Creating a list of the best beaches in Southern California could easily be compared to trying to choose a favorite child. It’s nearly impossible. There are just too many fantastic beaches in this stretch of paradise.
In order to create this post, I compiled a collection of beaches throughout the Southern end of sunny California with truly notable features. A beach is included for everyone, from adventurers to surfers, to families looking for a mellow day on the sand.
» Check out these 10 Fun Beach Games to Play with Friends.
Check out our list to find the perfect beach spot for you and your family. And just keep in mind that these are only a handful of the possibilities. You can almost not throw a stick in Southern California without hitting a beach. So just get out there and explore. You’ll surely find a nice wading beach for the kids or a fantastic surf beach for learners.
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.
Read also » 25 Best Small Towns in Southern California to Visit.
How Many Beaches Are in Southern California?
In case you’re wondering, there are more than 100 named beaches in Southern California. This is why it’s so hard for us to choose the best. It’s not too difficult to see that the beach is what defines much of the Southern California lifestyle.
The south coast stretches from Santa Barbara County to San Diego County and has hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches. However, not all of the beaches are equal. Some are better for swimming, while other are better for families with children who want to wade in the shallow water, and others are best for experienced surfers. Some are crowded and some are blissfully empty.
Check out the list of beaches we love below and then you’ll find even more beaches categorized under the main list.
» Are you interested in whale watching? Check out these 10 places for whale watching in Southern California.
Best Beaches in Southern California
#1 Victoria Beach
This beach, famous for its cliffside tower, is located in Laguna Beach: A town full of art galleries, high-end restaurants, and unique boutiques. If you plan to make a day trip to Laguna, be sure to pack an outfit and shoes to roam the streets after you get your photos with Victoria Beach’s tower attraction.
Pro Tip: If you aren’t a strong swimmer, check the lifeguard flags before jumping in, as this beach can have strong currents along with its shore break waves. Red means only experienced swimmers should enter the water.
#2 San Onofre State Beach
A visit to San Onofre State Beach is like traveling back in time. If you’re into classic cars, you’ll often find many parked along the beach as their owners paddle out to catch some waves. This staple of San Clemente takes visitors to a long border’s paradise.
San Onofre is an excellent place for those learning to surf as waves are typically small and gentle. If you pay attention, you may even notice some of the juvenile great white sharks that stay in this area to eat small fish.
#3 Point Dume State Beach
Point Dume Beach is created by a large peninsula on the coast of Malibu and is known for its beautiful cliffs and scenery. A 34-acre nature preserve offers one of the last examples of coastal bluff scrub. This is a great beach visit for naturalists looking to appreciate its splendor.
#4 La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is a small inlet on the coast of San Diego that creates a sheltered and private beach. The cove is a popular day spot for locals and tourists alike and is home to a harem of sea lions that enjoy the rocks along the shore. These sea lions can be rather entertaining and sometimes even draw small crowds.
#5 Salt Creek Beach
Salt Creek is a beach in Dana Point known for its famous surf break. Those visiting the beach can often sit and watch surf contests between school-aged children or even professionals.
A large grass hill leads down to the beach and, at sunset, every day is a gathering place for dozens to hundreds of people to set up picnics and even enjoy concerts in the Summer.
If you’re looking for a luxury stay nearby, the Ritz Carlton is perched on the bluffs overlooking this beach and is just a few steps down to the beach.
#6 Venice Beach
For those dreaming of what California beaches may look like, Venice Beach is what comes to the minds of many. Possibly the most iconic beach in the world, Venice is full of enough history and eccentricities to last a million beach days.
When you’re done basking in the sun, take a walk along the boardwalk and enjoy the food, performers, and all the people that characterize these famous streets. This is a must for anyone visiting LA.
#7 Emma Wood State Beach
Ventura is the epitome of a sleepy beach town and is known for being one of the few places on the California coast that don’t seem to have become overcrowded or overdeveloped. A few minutes outside of Ventura’s unique downtown area is a strip of beach where the hills meet the sea known as Emma Wood State Beach.
#8 The Wedge
This world-famous surf break in Newport Beach is known far and wide for its vast, crushing waves. Surfers and bodyboarders from all over swarm at any news of swell, but only the bravest of the bunch venture out into the lineup. Crowds pack the beach to watch and cringe as people either ride a wave or get taken over the falls.
