17 Best Beaches in Southern California — Top Public Beach Spots!
You can never imagine California without thinking of sunny days and irresistible beaches.
Whichever beach you’re thinking, chances are that’s located in the Californian region best known for the state’s most alluring beaches: Southern California.
Populated by surfing spots, bays, beachfront towns, and marine reserves, Southern California has it all if you’re looking for the perfect beach to unwind from the daily grind.
However, deciding which Southern California beaches should win your heart could be a tough decision to make, what with the hundreds of choices there are in this region alone, each competing in uniqueness and natural beauty.
Don’t fret; we’ve rounded up the best beaches in Southern California just for you, complete with tips and why they made it to this list.
1. El Matador Beach — Malibu
32350 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
(818) 880-0363
Malibu’s west end is home to three “pocket beaches” offering coves, cliffs, bluffs, and rock formations. Among these three gems, El Matador shines the brightest.
Why We Recommend This Beach
El Matador’s hidden coves lure visitors from all over the world, especially those looking for peace and quiet amidst an idyllic landscape.
Its geological features particularly allow for secluded areas away from Malibu’s regular crowds.
Expert Tip
Pack snacks and meals and spread a picnic blanket in your chosen hidden nook.
There are also picnic tables up the parking area on the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club
2. Santa Monica Beach — Santa Monica
Ocean Avenue to Colorado Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-8300
If downtown Los Angeles happens to be part of your itinerary, just drive 20 minutes west and you’ll find yourself in one of the phenomenally popular beaches in Southern California — Santa Monica Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Boasting over three miles of shoreline, Santa Monica Beach not only offers beach fun and stunning views of the horizon; it’s also surrounded by an iconic amusement park, a pier, and an aquarium, taking your beach getaway to a whole new level.
Expert Tip
If you’re looking for a scenic bike ride by the sea, there are bike rentals in the area and a 22-mile bike trail from Santa Monica Beach to Torrance County Beach.
Best of all, the waters at Santa Monica Beach are considerably calm and lifeguards watch over everyone, making it the safest beach for kids.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Shutters On The Beach
3. Zuma Beach — Malibu
30000 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265-3601
(424) 526-7777
Zuma Beach is yet another Malibu gem, known for its long wide sand and ideal surf.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Bustling and beautiful, Zuma Beach is a surfers’ haven.
It consistently ranks among the cleanest and healthiest Southern California beaches and hosts annual surfing events everyone can watch.
Expert Tip
There’s a nearby ridge you can hike to watch dolphins and seals!
Just walk to the southern end of the beach, which takes you up a hill overlooking Zuma’s animal inhabitants.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Malibu Beach Inn
4. La Jolla Cove — San Diego
1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla
San Diego, CA 92037-3600
(619) 235-1169
La Jolla is always hailed as the most iconic among Southern California beaches.
It’s a marine reserve located in the thriving La Jolla seaside community, well loved by both locals and tourists during the summers and solo adventurers during the colder seasons.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Visitors flock over at La Jolla for its natural features and rich marine life.
Surrounded by cliffs and picturesque greenery, the cove’s calm waters are famous for being home to sea kelp, dolphins, turtles, sea lions, caves, and canyon walls, all of which you can see for yourself!
Swim, snorkel, go scuba diving, and watch sunsets.
A popular activity in La Jolla Cove is observing the sea lions who love this beach.
Expert Tip
If you go coastal walking to the north, you’ll find seven famous sea caves waiting to be explored.
Hungry?
La Jolla’s best restaurants are just a walk away from the beach.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
5. Manhattan State Beach — Manhattan Beach
400-4500 The Strand
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
More than four million visitors enjoy the two-mile shoreline and 115 acres of sand at Manhattan Beach each year.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Did you know that there are about 50 volleyball courts spread out across Manhattan Beach?
Besides that, surfers absolutely love its waves, and lessons are offered to aspiring surfers by the north end of the beach.
Because of the popularity of both activities, Manhattan Beach hosts a lively surfing festival and a volleyball tournament annually.
Expert Tip
Anglers will love the fact that fishing is permitted here throughout the year.
Meanwhile, at the end of the pier, there’s an octagonal building that houses the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium.
