20 Best Beaches in California – Near Los Angeles and Beyond (From a Local)
California is the beach state as much as the Golden State, where are the top ones? If you're looking to swim, spend a day with family, or find the bluest water on the Best Coast, the best beaches up and down the Southern and Central Coast, from a born-and-raised local.
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1. Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach
This is the one beach in California that looks like how people expect every beach to look - with sandy coves and the clearest, bluest water anywhere in Southern California. This is my favorite beach - and worth the drive down to Orange County for. Located below the Montage Laguna Beach resort, Treasure Island is beautifully maintained and easy to access with restrooms, showers, and easy paths. In addition to a cave leading to another cove, tide pools, turquoise water, seal and dolphin sightings and walking paths - there is even pretty easily accessible free parking in the neighborhood above the beach.
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2. McWay Falls, Big Sur
Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls is one of California’s only waterfalls that flows directly onto a beach. Although access to the beach itself is off-limits to protect the landscape, a short, easy hike from the park’s main lot leads to an overlook. It's located south of the main Big Sur town and a must-stop on a Highway 1 road trip.
3. Point Dume, Malibu
A scenic headland at the northern end of Malibu, Point Dume is part of a state preserve with hiking trails, lookout points, and a hidden beach accessed via a rocky path. Located off Cliffside Drive, the area has limited parking, but the reward is panoramic views of Santa Monica Bay and, on clear days, Catalina Island. You can even spot whales during their migration season, typically from December to April. This is another beach with a very casual, local vibe.
4. Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
Santa Monica is the beach that everyone knows - I lived in Santa Monica for 5 yeras, and no matter where I was in the world, everyone knew the city when I would say. But this is not the beach the locals actually go do.
The Pier iconic, buzzing with activity, from the historic pier’s amusement park to its endless stretch of sand. The beach bike path is ideal for biking - you can easily go all the way to Venice and beyond - and people-watching. Santa Monica has plenty of parking garages, a walkable downtown, and tons of restaurants within blocks of the beach.
4. Will Rogers State Beach, Pacific Palisades
Now this is the beach that the Santa Monica locals actually go to. Just north of the Santa Monica Pier, Will Rogers State Beach has a more relaxed and hang-out-for-the-day atmosphere. It’s less crowded, and much less of a scene than the Santa Monica Pier, but you can still sprawl out on the wide sand expanse, get fruit and ice cream from local carts or have a sit down meal with your feet in the sand at Back on the Beach Cafe. We would always bike down from our neighborhood, but there is a good amount of paid parking lots, as well as surprisingly clean bathrooms.
More From Will Rogers:
6. Montaña de Oro State Park, Los Osos
Located south of Morro Bay, this park spans over 8,000 acres of cliffs, tide pools, and remote beaches. Spooner’s Cove is the most accessible beach in the park, with a parking lot and basic amenities. Hikers will love Bluff Trail for its views of rocky coves and coastal wildflowers in spring.
7. Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach
Known for its iconic Pirate Tower built into the cliffside, Victoria Beach is one of the most scenic spots in Orange County. The beach is mostly used by locals and accessed by a steep staircase off Victoria Drive. During low tide, you can walk to the tower and discover tide pools - and at sunset you are likely to stumble onto a photoshoot. There’s no official parking lot, so street parking can be tricky, especially on weekends.
8. La Jolla Shores, San Diego
This wide, flat beach is part of the upscale La Jolla neighborhood. It’s perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and beginner surf lessons. La Jolla Shores Park has parking (though it fills up fast on weekends), and it's just a few minutes from La Jolla Cove, where sea lions lounge and snorkelers explore the rocky reefs. Nearby hotels and cafes make it a great base for exploring more of San Diego.
9. Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria
Named after a now-defunct Christmas-themed amusement park, Santa Claus Beach is calm, shallow, and ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. Located near Padaro Lane, it’s a favorite among families and locals - for Santa Barbarans, this is one of the most popular beaches for full beach days. Free parking is limited, but nearby paid lots exist, and always be careful when crossing the active train tracks (I grew up here and teen deaths were an all too regular occurrence.) There are few amenities, so bring snacks and gear.
10. Morro Rock Beach, Morro Bay
Morro Rock, a 576-foot volcanic plug, dominates the shoreline. The beach is wide and sandy, with moderate waves and frequent fog, giving it an eerie, otherworldly feel. Located right off Highway 1, it’s easy to find with free parking, restrooms, and a nearby marina.
