21 Best Beaches in Southern California (By a Local)

Planning a journey to the Golden State and wondering where to find the top beaches in Southern California?As a local of SoCal and a beach enthusiast, I’m here to provide some insider knowledge on the best beaches in Southern California, and which to visit depending on your goals.

Southern California is renowned for its miles upon miles of coastline. Whether one wants to explore sea caves, surf, or simply relax outdoors basking in the sunlight, the perfect beach can be found. Many of the best beaches in California are located here after all.

Let’s now delve into the subject. Here are some of the best beaches found in Southern California – locations that are well-known and also places that are less commonly known.

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21 Best Beaches In Southern California

Santa Monica State Beach

Santa Monica

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Just west of Los Angeles, Santa Monica Beach offers visitors sandy coastlines, a cycling path, and easy access to downtown shopping.

The Santa Monica Pier is one of the best activities in Santa Monica, so it`s a must-visit while you`re here. It is home to an amusement park and an aquarium, so it is the perfect spot for a day of family fun in the sun.

Santa Monica Beach is among the most popular LA area beaches for volleyball and bicycling and even has gymnastic apparatus directly on the beach. Test your skills on ropes or rings while enjoying the fresh ocean air!

🎬 Read Next: What to Do in Los Angeles

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla, a community within San Diego

📍 Google Maps location | Website info | Parking: paid lots & structures, limited street parking | 👉 Recommended Nearby Hotel:Pantai Inn

La Jolla Cove is beckoning if you’re an ocean or wildlife lover. The cove is deemed part of La Jolla Underwater Park where you’ll find sea lions, garibaldi, pelicans and even gentle leopard sharks.

You can explore La Jolla Cove by kayak, paddleboard, snorkel, or scuba dive. There are plenty of rental and tour options available so you don`t need to bring your own equipment to enjoy these ocean activities.

Prefer to relax on one of the premier shorelines in La Jolla instead? The cove has a stretch of sandy shore that’s perfect for sunbathing. Later, make sure to check out all of the other fun activities to partake in in La Jolla for a day well spent.

👉 Pro Tip: The best time to visit La Jolla Cove to snorkel with leopard sharks is during warmer months like August when the sharks seek out shallower water.

Sunset Beach

Huntington Beach

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: free lot and street parking | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:Ocean Surf Inn

Sunset Beach is nestled between Seal Beach and Huntington Beach along Pacific Coast Highway. This tranquil beach that is rarely overly crowded is excellent for surf fishing, surfing, and relaxing in the sun.

Sunset Beach is found in the trendy and relaxed town of Huntington Beach and there are a few neighboring restaurants, bars, and shops you can pop into. SeaLegs at the Beach is a fun place for food and drink possibilities, and often welcomes live music and occasions right on the sand.

El Matador Beach

Malibu

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: limited spots on top of the cliffs ($8) | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:Westlake Village Inn

Visiting El Matador Beach will make you feel as if you have left the area of Malibu far behind for a exotic foreign locale. With restricted parking, El Matador has a private beach ambience. A trail descends from the lot down to a shoreline full of rock shapes, arches, and caves amidst the sea.

El Matador is a better beach for sightseeing and sunsets than for swimming due to its stony nature. Walk beneath the beach’s huge stone arches and check out the aquatic wildlife in its tide pools before admiring the sunset.

Pacific Beach

San Diego

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: paid lots, free street parking | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:Pacific Terrace Hotel

Pacific Beach is one of the top beaches in San Diego. This San Diego neighborhood is the perfect blend of a relaxed surf town and a trendy nightlife spot.

At the beach, surfers can be seen chasing waves close to the pier while others lounge in the sun. A paved path runs alongside the beach allowing biking, skating or walking directly by the ocean.

The surrounding area contains restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops, so you’ll have numerous options to choose from. Grab a latte at Pacific Bean Coffee, or share a punch bowl with friends at Duck Dive after spending a day in the ocean.

👉 Pro Tip: After spending time at Pacific Beach, gather the kids and head to the neighboring Mission Beach community. Here, you can pass a few hours at the seaside entertainment venue, Belmont Park.

Abalone Cove

Rancho Palos Verdes

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: atop the cliff parking area ($6-$12) | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:Doubletree by Hilton Hotel San Pedro

Abalone Cove is a magical, stony beach that’s home to lively tide pools and three sea caves. Enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean while you take the trail down from the parking area to the shore. This secluded beach is popular for scuba diving and spotting intriguing marine life.

Visit Abalone Cove’s tide pools at low tide, where you’ll find colorful anthozoans, scuttling crustaceans, and echinoderms. Feeling daring? Take the trail over to Sacred Cove, an even more secluded cove filled with crystal clear water.

Venice Beach

Venice

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: paid areas and metered road parking | 👉 Best Nearby Lodging:Inn at Venice Beach

You’ll find the eccentric, bohemian Southern California coastal community of Venice Beach west of downtown Los Angeles. Here, one can watch street performers and browse local artwork on the boardwalk, stroll through a neighborhood full of canals, visit Muscle Beach, or dine with style

There is something for everyone in Venice – wander its unique boardwalk or enjoy fine dining on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Venice Beach is also a popular surf spot and is home to a skate park, so whatever type of board you carry, you’re in the perfect place!