You might want to check that out.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Belamar Hotel Manhattan Beach, Tapestry by Hilton
6. Coronado Beach — Coronado
919 Ocean Boulevard
Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 435-1867
San Diego County’s Coronado Beach stretches from the famous Hotel del Coronado to Sunset Park up north.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Now and then, Coronado Beach tops lists of the prettiest beaches in all of America and is sometimes considered as the best beach for swimming in Southern California.
Its popularity attracts throngs of beach bums, but due to its 1.5-mile sandy expanse, it’s not impossible to secure yourself a peaceful spot.
Even royals and celebrities are not intimidated by the beach’s national fame!
Expert Tip
Seaside kite flying is a particularly popular activity for families at Coronado Beach.
Your pets are also welcome at the northern part of the beach.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
7. 1000 Steps Beach — Laguna
31972 Pacific Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Despite the name, there are actually only 230 steps to walk from the Pacific Coast Highway down to the beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Looking to burn calories before digging your toes in the sand?
Laguna Beach’s 1000 Steps Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beach spots in SoCal, but reaching it isn’t for the faint of heart.
Making it to the bottom of the steep steps, however, is immensely rewarding: sheer cliffs, an endless shore, hidden caves, soft sand, spectacular views, and tons of water activities.
Expert Tip
When tides are low, tide pools and caves emerge!
Walk to the south end of the beach to find a large cave.
The north end, on the other hand, reveals a secret rock tunnel that leads to Totuava Beach, a hidden paradise accessible only at low tide!
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Montage Laguna Beach
8. Venice Beach — Los Angeles
Windward Ave and Ocean Front Walk
Los Angeles, CA 90291
(310) 745-1064
Venice is a lively Los Angeles beach town and is the second most visited destination in Southern California.
Why We Recommend This Beach
It’s no secret that Southern California is dotted with nice beaches and unforgettable views.
But the beach at the Venice District of Los Angeles stands out.
Home to a plethora of street entertainers and artists on top of the usual surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, and sports enthusiasts, its Ocean Front Walk attracts 30,000 people daily!
Expert Tip
Being one of the most popular beaches in Southern California, expect a wide variety of activities on Venice Beach and its surrounding Ocean Front Walk.
These include skateboarding, biking, weightlifting, surfing, Windsurfing, kiteboarding, swimming, sunbathing, parasailing, and more.
If you brought the little ones along, there are playgrounds for them to burn off their extra energy.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Erwin
9. Newport Beach — Newport
Newport Beach, CA 92660-3267
(949) 719-6100
The coastal city of Newport is known for its marina, piers, big waves, and old-fashioned amusement park.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Newport Beach features a five-mile stretch of coastline offering tons of exciting activities and attractions.
From sunset cruises to surf lessons, old-school arcade games to harbor-front promenades, you are assured an entire day of endless fun during your visit.
Expert Tip
Head over to Newport Landing or Davey’s Locker for whale watching tours!
If you’re here during the summer and fall, expect giant blue whales.
Winter and spring, on the other hand, will show you gray whales.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Balboa Bay Resort
10. Windansea Beach — San Diego
6800 Neptune Place, La Jolla
San Diego, CA 92083
Windansea Beach is among the many top beaches along the lively seaside neighborhood of La Jolla.
It especially stands out as a local surfers’ favorite.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Expert surfers in San Diego love Windansea Beach for its amazing surf breaks, which are created by underwater reefs.
Believe it or not, Windansea’s waves typically reach six to eight feet high!
Expert Tip
Due to its giant waves, Windansea is ideal for skilled surfers and sunbathers.
Be wary of swimming here.
Photographers, however, will love the sandstone points sticking out the surf.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Pantai Inn
11. Huntington State Beach — Huntington
21601 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
(714) 536-1454
Located in Orange County, Huntington State Beach sits on 121 acres of sheer beauty and features a two-mile-long beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Huntington State Beach is well loved by beach enthusiasts for its surf, sandbars, volleyball courts, basketball courts, fire rings, facilities, and wonderful bike path. Interestingly, it also has one of the longest piers in the state of California.
Expert Tip
You’ll love the fog that covers the shore early in the morning.
