5 Best Beaches in California
Legend says that the first Spanish explorers to land on the west coast were so stunned with the fine beaches that they thought they had found the biblical Eden.
Visiting much of the California coastline today, you can easily understand why. Whether you are in San Francisco to the north or San Diego to the south, you are sure to find a beach that suits your adventure needs – family holiday, strolling, camping, hiking, etc.
Here are 5 of the best beaches in California:
Will Rogers State Beach at Pacific Palisades
https://beaches.lacounty.gov/will-rogers-beach/
If you fancy surfing, then you need to stop at this beach which is located between Malibu and Santa Monica Pier.
It is home to two of the most popular surfing spots in California – Topanga, and Surfrider.
Because surfing doesn’t require a lot of planning, this looks like a spot you would drop by. If you get bored with surfing,
you can explore the winding bike paths that snake their way on the whole length of the beach.
On the upper side of the road lies Temescal Gateway Park with its numerous trails all of which will lead you
to the glorious Santa Monica Mountains.
You will need about 1-1/2 hours and workout to complete the Temescal Ridge Trails.
The best thing is that you will have a clear panoramic view of the sea from these trails.
The route to this beach starts on the Pacific Coast Highway at the point where it intersects the Temescal Canyon Road.
This road will lead you to the beach’s parking lot. The management usually charges $10 for parking,
but you could pay a few more bucks on weekends and during holidays.
Huntington City Beach at Huntington Beach
https://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/residents/beach_info/
There is one unique thing about Huntington Beach – it is home to America’s most consistent breaks.
This makes it the mecca of both experienced and first-time surfers.
The beach is crowded most of the time, but you can spread your blankets on the sands of the northern pier.
This pier is one of the longest in California. At the end of the pier, there is Ruby’s Diner – stop here and grab a meal before continuing further north.
You can also choose to stay at Ruby’s Diner a little longer, chilling in their famous Jan & Dean tiki lounge up on the second floor.
If you feel like changing the scenery, hop in the car and head to Newport Beach where the Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve is located.
You can walk in this park as long as you want and enjoy the charm of Balboa Village.
Getting there can be as easy as ABC if you are emerging from Los Angeles.
Just come down the 405-expressway and negotiate the Seal Beach exit.
From the exit, head south to join the Pacific Coast Highway
which will take you right to the pier. Whether you are emerging from the north, east, or south,
just reach the Pacific Coast Highway and use your Google Maps to get to the beach.
South Carlsbad State Beach at Carlsbad
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=660
If you love camping so bad that you would do anything to hang out with your fellow campers
on the shores of the pristine waters of the Pacific that kiss the shores of South Carlsbad,
this is the right beach to visit. Numerous campsites dot the entire oceanfront.
You will find it easier to book the campsites on the clifftop than those down below at Big Sur. Things can be even easier for you if you came with your recreational vehicle because a cheap RV park is situated just north of Carlsbad State Beach. While this beach is located right outside of the city of San Diego, it feels a bit remote,
but that’s why you may come here in the first place. Up north of the beach sits Legoland which, as you can guess, is a theme park for families with kids.
A bunch of fine golf courses is located on the east of this beach, including The Crossing at Carlsbad and Aviara Golf Club.
When you feel hungry and weary, drop by Campfire in Carlsbad and get yourself some dinner.
To get to this beach, take the 4 freeway exit at Palomar Airport Road. Join the Carlsbad Boulevard and head south.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach at Malibu
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=835
If you love hiking, a little bit of nature preserves, and high waves, this is a must-visit beach.
Santa Monica Mountains offer an excellent hiking spot not easily rivaled by any other spot in the state.
This is one of the few beaches in California where you can rent a home adjacent to the shore and stay
for a weekend as you play and hike.
Leave the famous Surfrider Beach and head to the lagoon’s edge and visit the ever-lively Adamson House
which was built in 1929. Malibu Farm Café, which is located at the tip of the pier, is a great place for a lunch stopover.
If you are in Los Angeles, get to the 10 West freeway and drive until it joins the Pacific Coast Highway.
Drive past Santa Monica till you reach Malibu.
Laguna Beach
http://www.lagunabeachcity.net/cityhall/marine/beaches/
Laguna Beach seldom appears outside the top ten best beaches in California by all polls.
One of the reasons why Laguna is highly preferred among revelers is its location between Los Angeles and San Diego along the Pacific Coast Highway.
This means you can easily stop by when you are on your West Coast trip or traveling between these two cities.
It happens to be close to the famous Heisler Park and Crystal Cove State Park. Hotel Joaquin, Inn at Laguna Beach,
and The Ranch at Laguna Beach are three top-rated hotels along this beach.
The best time to come here is between April and May or September to October when there are fewer crowds
and temperatures in the region of 70 degrees.
The easiest road to this beach is the Pacific Coast Highway, whether you are emerging from Los Angeles or San Diego.
Conclusion
California offers some of the most diverse beaches in the United States.
Those on the south tend to be more tropical-like while those in the north tend to be humid most of the time.
It would be great if you started your trip to Laguna Beach before heading northward.