Explore tiny hamlets, sparkling cities, and historic ports where fishermen arrive. Appreciate luxurious holiday spots, sandy beaches beckoning swimmers, and windswept cliffs dotted with plant life.
I was born and reared in Northern California, and I`ve been to every lone town on this listing.
I’ll provide an overview of the best beach towns in Northern California, listing them from south to north. Similar articles only mention the popular beach towns frequented by tourists, so I’ve made sure to include several towns that go unnoticed.
My 21 Favorite Coastal Towns in Northern California
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Charming white shores and storybook cottages characterize this lovely beach village.
🏠 Population: 3,156 | 📍 Google Maps | Carmel Website
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most scenic, luxurious, and costly beach towns in Northern California. It’s a well-liked location to leave SF for the weekend, but you could also expend a few weeks in Carmel with plenty of things to do!
Carmel`s downtown feels as pleasant as a fairy tale village. Cobblestone streets, terraced cottages, and luxury spas provide the town with an idyllic atmosphere. Carmel`s pristine beaches are perfect for sunbathing, playing a game of volleyball, or exploring tide pools teeming with marine life.
Heading north of Carmel allows visitors to see the Pebble Beach Golf Links for a round of golf overlooking the Pacific Ocean. To the south lies the Big Sur wilderness, typically viewed as the connection between Northern and Southern California.
Monterey
The prime spot on the California coast for marine creature encounters.
🏠 Population: 29,545 | 📍 Google Maps | Monterey Website
Monterey has a lively downtown area, plenty of opportunities to see marine wildlife, and several expansive beaches. The downtown part of Monterey is home to Cannery Row, a formerly significant place for the sardine industry. Cannery Row today boasts delicious seafood restaurants.
The Monterey Bay is a marine sanctuary displaying an incredible diversity of marine organisms. Many scuba divers flock to Monterey to explore this vast underwater region. Above the water, whale watching tour companies offer glimpses of blue whales, humpback whales, grey whales, and orcas.
My favorite activity to engage in when in Monterey is visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium. One can gaze into fascinating kelp forests, admire adorable infant otters, and watch live fish feedings in an enormous fish tank holding millions of gallons of water. You’ll experience the underwater world that makes Monterey so renowned from the safety of dry land.
Capitola
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🏠 Population: 9,651 | 📍 Google Maps | Capitola Website
Capitola is a picturesque community renowned for its Mediterranean architectural style and colorful cottages. It provides a perfect location to spend a weekend relaxing in the sunshine, dining at local eateries, or hiking among the nearby redwood forests.
Capitola Village is home to beachfront restaurants and the renowned Venetian Hotel. These bright pastel houses located near the beach are available to rent! Capitola Beach has gentle waves great for swimming or learning to surf.
👉 Pro Tip: Driving to Capitola? Avoid traffic congestion in Capitola Village. Park on the hilltop on Cliff Drive, above Capitola Wharf. It’s an easy walk down to the Village and will save you the hassle of competing for a downtown spot.
Santa Cruz
Iconic coastal town in Northern California with a large university and vibrant downtown.
🏠 Population: 61,352 | 📍 Google Maps | Santa Cruz Website
Santa Cruz is my favorite beach town in Northern California and one of the best places to live in the Bay Area. I even lived here for a bit! Santa Cruz has incredible surf culture, tons of forested hiking trails, and the popular Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Santa Cruz has a youthful spirit, thanks to the easygoing culture and nearby university. Pop into independent bookshops, thrift stores, and live music venues in the walkable downtown area.
Santa Cruz is one of the greatest surfing sites in California. Visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum for a overview of the city’s importance in California surf history. Hit the waves at Steamer Lane, or relax in the sand at Natural Bridges State Beach. Cowell Beach is fantastic for families and is home to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a beachfront amusement park.
Half Moon Bay
A charming coastal town renowned for quality seafood and local farm produce.
I was raised in California and spent my youth exploring these unique places. I’ve prepared this guide to the state’s best beach towns so you know exactly which ones to visit.
Half Moon Bay is a shoreline town on the San Francisco promontory with a tasteful focal point and a progression of virgin shorelines. Visit Half Moon Bay to appreciate new flaky food, pick strawberries at nearby ranches, or appreciate the various pathway trails along the shoreline.
Vehicles carry passengers and their luggage from the vehicle rental facility, directly outside of the building from the customer service counters. There is transportation for the North terminal and separate transportation for the South terminal, each with its own stop location. It’s a 5-minute trip from the vehicle rental facility to the airport terminal.