Seal Beach

Seal Beach

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: paid lot and metered street parking | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:The Pacific Inn

Seal Beach is a charming coastal community within Orange County, situated between Pacific Coast Highway and the Pacific Ocean. Its quaint Main Street contains eateries and stores and leads down to a pier extending into the sea.

This seaside town is a perfect getaway if you want gorgeous sandy beaches without large crowds usual in more populated areas. Beach volleyball and surfing are popular there, and the vibe at restaurants and bars is relaxed and friendly.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach

📍 Google Maps | Contact Number: +1 866 756 1904 | Website | Hours of Operation: 9 am – 9 pm daily

Laguna Beach is home to seven miles of beaches and a thriving art community. Laguna has both sandy beaches and rocky coves that are perfect to explore with a snorkel.

As a local of Florida, I`ve toured many little towns throughout the state. No matter your interests, I`m going to help you find some of the best communities Florida has to offer such as a few of my personal favorites.

👉 Pro Pointer: Head to Shaw’s Cove to spot marine life in the kelp forest along the rocky bluffs if you’re up for a snorkeling or scuba venture.

Manhattan State Beach

Manhattan Beach

📍 Map Search Engine Website | Site | Parking: parking lots, metered street parking, and street parking | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:Inn by the Sea

Manhattan State Beach in the South Bay caters to families with a bike route and 900-foot pier housing an aquarium. Near the north end, El Porto is popular for surfing.

The Carmo Convent belonged to the Order of Carmelites. It once served as the largest Gothic church until the earthquake reduced it to ruins, now housing the Archaeological Museum of Carmo.

Huntington State Beach

Huntington Beach

📍 Google Maps application | Site | Parking: paid parking lots, parking meters along streets, free street parking inside the town | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:Huntington Surf Inn

Known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach offers visitors miles of sandy coastlines and ocean swells that keep board riders returning on a daily basis.

Huntington State Beach is home to the annual United States Open of Surfing, where you can watch the professionals compete. This Southern California hotspot is perfect for beachgoers who want to enjoy the sun and sand or hit the waves and board.

The town`s Main Street contains many shops, dining establishments, and nightspots, and offers an active nightlife. After spending some time relaxing on the beach, be sure to explore all the other activities Huntington Beach has to offer.

Coronado Beach

San Diego

📍 Google Maps hyperlink | Website hyperlink | Parking: limited free parking on Ocean Boulevard, metered parking ($00.25 per hour) | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:Hotel Del Coronado hyperlink

Coronado Beach has plenty to offer visitors. It’s one of the nicest beaches in Southern California that’s also situated on an island. Coronado provides a wonderful setting for sunbathing, swimming, and catching breathtaking sunsets.

Coronado Beach is also home to the famous Hotel Del Coronado, renowned for its prime beachfront location, stunning architecture, and cinematic history. Kick back and relax at the hotel, or hit the beach for a day of classic Southern California sunshine.

📚 Related Reading: You may have noticed that many of these beaches are located in San Diego, one of the premier beach destinations in SoCal. Check out our guide to the top attractions in San Diego for details on additional activities to incorporate into your itinerary there!

Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: paid parking areas and structures, residential parking | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:Grandview Inn

Hermosa Beach is one of Los Angeles County’s more casual beaches that has more than 90 acres of shoreline. Visitors can bike along the beach path called The Strand, start a game of beach volleyball or walk down the Hermosa Beach Pier for sweeping ocean views.

After spending the day at the beach, downtown Hermosa Beach awaits visitors with eateries, boutiques, bars, and nightlife options. With taverns, pubs, and even a saloon, you`re sure to have an entertaining evening exploring the town.

Crystal Cove State Park

Newport Beach

📍 Mapping application | Website address | Parking: paid parking area ($5 per hour, $15 maximum) | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:Marriott’s Newport Coast Residences

Crystal Cove State Park features scenic beaches, backcountry hiking trails, campsites and an underwater park. Activities like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and relaxing occur on the beach here.

The underwater park covers over 1,000 acres and is filled with kelp forests. This is the perfect place to observe local marine life! Or you can hike trails along the beach or in the backcountry park area if you prefer land.

Zuma Beach

Malibu Beach

📍 Map locating feature | Site | Parking: paid lot ($00.25 per 10 minute up to 90 minutes) | 👉 Near Hotel:Hotel Malibu

Zuma Beach is one of the most iconic Southern California beaches. Zuma is situated in Malibu and it’s a well-known spot for bodysurfing, swimming, and general beachgoing. This beach’s extended stretch of sand and clear blue waters make it popular among locals and visitors alike.

You’ll be happy to know that there is ample space for parking at this Southern California beach. Even when crowds are at their largest, you should have no trouble accessing the beach!

