10 Best Beaches in California You Can’t Miss in 2025

Some are wild and untamed, all sea spray and cliff drama. Others are quiet, tucked-away stretches where the world slows down and you can hear your thoughts — or the seagulls. Whether you’re walking barefoot down a wide boardwalk or staring out at fog rolling across a rocky shoreline, the vibe shifts with every mile.

This isn’t a ranking. It’s more like a hand-picked playlist of the best beaches in California to experience in 2025 — a mix of famous favorites and a few that people weirdly don’t talk about enough. If you’re chasing sunsets, surf breaks, tide pools, or just that easy, salty feeling that lingers after a full beach day… you’ll find it here.

From the Santa Monica Pier to the sea caves in Malibu to the rugged coasts of San Luis Obispo County, each one of these beaches offers something different. And honestly? That’s the magic of the California coastline. You don’t just go to “the beach.” You choose your flavor.

Let’s start where the cliffs drop straight into the sea.

Best Beaches in California for Every Mood (and Then Some)

The best beaches in California aren’t one-size-fits-all — they shift with your mood. Want peace and quiet? Try Carpinteria or Stinson Beach. Craving color and chaos? Venice Beach brings it, with murals, music, and more than a few wild characters.

In Orange County, you’ll find everything from laid-back Huntington Beach (hello, Surf City USA) to polished Newport Beach and the rugged-meets-refined feel of Dana Point. And Laguna Beach? It’s romantic and a little moody — with tide pools, secret coves, and stairs that lead somewhere unforgettable.

Big Cities, Bigger Beaches

Big cities don’t mean boring beaches. Things to do in San Diego alone could top any list of the best beaches in California — from the lively boardwalk at Mission Beach to the laid-back cliffs of Torrey Pines. Pacific Beach buzzes with energy, and Carlsbad State Beach hits that sweet spot between beautiful and practical (yes, easy parking counts).

Up north, Ocean Beach in San Francisco feels moody in winter — in a good, soul-searchy way. Crissy Beach offers postcard views of the Golden Gate, fog or no fog. And over in Santa Barbara, you’ve got options: the mellow charm of Butterfly Beach, or the buzz of East Beach near the Wharf. Either way, you’ll get why people escape LA for a breather here.

I. Pfeiffer Beach

You’d almost miss it. Tucked behind an unmarked turn off Highway 1, Pfeiffer Beach doesn’t make itself obvious — which is probably part of why it feels so untouched. There’s no boardwalk, no vendors. Just nature doing its own strange, spectacular thing.

The star here is the purple sand — yes, really. It’s formed by manganese garnet washing down from the cliffs, giving the beach a streaked, almost alien glow. But the real showstopper? That huge stone arch called Keyhole Rock. At sunset, the sun literally shoots through the hole in the rock like it’s been staged by a film crew. It’s the kind of thing you don’t forget.

This spot is ideal for:

• Photographers (especially at golden hour)
  
• Couples looking for a quiet, moody escape
  
• Travelers doing a Pacific Coast Highway road trip
  
• Anyone who doesn’t mind a bit of wind in their hair and sand in their socks
  

Pro Tip: Parking’s limited and the road is narrow — aim for a weekday visit and go early if you can. 

II. Coronado Beach

Not every California beach is about crashing waves and wild scenery. Some are about calm mornings, wide stretches of soft sand, and watching kids chase seagulls in the foam. That’s Coronado Beach.

Located just across the Coronado Bridge from downtown San Diego, this beach is spacious, flat, and incredibly walkable — one of those spots where everything feels easy. There’s the historic Hotel del Coronado right behind you (yes, the one from all those old movies), and beachgoers tend to lean more toward umbrellas and sandcastles than surfboards and speakers.

Ideal for:

• Families with kids (gentle waves, no steep drop-offs)
  
• Beach volleyball lovers — lots of nets and space
  
• Morning walkers or joggers who want to go for miles
  
• Spring break travelers looking for a mellow vibe
  

And even though it gets busy, it never feels over-packed. Something about the layout makes it breathe well.

📝 Pro Tip: Stay past sunset — the gold mica in the sand literally sparkles under the fading light. It’s subtle, but kinda magical.

III. El Matador Beach

Some beaches just make you stop and stare. El Matador is that kind of place. It’s dramatic, moody, a little hard to reach — and totally worth it.

Located off the Pacific Coast Highway just north of Malibu, it’s not the easiest beach to access. You park up top, follow a steep staircase down, and suddenly you’re on a beach that looks like it belongs in a fashion shoot. Jagged cliffs, narrow sea caves, rock arches — it’s like walking into a postcard that forgot to be cliché.

El Matador is best for:

• Couples on a romantic getaway
  
• Photographers chasing golden light
  
• Solo travelers who don’t mind a little climb
  
• Anyone who loves the feeling of finding a hidden gem
  

It’s not ideal for full-day lounging — there are no bathrooms, no lifeguards, and when the tide rolls in, parts of the beach disappear. But for an hour or two of exploring, watching the waves hit the rocks? Unreal.