Downtown Half Moon Bay contains vintage shops, bakeries, gardening stores, and brewpubs in abundance. The wharf houses restaurants offering a bounty of fresh, locally caught seafood.
Pacifica
Foggy coastal town with a Taco Bell Cantina on the beach.
🏠 Population: 34,435 | 📍 Google Maps | Pacifica Website
Pacifica is only 25 minutes south of San Francisco, making it a great place for people who want a beach lifestyle near the large city. Pacifica has a fairly substantial downtown area with restaurants, bars, schools, and a bowling alley.
Pacifica offers miles of rugged coastlines and trails leading to hidden beaches. The primary beach in Pacifica is a popular surfing spot with beginner-friendly waves.
Pacifica`s prominent attraction isn`t gentle waves or natural beauty—a beachfront Taco Bell Cantina. Admittedly strange. Yet enjoying a Crunchwrap Supreme on sandy deck watching sunset over rolling waves proves thankworthy later.
San Francisco
Northern California’s golden city.
🏠 Population: 715,717 | 📍 Google Maps | San Francisco Website
San Francisco is one of the largest population centers in California, and it`s surrounded on three sides by water. For hundreds of years, San Francisco`s bohemian culture and naturally beautiful surroundings have drawn visitors to experience them.
One of the premier activities to fully experience all that San Francisco has to offer is to view it from water level. Taking a boat tour around San Francisco Bay is highly recommended for visitors to the city. Sightseeing at Fisherman`s Wharf allows observation of local marine life and reflection on the port`s history.
Head to the coast, but be ready for San Francisco’s notorious fog. Baker Beach has spectacular perspectives of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Ocean Beach has large waves that attract skilled surfers from around the globe.
Stinson Beach
A warm and bright beach town, the perfect escape from nearby urban life.
🏠 Population: 526 | 📍 Google Maps | Stinson Beach Website
Stinson Beach is a tiny seaside community with one of the best beaches in the Bay Area. The swimmable waves, gorgeous sand, and great weather at Stinson make it a popular spot for a perfect beach day experience.
Stinson Beach is located in Marin County, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. The weather in Stinson Beach can differ from San Francisco on summer days. While San Francisco may be foggy and cool, Stinson Beach is often sunny and warm.
The town of Stinson Beach is small but lovely. The main street in Stinson has just a handful of beach-themed boutiques, a market, and several restaurants offering fresh seafood and ice cream.
Point Reyes Station
Gateway to the green hillsides and golden shores of Point Reyes National Seashore.
🏠 Population: 295 | 📍 Google Maps | Point Reyes Website
Alaska undeniably ranks among the most scenic states in the USA. Its remote areas attract millions annually through national parks, northern lights displays, and abundant indigenous wildlife.
The town has a rustic setting. Cows graze in the surrounding lush hills, and roadside farms sell fresh produce and cheese. Point Reyes’ main street has a bookstore, a bakery, several vintage clothing stores, and surprisingly delectable restaurants.
Point Reyes Station is located on an inlet of water called Tomales Bay. You can kayak in Tomales Bay and taste world-class oysters from its waters.
To arrive at the Pacific Ocean, travel 30 minutes from the city to Point Reyes National Seashore. This vast coastal expanse highlights isolated beaches and the famed Point Reyes Lighthouse.
Bodega Bay
Misty fishing village on the Sonoma Coast known for delicious seafood.
🏠 Population: 1,139 | 📍 Google Maps | Bodega Bay Website
Bodega Bay is a tranquil fishing hamlet located on the beautiful Sonoma coast. It’s surrounded by mossy woods, historic ranches, and local wineries. The beaches are never packed.
Bodega Bay invites you to unwind. The town offers stunning accommodations with water views, wineries, art galleries, a golf course, and many coastal walking paths.
Whenever I visit Bodega Bay, I always make sure to stop at Patrick`s for some fresh homemade saltwater candy.
Bodega Bay also offers superb seafood, so be sure to dine at one of the wharf restaurants.
Jenner
A coastal village near where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean.
🏠 Population: 136 | 📍 Google Maps | Jenner Website
Jenner is one of my favored places to make a stop on a Highway 1 road excursion. The community is so small that you’ll briefly glance at it, but it’s one of the best settings to experience Northern Californian coastal tranquility.
Jenner has a couple of small cafes, a general store, and miles of uncrowded coastline. Hang out at Goat Rock Beach to watch the large Russian River empty into the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
You can go kayaking on the river or around Penny Island. Be sure to keep an eye out for the many types of birds and sea lions that call Jenner home.
