Although the northern boundary is ambiguous, the coast of southern California extends from San Diego in the south to Malibu in the north. San Diego County, Orange County, and Los Angeles County are included in the majority of guidebooks. With a variety of sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, serene bays, and wave-tossed coasts, it amounts to more than 150 kilometers of breathtaking coastline.
While some beachgoers appreciate activity, people-watching, and easy access to dining options, rental properties, and amenities, others choose more quiet locations. We've included a range of the area's attractions below, as well as some recommendations for places to stay if you're organizing a road trip or local getaway.
Coronado Beach, County of San Diego
Popular features of Coronado Beach in San Diego include pillowy sand, tide pools, easy access, and a dog-friendly area. The island features a beach of glittering, almost gold-flecked sand and is separated from the rest of the city by the overwater Coronado Bridge. At the top of the beach closest to the North Island U.S. Naval Station, bring your dog and let it run free. Additionally, the historic "Del" (also known as the Hotel del Coronado) offers luxurious accommodations if you choose to stay the night. The expansive hotel, which is actually a complex divided into "villages," offers beachfront lodging with a dash of Southern California charm.
Mission Bay Park, County of San Diego
Kayaking, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, fishing, and of course, swimming and surfing are all available in this beach region. The 4,235-acre Mission Bay Park, which is 15 minutes from central San Diego, has been dubbed the largest non-natural aquatic park in the United States. It has areas for sailing, jet skiing, wave running, and water skiing. On land, there are excellent pathways for walking, bicycling, and skating around the bay. The Mission Bay Resort features a huge outdoor pool, tennis courts, a spa, and riverfront restaurants, all within a short distance of the beach.
San Diego County's La Jolla Cove
Sea lions and snorkelers both find safety at beautiful La Jolla beach, which is nicely curved by the coastline. The community offers a taste of what's to come farther up the coast, such as expensive dining, shopping, and other characteristics of high-end OC-esque lives, while the marine reserve offers breathtaking scenery that includes beachside cliffs and lush greenery. The beautiful blue water of La Jolla Cove, which is sometimes referred to as the purest in Southern California, is one of its main attractions. The beach is rather narrow and will probably be submerged otherwise, so make sure to visit during low tide.
South Carlsbad State Beach, County of San Diego
The breathtakingly gorgeous landscape along Carlsbad's coastlines is framed by rocky cliffs, lush hills, and coastal bluffs. The steep steps tend to keep crowds away, even if the beaches are small and separated by seawalls. In addition to restrooms and showers, South Carlsbad State Beach features mild waves for swimming, scuba diving, surfing, and fishing. The more upscale Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, ten minutes away, offers access to a golf course, spa, and fine cuisine, although overnight camping is also possible here.
Beach Doheny State, Orange County
California's first state beach, Doheny State Beach near Dana Point, opened to the public in 1931. It's over a mile long and has some of the best tidal pooling, surfing, and swimming in the area. On dry land, visitors can enjoy a cold margarita from the Doho Cafe, explore the San Juan Creek Trail, or play volleyball on one of the public courts while taking in the salty air. There are lots of picnic spots and a campground in the state park, but for those seeking more luxurious lodging, there are several resorts located directly on the beach.
Orange County's Treasure Island Beach
Treasure Island Beach is a great place to swim because of its sandy, rock-free bottom. At the south end of this cove, it turns into Aliso Beach Park, but if you want a little more seclusion and some breathtaking views from the surrounding tall palm-topped cliffs, stay on the north side. Once your appetite is satisfied, visit the Mosaic Bar and Grille, which is a part of Montage Laguna Beach, which is jointly managed by the city and the beach. To enjoy on the terrace with a view of the ocean, order a Mai Tai and a poke bowl.
Read Also: Top Beach Destinations California
In Orange County, Diver's Cove
An diversity of desert flora frequently meets the beach at Laguna Beach, an artsy hamlet with jagged hills overlooking the Pacific. This area is known for its beaches that wind around the ocean to provide safe coves that are perfect for diving and snorkeling. One of the greatest beaches in Southern California for observing the undersea world is Diver's Cove. Additionally, it is adjacent to the lovely Heisler Park, where you can have a BBQ, a game of lawn bowling, a stroll through the immaculately kept gardens, a look at the public art, and a view of the marine sanctuary.