At night, fire rings are available for any squad looking to have a great time around a bonfire.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
Related: Best Family Resorts in Southern California
12. Catalina Island — Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina Island, CA 90704
(800) 626-1496
If you’re technically outside Southern California but are longing for its warmth, Catalina Island is one of the best beaches near Southern California that can offer you the same experience.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Off the coast of Southern California, the island of Santa Catalina heavily relies on the attractiveness of its shores.
Beach bums head over to Avalon City for fine white sand, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, while outdoorsy travelers explore the city of Two Harbors for peace and quiet, hiking trails, and campgrounds.
Expert Tip
The best and easiest way to reach Catalina Island is via boat from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Newport Beach.
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous during your stay, try boat-in camping instead of the usual tent or hotel.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Pavilion Hotel
13. Hermosa Beach — Hermosa
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254-3731
(310) 318-0239
Named after the Spanish term for “beautiful,” Hermosa Beach is another charming beachfront city in Los Angeles.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Hermosa Beach may only be two miles long, but if you visit during the weekend, you’ll find the beach packed with sunbathers, surfers, bikers, runners, and many other beach lovers due to the excellent surf, swimming areas, and the volleyball nets along the sand.
Free, public events also take place here every now and then, such as triathlons, volleyball tournaments, and surf festivals. You might want to catch one when you can.
Expert Tip
Once you’ve had enough of the water, don’t forget to drop by the 1,328-foot-long pier, Hermosa’s dining, shopping, and entertainment hub.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Beach House at Hermosa
14. Crystal Cove State Park — Laguna
8471 N Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-3539
Located in Newport Beach, Crystal Cove State Park encompasses 3.2 miles of Pacific coastline.
Why We Recommend This Beach
True to its name, Crystal Cove State Park features crystal clear water and a beachfront cove that gleams under the Californian sun.
Apart from the golden sand and blue water, the park features tidepools, canyons, and secrets you can uncover beneath the water.
Expert Tip
Crystal Cove State Park is so much more than wading in the water!
Enjoy its underwater park, magnificent tidepools, 20 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, or horseback riding.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
15. Arroyo Burro County Beach Park — Santa Barbara
2981 Cliff Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
(805) 687-3714
Right where the Arroyo Burro Creek ends, Arroyo Burro Beach begins.
Locals, however, still call the beach Hendry’s Beach, a remnant from Santa Barbara’s past still unknowingly being carried on by residents.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The area that is Arroyo Burro used to be immigrant William Hendry’s farmland and property.
One can only imagine how lovely living in such a piece of paradise could have been, with Arroyo Burro’s sand and grassy areas.
Today, the beach area further offers barbecue grills, picnic tables, and horseback riding trails.
Expert Tip
If you brought your furry best friend along, you’re in for a surprise. Arroyo Burro welcomes dogs on its sand and waves!
Keep in mind though that dogs must be leashed at all times, unless you’re visiting the Douglas Family Preserve.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Simpson House Inn
16. Mission Bay — San Diego
Mission Boulevard, Ventura Place
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 221-8899
Mission Beach constitutes the coastline of San Diego, along with Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Not only does Mission Beach let you surf, cruise, dine, and shop; Mission Beach offers you the best things to do in Southern California: chase thrills at the Historic Beachside Amusement Park or explore a shipwreck site!
Expert Tip
Adventures in Mission Beach don’t end with the oceanfront amusement park and shipwreck alley.
There are electric bike tours and a gigantic aquatic park in the area as well, so if you’re planning to visit, plan to spend at least a day in this vibrant neighborhood.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
17. Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve — San Diego
12600 N. Torrey Pines Road
San Diego, CA 92037
(858) 755-2063
Commonly listed among the best beaches in Southern California, Torrey Pines State Beach occupies four and a half miles of fine sand and shore and red-hued bluffs.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Just north of La Jolla along Highway 101, Torrey Pines State Beach offers miles of unspoiled shores and a lagoon popular among kids.
Being a reserve, Torrey Pines is also a haven for birds and other animals and features unique geographical formations.
Expert Tip
Keep in mind that Torrey Pines is a reserve, so that means there are no restaurants around.
Pack some food and spread your picnic blanket on the sand. Enjoy nice beaches in their natural state!
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Lodge at Torrey Pines