11 Incredible California Beaches
Secluded, action-packed, or classic—there's a California beach for every mood
Beaches
Beaches
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Whatever your mood, there’s an idyllic Golden State beach with your name on it. If action-packed fun in the sun is your jam, take your pick of classic SoCal spots from La Jolla Shores to Dana Strand Beach in Orange County to Santa Monica. Central Coast beaches cover the full gamut, whether you’ve just finished a spa treatment in Santa Barbara or want to watch the surfers do their thing at Rincon Point in Carpinteria. The northern half of the state specializes in hidden beaches, where you can find a secluded stretch of sand that’s perfect for beachcombing or collecting your thoughts.
Featured Beaches
Best Tide Pools in San Diego County
Get a unique perspective on the San Diego beach scene at these spots teeming with marine life
11 Great Dog Beaches
Whether your pup wants to ride the waves or lounge in the sand, there’s a Golden State beach calling
Orange County’s Best Beaches
Visit these four idyllic, sun-drenched stretches of sand in Southern California
7 Cool Ways to Play in the Pacific Ocean
Pull on your swimsuit and slather on sunscreen to try these saltwater-based sports in California
San Diego County’s Best Beaches
Surf, swim, and sunbathe at one of these five postcard-worthy beaches
10 San Francisco Beaches
Visit these sandy shores in and around San Francisco for outdoor fun and some of the best views of the surrounding Bay Area
An A to Z Guide: California Surf Culture
Let this be your introduction to the Golden State’s official sport, which is celebrated on California Surfing Day Sept. 20
Best Beaches on the North Coast
Explore the breathtaking scenery of the wild Sonoma and Mendocino coasts—from sandy shores to the top of a lighthouse
Travel Stories
Find More Things To Do
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11 Great Dog Beaches
Whether your pup wants to ride the waves or lounge in the sand, there’s a Golden State beach calling
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11 Awesome Surfing Spots
From Windansea Beach in La Jolla to Mavericks, California is blessed with some truly epic waves
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Tips for Timing Your Trip
Off-peak travel, midweek stays, and even early-morning outings can help you avoid the crowds—and support local economies
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Unique California Surfing Vacations
Chase the endless summer with one of these wave-filled trips
Traveler Photos
Tag #VISITCALIFORNIA on Instagram to have your trip featured on our page.
Videos
Podcasts
Undiscovered California Road Trips
49min
What If: Exploring California
42min
Summer Travel in California
51min
Family Travel, Idyllwild, Wild North Coast
42min
Michelin Guide, L.A. to Paso Robles, LGBTQ+ Travel
46min
Sonoma County’s Hidden Gems
40min
Cowboy Culture, Highway One, Bikes and Hikes LA
46min
Big Sur, Waterfalls, Oakland
23min
Holiday Travels in California
45min
