Are you ready to discover some of the most unusual and spectacular beaches that California has to offer? This is a list of the 12 best beach towns in California that will capture your memories and make you want to keep coming back.
This article is part of my Wander Like a Local series, where guest writers reveal the best-kept secrets, must-see spots, and unique experiences that only locals know. Discover hidden gems and authentic tips from those who call it home.
The Golden State of California is known for its diverse miles of coastline from the border of Oregon to the border of Mexico. All of the communities along the West Coast relish in their connection to the Pacific Ocean and all the things that beach life provides.
As a happy resident of a small beach town in California, I can honestly say that I am grateful every day to be living by the awesome Pacific Ocean. While I love the mountains, I am really a beach person and have enjoyed California beaches for the past 40 years!
The towns on this list are certainly not an exhaustive list of all the best beach towns in California, but these are among my favorites and give a range of sandy beaches for swimming, to rocky beaches for photographing, city beaches for crowds, and quiet beaches for solitude. I have visited these beach towns with family, friends, and solo, and I’m never disappointed. Take your pick. You can’t go wrong!
What's Your Favorite California Beach Town?
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1. Alameda in Alameda County
Alameda is the sweet island city across the Bay from San Francisco and I am one of the lucky island dwellers who calls Alameda home. Alameda is known for being one of the best beach towns in California to live, because it’s a hidden gem in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing a little respite from the traffic and buzz of the city. With panoramic views of San Francisco, Alameda has excellent weather, tons to do, lots of history, and the friendliest neighbors!
Things To Do In Alameda
- Visit Crown Beach
- Water sports such as windsurfing, paddleboarding, and sailing
- Tour the USS Hornet
- Wine and beer tasting on Spirit Alley
- Bike and walk along the beach on Bay Farm Island
- Catch a ferry to the city
- Enjoy downtown movies, shopping, and restaurants
2. Big Sur in Monterey County
Big Sur is the stretch of California’s Central Coast about 25 miles south of Carmel, continuing until San Simeon. It’s one of the most striking rugged coasts you’ll find in the whole state. With the dramatic cliffs along the Pacific Ocean on the west and the beautiful Santa Lucia Mountains to the east, Big Sur is not your average California beach town.
This section of Central California is often foggy and misty. It’s accessed by the winding and narrow Highway 1. Driving along this route always feels like being in a movie. In fact, it’s this road that takes you across the iconic Bixby Bridge, made famous by many movies and TV shows.
The unincorporated Big Sur Village and surrounding region are not highly residential, but it is very popular with visitors. Big Sur is one of our favorite spots for some great hikes and awesome photo ops. (Be sure to check road conditions before traveling, as sometimes there are road closures.)
Things To Do In Big Sur
- Drive across the iconic Bixby Bridge and stop for photos
- Hike trails in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- Hike to McWay Waterfalls, the 80 ft waterfall plunging onto the beach
- Surf at Sand Dollar Beach
- Visit Andrew Molera State Beach with purple magnesium and garnet sand
- Tour the Point Sur Lighthouse built in 1889
- Visit the Henry Miller Memorial Library, the Beat Generation author who lived in Big Sur
3. Carmel By The Sea in Monterey County
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming fairytale village just about 120 miles south of San Francisco. I give Carmel my vote for the best small beach town in California. Fog or sun, it’s one of our top getaway destinations for many reasons. It’s an easy drive, is incredibly beautiful, and has the softest sand and most pristine beach in Northern California.
Carmel literally has something for everyone in the family. Swimming, walking, and making sand castles on the beach are the highlights, but Carmel is also packed with excellent restaurants, shops, and galleries. There are plenty of accommodations, and actual fairytale cottages sprinkled around the one-square-mile town.
Things To Do In Carmel
- Spend the day at Carmel Beach
- Find all the Fairytale Cottages
- See the Frank Lloyd Wright House
- Drive on the 17 Mile Drive to Pebble Beach
- Shop and Dine
- Hike in Point Lobos Natural Reserve
- Visit Monterey
4. Coronado in San Diego County
Coronado is a quaint little island on the West Coast. Just six miles across the Bay from San Diego, Coronado Island is a Naval Base with great weather and a low-key vibe. While San Diego is awesome and has a lot of great beaches and things to do, Coronado is much more the image of a Southern California beach town. We first visited Coronado because we have family living there and quickly fell in love with it.