#9 Leo Carrillo State Beach
Finding beaches that are not highly crowded can be difficult in Southern California, making the spot a true diamond in the rough. Leo Carrillo is a favorite of many locals in Malibu and Santa Monica. The beach is often described as rocky but “worth the work” as you find your own small cove or a private spot to lay. Bring a picnic blanket and snacks for your own hidden paradise.
#10 Carlsbad State Beach
Residents of San Diego widely love Carlsbad State Beach as its state campground provides the perfect weekend getaway for families with kids or those who prefer not to travel too far.
This campground on the bluffs is attached to a large and family-friendly beach, providing plenty of space and activities for children to roam and parents to relax.
A quick drive down the coast takes you to downtown Carlsbad or Encinitas for a fun night out or if you get tired of barbequing dinner.
#11 Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is made up of 3.2 miles of beach and over 2,000 acres of wilderness. Visitors can choose between beach fun, hiking trails, and horseback rides throughout the hills.
For those who are looking for a nature-heavy experience, this is the perfect place to visit.
#12 Balboa Island
Taking the ferry through Newport Harbor to visit Balboa Island is reminiscent of a trip abroad or visiting a city on the water. Fourth of July or the winter holidays are the best time to experience everything Balboa has to offer, but the island is a prime location for a day trip and time on the beach year-round.
A great addition to a beach day or celebratory occasion is renting a duffy boat to drive around the harbor with friends or family. Just bring a sweater!
#13 Mission Beach
San Diego is known for being a city on the beach, and this happens to be Mission Beach. Made up of vast expanses of white sand and ocean, this beach is lined by a 3.5-mile boardwalk full of those walking, skating, or biking between beaches, restaurants, and bars.
Mission Beach is also known for its nightlife, so if you’re looking for a wild weekend out, this might be your destination.
#14 Huntington Dog Beach
If you’re looking for a spot to let your furry friend loose for their own beach day with pals, Huntington Beach is home to a heartwarming surprise. Dogs big and small run, play and swim in the water with each other at this unique addition to the list. Just make sure to pick up after your dog so that the beach remains enjoyable to everyone!
#15 Alamitos Beach
Alamitos Beach is one of Long Beach’s most popular spots for a day in the sun. One of the beautiful features of Long Beach is its easy transitions between city and beach. If you’re a fan of roller skating or a nice bike ride, this is the perfect spot for you with a boardwalk that stretches the length of the beach.
Best Family Beaches in Southern California
We chose this list based off how good these beaches are for families with small kids. These beaches have good parking access, toilets, picnic tables, and flat sandy beaches that are great for kids to wade in.
- Santa Monica State Beach
- La Jolla Cove
- Coronado Beach
- South Carlsbad State Beach
- Huntington City Beach
- Mission Beach in San Diego
- Balboa Beach in Newport Beach
Best Beaches in Southern California for Swimming
These beaches are some of the most popular and best swimming beaches in Southern California. They have the softest sand, calmest surf, and warmest water.
- Santa Monica Beach
- Venice Beach
- Huntington Beach
- Manhattan Beach
- Laguna Beach
- Newport Beach
- Hermosa Beach
Warmest Beaches in Southern California
The beaches along the south part of the southern coast will have the warmest water and temperatures, particularly south-facing shores. The warmest temperatures can be found at these beaches:
- Avila Beach
- Long Beach
- Laguna Beach
- Hearts Desire Beach
- Imperial Beach
- La Jolla Cove
Least Crowded Beaches in Southern California
One of the top things I look for in a beach is how crowded it will be. There are a number of great beaches that are uncrowded in Southern California. Here are our insider tips on more relaxed and secluded beaches that aren’t really that far of a drive from some of the more popular beaches.
- Seal Beach
- Torrence Beach
- Ventura Beach
- Oxnard Beach
- Hollywood Beach in Oxnard
- Thousand Steps Beach
Conclusion
As you can see, there are dozens of great beaches for all types of beachgoers in Southern California. If the sun is out, the beach is where you’ll want to be. Grab a picnic, a beach chair and umbrella, and your favorite beach toys and get out there.
Like this article? Save it on Pinterest so you can find it again.
FOLLOW US on Pinterest and Facebook for more California travel inspiration and tips!
Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.
nice info