring the mondos surf guide can be helpful to plan your experience.

Located in the western part of Point Loma, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Beach—also known as Garbage Beach and Sunset Cliffs Beach—is a small and narrow beach with light brown sand, some rocky parts, and nearby rocky reefs.  This beach is part of a 68-acre recreational park named Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.  Travel + Leisure magazine also listed it as one of the Best Beaches in San Diego.

Located in Santa Barbara, East Beach is a four mile long beach with light brown sand. This beach is situated towards the east end of a wharf named the Stearns Wharf. Multiple grassy recreational parks are present near this popular beach. In addition, this beach also has a fantastic backdrop of oceanfront palm trees. The Mission Creek flows through the beach into the Pacific Ocean.  East Beach has been named one of the Top 100 beaches in the United States by Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach. The eastern end of East Beach is wider than its other parts. 

Located in the community of Oceano, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is a state park with an unnamed five-mile-long beach that has light brown sand. This beach is also known as Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Beach. The beach in this state park is surrounded by a large sand-dune field. Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area has lifeguards from June through Labor Day. However, the state park does not have any other amenities except restrooms, so plan accordingly. Dogs on leash are allowed in Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area.

Located in the city of Malibu, Dan Blocker Beach is located across Malibu Beach RV Park on the Pacific Coast Highway. Also known as Corral Beach or Corral State Beach, especially by locals, it is one mile in length, narrow, rocky, rarely crowded, and has lots of beach grass. This beach was named after the late actor Dan Blocker who is well-renowned for playing the loved character of ‘Hoss’ on the popular TV series Bonanza by its owners and Dan’s fellow actors Lorne Greene and Michael Landon. They donated the beach to the State of California which transferred it over to Los Angeles County in September 1995; it is also known as Dan Blocker County Beach.

Located in the city of Malibu, Thornhill Broome Beach is a part of the five-mile-long Point Mugu State Park and is situated in front of a long campground in southern Ventura County.

Located near the Westside area of the city of Santa Cruz, Natural Bridges State Beach is actually the name of a 65-acre state park managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The state park contains a beach area in its southern part. The area is known as ‘Natural Bridges State Beach’ as it used to have natural bridge-like arches in the water near the beach, which were formed out of mudstone cliffs being naturally eroded away into arches by the water. Earlier there used to be three such arches, however, only one remains which is a popular perching spot for birds now. The beach has light brown sand. The Moore Creek flows into the ocean through the beach area, often forming a lagoon on the southern end of the beach. The state park area also has a monarch butterfly sanctuary, coastal scrub, grasslands, and wetlands, which are present around the beach area. Although the beach has a lifeguard tower, an on-duty lifeguard is often not available. 

Located in northern Laguna Beach, Crescent Bay Beach is a large cove that’s popular with families, locals, and tourists because of its many amenities including lifeguards, public restrooms, showers, and a concession stand. Crescent Bay Beach is also known as the locals’ favorite spot for watching amazing sunsets.

Carmel Beach is renowned by both locals and tourists as one of the most spectacular beaches in the world - and for good reason. The beach is an oasis with a backdrop of white sand and turquoise water, and is overlooked by beautiful, grassy hills. The world-class scenic pathway is filled with old, green trees and looks onto the beach. Watching the sunset on the beach is a local tradition - add to the natural romance with a bottle of wine, as alcohol is permitted on specific days of the week. With the gorgeous scenery of Carmel City Beach, you'll be sure to have an unforgettable beach day!

Santa Monica Beach, located in the city of Santa Monica, is a highly popular 3.5-mile-long beach with light brown sand. This beach, also known as Santa Monica State Beach, is divided into three main sections: Santa Monica Beach - North Beach (which is also known as Santa Monica - North Beach and Santa Monica North Beach), Santa Monica Beach - Pier Beach (which is also called Santa Monica - Pier Beach and Santa Monica Pier Beach), and Santa Monica Beach - South Beach ( which is also called Santa Monica – South Beach, Santa Monica South Beach, and Ocean Park Beach). 

Santa Monica Beach—North Beach is quieter, offering a more peaceful experience, while Pier Beach is at the center and features the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Santa Monica Beach - South Beach, also referred to as Ocean Park Beach, is situated to the south of the pier.

