10 Stunning Southern California Beach Destinations

With over 300 miles of coastline, selecting the perfect beach destination in Southern California can be overwhelming. However, not all SoCal beaches are created equal, and with nearly ideal beach weather year-round, any day is great for a beach trip. To help you narrow down your options, here are our top 10 picks for the best beach destinations in the area.

Big Dume State Beach

Point Dume Beach is in a charming, crescent-shaped cove along the Malibu Coast. The beach is accessible through a stairway from Point Dume’s natural preserve. During low tide, you can walk south to Little Dume Beach and Paradise Cove, which have private access. You might even spot some celebrities during your stroll along the way.

Paradise Cove Beach

If you plan to visit Paradise Cove, the parking fee can be pretty high. However, you can save some money by parking along Pacific Coast Highway and walking in. It’s important to note that the beach is only open for public use below the mean high tide line, which is the point where the water reaches during high tide. Paradise Cove is home to a popular restaurant and is an excellent spot for people-watching.

Leo Carrillo State Beach

Leo Carrillo Beach is a picturesque beach along the Malibu Coast, offering two sandy areas to relax and enjoy the sun. The beach is surrounded by numerous coves, sea caves, and tide pools, making it a year-round paradise for anglers, divers, surfers, wildlife watchers, and beachcombers alike. Additionally, the beach has a popular campground in a canyon inland from the beach, lined with sycamore trees.

Corona Del Mar State Beach

Corona del Mar is located just south of Newport Beach and has three distinct beach areas. The first, Big Corona, is a popular destination for beachgoers due to its wide sandy beach and fire rings. The second beach area, Little Corona, can be accessed via a pathway from Ocean Blvd and Poppy Ave. It’s a favorite among locals, and you can explore many tide pools during low tide. Lastly, Pirates Cove is situated next to the harbor channel and features several hidden coves and caves to explore.

Crystal Cove Beach

Crystal Cove, located just north of Laguna Beach, boasts three miles of pristine beach. It is home to historic beach cottages, some of California’s most sought-after beach rentals. The excellent bluff-top campground is also a significant attraction. Whether you are visiting for a day, weekend, or camping vacation, Crystal Cove Beach is one of Southern California’s most stunning beaches.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a popular destination for tourists from all around the globe. It is renowned for its immaculate beaches and secluded coves. The main beach, which features the iconic 1937 Lifeguard Tower, is the most visited spot for sunbathing. Laguna Beach boasts an impressive seven-mile coastline, with many hidden beaches to discover and explore.

Trestles Beach

Trestles Beach is one of the most secluded beaches in North San Diego County. It is a popular surfing destination in California, consisting of five separate surf breaks: Cotton, Uppers, Middles, Lowers, and Church. The beach stretches 3 1/2 miles long and offers a stunning view. However, Trestles Beach has no hotels, trendy restaurants, or parking lots. You don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy this beach, but you must try to get there.

Jalama Beach

Jalama Beach can be found approximately 30 miles to the north of Santa Barbara. The scenery at this location is awe-inspiring, and there are no buildings or high-rise hotels to obstruct the view, only miles of unspoiled coastline. Visitors typically come here to enjoy camping with an ocean view or spend time in a beachfront cottage. Experiencing the sunrise and sunset at Jalama Beach is a unique and memorable experience and is considered one of the highlights of camping at this location.

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is situated 175 miles to the north of Los Angeles. It’s a relaxed beach town that resembles the Southern California of old before developers took over. The vast beach at Pismo is ideal for surfing, strolling, and horseback riding. Additionally, it’s one of the few places in California where driving on the beach (Oceano Dunes) is permitted by law. The beach (Oceano Dunes) is allowed by law.

La Jolla San Diego

La Jolla is a lovely beach town in San Diego, boasting some of the most beautiful beaches, such as La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores. The area is famous for its sea caves, which can only be accessed by kayak. Besides the beach activities, visitors can enjoy a top-rated aquarium, excellent dining options, and world-class shopping opportunities.

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