Sea Ranch
A scattering of homes with unblocked perspectives of the Pacific shoreline.
🏠 Population: 1,078 | 📍 Google Maps | Sea Ranch Website
Sea Ranch is a deliberately designed community on the craggy and rugged Sonoma coast. At Sea Ranch, you’ll have sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, miles of isolated beaches, and a unique sentiment of solitude.
Most of Sea Ranch consists of either private homes or vacation rentals available to rent. Leasing a vacation home in Sea Ranch grants you solo access to the Sea Ranch golf links, tennis courts, and miles of private trails. Most properties have dramatic views of the ocean.
Sea Ranch itself comprises mostly private homes and just a handful of eateries. However, the nearby community of Gualala contains more shopping and dining choices.
🚯 Practice Conservation: Leave places such as Sea Ranch just as pristine upon departure. Refrain from littering beaches or trails. Do not idle vehicles in parking lots. Exercise environmental stewardship to ensure future generations can enjoy California`s coastal beauty for years ahead.
Gualala
A residential community with riverside camping and small, scenic beaches.
🏠 Population: 1,989 | 📍 Google Maps | Gualala Website
Gualala is a small town nestled between forests and dramatic cliffs. The beaches in Gualala are small and many are located in more private, residential areas. Gualala residents have a tranquil, leisurely lifestyle.
Gualala’s main street contains several art galleries and boutique shops influenced by the surrounding nature. Eateries offer a varied selection of seafood, Mexican cuisine, and conventional American meals. The town even has a small municipal airport.
Hike along cliffs overlooking the Gualala River, visit one of the art centers in town, or explore the massive redwood trees in the hills. Comfortable lodging is available at several coastal inns. Gualala also has some beautiful campsites to choose from, generally along the river.
Point Arena
Welcoming coastal community with small town charm and a historic lighthouse.
Point Reyes Station stands out as a true hidden gem located in Northern California, and one of my favored destinations for a day venture from San Francisco.
Point Arena is a charming coastal town with a true local vibe. It’s one of the best hidden gems in Northern California — in fact, many people don’t even realize how much there is to do there until they visit!
Despite its remote location, Point Arena exhibits remarkable liveliness in its downtown. Point Arena`s downtown is colorful and welcoming with bookstores, restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs bringing locals and visitors together.
Manchester State Park is a huge sandy beach just north of Point Arena. Visitors can enjoy long walks, picnics, and beach camping in the summer months. At the end of the beach, travelers can visit the 150-year-old Point Arena Lighthouse for spectacular scenic views over the Pacific Ocean.
Mendocino
A scenic coastal town renowned for gourmet cuisine, fine wines, beautiful panoramas, and seaside walking paths.
🏠 Population: 715 | 📍 Google Maps | Mendocino Website
Mendocino is among the more visited retreats along Northern California`s shoreline. This quaint seaside town offers everything one may need for a week or two in paradise.
Mendocino exudes an atmosphere of calm luxury — think upscale art galleries, wine-tasting rooms, and gorgeous accommodations with ocean views. Restaurants promote farm-to-table living and utilize locally sourced produce.
Looking for a more earthy atmosphere? Mendocino offers a natural haven with many low-cost activities. Abundant hiking trails can be found in Mendocino Headlands State Park and Russian Gulch State Park. You can paddle down the river, embark on a whale-watching tour offshore, take a bike ride along the bluffs, and much more!
Fort Bragg
sizable coastal town known for breweries and a unique shoreline made of glass.
🏠 Population: 6,970 | 📍 Google Maps | Fort Bragg Website
Fort Bragg appears rather large compared to the surrounding tiny coastal towns. The substantial downtown region contains grocery stores, eateries, a theater showing movies, and several noteworthy museums. One can get beer and food at North Coast Brewing Company, which offers over 15 of its own brews available for customers.
Fort Bragg is surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery. Do not miss the famous Glass Beach, filled with colorful glass pebbles from the sea. The glass beach is the most visited beach near Fort Bragg. It`s part of the larger MacKerricher State Park, with miles of sandy coastlines to explore.
While Glass Beach can become crowded with tourists, visiting nearby Ten Mile Beach offers more solitude.
Shelter Cove
Gateway to the remote and scenic Lost Coast region of northern California.
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Shelter Cove is the most faraway town in Northern California. It lies toward the finish of a long, winding street through a thick timberland. You’ll be compensated with one of the most shocking sights on the planet on the off chance that you make it to Shelter Cove — the Lost Coast.