Santa Monica Pier, stretching 1,650 feet, is a well-known landmark and draws millions of visitors annually. It is an iconic pier that was initially opened in 1909 and has been designated as a Santa Monica Historic Landmark - this pier offers a large variety of things to do including a popular amusement park named Pacific Park that has the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, fun rides for kids (including a 1920s carousel), an arcade, an aquarium at the end of the pier named Heal The Bay Aquarium, and interesting concessions and shops. If you are planning to fish from the Santa Monica Pier or from any part of Santa Monica State Beach, please follow the local fishing regulations that can be found on the website of California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

Santa Monica Beach is also frequented by snorkelers and scuba divers, and visitors may spot wildlife such as seals, sea lions, and migrating whales at certain times of the year. If you’re into biking or skating, the Ocean Front Walk (also called the Santa Monica Boardwalk) offers a scenic path with oceanfront views and passes by various restaurants and shops. The North Beach Trail section includes unique artwork inspired by local plant and animal life. A portion of another famous biking trail named the Marvin Braude Bike Trail (also known as The Strand) is also located along Santa Monica State Beach - this popular 22-mile oceanfront biking, jogging, and roller-skating trail mostly runs parallel to the coastline of the Santa Monica Bay.

Located near the border between Ventura County and Santa Barbara County, Rincon County Park Beach is a beach with light brown sand. The beach is situated near a gated residential area to the north of Rincon Point and below a blufftop park called the Rincon County Park (also known as Rincon Beach Park). The southern parts of the beach are pebbly and rocky. The Rincon Creek meets the ocean near the southern end of the beach. 

Considered Manhattan Beach’s more youthful and rowdy counterparty, Hermosa Beach is one of South Bay’s most popular beaches. At Hermosa, experience the quintessential small-town beach experience with a lively twist. Situated near the Los Angeles International Airport, Hermosa Beach offers LA beachgoers a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Only 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Los Angeles, Hermosa Beach feels worlds away. Although it has less street parking than nearby Manhattan Beach, it’s still far more accessible than many LA beaches even during the summer. Beachgoers flock to Hermosa for its stunning beachfront, which is the spitting image of the perfect LA beach. With its clear and vibrant turquoise water, clean white sand, quaint walking and biking paths, and panoramic views from the bluffs of Palos Verdes to Malibu, Hermosa visitors hitch an umbrella and lounge in paradise.

Situated at the end of Brooks Street in South Laguna Beach, Brooks Street Beach is a peaceful beach known for its stunning natural beauty and world-class surfing. With convenient metered parking on Cliff Drive, Brooks Street Beach is easily accessible, making it the perfect place to escape the stresses of urban life.

Located between the cities of Long Beach and Huntington Beach in Southern California, Seal Beach is popular with families because of its calm waters, pristine sands, and plentiful amenities. 

Located in the city of Encinitas, Cardiff State Beach - North Beach is very popular among visitors and tourists. It is a wide beach and is situated in the beach community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. This beach was awarded the nation’s Best Restored Beaches Award by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). Cardiff State Beach - North Beach is a pet-friendly beach with several amenities including lifeguards, restrooms, showers, ATMs, picnic tables, and barbecues. This beach is also known as Cardiff Reef because many professional surfers, including Rob Machado, gather here to surf. If you are a fan of beach activities, this beach has you covered with camping, kitesurfing, paddle-boarding, scuba diving, and snorkeling. You can also swim here, but be careful of the rip currents, especially at the lagoon channel. There is also a tide pool here where visitors can see the sea life, especially starfishes and sea cucumbers, during low tides.

Located near the northern end of the Faria Beach Colony, Faria Beach - also known as Pitas Point Beach - is a narrow beach that is adjacent to a campground known as Faria Beach Park. Faria Beach has both rocky and sandy parts. 

Located in the scenic city of Malibu, Topanga Beach spans over a mile in length and covers 21.5 acres. Known for its popularity among surfers, it’s one of Malibu's most favored surfing destinations. Topanga Beach, or Topanga State Beach, is positioned on the eastern edge of the Pacific Palisades, near the renowned Mastro’s Ocean Club restaurant. The beach offers a consistent right break and a lagoon near Topanga Creek, ideal for surfing enthusiasts. 

Please note that as a result of the Palisades Fire in January 2025, many of the businesses and homes near Topanga Beach have been destroyed, and we recommend not visiting this beach due to unsafe water conditions and poor air quality.

Located in the city of Malibu, Leo Carrillo State Beach is a wide and one-and-a-half-mile long beach that is part of the Leo Carrillo State Park. Leo Carrillo State Park is named after Leo Carrillo, an actor and preservationist, who served on the California Beach and Parks Commission for 18 years - and is 2,513 acres in size. Many prominent actors including Elvis Presley, Jerry Lewis, Nancy Sinatra, and Dick Clark have been featured in films shot at this park. Leo Carrillo State Beach is sometimes referred to as one beach – but it is commonly viewed as three separate beaches each with its access point: Leo Carrillo - North Beach, Leo Carrillo - South Beach, and Leo Carrillo - Staircase Beach.  Sequit Point is a rocky area between Leo Carrillo - North Beach and Leo Carrillo - South Beach where you can see tide pools and sea caves during low tides.

