The Best Beaches in California for Sunsets, Surfing, and West Coast Charm

Singers and scribes have waxed poetic for decades about the best beaches in California, in love with the wild coastlines, endless sky, and ever-present sunshine. As any self-professed beach aficionado knows, salty air is medicine for the soul—but in case you need yet another reason to pack your bags and break out your new shades, we’ve got just the thing. From scraggy shores beyond the Golden Gate to miles-long coastline in Los Angeles County to the bohemian charm of Laguna, this list of the best beaches in California might just convince you that the West Coast really is the best one, indeed. (Though the list is by no means exhaustive—California boasts over 400 coastal beaches, after all.)

Just a few things to note: The Northern California coast can be chilly in the winter, but rest assured, it warms up nicely in the late summer and early autumn months. Prime swimming weather in Southern California runs from May through September, while weather throughout much of the lower half of the Golden State remains temperate and sunny all year round. That makes it ideal for all sorts of coastal pursuits, from hiking to volleyball to taking in the sunset with a glass of wine in your hand.

Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach

It’s no surprise that The Montage Laguna Beach resort chose its perch above the palm tree-lined bluffs of Laguna’s southernmost beach. While the primary swath of Treasure Island is a gem in itself, the “hidden treasure” to be had is Goff Cove, which remains less visited by tourists due to its secluded location. It feels like a private beach—especially since there are only two access points: a ramp at the end of the bluff and a nondescript wooden staircase off the main pathway near the public restrooms, just shy of the park. It’s ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling, picnicking, and inspecting tidepools for hermit crabs, sea urchins, and starfish, while intrepid explorers, will enjoy exploring two additional coves that are nearby but off the beaten path: Christmas Cove to the north and Middle Man Cove to the south, which can only be accessed by climbing over rocks.

Newport Beach, Orange County

The city of Newport Beach has so many standout beaches, it would be an injustice to just choose one. If it’s people watching you’re after, head to Corona del Mar State Beach, a photogenic spot for swimming and lounging. Surfers will want to head to The Wedge at the end of the Balboa Peninsula. No matter what, be sure to stroll Balboa Island, a quaint community that feels like a seaside fairytale. Though the southern side of the island is largely private, the other half is home to a harbor dotted with adorable homes and a boardwalk ideal for leisurely strolls. Fans of Arrested Development may remember Balboa Island as home to the Bluth Family’s famous Banana Stand. In reality, Balboa Island boasts its own signature confection, the Balboa Bar, a vanilla ice cream bar dipped in chocolate and rolled in a variety of sweet and salty toppings. Sample from a few shops—Sugar ‘N’ Spice and Dad’s are the originals—and decide for yourself who does it best.

Alamere Falls, Point Reyes

About 30 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge—up the winding curves of Highway 1 through Marin County—you’ll find Point Reyes National Seashore, a striking coastal hiking destination with dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views. Point Reyes abounds with treasures, from a shipwreck-laden cove to a surprising number of herding cows—which can be easily distracting, so watch the roads! Nothing stands out quite so much, however, as Alamere Falls, one of only two spots in California with a direct cliff-to-ocean drop (the other is McWay Falls, below). Naturally, access to the falls entails quite the hike—between 13.2 to 15.6 miles round trip—but the payoff is wild: a 40-foot waterfall cascading to the beach below. An important safety note: Only take a park-sanctioned trail for this excursion. Social media posts and websites may suggest shortcuts to this view, but those shortcuts make Alamere Falls a recurring spot for search-and-rescue operations, according to the National Parks Service. And remember, weather can be chilly in northern California during the winter, so pack accordingly.

Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur

Be careful not to conflate Pfeiffer Beach with the main beach at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in your GPS. To find this hidden Big Sur gem, follow Sycamore Canyon Road off Highway One. The two-mile drive is narrow and winding, but absolutely worthwhile—not only for the natural stone Keyhole Arch that rises alongside the beach (ideally viewed when timed with the sun’s setting rays passing through its opening) but for the beach’s most unique feature: purple sand. Its color comes from manganese garnet rocks eroding off the cliffs above. Pfeiffer Beach can get pretty crowded—especially during the summer season—so it’s best to go early in the day before the parking lot fills up.

