The Best Beaches In Southern California

Southern California is stereotyped for its beachy lifestyle – and for good reason. The area is littered with incredible spots for surfing, swimming, or just lounging on the sand with a good book. Check out our favorite beaches to hit up, from the fun and crowded to the empty and intimate.

1. La Jolla Shores + Cove

La Jolla Shores + Cove

If you find yourself in the San Diego area, be sure to take a trip to La Jolla Shores. This is a popular spot to play around on, so it sometimes gets crowded, but it’s still worth it to enjoy the activities available. You have the option to enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, or bodyboarding. Alternately, if you are looking for a more intimate experience, take a short drive down the coast to get to La Jolla Cove. This small beach is tucked beneath some sandy cliffs, offering you a gorgeous and secluded experience that is ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.

La Jolla Cove, Coast Blvd S, La Jolla, CA, USA

La Jolla Cove © Dirk Hansen/Wikipedia

2. Santa Monica Pier

Restaurant

Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is a classic tourist destination, with a huge selection of amusement park rides, restaurants, and shops to explore while overlooking the ocean. The pier is situated over a wide section of beach, so even though this area tends to get crowded, there is plenty of space to spread out. Take advantage of this fun area by making a full day out of your visit, spending the afternoon on the shore and the evening at a restaurant on the pier. You can even enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel at sunset. There is tons of parking available right off shore, too.

Santa Monica Pier, 350 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA, USA

Santa Monica Pier © Downtowngal/Wikipedia

3. El Matador State Beach

Natural Feature

Make the drive out to Malibu to enjoy the seclusion of El Matador State Beach, a small but beautiful section of beach tucked into the cliffside. There are no activities on the menu here aside from enjoying the sand and the waves, so it is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing day of soaking up salt and sun. There is a parking lot up on the bluff, and if you venture up the coast you might discover some caves and arches to explore. Be sure to check the tide schedule before visiting.

5. Coronado Central Beach

Hotel

Coronado Central Beach

Also in the San Diego area is Coronado Central Beach, with a gorgeous shore spreading out in front of the Hotel Del Coronado. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy this beach. Here, you can pass the time doing a wide variety of activities, including swimming, boogie boarding, body surfing, and visiting the tide pools. For ideal surfing conditions, head north to North Beach, or opt for a doggie day even farther north at Dog Beach.

Coronado Central Beach, Coronado, CA, USA

Coronado Central Beach © Dirk Hansen/Wikipedia

6. Newport Beach

Newport Beach

For a luxurious beach town experience, your best bet is visiting Newport Beach. Here, you will be in the company of the trendy and wealthy, offering clean streets and incredible nearby shopping opportunities. The houses lining the beach are extravagant, standing alongside a gorgeous sandy shore. This space attracts surfers and sunbathers alike, all of which embody the most typical Californian stereotypes of youth and beauty.

Newport Beach, CA, USA

Newport Beach © Patrick Pelster/Wikipedia

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