Discover the Best California Beaches: A Comprehensive Guide 2025

“I had such an amazing time at Point Dume! The location is absolutely stunning, with beautiful, clean water that’s perfect for a refreshing swim or just relaxing on the shore. It’s a fantastic spot for families too—our kids had a blast! While parking can be a bit challenging, if you arrive early enough, there’s public parking available that makes it manageable. What I loved most is how peaceful it felt compared to the busier beaches in LA. We saw an Orca happily swimming in the water. It’s the perfect escape if you’re looking for a more tranquil beach day. Highly recommend this spot, 100%!”

– Alejandro P

“Another one of my happy places. Probably my favorite beach in all of California. It is so quiet, so beautiful, so peaceful, with great surf, & an excellent hike to the top of Point Dume where you’ll get to see dolphins & whales out in the ocean. You’ll have to pay for parking to get on the beach but it’s well worth it. This section of Zuma Beach beats the other two sections by far, with those sections being Westward Beach and Zuma Main Beach. You must come check it out.”

– Jesus Is Lord Las Vegas

“Beautiful beach, not crowded on week days and less frequented by Bay Area tourists (like me). The tide pools are filled with life, crabs, anemones, muscles, and more… beach has no houses and not visible from highway 1”

– Peter Jackson

“Breathtaking place to stretch our legs. Plenty of parking. Restroom available.”

– Viviana E.

“The speech is absolutely beautiful. Pet friendly. Everything about it is serene. Right next to Pebble Beach golf course as well.”

– buyushay

“Amazing beach experience with a fresh breeze of cool air. One could experience the tranquility either by taking long walks on this beach or on the road that gives the same experience along with the view of beautiful homes on the side.”

– Sujeeth P

“Too many sharks 🦈 here, and too many seals! Dangerous… no wonder the sharks are abundant here. They swim right up to shore too. The seals have swam up to my face
— no fear— and right under me! -if IM that close to a seal imagine sharks confusing us!? Oh noooo….. & Look it up it’s true. Not to mention beach police are always around —so not fun if you’re into drinking. They spot people with drones …it’s truly unreal. You wonder how they heck they nose dive right to the person or group out of nowhere!? —Bc it’s heavily surveillance —that’s why. This beach is too private and boring, so let’s go somewhere else…”

– VENUS ROSE

“Perfect for a family day at the beach. Parking was difficult but worth it. Tide pools were fun.”

– J Lewis

“The experience during a visit to Huntington Beach, and it was a great experience. The evening bluish light was amazing, casting a serene and magical atmosphere over the entire area. This beautiful hue created perfect conditions for surfers, who dotted the waves with their skillful maneuvers, adding to the picturesque scene.

The beach was filled with beautiful people enjoying the evening, which made the overall vibe feel incredibly awesome. As the sun began to set, the bluish light gradually transformed into a stunning yellow and orange, creating a breathtaking scenic view. Capturing this moment was truly a “wow” experience, as the sky painted itself with vibrant colors.

The entire sunset felt like a work of genius, with each stage of the transition offering its own unique beauty. It was a mesmerizing experience that left a lasting impression. Huntington Beach at sunset is a must-see, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to experience nature’s artistry in its finest form.”

– ROHIT yadav

“Catching sunset at Huntington Beach Pier was unreal. The sky lit up with these insane gold and pink colors that made the ocean look like something out of a painting. Walking along the pier, with the waves crashing below and surfers doing their thing was amazing to watch. Honestly, if you want to grab a bite and watch the sunset, try out HB Pier.”

– Marko Kovacic

“I love coming here! Never gets old, especially to see sunsets”

– jas dhillon

“Beautiful coastal views and rock outcroppings and sea caves make this a spectacular spot to take photos especially at sunset. Also cool spot to relive some nostalgia from the Karate Kid movie.”

– Ben Deceuster

“Free parking after a certain time . Then the gate is closed. They say you have to self register and pay when there is not an attendant, but eh I was born in a 25 mi radius. 😂Free parking during the off season, unless you self register then too, 😂which I’m honestly not sure of. Maybe I’m just lucky and don’t get ticketed. otherwise $10?”

– C

“Huge and nice beach with very beautiful views. There is a large parking lot with public bathrooms and many picnic tables with beach view. Beach access is through a ramp or stairs. You can enjoy relaxing, playing in sand with kids, or taking a long walk along the beach. Unfortunately water is usually too cold to swim.”