Also, while you’re in the vicinity, be sure to drive twelve miles south into the aforementioned Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Just a short hike from the designated parking lot is the iconic McWay Falls, notable for its sheer beauty and unusual location on the beach. For centuries, this tidefall dropped 80 feet straight into the Pacific Ocean but in 1983 a massive mudslide created a beach that now sits below the falls at low tide. This is a prime attraction in Big Sur, so go early on a weekday morning and grab breakfast at Deetjen’s afterward.

Main Beach, Laguna Beach

This quintessential California coastal town is famous not only for its rocky coves and miles-long beaches, but also for its distinctive downtown art scene. In fact, the quaint town of Laguna has long served as a retreat for creatives, bohemians and surfers. The white sand, salty-warm air, and creative vibes alchemize into a je ne sais quoi that is completely irresistible. Walk along the beach path to take in the views—preferably with an ice cream cone in-hand, and, if you’re willing to brave the summer crowds, be sure to attend a viewing of Pageant of the Masters, a masterful 90-minute performance art experience in the nearby outdoor amphitheater that is held annually every July and August.

Thousand Steps Beach, Laguna Beach

Unsurprisingly, Thousand Steps Beach gets its name from the very long set of stairs leading down to it—though in actuality the steps number something closer to 250. Because of the difficulty accessing this beach, it stays relatively uncrowded compared to other beaches in Laguna, making it perfect for a quiet stroll or picnic. Low tide is the best time to visit, and sunsets are terrific. If you’re willing to go through a cave and do some rock climbing you may also find the beach’s fabled “secret pools”—just be careful and inform a lifeguard if you plan to go in, as they can be treacherous.

Santa Monica Beach, Los Angeles

Visitors flock to Santa Monica in part for the sand, but also for the shopping, dining, and stellar accommodations nearby. Not to mention: The famous, family-friendly amusement park, Pacific Park, on Santa Monica Pier. Look for the landmark ferris wheel at the end of Colorado Avenue and you’ll know you’ve found your spot. A historical tidbit: the wooden Santa Monica Pier Carousel is one of the last remaining original attractions from the pier’s earliest days. Built in 1916, it has been relocated and restored over the years and is now a national landmark. A quick reminder that crowds swarm in the summer but temperatures stay warm through the fall, so visit in the off-season when they drop off a bit. Or, stay for sunset any other time and watch the masses disappear. A quiet beach to yourself in one of the U.S.’s biggest cities? Win.

Huntington Beach, Los Angeles

Huntington Beach, in short, is surf central in southern California. Famed for its miles-long coast with reliably fantastic waves, it has attracted surfers to its sunny shores for more than a century. The town even calls itself “Surf City USA” so you can bet it does all it can to live up to its reputation as one of the best beaches in California for hanging ten. This is the spot to take a surf lesson, as so many talented pros call this place home. Unsurprisingly, it’s also home to the International Surfing Museum, the Surfing Walk of Fame, and the Surfer’s Hall of Fame. Visit in the spring or fall when slightly cooler temperatures mean smaller crowds.

Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles

Similar to Huntington, top-notch surfing is a big draw for this South Bay beach town. Check out the popular El Porto for larger waves, along with a paved bike path and beach volleyball courts. Volleyball culture reigns supreme here and the annual Manhattan Beach Open draws huge crowds every August. No matter when you visit, be sure to check out the Volleyball Walk of Fame on the pier—then head downtown for a bite at local favorite Fishing with Dynamite and boutique shopping.

Venice Beach, Los Angeles

The name speaks for itself when it comes to this proudly-quirky L.A. beach town. Originally called “The Venice of America,” this neighborhood was founded in 1905 by Abbot Kinney, an eccentric real estate developer who wanted to replicate a taste of the iconic Italian city back home. Canals, walking streets, and beautifully preserved cottages from this era are still intact—and charming as ever—in the Venice Canal Historic District. However, it’s the beach itself that is perhaps best known thanks to its lively boardwalk, where street performers, bodybuilders, and an eclectic mix of locals mingle in the year-round sun. When it’s time to refuel, you’ll find chic eateries and well-curated boutiques a few blocks inland on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. At the end of the day, decompress with a sound bath or meditation class at one of LA.’s most beautiful wellness spaces.

