Ten Best Beaches in California

Drive up the coast starting in San Diego and you will feast your eyes on some gorgeous beaches, from south to north:

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Hotel del Coronado Beach

Historic resort with red turrets on foggy beach of fine white sand.

Leucadia State Beach

Very beautiful beach with high cliff overlooking beach of huge pebbles. Steep path lined with wildflowers.

Main Beach Park, Laguna Beach

Fun beach with many spots to explore, including rock pools, a walking path with flowers above the sea, basketball courts, a playground, and a lawn by the beach.

Descanso Beach, Santa Catalina Island

Check out the view of the graceful 1920s art deco casino from your pebbly spot on Descanso Beach. Here the water is crystal clear, unlike the water at any other beach in California.

Hermosa Beach and Pier

Fun, colorful atmosphere at a wide, pristine, wonderful beach!

Paradise Cove Beach Cafe, Malibu

Eat at a cafe with your feet in the sand looking out at the sea in a sheltered outdoor area- magical!

El Matador State Beach, Malibu

Incredible beach with blue-green water, rocks jutting out of the sea, arches, and caves.

Santa Claus Lane Beach, Carpinteria

A long perfect beach popular with locals! The water stays shallow for ages making it nice for kids!

Campus Point Beach, UCSB

The surfing beach at UCSB- a pretty spot.

South Palisades Park Beach, Pismo Beach

Supremely nice views from many varied vantage points. A clifftop park, beach with tide pools, and start of a long walk.

China Cove, Monterey

A stunning white-sand cove with clear green-blue waters, baby seals, and cliffs covered in flowers.

Point Montara Lighthouse Beach, Moss Beach

Like a beach you would see in a movie and say, Wow! WHERE is THAT?

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