– Ahmed Nabawe

“Breathtaking views at Morro Bay! The scenery is absolutely stunning, with the iconic Morro Rock rising majestically from the water and the coastline stretching beautifully along the horizon. Watching the waves crash and seabirds swoop overhead added to the serene atmosphere. Whether at sunrise or sunset, the views here are unforgettable and worth every moment. A must-visit spot for anyone in the area!”

– Saya

“I had such a great time visiting this area. Great coastal town. Lots of walking paths to take in the view. A beautiful place to spend an afternoon ✨”

– Addison Schmitt

“I visited Baker Beach on a Wednesday at 1:45 p.m., and it was absolutely one of the best decisions I made during my trip! 🏖️

After taking public transportation, you’ll need to walk about 10–15 minutes to reach the beach, but the journey is worth it.

The weather was cool yet sunny, so I’d recommend bringing an umbrella for shade if needed. 🌞

I stayed here for 1.5 hours, simply relaxing and soaking in the stunning atmosphere. Don’t forget to bring your own mat for comfort! The waves are incredibly huge and truly magnificent—so spectacular! 🌊

The sight of the waves crashing against the shore was breathtaking.

It was also a nice spot to take pictures with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background! 📸 The iconic view is perfect for capturing memories.

However, a small downside is the occasional smell of dog pee or poop. 🐕

Many visitors bring their dogs here to play, which adds a lively vibe, but it’s something to keep in mind.

One important thing to note is the warning signs at the beach advising against swimming. The waves are powerful, and there have been fatal incidents reported here. 🛑

So, it’s best to enjoy the beauty of the waves from a safe distance.

Overall, Baker Beach is a fantastic spot to relax, unwind, and marvel at nature’s grandeur. Whether you’re here for the views or a peaceful moment by the sea, this beach is definitely worth a visit.

Just be prepared for the walk and bring what you need to make your stay comfortable. 🏝️”

– Tiffany Chong

“If you are looking for family portrait photography for your Christmas cards, Baker Beach is a great option. As a photographer that recently moved to the bay, I can’t wait to take my next client here.”

– Que Vida Films

“A great recreational area that’s soon to be even better thanks to the permanent closure of the Upper Great Highway. Clean up crews need to rotate through the parking area more frequently but there have been improvements compared to years past. The Beach Chalet and Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden are a stone’s throw away; the shops on LaPlaya St are also close by; mediocre grocery store but decent cafe/deli/diner food options.
Please be kind to your fellow visitors: do not litter or idle your vehicle needlessly.”

– Jonathon Paul

“Love coming here when I visit San Francisco and it’s chill but there are a lot of homeless and crime here when I was here. Be aware when you walk on the great highway after 8pm there are some people who camp in car and come out to rob you in the ocean beach parking lot”

– Andy Travel Reviews

“I spent the last week of December at the beautiful El Matador Beach. The peaceful setting, sea caves, and striking views make it a photographer’s dream.

It was a really a beautiful place to see, good vibes, great view, not too crowded, you can find your peaceful time over there.

Looking at seashores it’s kind of meditation, such a great view.”

– Snehal Jade

“Beautiful spot, for a breezy afternoon mid-week. Amazing rock formations amid low tide waves. Just enough steps, split in two sections, for a mild workout to get to the beach. Not recommended for those with physical difficulty walking. Steep incline and steps could be a challenge for some.”

– Fred Skoler

“Such a fun, laid back beach. Giant waves when we went (end of July) and my boys loved boogie boarding. Came two separate times and both were amazing days!”

– CALLI HAYMAN

“Surf City USA – The iconic Beach Boys Songs, countless references to this beach is validation of its greatness. Clean sand, beautiful water, great waves, places to eat, walking or riding paths, music on the pier, restrooms and plenty of SoCal sunshine makes this a must go-to beach destination! Endless Summer Nights”

– The Curious Critique – TOP 5% GOOGLE REVIEWER

“Handicap accessiblity review. Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas CA ( north of San Diego)
Beautiful beach and park.
3 handicap parking spots at the drop off circle and more along the road.
Wheelchair cuts. Paved paths!
Beach mat down the sand.
Clean bath house with men’s, women’s and 2 family/accessible bathrooms.
Snack shack/ for take out.
Benches and picnic tables.
Enjoy! — great for people watching, watching volleyball, sunsets, picnics.”

– Diane MacDonald

“One of the best beaches in the county IMO. Facilities are well-maintained, and there is normally free parking in the lot on the overlook. Gets busy on weekends, go there early. A popular surf break that is decent but challenging. Very shallow next to shore, then drops off, so it always closes out if it’s larger.”