Located at the eastern end of Santa Cruz county, Pleasure Point Park is a county park situated on a bluff overlooking Monterey Bay. The park has a set of stairs that provide access to a narrow strip of beach area present below the bluff. The beach area gets almost completely submerged during high tide and barely has any dry sand. The beach is popular among surfers, along with other beaches in the Pleasure Point neighborhood (in which the park is situated) as the waters here produce ideal surfing conditions. 

Located in Marin County, Bolinas Beach is an L-shaped beach situated in the seaside town of Bolinas at the mouth of Bolinas Lagoon. The beach has light brown and the scenic Bolinas Ridge can be seen from here. Bolinas Beach has calm water with mild waves and is also called Brighton Beach because the beach can be accessed primarily via Brighton Avenue. Bolinas Beach does not have lifeguards or other amenities except restrooms, so come prepared. However, the beach does allow dogs on leash. Getting to Bolinas Beach is easy - it is located near the intersection of Brighton Avenue and Cliff Road off of California Highway 1 / Pacific Coast Highway. Free street parking is available along Brighton Avenue.

Located in the town of Point Reyes Station, Limantour Beach is a long, wide, and south-facing beach situated between Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero. Limantour Beach is a part of Point Reyes National Seashore and Estero de Limantour State Marine Reserve.  Limantour Beach is a family-friendly beach as children can swim in its safe waters that are protected by Drakes Estero in the west.  Limantour Beach is a perfect destination for birdwatching and beachcombing because it is backed by many wetlands. Limantour Beach welcomes dogs on leash at the southern part of the beach.

Located in Westside Los Angeles, Sunset Point Beach, also known as Sunset Beach, is the northernmost part of a state park known as Will Rogers State Beach. Sunset Beach is separated from the rest of Will Rogers State Beach by a stretch of rocky shoreline. Sunset Point Beach has light brown sand, and manmade rocky embankments have been fixed throughout the beach shoreline to prevent erosion. The beach has a variety of amenities including lifeguards, showers, and restrooms. Dogs are not allowed on this beach. 

Located in the city of Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve – also called Palos Verdes Estates Beach – is a bluff-top park with access to the Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve Beach. It is regarded as one of the best Palos Verdes beaches. This narrow, rocky, and desolate beach is situated below a bluff and is also known as Drain Pipe Beach and Pipes Beach. The beach is surrounded by unstable and steep bluff walls and has sparse amounts of vegetation. 

Located in the city of Venice in Southern California, Venice Beach – also known as Venice City Beach - is an extremely popular three-mile long beach that has light brown sand and rocky breakwaters. This beach is very large – approximately 238 acres in size. The southern portion of Venice Beach is known as Venice Pier Beach- this portion received this name because it has a 1,300-feet long pier named the Venice Pier that is also known as Venice Fishing Pier. Venice Beach has been named the 3rd Best Beach in the Top 50 Beaches in the United States list in 2022 by Randall Kaplan, the world's foremost beach expert who is known as "Mr. Beach.” (Please note that Venice Beach in California should not be confused with another popular beach in the United States named Venice Public Beach, which is also known as Venice Beach) that is located in Sarasota County in Florida.) 

Venice Beach hosts many sporting events, and two of them – skateboarding and 3x3 basketball – will be held there during the 2028 Summer Olympics. Venice Beach has lifeguards from 8 am to sunset (that usually occurs around 6 pm) - during summers, lifeguards here are posted from 7 am till sunset (that occurs around 8:30 pm). In addition to lifeguards, Venice Beach and the area around it offer many other amenities including picnic areas, restrooms, showers, bike rental facilities, a bike path, grassy recreational areas, paddle tennis courts, basketball courts, skateboarding, volleyball courts, handball courts, walking paths, nearby watersports equipment rental facilities, and a kids’ play area. Dogs are not allowed on Venice Beach.  

Located on the southernmost point of California, Imperial Beach is a bustling beach town with a four-mile stretch of beach area situated near the United States - Mexican border. The Imperial Beach shoreline has four beaches from north to south - Imperial Beach City Beach, South Imperial Beach, the beach in Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, and Border Field State Park Beach which ends at the United States’ border with Mexico. All of the beaches in Imperial Beach have light brown sand. The Tijuana River meets the Pacific Ocean on the southern part of the Imperial Beach shoreline, where a wetland is also present. The beach in Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge and South Imperial Beach allows dog on leash and Imperial Beach City Beach has a small designated dog - friendly area along the intersection of Carnation Avenue and Seacoast Drive. 

Nestled between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach in Southern California, Crystal Cove State Park Beaches is known for its natural seashore and plentiful activities. To get to this beach, you can enjoy the scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, where you’ll find the Los Trancos Parking Lot that charges $5 per hour, or $15 per day. 