Doheny State Beach

Dana Point

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: parking area (hourly: $3 per hour, day use: $15) | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel

Have you ever had the Beach Boys hit “Surfin USA” stuck in your head? If that`s the case, you`ve likely heard of Doheny State Beach. This spot in Dana Point is a well-known surf location and a superb place to start learning how to surf.

The shore has some roughness, so consider carrying sandals or booties if you’ll be hanging out at Doheny. The beach is near restaurants, bars, and a marina in Dana Point, so you can make a day of it while you’re there.

Bolsa Chica State Beach

Huntington Beach

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: multiple parking lots ($15 per day) | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel: Ocean Surf Inn and Suites

Bolsa Chica State Beach offers a versatile beach experience in Southern California. It features sandy coastlines, rolling ocean surf, and surrounding natural scenery. Here, visitors can partake in activities like surfing, swimming, sunbathing, surf fishing, or relaxing around outdoor fires under the night sky.

Enthusiasts of Bolsa Chica unable to get their fill in a single day can even spend the night in a recreational vehicle, as the nearby community of Sunset Beach offers food and shopping options for extending one’s visit.

👉 Pro Tip: Just across Pacific Coast Highway from the beach, you’ll find a beautiful ecological preserve full of nature trails and wildlife. Explore among wildflowers, spot some birds and lizards, and even a coyote if you’re fortunate!

Descanso Beach

Avalon, Catalina Island

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:Hotel Atwater

Check out Descanso Beach on Catalina Island for a luxurious beach experience that makes you feel like you’re on a tropical island. The water is crystal clear, and you can rent snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and kayaks on location.

Settle in a lounge chair or cabana and order a beverage from Descanso Beach Club if relaxation is what you seek – hanging out here is one of the top activities on Catalina Island. During summer, the beach club hosts events on Saturdays, so you can boogie at the beach.

Thousand Steps Beach

Laguna Beach

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: residential parking, metered street parking | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:The Ranch at Laguna Beach

There is no need to worry – there are actually only 218 steps that lead down to Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna. This beach tends to be less busy than other beaches in Southern California, as there isn’t as much parking available and of course – all the stairs.

Thousand Steps Beach is a lively spot for bodysurfing, kayaking, swimming, and even skimboarding. And if you visit during low tide, you can explore the beach`s sea cave and tide pools.

East Beach

Santa Barbara

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: Limited unrestricted street parking | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:Blue Sands Inn

East Beach in Santa Barbara is a vast stretch of sandy coastline nestled between the Pacific Ocean and a grassy park. This Santa Barbara beach has volleyball courts, a paved path, picnic tables, a playground, making it perfect for families.

East Beach lies within walking distance from Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara`s downtown district. You can unwind at the beach or head into town for fresh seafood, wine tasting, and live musical performances.

Newport Beach

Newport Beach

📍 The location can be found on Google Maps | More details are available on the city website | Parking options include lots and metered street spaces | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:Doryman’s Inn

Newport Beach is one of the most popular Southern California beaches that offers visitors sandy shores, boat trips, and a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Newport Beach has ten miles of sandy coastline for locals and visitors to enjoy, including surf spots like The Wedge.

Exploring attractions like the Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Island permits encountering local fare and boutiques. Alternatively, embarking onto the seas through angling excursions or whale watching tours represent several of the preeminent options in Newport Beach highly recommended to complement one`s maritime experience in Southern California.

San Onofre Beach

San Clemente

📍 Google Maps | Website | Parking: parking lot, rates vary | 👉 Best Nearby Hotel:Surfbreak Hotel

San Onofre Beach is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It`s perfect for activities like fishing, kayaking, swimming, cycling, camping – and especially surfing. Nearby Trestles is a hugely popular California surfing destination.

Spend a few nights at San Onofre’s blufftop campsites, which are just a short walk from the beach below. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, as frequently seeing them off the coast here.

Victoria Beach

Laguna Beach

📍 Google Maps location | Website | Parking: Restricted street parking | 👉 Recommended Nearby Lodging:Laguna Beach House

Head to Victoria Beach in Laguna if you’re looking for a SoCal beach with a distinctive character. This secluded beach featuring white sand is home to a tower resembling a castle right on the ocean, locally known as the “Pirate Tower.”

Victoria Beach is a hidden gem among Southern California beaches, with a private atmosphere and abundant natural beauty. Whether you come to explore the tide pools in the rocky areas of Victoria Beach, relax on the sand, or capture a photo with the tower, your visit will not disappoint.

👉Want More? Browse all our complimentary California travel guides.

FAQs About Beaches in Southern California

What is the prettiest Southern California beach?

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The towns of La Jolla and Newport Beach along the Southern California coast have some of the warmest ocean water temperatures year-round. The water is consistently warmer around La Jolla and Newport Beach when compared to other beaches in Southern California.

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Sacred Cove, otherwise known as Smuggler’s Cove, is a beach that has black sand in Southern California. The black sand beach at Sacred Cove can be accessed through hiking paths in Palos Verdes.

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The best beaches in Southern California for swimming include Seal Beach,Manhattan Beach, and Huntington Beach. Surf conditions vary depending on the season and weather conditions, but generally these beaches offer excellent swimming.