Southern California has an eclectic collection of beaches extending through three counties and offering a wide range of activities and scenery. Whether you’re in the mood for something quiet and peaceful or bustling and buzzing, there is a beach for everyone. And one of this state’s great qualities is its fierce protection of keeping all beaches public. If you see a stretch of sand next to the Pacific Ocean that looks inviting, feel free to explore it.
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I’ve been living in Southern California for 40 years and have had the pleasure of visiting most of this region’s best beaches. There are beaches I go for people watching and others I prefer for a quiet walk at sunset. And no matter how long I’ve lived here, it never gets old watching a school of dolphins swimming near shore.
These are my recommendations for the best beaches in Southern California.
1. Coronado Beach
San Diego
One of my favorite beaches for a long walk is Coronado Beach, a 1.5-mile stretch of sand located in front of the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Start your walk directly in front of the hotel and then proceed north. When you arrive at dog beach, you’ve reached the end. With the U.S. Naval base bookending this beach, you will not be able to extend your walk. Instead, head into Hotel Del for a cup of coffee or some ice cream. Then, stroll through this historic hotel that has hosted presidents and celebrities for 135 years.
2. Pacific Beach
San Diego
I called Pacific Beach home for 1 year in college, so this is a particularly nostalgic beach for me. And it’s certainly not the place to go for peace and quiet because there are loads of college kids hanging out here. But it is a really fun place to stroll on the sand, ride a bike to surrounding beaches, or hang out in a bar reminiscing about your college days. It’s also home to Crystal Pier, a historic spot opened in 1927 that once housed an amusement park. Today, it’s home to a small hotel and a bait-and-tackle shop.
3. Doheny State Beach
Orange County
Located in Dana Point, Doheny State Beach was California’s very first state beach and has long been the go-to spot for family beach parties. If you’re here on a weekend, you’ll definitely see birthdays being celebrated. For that reason, it can get really busy here in the summer, but it’s still a great spot to surf, swim, sun tan, play volleyball, or just relax. I always love the family vibe of this beach. You’ll see tons of kids of all ages having fun in the Sun. There’s a great rental shop at Doheny Beach if you’re in need of chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, or other beach essentials.
4. Crystal Cove State Park
Orange County
Crystal Cove beaches are all a part of a Marine Protected Area (MPA), so expect to see plenty of marine life. This is a popular destination for tide-pooling and — depending on the day and time — you may see sea anemones, sea cucumbers, starfish, mussels, mini-conch, and much more. Just be sure to leave everything as you found it.
Getting to the beach in Crystal Cove State Park takes a bit of work, but it’s totally worth it. All of the parking is on the cliffs above the beach, which means you’ll need to hike down to the sand. If you’re hauling a load of gear like chairs, umbrellas, and a cooler, consider bringing a wagon to make it easier.
Crystal Cove is also home to one of Orange County’s best restaurants — The Beachcomber. Once a beach house, this restaurant is just steps from the sand and has awesome sunset views from the front deck.
5. Corona Del Mar State Beach
Orange County
My husband and I started visiting Corona del Mar State Beach when we were dating, so it’s always had a special place in my heart. It’s another family favorite, so if you’re planning a beach outing with young children, it’s an ideal choice. At just half a mile, it’s one of the smaller beaches on this list, but it’s ideal for swimming or just playing in the water. It’s also next to the Newport Harbor entrance, so keep your eyes open for all the impressive yachts coming and going.
6. Huntington Beach
Orange County
There are a total of seven beaches in the city of Huntington Beach — some managed by the city and others by the state — and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. If you want to be in the center of the action, then claim your spot near the pier. This is a legendary surf spot as well as a popular place to play volleyball. But if you prefer something quieter, head north to Sunset Beach. And feel free to bring your dog — Huntington has a dedicated beach just for the canines. My husband and I ride our bikes regularly to Huntington and are always discovering something new.
7. Descanso Beach
Catalina Island
If you want to feel like you’re on a Hawaiian Island instead of in Southern California, then Descanso Beach is for you. This tiny stretch of sand is located in the city of Avalon on the island of Catalina. I love the fact that there are chaise lounge and cabana rentals here along with a restaurant serving the island’s signature drink — Buffalo Milk. If you want something more active, you can also rent kayaks and paddleboards.
To get to Catalina Island, make reservations on one of the ferries departing San Pedro, Long Beach, or Newport Beach. It’s an ideal destination for a day trip, but I love spending a weekend on the island as well.
8. Hermosa Beach
Los Angeles County
My husband and I had our first apartment in Hermosa Beach, so we know it well and have long enjoyed spending time in this tiny city. This isn’t where you come for peace and quiet because, like Pacific Beach, it’s a party place. A one-block pedestrian mall lined with bars and souvenir shops is at the base of the pier. Enjoy a drink with a view of the ocean or rent a bike and ride up the coast. Hermosa is well-known amongst volleyball players and hosts the annual AVP Pro Series, Hermosa Beach Open. If you’re in the mood for a large and filling meal, head to the local favorite — Scotty’s On The Strand.
9. Santa Monica State Beach
Los Angeles County
Movie buffs will definitely enjoy Santa Monica State Beach, which flanks the Santa Monica Pier. This iconic pier appeared in Beverly Hills Cop 3, Forrest Gump, Iron Man, and Rocky III, just to name a few. When our kids were young, we often spent the day on the pier playing arcade games and enjoying amusement park rides.
If you prefer to be on the sand, there’s plenty of space to do so because this beach is 3 miles long. You’ll find loads of convenient concessions selling food, souvenirs, and beach necessities. Within walking distance are some of Los Angeles’s best restaurants and shops.
10. Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Los Angeles County
Where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find one of Southern California’s best-known beaches — Malibu Lagoon. It’s also one of the top spots for birding in Los Angeles. The calmer waters attract migrating birds looking for food and needing a rest.
Next to the lagoon is Surfrider Beach, long a popular spot for local and visiting surfers. While I don’t surf, I’ve been told that this is a good spot for beginners.
Malibu Pier is part of this beach and it’s home to one of my favorite restaurants in all of Southern California — Malibu Farm. Come for brunch on a weekend and you just might spot a celebrity.
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