The wide beach with its soft white sand is very popular for surfers and sunbathers. In addition to the Navy base, the town is most famous for the Hotel Del Coronado which is a huge Victorian-era resort hotel on Coronado Beach. The town is charming and walkable with great gift shops and restaurant choices.
Things To Do In Coronado
- Swim, sunbathe, and walk on the beach
- Take your dog to the Coronado Dog Beach
- Boating, surfing, and all water sports are popular at this beach
- Visit the Coronado Historical Association Museum
- Look for dolphins
- Explore the Centennial Park and Spreckels Park
- Watch for festivals, art shows, and concerts
5. Fort Funston in San Francisco County
Fort Funston is the hidden gem beach in San Francisco. San Francisco isn’t typically considered to be a beach town, but it has some great beaches! Ocean Beach and Baker Beach are the most popular city beaches. However, I want to tell you about Fort Funston because I have been bringing visitors there forever!
Just south of Ocean Beach, on Highway 1, is the turn off to an old military fort that is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This park overlooks the ocean with dramatic cliffs and incredible views. There are walking trails along the cliffs and the park is very dog friendly. Its main feature is that hang gliders use these cliffs to jump off and literally fly along the coast. It’s a phenomenal sport and truly something mesmerizing to watch. Our favorite part of this beach is the hike down the cliff, on the many stairs, to the quiet beach below. We love walking, relaxing, and have even gone horseback riding on this beach.
Things To Do Near Fort Funston
- Visit the San Francisco Zoo
- Explore the Sutro Baths & Cliff House
- Enjoy the iconic Golden Gate Park
- Walk on Ocean Beach
6. Jenner By The Sea in Sonoma County
Jenner By The Sea is a small town in the Northern California coastal region of Sonoma County. Jenner is on my list of best beach towns in California because of its small and magical vibe. This is not a flip flops and sunbathe beach town, but is known more for its striking natural beauty and unusual location.
Jenner is about 90 miles north of San Francisco and is the spot where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. Jenner is sprinkled with green farmlands, pastures of cows, combined with a rocky coastline. It’s absolutely breathtaking. The warm blend of the river and ocean brings the seals in to lounge on the beach all day. We’ve had some memorable and epic days there — but be prepared for lots of wind!
Things To Do In Jenner
- Hike the trails of Jenner Headlands and Pole Mountain
- See the Harbor Seal colony at Goat Rock Beach
- Visit one of the other 27 beautiful beaches along the Sonoma coast
- Sight Bald Eagles in the Jenner Estuary
- Shop & dine in the historic Duncan Mills
7. Laguna Beach in Orange County
Laguna Beach is the quintessential California Beach town of Orange County. Just about 50 miles south of Los Angeles, Laguna is famous for its artsy community and beautiful coves. Laguna is everyone’s favorite beach town. My family visits at least twice per year because it always gives you just what you need — flip flops all day, long walks on the beach, tide pools, big waves, and all the art and food you want. We love to get there, park the car, and not get back in it until we have to leave. Picture “The Endless Summer” image — that’s Laguna!
Things To Do In Laguna
- Enjoy the Main Beach and the smaller beaches that stretch to the south
- Explore the tide pools
- Hike in the Laguna Hills trails
- Water sports such as surfing, stand up paddle, and boating
- Watch for dolphins
- See the Pageant of the Masters living art show
- Enjoy the yearly Sawdust Festival
- Explore art galleries in town.
8. Malibu in Los Angeles County
Malibu is a Southern California picture perfect region that stretches 30 miles along the northwest coast of Los Angeles. You’ve heard of Malibu because of the celebrities who live there and have their magnificent homes along the picturesque coastline and up in the hills.
We know a different side of the very relaxed beach town. Malibu visits for me are with a very close friend and include hanging out on Zuma Beach, hiking into the hills, shopping at Cross Creek, having incredible food at Malibu Farm on the Malibu Pier, and just soaking up the sun and waves. It offers a break from the busy city beaches of L.A. and is a glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous! My mood always settles into calm when I’m in Malibu.
