Summary

• California has a diverse range of beautiful beaches, offering something for everyone, from relaxing to adventurous activities.
• Each beach mentioned in the article is located near local attractions and has a recommended hotel for a well-rounded vacation.
• The hotels mentioned are highly rated and offer excellent amenities, catering to both budget and luxury travelers.

California is a diverse state with scenic ranges for an unforgettable mountain adventure, world-famous national parks, and other natural attractions that lure adventurers year-round. The state also offers the best beach experiences, as it has a breathtaking coastline of about 840 miles adorned with beautiful beaches. Some are ideal for exhilarating water sports, while others are suitable for relaxing, so everyone has something to pick from based on their preferences. However, California has over 420 public beaches, and picking the right one can be nerve-wracking. Here’s a list of the 10 most beautiful beaches in The Golden State to help tourists plan the perfect coastal getaway.

These amazing beaches in California are near local attractions and entertainment spots, so we’ve added a hotel to each entry for a well-rounded vacation. All hotels are rated 8.0+ on Kayak.com, and their prices vary to suit budget and luxury travelers. However, they all offer excellent amenities for a comfortable stay, thus their numerous positive reviews from past guests.

Related: 10 Most Magical Swimming Holes In California That Make You Feel Like You're Somewhere Else

Trinidad State Beach, Humboldt County

Surrounded by verdant hillsides, Trinidad State Beach is a beautiful sight with its lush Mediterranean landscape and an inviting sandy shoreline. And with only the relaxing sounds of shorebirds and swooshing waves, this hidden gem is an idyllic choice for travelers looking for a quiet beach to recharge. Outdoor sports enthusiasts have their share of fun as they kayak and look out for dolphins and sea otters. The beach also has a scenic hiking trail that takes adventurers through the woods and across open bluffs while offering a jaw-dropping ocean view.

Trinidad State Beach isn’t the best place to swim due to its cold water and strong currents.

Main Beach, Santa Cruz

Visiting Main Beach is one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz. This slice of heaven is for anyone who wants to sunbathe under the glorious sunshine or enjoy outdoor activities on the soft, golden sand. Competitive adventurers challenge each other on the sand by playing beach volleyball, while those who want to ride the waves bodyboard or surf. Main Beach sits in front of a bustling boardwalk with rollercoasters, an arcade, an amusement park, and several restaurants. Additionally, the beach has excellent facilities that add to its appeal as a tourist destination.

Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel Beach is a beautiful white sand beach with distinctive Monterey cypress trees in the charming seaside village of Carmel-by-the-Sea in Northern California. This beach sits on a sheltered cove and is an idyllic spot for lovebirds to take a romantic walk as they admire the cerulean sea along the shoreline. Additionally, tourists can light up a cozy beach fire and snuggle with their loved ones, but they must follow the beach fire guidelines. Although visitors can play near the surf line and wade along the beach, they should watch for unpredictable sleeper waves and rip currents.

There’s more to do in Carmel-By-The-Sea than visiting this beautiful beach, and here’s a detailed guide with other exciting adventures.

Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica

Santa Monica Beach is a beautiful destination boasting a wide range of beach activities and a world-renowned pier with an aquarium. This spectacular beach has two distinct areas catering to different tastes. The northern side offers a picturesque and serene space for visitors to play basketball or relax as they admire the incredible views of Santa Monica Bay. On the other hand, the southern side offers a bustling atmosphere for a fun-filled day at the beach as they bike, skate, swim, or surf.

There's more to do in Santa Monica than exploring this beautiful beach, so tourists should check out these epic things that promise gratifying experiences.

Related: These Lesser-Known Beaches In California Are So Much Better Than Santa Monica Or Venice

Pismo State Beach, Oceano

Pismo State Beach is one of California’s most beautiful beaches that offers everything from fishing and surfing to wildlife viewing along the 17-mile-long stretch of sand. One of the highlights of this beach is the Oceano Dunes that thrill-seekers explore aboard off-road vehicles. These dunes also make this seaside escape California's only drivable beach. Besides dune driving, tourists explore Pismo State Beach by walking along the boardwalk while keeping an eye out for whales, sea lions, and seals. The walk also offers awe-inspiring views of the dunes and beach.

Stinson Beach, Marin County

Stinson Beach delights holidaymakers with its soft white sand, scenic hiking trails, and gorgeous background of coastal cliffs covered in lush greenery. The expansive and pristine shoreline adds to its charm as there is enough space for everyone to sunbathe, play, or stroll along the edge of the alluring water. Additionally, the beach's sheltered location makes the waves gentle and perfect for swimming. Visitors also access superb facilities, such as picnic areas with barbecues, something they need to escape the frantic pace of life.

Related: 10 Things To Do In San Francisco: Complete Guide to Everything Worth Seeing

La Jolla Cove, San Diego

La Jolla Cove is one of the best beaches near and around San Diego and is a popular spot for snorkeling, swimming, and diving. The cove has two artificial reefs that keep the water calm and safe for swimming. Its visibility can reach about 30 feet, making it perfect for viewing incredible creatures like leopard sharks and stingrays. Divers also enjoy exploring and gliding through the sea caves part of the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. The fun continues above the water as sunbathers soak in the sun on the golden sand while the playful sounds of sea lions and seals fill the air.

Moonstone Beach, Cambria

There is always something for everyone at the exquisite Moonstone Beach, located on the central coast of California. Anglers try their luck catching rockfish and surfperch at low tide, while intermediate surfers ride the reliable swells as they watch out for the rocks. For families traveling with children, there's a park at the southernmost end of Moonstone Beach with a small creek where kids of all ages enjoy wading. Tourists also enjoy hunting for the precious and smooth moonstones found at the tidal inlet or along the shoreline as they adore the splendid ocean views.

Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur

Pfeiffer Beach is famous for its offshore Keyhole Arch rock formation attracting photographers daring to take the dream shot. The serene ambiance lures tourists looking for a secluded spot to stroll around as they soak in the breathtaking scenery from every angle. Although swimming at Pfeiffer Beach is dangerous due to the rough tides, sand play is a must as beachgoers find streaks of purple sand. While Pfeiffer Beach is always Instagram-worthy, sunset is the best time to capture the rock formations with a backdrop of orange hues.

Although we’ve recommended a hotel, adventurers can make the most of their visit to Pfeiffer Beach by camping in any of Big Sur’s most incredible glamping sites for a more nature-focused vacation.

Related: 14 Best Places To Watch Meteor Showers In Southern California

El Matador State Beach, Malibu

Located in Malibu, home to incredible hiking trails, El Matador State Beach boasts dramatic rock formations with archways big enough for a person to crawl through at low tide. Travelers access the beach via a steep staircase with a stunning view of the massive geological formations that seem to rise out of the Pacific. Aspiring marine biologists have the best time exploring the tidepools to find anemones, starfish, and crabs. For tourists who want to sunbathe, the beach has a pristine stretch of sand where they can lay their beach towels and enjoy the coastal ambiance.