What to bring: Water, slip-proof shoes, and a sense of wonder. No joke — it’s easy to lose track of time out there.

IV. Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach isn’t flashy. It’s the kind of place you stumble into after wandering past storybook cottages, art galleries, and maybe a wine shop or two — and suddenly there it is: soft white sand, cypress trees leaning into the sea breeze, and dogs happily bounding leash-free through the surf.

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, this beach is beloved by locals and kind of quietly adored by travelers who don’t mind a gentler beach day. You won’t find loud music, volleyball nets, or big waves here. Instead, it’s peaceful strolls, tide pools, and golden retrievers living their best life.

Best for:

• Dog owners (leash-free all day, every day)
  
• Couples who love quiet walks and scenic views
  
• Art lovers — the town itself is part of the charm
  
• Anyone visiting Monterey County and wanting something slower-paced
  

There are no big hotels right on the beach — and that’s kind of the point. The vibe is part beach, part coastal town romance, and fully unplugged.

🐾 Local Tip: Check out nearby Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for a quick hike and some of the most breathtaking ocean views in the state.

V. Santa Monica Beach

If you asked someone to close their eyes and picture a classic California beach — this is probably what they’d see. The Santa Monica Pier, rollerbladers zipping past, street performers playing guitars, beachgoers tossing frisbees near the volleyball nets. It’s all here, and yes, it’s as iconic as it sounds.

Santa Monica Beach is wide, walkable, and always buzzing. You’re right in West LA, so expect crowds — but also expect energy, color, and a ridiculous amount of stuff to do. The pier has an amusement park (with a solar-powered Ferris wheel), restaurants, fishing spots, and that old-school arcade feel.

Here’s what makes it shine:

• Activities: Rent bikes or rollerblades and ride the beachfront path
  
• People-watching: Artists, tourists, skaters — every type of vibe
  
• Sunsets: Especially from the pier — touristy, but worth it
  
• Nearby food: Walk to downtown Santa Monica or the Third Street Promenade
  

🎡 Pro Tip: If you’re driving, use the beach-level lots early in the day. They fill fast — and street parking is basically a gamble.

VI. Glass Beach

If you’ve never walked on glitter — actual, real, ground-level glitter — Glass Beach might surprise you. It sits along the Mendocino County coastline, just outside downtown Fort Bragg, where nature and human mess-ups accidentally created something kind of… magical.

Decades ago, this site was literally a dump — people tossed glass bottles, appliances, even cars off the cliffs (yikes). Over time, the ocean stepped in and transformed the waste into smooth, multicolored sea glass. Now the beach sparkles with tiny jewel-toned pieces, especially under the afternoon sun.

What to know before you go:

• You can’t collect glass here anymore — it’s protected
  
• Go at low tide to explore the tide pools nearby
  
• Bring grippy shoes — the paths can be uneven and slippery
  
• Pair it with a NorCal road trip through Sonoma or Del Norte County
  

🌿 Eco Note: Take nothing but pictures. The beach is slowly losing its glass, and the more people respect it, the longer it lasts.

🧭 Combine with: A visit to MacKerricher State Park just north — more trails, more views, fewer crowds.

VII. Huntington Beach

This is the beach that actually trademarked the name Surf City USA® — and it kind of earns it. Everything about Huntington Beach feels like a tribute to classic Southern California surf culture. Big waves. Bigger vibes.

Located in Orange County, this beach stretches for miles, with the iconic Huntington Beach Pier cutting dramatically into the Pacific. You’ll see pro surfers out early, sand volleyball courts set up by noon, and beach concerts or firepits firing up by sundown.

What makes Huntington Beach a must?

• Surf culture: It’s everywhere — from the International Surfing Museum to live comps
  
• Dog beach: Yep, there’s a stretch just for pups
  
• Nightlife: Pierside bars, weekend bonfires, the works
  
• Events: Think U.S. Open of Surfing, beach fests, and sandcastle contests
  

🏄‍♂️ Pro Tip: Take a surfing lesson even if you’re a total beginner. It’s the best way to experience the place — wipeouts included.

VIII. Moonstone Beach

Not every California beach demands your attention with drama. Some, like Moonstone Beach in Cambria, just… let you breathe. It’s calm, scenic, and quietly beautiful in a way that sneaks up on you. The kind of place where you might sit on a bench longer than you meant to — just watching the tide roll in.

The beach is lined with weathered driftwood, tumbled stones, and a boardwalk that runs the length of the bluffs — a perfect sunset stroll if there ever was one. You’re in San Luis Obispo County, so it’s also wine country adjacent, which makes it a dreamy overnight stop on a California coast road trip.

Why it’s worth a visit:

• Tidepools at low tide (but wear grippy shoes!)
  
• Boardwalk path that’s accessible and peaceful
  
• Quiet, small-town feel with boutique inns and cozy cafés
  
• A great combo of nature and comfort — without big crowds
  

🍷 Pro Tip: Pair it with a quick detour inland to Paso Robles for wine tasting — especially if you’re traveling as a couple or with friends.

