The Most Beautiful Beaches In California You Have to See

California is home to single-handedly the most beautiful beaches one can experience in the United States. The sheer quantity helps, but more definitely doesn’t always equal better. What sets the California coastline apart is the diversity. From the rugged and natural coastline in the North, to the vast, fine sand beaches in the South, you can find the most beautiful beaches in California.

What’s even better is that you can drive Highway 1 from top to bottom, and have endless beach options to stop at. While you really can’t go wrong with any beach in California- some are superior.

Below is the ultimate guide to the most beautiful beaches in California, along Highway 1, starting from North all the way to South. 

Mendocino/Fort Bragg: 

Glass Beach

Most people think Northern California life stops at San Francisco- but there is so much to see further North- not to mention a lot left of California. 

Mendocino, simple and slow living and nestled in between mountains, woods and beaches, is home to a lot of outdoor adventures. The coastline of Fort Bragg, however, is superior. This is where the extremely unique Glass Beach is. It’s a must see if you’re only making one stop in the area.

Majestic rocks jut out of the dark blue water, but what really makes this beach stand out is the “sand.” By sand, I mean, an entire beach made of sea glass. Don’t worry- it’s not as sharp as it sounds, since those edges and jagged bits have been worn down from the sea. Just outside of the little beach town, you can get a hearty breakfast or lunch in before spending some time on the beach. 

San Francisco: 

Ocean Beach

You can’t go wrong in San Francisco. The gloomy, moody coast line with a pretty much guaranteed view of the Golden Gate bridge, is pretty hard to beat. I love that there’s this natural coast attached to a huge metropolis. 

My favorite beach has to be Ocean beach. It’s bigger than most, so it’s great for walks, runs or picnics. You also have plenty of parking options and you’ll catch most of the surfers here.

Another bonus- the neighborhood of Ocean Beach here is so freaking cute. You get a small town beach vibe, but with that San Francisco, big city, hip twist. It’s a nice respite from the rest of the hustle and bustle. 

Santa Cruz: 

Natural Bridges State Beach

Santa Cruz is absolutely stunning. You have so much nature to explore here, and so much diversity in a relatively smaller county– by big city California standards.

There are endless beach options, but Natural Bridges may take the cake on beauty. You can’t beat those gorgeous rock arches (hence the name) jutting out of the water. It’s an amazing place to relax for sunset. You’re also near the Monarch Butterfly preserve, and you have an insane amount of access to marine life. 

Carmel: 

17 Mile Drive: 

Ok, I’m pretty sure Carmel gets super overlooked on must see destinations- something I’m sure its residents work hard to keep that way. This sleepy, affluent yet lowkey beach town is incredible.

With more of a Cape Cod feel than a Southern California feel, many people pass straight through Carmel after visiting Big Sur and on their way to Santa Cruz. You should stop because this is home to the most beautiful beaches in California.

17 mile drive is an absolute must. It’s essentially a private road, which loops around the most beautiful spots and beaches in Carmel. It can take a few hours, depending on how many stops you take, and there is an entry fee. But it’s so worth it. Beaches, nature, and even golf courses and resorts- there’s a lot to see. 

Point Lobos Natural Reserve:

If you’re short on time, choose this half day adventure over 17 mile drive, and just do a quick stop for lunch in Carmel. If you can do both- you won’t be disappointed. Point Lobos Natural Reserve, the only thing in between Big Sur National Park and Carmel-By-The-Sea on Hwy 1, is astounding. It’s also super easy to miss. If you did Big Sur, you probably just drive right past it like I did.

Well, that would be a massive mistake. Because the beauty in this reserve is unbelievable- even after Big Sur. Gorgeous, gorgeous water, secluded beaches, wild life, hiking, and falls. It has everything. Be warned- you can’t actually go on the beaches, but they are stunning from above. Also, bring your walking shoes.

Big Sur: 

Pfeiffer Beach

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard of Big Sur. This is one of the most beautiful places in California, maybe even the most beautiful if I do say so. While I highly recommend camping here, you should at least make a few pit stops. One of them should be Pfeiffer Beach. One of the only accessible beaches (most you can only view from above, on hwy 1), Pfeiffer is not to be missed.

What makes this beach that much more special is the fact that it has purple sand. Yes- purple. That isn’t because of editing above. The purple and white sand, caves and rocks, are what makes this place so special. 

San Luis obispo: 

Montana De Oro State Park

A lot of people don’t give San Luis Obispo County enough credit- they should. While SLO is actually inland, the county extends to the coast line and it’s not to be missed. Montana De Oro is a natural park that should be at the top of your list. I would say this cracks my top 5 most beautiful beaches in California list.

Like Big sur, if you have time, camp here and do some of the hikes. If you don’t, take the detour off hwy 1, and make a stop to see this coast line. You can hang out on the beach, climb the rocks, and take a nice walk/hike around the whole coastal rim. 