Black Sands Beach, Shelter Cove

For an Instagram-worthy spot in northern California, one of the most intriguing is Black Sands in Shelter Cove, 90 miles south of Eureka. (Note: There are several ‘Black Sand’ beaches in California, but this is the one you’ll want to go out of your way to see.) True to its name, this Humboldt County beach (way off-the-beaten-path) boasts a stretch of black sand running more than 20 miles. Getting there is a trek—from Highway 101 in the town of Garberville, it’s an hour’s drive west on windy back roads. It isn’t safe to swim at Black Sands Beach, but once you arrive, you can access the Lost Coast Trail, a rugged, undeveloped coastal wilderness zone popular with hikers, campers, and backpackers. If you visit during April or May, you just might get lucky with whale sightings, too.

La Jolla Beach, San Diego

Minutes from San Diego proper, La Jolla is truly an “only-in-California” beach experience complete with rugged cliffs, sweeping hillsides, and an abundance of sea lions—yes, sea lions!—lounging about and living their best lives in the warm California sun. Snorkeling and diving in La Jolla Cove is a popular activity during the summer months, as the water is clear enough to view underwater rock formations, harmless leopard shark,s and fish species like the garibaldi and shovelnose guitarfish. For surfing, Windansea Beach has you covered, while nearby Torrey Pines Golf Course offers majestic views of the Pacific Ocean from its cliff-top perch. For more jaw-dropping views, head over to Torrey Pines Gliderport for tandem and solo clifftop paragliding. If you visit between November and March, you just might catch a glimpse of migrating whales as they make their way down the coast from Alaska to Baja, California. Equally stunning is nearby Black’s Beach in Torrey Pines State Park, an if-you-know-you-know spot surrounded by sweeping cliffs and lined with sand that glitters with golden flecks.

Pismo Beach, San Louis Obispo

Located just north of Santa Barbara and nestled a stone’s throw from the vineyards of the Central Coast is Pismo Beach, a beloved beach town in what is affectionately known as SLO Cal—or, San Louis Obispo County. Its claim to fame, aside from its picturesque beaches? Being the Clam Capital of the World, of course, thanks to a clam festival that takes place each October, as well as clamming permitted year-round. If you visit between late October and February, don’t miss the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove. It’s one of only five places in California boasting counts of more than 10,000 butterflies every year, which means it’s a prime locale for spotting clusters of Monarchs in its eucalyptus and cypress trees as they make their annual migration away from frigid northern temperatures. As for the beach itself, it’s home to dozens of tranquil and majestic sea caves set into the bluffs. And, don’t miss Oceano Dunes, the largest remaining coastal dunes in the state.

Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles

Hermosa in Spanish means ‘beautiful’ in Spanish—and the name certainly applies to this Los Angeles County beach, which averages 325 days of sunshine every year. If you are a beach volleyball buff, you’ll feel right at home. Hermosa hosts several tournaments—both professional and amateur—every year. Volleyball nets line the sand and surf, and swimming opportunities abound, making it one of L.A.’s most popular beaches. Summer is high season for tourists, so for a slightly less crowded experience head there in the spring or the fall.

Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you watched HBO’s Big Little Lies, then you got a taste of the beauty that is Carmel-by-the-Sea. An iconic California beach situated an hour north of Big Sur and an hour south of the Bay Area, Carmel is known as a great surf spot and is particularly dog-friendly. Unlike most beaches, pooches are allowed off-leash and frolic together in the white sand, drawing plenty of smiles and pettings from passersby. In the afternoon, peruse the upscale shops in Carmel’s quaint downtown and be sure to stick around to watch the sun set over Carmel Bay—the world-class views alone make it one of the best beaches in California, let alone anywhere on the globe. According to locals, fall is secretly the sunniest season to visit.

Oceanside, San Diego

For great surfing in northern San Diego county, don’t miss Oceanside. The Pier and two jetties help to shape the waves of this beach—which attracts surfers from near and far, and a number of surf competitions, including the Oceanside Longboard Surf Contest and Super Girl Surf Pro contest, the world’s largest professional female surfer competition in the world. Novice surfers will feel comfortable learning in the summer’s smaller and more manageable waves. In winter months the waves swell much bigger, attracting more advanced surfers. Check out the California Surf Museum while you’re in town and if you’re architecturally inclined, take a ten-minute drive to Mission San Luis Rey—the only California mission church built in European gothic style that is still standing today.