11. Under Bixby Bridge, Big Sur
Hidden beneath one of California’s most photographed landmarks, Bixby Creek Bridge, this small and secluded beach is only accessible by steep, unmarked trails and is often considered dangerous to reach. Located along Highway 1, just 15 minutes south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the beach is flanked by cliffs and pounded by strong Pacific waves. It’s not for swimming, but the rugged beauty is unmatched, especially in the golden light of late afternoon.
12. Thousand Steps Beach, Laguna Beach
Despite the name, the staircase has about 200 steps - but the climb back up is worth it. Located off 9th Avenue in South Laguna, this beach has a large sea cave that’s only accessible during low tide. Visitors should check tide charts and wear shoes with grip for exploring the cave. There are no public restrooms, so plan accordingly.
13. El Matador Beach, Malibu
One of the most dramatic and romantic beaches in Southern California is El Matador in Malibu, or as I have always referred to it, "Photoshoot Beach." Come here any day at sunset and you are very likely to see people taking engagement or maternity photos, family portraits, and often a full scale professional production. Located off Pacific Coast Highway, it's accessible via a steep dirt path and staircase that winds through sea cliffs and rock formations. The beach features massive sea stacks, hidden caves, and breathtaking photo ops at sunset. Parking is limited to a small lot and shoulder spots along PCH.
14. Malibu Pier, Malibu
This historic pier sits next to Surfrider Beach, one of the most popular surf spots in LA County. The pier comes with fishing, shopping, and dining at spots like Malibu Farm. Parking is available in nearby lots and along the PCH. It’s a great stop for people watching, catching the sunset, or just soaking in that old-school Malibu vibe.
15. Pismo Beach Sand Dunes
The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area lets vehicles drive directly onto the beach; located just south of Pismo Beach proper, it’s one of the only beaches in California where this is possible. ATVs, dune buggies, and sandboards are popular here, and camping is allowed with a permit. The endless, wind blown sand dunes always make for amazing pictures - who needs to go all the way to Dubai or Morocco?
16. Half Moon Bay, Central Coast
About 45 minutes south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay has a series of beaches including Poplar, Venice, and Mavericks (home to the legendary big wave surf break). The town has a charming main street with restaurants and shops, and coastal trails come with dramatic ocean views year-round, and the hills and golf course at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay look like you could be in Scotland.
17. Carlsbad State Beach
Located in North County San Diego, Carlsbad State Beach is known for its long stretch of sand bordered by coastal cliffs. Walks along the paved path above the beach come with panoramic views, while stairs and access points connect down to the water. It’s a favorite for surfing, sunbathing, and family days out. The nearby Carlsbad Village has restaurants, boutiques, and laid-back charm just off the 5 freeway.
18. Ventura Promenade and Fairgrounds
While I often gripe that Ventura doesn't have the best beaches and doesn't do the kind of beach grooming like LA County does, I have to give me hometown credit here - where else can you ride a Ferris wheel overlooking the ocean? Set right on the sand, the Ventura County Fairgrounds host the Ventura County Fair every August, complete with rides, concerts, and fried everything - all with Pacific views. As a kid it was always to game to see if you could get stopped on the top of the Ferris Wheel when the nightly fireworks went off - there was nothing more magical to an 8 year old. The rest of the year the promenade is a popular spot for long walks, the famous surf break C Street, and local beach days. Located just off the 101 and a short walk from downtown Ventura, this is one of the only places in California where carnival lights reflect on ocean waves.
19. Kirby Cove, San Francisco
The best view of the Golden Gate Bridge isn't in San Francisco proper - it's just across the bay looking back at the city from the Marin Headlands. A 1-mile downhill hike leads to a secluded beach with views of the bridge from below. There’s a swing (sometimes) and limited camping with reservations.
20. Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur
Known for its purple sand and dramatic rock formations, Pfeiffer Beach is a lesser-known gem located at the end of Sycamore Canyon Road in Big Sur. It’s not well-marked, but the payoff is huge: massive sea stacks, crashing waves, and sunsets that glow through the famous Keyhole Arch - plus it is the only place in the world with truly purple sand - the only one that exists anywhere. This was also where Brandon and I got engaged, but that doesn't add much to anyone besides us. Parking is limited and requires a small fee, but it's well worth the winding drive down.