IX. Zuma Beach 

People talk about Malibu like it’s one place. But Zuma Beach is a whole different experience than the more crowded, glitzy Malibu Pier area. It’s wide, clean, and — maybe best of all — usually not shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists.

Zuma has that rare combo of plenty of space, good surf, lifeguards on duty, and easy parking (a gift, honestly). It’s where local families go when they want a beach day without the stress. And it’s a great stop if you’re working your way down the Pacific Coast Highway.

Here’s why Zuma might be your go-to:

• Long shoreline — ideal for long walks or running
  
• Gentle waves — safe for swimming or boogie boarding
  
• Lifeguard towers every few hundred feet
  
• Not flashy — just solid, classic California beach energy
  

🌞 Pro Tip: Bring a cooler and snacks — there aren’t a ton of food stands nearby, and you’ll want to stay longer than you planned.

X. Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach isn’t just a beach — it’s a mood. A blend of gallery walks, hidden coves, and tide pools that feel like a tiny underwater world. Located in Orange County, it’s one of those rare spots where you can start your morning snorkeling, spend the afternoon admiring local art, and end the day with oceanfront dining.

Unlike some bigger beaches, Laguna has a lot of small stretches tucked between rocky cliffs — which makes exploring feel kind of adventurous. One second you’re on Main Beach with volleyball courts and crowds, and the next you’re climbing down a staircase to Thousand Steps Beach or peering into a tidal pool at Heisler Park.

Must-dos in Laguna:

• Visit Laguna Art Museum or catch the Pageant of the Masters in summer
  
• Explore tide pools (go at low tide for the best views)
  
• Try snorkeling or paddle boarding in the calmer coves
  
• Take the free trolley through town if you don’t want to deal with parking
  

🎨 Pro Tip: Heisler Park at Golden Hour is the best place to catch that artsy California light — bring your phone or a sketchpad.

Bonus: Best Time to Visit California Beaches in 2025

There’s no wrong time to visit the best beaches in California, but knowing when to go can seriously upgrade your trip. Each season brings something different — fewer crowds, warmer water, or local festivals — and some months offer more magic than others.

Here’s a quick look at how 2025 is shaping up:

Month	What to Expect	Good For
March–April	Milder weather, fewer tourists	Road trippers, quiet getaways
May–June	“May gray” and “June gloom” (marine layer skies)	Morning fog, cooler temps
July–August	Peak crowds, warmer water	Classic beach vacations, surfing
September	Warmest water, thinned-out crowds	Swimmers, paddle boarders
October	Great sunsets, fewer kids on break	Couples, photographers
November–Feb	Colder water, stormy surf	Dramatic scenery, tide pooling

🗓️ Pro Tip: If you’re planning to hit several public beaches along Highway 1, aim for early fall. It’s warm, less busy, and the Pacific Coast Highway is stunning with golden hills and less fog.

A Quick Personal List of Favorites (Because Why Not)

Beach Name	Why It Stays With You
Pfeiffer Beach	Purple sand, no crowds, mystery vibes
Santa Monica Beach	Classic, chaotic, fun if you let go
Natural Bridges	Tide pools + monarch butterflies = magic
Laguna’s Victoria Beach	Secret stairs, tower, ocean drama
Torrey Pines	Hike to sand, smells like sage, big skies
Carmel Beach	Feels like a painting, dog-friendly, misty mornings
Capitola Beach	Pastel houses, gentle waves, underrated charm

Pro Tip Section

• Morning is better if you want to avoid wind and crowds.
  
• Sunscreen always — yes, even in fog.
  
• Pack layers. California beaches aren’t always bikini-warm.
  
• Parking is the real challenge. Look for side streets if lots are full.
  
• Some beaches close randomly (erosion, wildlife, whatever) — always check.
  
• Dogs? Rules vary wildly. Just double-check signs.
  

🔚 Conclusion

The thing about the best beaches in California is… they’re not really just beaches. They’re feelings, little scenes, moods you didn’t know you needed. The wild hush of Pfeiffer Beach, the glitter of Glass Beach, the crowd-humming energy at Santa Monica — they all hit differently. Some beaches whisper. Others blast music. A few just kind of sit there, waiting, not caring whether you’ve brought a towel or a plan.

So maybe you’ll surf in Huntington, wander tide pools in Laguna, or sketch a sea cliff in Big Sur. Maybe you’ll do none of that and just nap in the sun. Honestly, the best move? Mix it up. Hit a peaceful cove, walk a classic boardwalk, stumble onto a hidden gem you didn’t even mean to find. That’s where the magic lives — somewhere between salt in your hair and sand stuck in your car.

Got a favorite spot you swear by? Or still piecing together your beach trip? Drop your questions or recs below — or dive into our other guides for road trip routes, packing tips, and the beach towns worth lingering in through 2025.

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