The Lost Coast in California is notable for having the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline in the state. The beach along this area extends for miles with scarce human presence. Views of the Lost Coast are only possible by hiking the Lost Coast Trail, considered one of the premier trails in California.
Shelter Cove is relatively small, but it has several accommodation options and a few restaurants. Numerous hikers remain in Shelter Cove at the start or end of their Lost Coast Trail excursion.
Eureka
Coastal fisheries meet giant coastal redwoods in this historic seaside town.
🏠 Population: 26,489 | 📍 Google Maps | Eureka Website
Eureka stands as the primary coastal city situated between San Francisco and the border with Oregon. It developed historically as a fishing hub but has since evolved into a more artistic and unconventional community.
Eureka possesses a very relaxed atmosphere and feels more like a small town than a large city. However, downtown Eureka includes some live music venues, speakeasy-style cocktail bars, and incredible restaurants serving locally caught seafood. The Lost Coast Brewing Company offers great beers and meals.
Eureka`s natural surroundings set it apart from other places. Eureka is encircled by Redwood National and State Parks, which protect the most substantial population of ancient giant redwood forests globally. Eureka`s coastal waters are one of the finest spots for whale watching in Northern California.
Arcata
Artistic university town situated amongst towering redwood trees.
🏠 Population: 19,114 | 📍 Google Maps | Arcata Website
Arcata lies across the bay from Eureka, and it has a comparable atmosphere in a smaller setting.
Arcata is home to Humboldt State Polytechnic University, a stunning campus amidst redwood trees. This well-known university gives Arcata a college-town feel, and many students frequently patronize the local pubs and shops in the town square.
The beach at Arcata is beautiful, cold, and usually empty. It’s quite different from the hot, overcrowded beaches further south.
Most of the Northern California shoreline is frigid, and the Pacific Ocean can be hazardous! Practice good ocean safety precautions, and make sure to always bring additional layers when heading to the beach.
Trinidad
Small, family oriented beach town with Redwood National Park nearby.
🏠 Population: 309 | 📍 Google Maps | Trinidad Website
Trinidad is a petite town situated amid gigantic redwood trees. It’s significantly smaller than Eureka and Arcata, and it’s a bit safer too. It’s a perfect place for families looking to explore the Redwood coastal region while staying in a quaint community.
The main street in Trinidad is home to multiple coffee shops, a library, and oceanfront restaurants. Numerous vacation homes and cottages are within easy walking distance.
Explore the rugged coastline by wandering the Trinidad Headland Trail, or have a picnic on the sands of Trinidad State Beach. Trinidad is only 20 minutes south of Redwood National Park, so make sure to explore the magnificent trees while you’re here.
Crescent City
Large town close to the Oregon border with redwood trees, coastal cliffs, and tribal lands.
🏠 Population: 6,676 | 📍 Google Maps | Crescent City Website
Crescent City is the most northerly coastal town in California, less than an hour from the Oregon border.
The town located near the popular Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park offers visitors scenic beauty, where magnificent redwood trees may be viewed. Along the shore, the Battery Point Lighthouse can provide more insight into the history of the local area.
Crescent City is also home to the Tolowa and Yurok peoples, who have inhabited this area since ancient times. Visiting the museum at Elk Valley Rancheria allows one to learn more about the history of the Tolowa and Yurok, see artifacts from the past, and pay respects to the traditional guardians of the land. Additional information regarding native lands in Northern California can be found using the interactive Native Land App.
FAQs
What are the best small beach towns in Northern California?
In my view, among the best small beach towns in Northern California are Carmel-by-the-Sea,Capitola,Half Moon Bay, and Bodega Bay.Point Arena,Mendocino, and Fort Bragg are also small beach towns worth visiting.
How many coastal towns does Northern California have?
Northern California has over 50 coastal towns located between Carmel in the south and Crescent City in the north. However, many of them are unincorporated communities rather than authentic towns. This list covers the 21 coastal towns that are the best options to visit or reside in.
What cities in Northern California have beaches?
The cities along the northern California coast with beaches include Monterey,Santa Cruz,Pacifica,San Francisco, and Eureka. Numerous smaller towns also have beaches but do not meet the definition of cities in size.
What is the warmest beach town in Northern California?
Carmel-by-the-Sea,Capitola, and Stinson Beach are the warmest beach towns in Northern California. These places rarely experience the famous Northern Californian marine fog and are usually sunny.
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These are some of my favorite beach locales to visit anywhere. Leave a comment to let me know if you’ve been to any of these coastal towns!
Mendocino is renowned for its picturesque seaside cottages and charming atmosphere, making it arguably the most beautiful beach town in California.
