This article presents a list of what we consider the best beaches in California. Of all the beaches that California offers, we think it is the top! If you can find the best beaches in California, then we will eat a hat (metaphorically)!
o Malibu Lagoon Beach: a beautiful lagoon beach with 22 acres of wetlands, gardens and a sandy beach. This is considered one of the worlds premiere surf beaches. On the east side of the Malibu Creek Bridge is the Malibu Pier, which is great for salt-water fishing. On the west side is a natural area.
o Venice Beach: no trip to Los Angeles will be complete without a trip to this iconic beach. Street performers, artists and "beautiful people" mix and walk to Santa Monica along the famous boardwalk that passes through this unique beach town in California.
o El Capitan Beach: This shady sandy beach in Santa Barbara has rocky tide pools along El Capitan Creek. It is ideal for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnic and camping. A long staircase gives access from the bluff to the beach, and a cycle path connects the park to Refugio State Beach.
o Ocean Beach: OB, as locals call it a relaxed beach community known for its surfers and liberal politics. This is an eclectic beach community with a free dog beach, a fishing pier, swimming, surfing and volleyball. It has separate swimming and surfing zones, which is definitely a good idea.
o Rio Del Mar Beach: This long, sandy beach is located in Aptos, California, in the district of Santa Cruz. The hotel has fire rings, a barbecue and picnic area and a popular summer beach. It is also home to the “cement boat” of a durable cargo ship.
o Muir Beach: This beach is less than half an hour from San Francisco down the scenic HII Highway. This is one of the most glorious areas of Northern California in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Fishing, surfing and bonfires are allowed, and there are many coastal paths over the beach where tourists can explore.
o Black Sands Beach at Shelter Cove: This magnificent black sand beach is a great place to watch whales. Located north of the small village of Shelter Cove in a remote area of the “Lost Coast”, this is the trail for the famous King Range trek. This is the day, only the beach, so tourists will have to go to the mountains.
o La Jolla Beaches: La Jolla means "gemstone", a suitable name for the precious beaches of the La Jolla coast. Surfers prefer the Windansea beach, the harbor seals love the pool for children, La Jolla Shores is popular for swimming and sunbathing, and Cove is a favorite place for scuba diving.
o Drake Beach: this vast stretch of white sand can be found on the Toin Reyes National Seashore. Areas of strong winds and changeable seas make it too cruel for most swimmers, but sun worshipers will be guided by the opportunity to work on their tan in a beautiful closed sunny point in California.