Things To Do In Malibu
- Visit Zuma Beach, Point Dume State Beach, El Matador Beach, and Paradise Cove Beach
- Water sports, including Surfing, Stand Up Paddle
- Take a hike on Mugu Peak Trail, Escondido Falls Trail, Solstice Canyon Loop, Point Dume Cove Trail, Rock Pool & Century Lake Trail
- Horseback riding on Zuma Canyon Loop Trail
9. Point Reyes Station in Sonoma County
The coastal city of Point Reyes Station is next to a designated National Seashore region. It’s just about 60 miles north of San Francisco and has awe-inspiring views, complete with a lighthouse. This historic and protected marine sanctuary has all the perfect elements for a day trip. The beach town of Point Reyes Station is adorable with charming shops selling books, baked goods, and artisan cheeses and wines.
The surrounding coastal area is filled with gorgeous hikes and views. Point Reyes is one of our favorite spots to catch whale migration, watch the elephant seals sunbathing, and see many varieties of marine birds. I’ve never seen the tule elk that roam there, but keep your eyes open!
Things To Do In Point Reyes Station
- Stop at the Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitor Center
- Visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse
- Take photos at the Cypress Tree Tunnel on Sir Francis Drake Blvd in Point
- Reyes
- Visit Drakes Beach and Limantour Beach
- Hike to Chimney Rock
- Hike to Alamere Falls
10. Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz has to be on the list of best beach cities in California because it has the lively beach culture of L.A.’s Santa Monica, with a smaller-town feel. Santa Cruz is about 75 miles south of San Francisco and is a very popular destination for Northern Californians. Santa Cruz has a fabulous beach culture against the backdrop of a massive boardwalk amusement park. While Santa Cruz is considered a mecca for surfers and beachcomers, its huge draw is the amusement park. It’s busy and vibrant while maintaining its laid-back bohemian vibe. The kids will love it!
Things To Do In Santa Cruz
- The Santa Cruz Boardwalk
- The Santa Cruz Beach
- Visit the Surfing Museum
- Surf
- Visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
- Visit Downtown Santa Cruz
11. Sausalito in Marin County
Sausalito is slightly north of San Francisco, just over the Golden Gate Bridge. It covers just over two square miles against the backdrop of the Marin Headlands Golden Gate National Park Conservancy and Mount Tamalpais. What puts Sausalito on the list of top California coastal towns is its upscale vibe and views that overlook all of San Francisco, the Bay, and the one and only Golden Gate Bridge.
The Sausalito beaches hug the waterfront where boats are docked and people are walking, biking, and relaxing. Sausalito is known for its artistic atmosphere, boutique shops, seafood restaurants, and historic houseboat community. Take a ferry from San Francisco and spend a day in the charming beach town of Sausalito.
Things To Do In Sausalito
- Walk along the Bridgeway Promenade
- Visit Plaza Vina Del Mar Fountain
- Visit the Bay Area Discovery Museum
- Visit Gabrielson Park
- Explore the Houseboat community of over 500 floating homes
- See the San Francisco Bay Model
- Wine and Dine at great restaurants in town
12. Venice in Los Angeles County
Venice Beach in Los Angeles is unlike any other of the other small beach towns in California. Located in L.A. just south of Santa Monica is the neighborhood named after its Italian sister city. Venice Beach is most famous for cultivating a somewhat wild and bohemian scene along its famous boardwalk. Venice is filled with street performers, boutiques selling everything from drug paraphernalia to tourist souvenirs. You’ll see skateboarders, rollerbladers, bikes, and weightlifters. The infamous Muscle Beach gym is in Venice as well as a large surfing community.
In contrast to the crazy beach scene, is the very upscale Kinney Boulevard with high-end restaurants and clothing stores. Also in Venice are the canals and the small but luxury modern homes along the canals. Don’t go to Venice Beach for a relaxing beach day sleeping in the sand, but go if you want to experience this slice of California lifestyle for a few hours. And don’t miss the canal neighborhoods!
Things To Do in Venice Beach
- Walk along the beachfront boardwalk
- Watch the tricks at the skateboard park
- Have lunch on Kinney Blvd
- Wander through the canal neighborhoods
Coastal Reflections
The 12 Best beach towns in California listed here will take you up and down the Pacific coast with its gorgeous views. You’ll capture the diverse terrain and many cultures of California.
From the artsy streets of Laguna Beach to the charm of Carmel, and the wild beauty of Big Sur, these beach cities can show you adventure, relaxation, and beautiful opportunities to unwind.
Each of these towns has its own unique appeal, and holds a special place in my memory bank! Every visit will leave you eager to come back. Pack your bags and get ready to explore —you’re sure to find your perfect beach getaway among them.
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
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- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
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- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