Located a few miles north of the town of Bodega Bay in Sonoma County, North Salmon Creek Beach is a large beach that is situated beneath steep coastal bluffs and is a part of a state park known as Sonoma Coast State Park. North Salmon Creek Beach has both rocky and sandy parts. The beach is located north of the point where Salmon Creek meets the Pacific Ocean. Salmon Creek Beach stretches north from Salmon Creek to Miwok Beach. The mouth of Salmon Creek is an important habitat, offering critical federal protection for threatened species like the western snowy plover.

Located near the southern end of the town of Cayucos, Morro Strand State Beach - North Beach is the northern part of a state-protected beach known as Morro Strand State Beach. The southern part of the beach is wider than the northern part of the beach. The beach has light brown sand and it also has a beautiful backdrop of the mountainous Central California shoreline. The Old Creek meets the ocean near the southern part of the beach. While Morro Strand State Beach - North Beach does not have lifeguards, it has restrooms and picnic tables in its northern part. In addition, the beach also allows dogs on leash. 

Located near eastern Malibu, Big Rock Beach is a narrow, very small, and rocky beach situated along the Pacific Coast Highway. The beach is named because of a large dark black rock formation in the water that’s about 50 yards from the shoreline. The beach has a backdrop of waterfront residential areas which are present along the length of the beach. Big Rock Beach has no lifeguards or other amenities, so plan your visit accordingly. 

Please note that as a result of the Palisades Fire in January 2025, many of the businesses and homes near Big Rock Beach have been destroyed, and we recommend not visiting this beach due to unsafe water conditions and poor air quality.

Located in the northernmost point of the city of Palos Verdes Estates, Malaga Cove Beach is one of the sandiest beaches you can find in the city. This beach is part of a long continuous shoreline along the California coast which also has other beaches including RAT Beach and South Redondo Beach. The southern portions of the beach are rocky while the sandier portions are toits north. The beach sees fewer visits than other Palos Verdes Beaches due to its partially remote location.

Located 25 miles away from the city of San Diego, Leucadia State Beach is a 10-acre state-protected narrow beach area with light brown sand.  This state beach is located below blufftop residential areas within the coastal neighborhood of Leucadia in the northern part of the city of Encinitas – this state beach is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.  This oceanfront state park has two beaches - Grandview Beach and Beacon’s Beach.  Leucadia State Beach does not have lifeguards or other amenities, so please plan accordingly. 

Located in the city of Encinitas, Cardiff State Beach - North Beach is very popular among visitors and tourists. It is a wide beach and is situated in the beach community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. This beach was awarded the nation’s Best Restored Beaches Award by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). Cardiff State Beach - North Beach is a pet-friendly beach with several amenities including lifeguards, restrooms, showers, ATMs, picnic tables, and barbecues. This beach is also known as Cardiff Reef because many professional surfers, including Rob Machado, gather here to surf. If you are a fan of beach activities, this beach has you covered with camping, kitesurfing, paddle-boarding, scuba diving, and snorkeling. You can also swim here, but be careful of the rip currents, especially at the lagoon channel. There is also a tide pool here where visitors can see the sea life, especially starfishes and sea cucumbers, during low tides.

Located in the northern part of the neighborhood of Pacific Beach, North Pacific Beach is a mile-long wide beach with light brown sand. This beach is situated below steep oceanfront bluffs. The blufftop area above the beach has many grassy parks and the Crystal Pier is situated towards the beach’s southern end.

Located only a 10-minute drive south of downtown Laguna Beach, Victoria Beach is one of the city’s most famous beaches because of its Victorian-style Pirate Tower. This medieval-looking tower is a short but rocky hike from the beach access point. 

Located in the city of Torrance, Torrance Beach is a long, wide, and the only beach in the city. Torrance Beach is also known as RAT Beach which stands for Right At Torrance, Right After Torrance, and Redondo And Torrance. Torrance Beach is a part of Miramar Park and is situated on the north side of a bluff-top residential area.

Situated at the end of Brooks Street in South Laguna Beach, Brooks Street Beach is a peaceful beach known for its stunning natural beauty and world-class surfing. With convenient metered parking on Cliff Drive, Brooks Street Beach is easily accessible, making it the perfect place to escape the stresses of urban life.

Located in the southern end of the city of Santa Cruz and to the east of Cowell Beach, the Santa Cruz Main Beach is one of the major beaches present in the city of Santa Cruz. The beach is also called Boardwalk Beach as it is home to the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park. The beach area has light brown sand. The beach is one of the most popular beaches in California and is crowded with visitors all year. The terrain here is unique – the San Lorenzo River meets the ocean on the eastern side of the beach area and sometimes forms a lagoon here, and there’s a natural rock wall on the eastern part of the beach that extends into the ocean.