Beach on the Balboa Peninsula, Orange County
Surfers swarm Newport Beach's Balboa Peninsula in search of large waves at "The Wedge," where 30-foot surges slam on the peninsula's tip. Families visit the Balboa Fun Zone amusement park in the meantime, where they can enjoy classic rides and views of the beach. About three miles make up the peninsula, with the beach on the ocean-facing side and the harbor on the other side. Beautiful residences to admire, a variety of refueling restaurants, bars, motels, and more can be found along the white beach. The Balboa Pier, the focal point of the beach, is where you can rent bikes, have ice cream, let the kids run wild at the playground, and use the public showers and bathrooms.
State Beach Huntington, Orange County
Huntington Beach, also called Surf City USA, has a pier, a bustling downtown, a dog beach, and annual surfing championships. Those in the know tend to retreat to Huntington State Beach, which is around two miles south of the pier, because, as you can imagine, it can get very congested during the busiest travel season. The 121-acre state beach has two miles of coastline that are perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing, and sunbathing, as well as ball courts, nature paths, and campfire rings. It's also a birder's paradise. A 114-acre wetland reserve across the street is home to endangered and elusive species like the California least tern.
Descanso Beach, County of Los Angeles
Unbelievably, Southern California is... Mediterranean. After an hour-long boat voyage from Los Angeles, you'll feel as though you've been transported to a European harbor on the Avalon side of Catalina Island. Ascending the arid hills and encircling a bay filled with yachts are hotels and businesses. In addition to the public beach, there is a private beach club called Descanso where you can hire a cabana and enjoy Veuve Clicquot like a movie star. On Saturdays during the summer, the beach bar is lively with DJs. Descanso Beach is only $2 to enter and is accessible by foot from the town.
Kari Pettersen
Although the northern boundary is ambiguous, the coast of southern California extends from San Diego in the south to Malibu in the north. San Diego County, Orange County, and Los Angeles County are included in the majority of guidebooks. With a variety of sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, serene bays, and wave-tossed coasts, it amounts to more than 150 kilometers of breathtaking coastline.
While some beachgoers appreciate activity, people-watching, and easy access to dining options, rental properties, and amenities, others choose more quiet locations. We've included a range of the area's attractions below, as well as some recommendations for places to stay if you're organizing a road trip or local getaway.
Coronado Beach, County of San Diego
Popular features of Coronado Beach in San Diego include pillowy sand, tide pools, easy access, and a dog-friendly area. The island features a beach of glittering, almost gold-flecked sand and is separated from the rest of the city by the overwater Coronado Bridge. At the top of the beach closest to the North Island U.S. Naval Station, bring your dog and let it run free. Additionally, the historic "Del" (also known as the Hotel del Coronado) offers luxurious accommodations if you choose to stay the night. The expansive hotel, which is actually a complex divided into "villages," offers beachfront lodging with a dash of Southern California charm.
Mission Bay Park, County of San Diego
Kayaking, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, fishing, and of course, swimming and surfing are all available in this beach region. The 4,235-acre Mission Bay Park, which is 15 minutes from central San Diego, has been dubbed the largest non-natural aquatic park in the United States. It has areas for sailing, jet skiing, wave running, and water skiing. On land, there are excellent pathways for walking, bicycling, and skating around the bay. The Mission Bay Resort features a huge outdoor pool, tennis courts, a spa, and riverfront restaurants, all within a short distance of the beach.
San Diego County's La Jolla Cove
Sea lions and snorkelers both find safety at beautiful La Jolla beach, which is nicely curved by the coastline. The community offers a taste of what's to come farther up the coast, such as expensive dining, shopping, and other characteristics of high-end OC-esque lives, while the marine reserve offers breathtaking scenery that includes beachside cliffs and lush greenery. The beautiful blue water of La Jolla Cove, which is sometimes referred to as the purest in Southern California, is one of its main attractions. The beach is rather narrow and will probably be submerged otherwise, so make sure to visit during low tide.