– Zach Fry

“Beautiful water. People were surfing and the waves were nice. Water is cold this time of year. Had the best churro at a small booth, think it is called Chu-Churros. He made it fresh while we waited and it was well worth it! There is also a clean restroom nearby the pier.”

– Marshella Dedeaux

“The beach was clean and everyone around was nice. All the shops around were fun to visit.”

– Jax Franz

“I stopped by Seacliff State Beach in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset. The beach is very scenic, with a long stretch of sand and a spacious parking area. One standout feature is the sunken ship just offshore, which added a unique touch and made for some beautiful sunset photos.

Unfortunately, I discovered that the pier, which I had hoped to visit, was no longer there due to storm damage from about a year ago. While the beach itself is lovely, the absence of the pier was a bit disappointing.

The restroom facilities could use some improvement. The one I used was out of toilet paper, though luckily, I didn’t need any. It wasn’t overly dirty, but it wasn’t exactly clean either. Additionally, no soap was provided, which was inconvenient.

On a brighter note, there are plenty of picnic pavilions and BBQ areas, making this an ideal spot for gatherings or family outings. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the stunning sunset views made the visit worthwhile.”

– John A. (ReviewJedi)

“Beach was awesome ,get there before 10-11 am for parking. The showers/toilet only worked at one of the two buildings.. the showers would be better if the pressure was more and if the push button didn’t shut off as soon as u let go. Other than that, don’t forget sunscreen..my daughter actually found a fossilized scallop rock.”

– Audrey Williams

“Beautiful area! The beach has a nice walking path that goes along the outside and it’s very close to a few restaurants as well as the Taco Bell Cantina. We unfortunately didn’t get in the water as the weather was pretty chilly but we will next time.”

– Hayden Wall

“This is a beautiful beach popular with local surfers. Parking is free for 30 minutes or $7 for 4 hours.”

– Richard Torbett

“Malibu Beach is a stunning destination offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and laid-back California vibes. The picturesque coastline, with its soft sand and crystal-clear waters, creates an ideal setting for sunbathing and beachcombing. The views are breathtaking, especially during sunset when the sky lights up in vibrant hues.

The beach is well-maintained, providing ample facilities, including restrooms and picnic areas. I appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere, as there were plenty of families enjoying the surf and sand. The nearby eateries and shops also make it convenient to grab a bite or pick up beach essentials.

One of the highlights was the sense of community—people of all ages enjoying the outdoors, whether surfing, playing beach volleyball, or simply relaxing. The vibe is peaceful, making it a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the sun.”

– Mahjabeen Rahman

“Very beautiful and way less crowded than the public beach. There are several spots with free parking along the road. At least I believe it was for you. There was no sign saying you couldn’t park and we didn’t get ticketed or towed 😂. There were quite a few spots where I saw other people parking for beach access. So the public beach areas are looking for take the time in drive and you’ll find a lot of other little spots with beach access.”

– Dakota

“Gorgeous beach, purple sand, killer waves. Can’t complain about the experience once there.

Getting there was a bit tricky as it’s a popular destination on a single lane road. Be careful going in!

The bathrooms are only pit toilets with no sink & the doors don’t really lock – just heads up.”

– Carsen Greene

“A magical place. Surreal. Seeing the keyhole during the winter soltice was something that I had always wanted to do. I was stoked to get there when there was parking and to have such an experience. Shortly after warm sunset, the sky turned to pink. It was phenomenal.”

– Kevin Wolff

“Beach is nice but the state infrastructure is stifling and controlling. Coned everywhere and one narrow entrance for literally hundreds of parking spots for thousands of guests. The state needs to loosen their grip”

– Jeremy Michel

“The beach temperature was refreshing and enjoyable!
The sand was rich with seashells of variety and color!
The pelicans and pigeons stayed close to the shore where they searched for food and teased the incoming currents.
The most attractive view is the Sunset in motion reflecting the background of the sky blend of blue above the orange and yellowish colors waiting for the sun to drop, leaving the ocean beach behind.”

– Rebecca Samano

“Venice beach is one of my favorite places.
A lot to do, very hip. The art is incredible. A lot of great places to eat in town.
The skatepark is great either to be a spectator or use.
Very clean beaches.

So many cool elements encapsulated into one great experience.”

– BEAUTTAN C l

“Windy ….. but nice and clean beach. Campgrounds are very close to the beach. May be camping would be my next option for the San Francisco Area Visit.”

– Sagar Aryal