Santa Barbara: 

More Mesa

You really can’t go wrong with one of the many beaches in Santa Barbara. This coastal city has a special place in my heart, and a lot of options. My personal favorite beach there, however, is More Mesa. More mesa is unbelievable. 

You will have to take a detour off the highway, but it’s worth it. You basically park in a private neighborhood in Upper State, walk up the road to the trailhead and hike straight to the ocean. You can walk along the coastal walkway up top, or trek down the stairs and enjoy the vast, very secluded beach.

Bonus: It’s actually a partial nude beach. At the bottom of the stairs, everything to the right, you’re allowed to go nude. Everything to the left, clothes stay on, and dogs can play. 

Montecito:

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is absolutely stunning. While many of the above beaches require putting on your trail shoes and doing some work, Miramar is not that. This beautiful, secluded beach in Montecito, just requires a quick trip down a set of stairs to access. Dog friendly, and people friendly, this wide stretch of land adjacent to a gated community is quiet, private and pleasing to the eye. 

You can soak up the gorgeous beachfront vacation properties behind you, or the view of the ocean- whichever you prefer. 

Carpinteria: 

Santa Claus Lane

By far one of my favorite beaches, this is your classic beach day adventure. Alongside picturesque train tracks, with white sand, stretching for miles, this beach is the perfect place to stay all day and night at. 

You can surf, swim, or just lounge. One on end, you’ll find beach front properties and more privacy. On the other, you can enjoy the quaint little stretch of cafes and restaurants, enjoying a burger and milkshake at Padaro Cafe before heading back into the sun with the crowds. 

Malibu:

El Matador State Beach

Malibu is famous for a reason- the most beautiful beaches in California, and the surfer vibe. You truly can’t go wrong, and you have so many options. I had to narrow it down to two though, beginning with El Matador.

I love this beach. It’s almost to the County line (also home to another great beach) so it definitely helps minimize the crowds. While the actual beach is limited, especially at high tide, it’s so nice to explore here. So many beautiful rocks, insta shots, and private places to enjoy a beer or two in peace. 

Point Dume/Little Dume

By far my favorite place in Malibu, this is the first beach I went to and remains my favorite. Zuma Beach beneath Point Dume is incredibly crowded and parking is crazy. I’d skip Zuma all together and drive to the top, to Point Dume.

Point Dume is a beautiful little mountain top that you can climb and get ocean views for miles. Don’t skip that. At the base of the dune though, there’s somewhat of a secret beach: Little Dume. You have to trek down to it, which helps narrow the crowds. With everyone down at Zuma- that also helps.

I used to go for a sunset swim at Little Dume every Sunday. It was truly magical. You’ll get both sand, rocks, and swimming here. With luxurious privacy. 

Los Angeles: 

Marina Del Rey

LA is incredible, but they are not home to the most beautiful beaches in California. While Venice Beach is a must because it’s an experience, the beach itself aint special.

The only actually nice beach you’ll find in LA city proper, is in Marina Del Rey. This affluent, laid back beach neighborhood is home to more privacy, cleaner sand, and lots of space. Not to mention their massive marina and plenty of places to enjoy a cocktail and some seafood.

Manhattan Beach

So, whenever I really want to go to the beach in LA, I go to the Palisades and Malibu, or I head over toward Manhattan Beach. That’s where the best options are. While Malibu has one vibe, Manhattan has another. 

You truly feel like you’re on some sort of vacation out here. With the deceivingly quaint yet extremely upscale boardwalk leading you straight to the gorgeous, clean and sparkling waters. Surfers, bronzed and attractive people galore, and a lovely bike path- it’s a respite from the city. 

Orange County: 

Dana Point

Really anywhere you go on the coast of Orange County is going to be great. This is what made beautiful beaches in California famous, after all. But none can compare to Dana Point. Much more private than it’s well known neighbor Laguna Beach, Dana Point has some of the most stunning, spacious beaches and you can enjoy it in peace.

While you have many options in this coastal suburb, I would recommend the luxurious Monarch Beach in Laguna Niguel, and Strands Beach. You’re definitely going to get a change of pace on this end- everything is very exclusive, affluent and high end. The beaches match.

San Diego: 

La Jolla Cove

So you made it all the way South- here is where the beaches get vaster, more expansive, and the beach lifestyle is everything. La Jolla Cove should be your first stop.

This ritzy area of San Diego is home to a gorgeous park overlooking the coves and beach in La Jolla. This isn’t really a beach you want to just lay out on. It’s mainly a great place for the sunset, or to explore the coves in the water. It also gets quite crowded. But those views- unbeatable. 

Sunset Cliffs

This was my favorite beach in San Diego. You can enjoy the majestic jagged cliffs like in La Jolla- but with less people and more space. There is tons of room to lay out, swim, and explore. If the name didn’t tip you off, it’s great for sunset. 

There’s several entrances, but one involves actually scaling the rock wall on a rope. So be sure you choose the right entrance if that doesn’t sound like how you want to get down to the beach. I found it to be part of the charm. 

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