South Carlsbad State Beach, County of San Diego
The breathtakingly gorgeous landscape along Carlsbad's coastlines is framed by rocky cliffs, lush hills, and coastal bluffs. The steep steps tend to keep crowds away, even if the beaches are small and separated by seawalls. In addition to restrooms and showers, South Carlsbad State Beach features mild waves for swimming, scuba diving, surfing, and fishing. The more upscale Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, ten minutes away, offers access to a golf course, spa, and fine cuisine, although overnight camping is also possible here.
Beach Doheny State, Orange County
California's first state beach, Doheny State Beach near Dana Point, opened to the public in 1931. It's over a mile long and has some of the best tidal pooling, surfing, and swimming in the area. On dry land, visitors can enjoy a cold margarita from the Doho Cafe, explore the San Juan Creek Trail, or play volleyball on one of the public courts while taking in the salty air. There are lots of picnic spots and a campground in the state park, but for those seeking more luxurious lodging, there are several resorts located directly on the beach.
Orange County's Treasure Island Beach
Treasure Island Beach is a great place to swim because of its sandy, rock-free bottom. At the south end of this cove, it turns into Aliso Beach Park, but if you want a little more seclusion and some breathtaking views from the surrounding tall palm-topped cliffs, stay on the north side. Once your appetite is satisfied, visit the Mosaic Bar and Grille, which is a part of Montage Laguna Beach, which is jointly managed by the city and the beach. To enjoy on the terrace with a view of the ocean, order a Mai Tai and a poke bowl.
Read Also: Top Beach Destinations California
In Orange County, Diver's Cove
An diversity of desert flora frequently meets the beach at Laguna Beach, an artsy hamlet with jagged hills overlooking the Pacific. This area is known for its beaches that wind around the ocean to provide safe coves that are perfect for diving and snorkeling. One of the greatest beaches in Southern California for observing the undersea world is Diver's Cove. Additionally, it is adjacent to the lovely Heisler Park, where you can have a BBQ, a game of lawn bowling, a stroll through the immaculately kept gardens, a look at the public art, and a view of the marine sanctuary.
Beach on the Balboa Peninsula, Orange County
Surfers swarm Newport Beach's Balboa Peninsula in search of large waves at "The Wedge," where 30-foot surges slam on the peninsula's tip. Families visit the Balboa Fun Zone amusement park in the meantime, where they can enjoy classic rides and views of the beach. About three miles make up the peninsula, with the beach on the ocean-facing side and the harbor on the other side. Beautiful residences to admire, a variety of refueling restaurants, bars, motels, and more can be found along the white beach. The Balboa Pier, the focal point of the beach, is where you can rent bikes, have ice cream, let the kids run wild at the playground, and use the public showers and bathrooms.
State Beach Huntington, Orange County
Huntington Beach, also called Surf City USA, has a pier, a bustling downtown, a dog beach, and annual surfing championships. Those in the know tend to retreat to Huntington State Beach, which is around two miles south of the pier, because, as you can imagine, it can get very congested during the busiest travel season. The 121-acre state beach has two miles of coastline that are perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing, and sunbathing, as well as ball courts, nature paths, and campfire rings. It's also a birder's paradise. A 114-acre wetland reserve across the street is home to endangered and elusive species like the California least tern.
Descanso Beach, County of Los Angeles
Unbelievably, Southern California is... Mediterranean. After an hour-long boat voyage from Los Angeles, you'll feel as though you've been transported to a European harbor on the Avalon side of Catalina Island. Ascending the arid hills and encircling a bay filled with yachts are hotels and businesses. In addition to the public beach, there is a private beach club called Descanso where you can hire a cabana and enjoy Veuve Clicquot like a movie star. On Saturdays during the summer, the beach bar is lively with DJs. Descanso Beach is only $2 to enter and is accessible by foot from the town.