Top Things to do in California
Top 10 Beaches in California, United States
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Restaurants in California
1. Asilomar State Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,041 reviews
The name of this State Beach means "a refuge by the sea," which describes the breathtaking views of forest, surf and sand on more than 105 secluded acres of scenic forest and sand dunes.
Reviewed By AdvtrTrvlr - Camarillo, United States
This State Beach starts at Lover’s Point and follows Ocean View Blvd around Pacific Grove to Sunset Dr and ends at Asilomar Beach. There is a something for everyone: nice boardwalks, footpaths, expansive tide pools at low tide, large crashing waves, lots of wildlife including sea otters, Pacific harbor seals, and lots of life in tide pools to explore. There are lots of benches to sit on and lots of rocks to climb at the right tide. Off shore you might see Humpback whales breaching, dolphins, or in winter time Gray whales. We have driven along the coast many times, taken many walks over the years and it’s always been an amazing place to hang and out enjoy nature. The weather can change a lot. Take and have with you layered clothing. The day after Thanksgiving was beautiful and sunny with no wind. Other times it has been extremely windy and cold.
2. Piedras Blancas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 722 reviews
Reviewed By DePere - De Pere, United States
We visited the elephant seal rookery of Piedras Blancas in mid-April. We learned while we were there that the large males (5000 pounds) with the extended noses (proboscis ) would not be on the beach at this time of the year. The elephant seals on the beach would be females and adolescents using the beach as a place to molt. This was a great experience. We visited the boardwalk during the evening and then returned to the same area in the morning. We witnessed more activity in the morning session. The boardwalks extend both north and south of the parking lot. There were seals in the water, seals on the beach, seals sleeping, seals climbing over each other, and seals sparring with each other. This was just a great experience, especially for a person from the Midwest. The area has great signage on the road so a person can easily find the rookery, located a few miles north of San Simeon. Brochures and informational bulletin boards provides you with education about these sea mammals. No fee associated with parking or accessing the viewing area.
3. Oxnard State Beach and Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By Billstreess53 - Oxnard, United States
A great beach for all who enjoy the sand. Food bathrooms and even a shower. Great pier. Fishing is encouraged. A massive open beach. Great for families. Lots of parking I highly recommend this location.
4. Moonstone Beach
5. Natural Bridges State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 838 reviews
A refuge for wintering Monarch Butterflies, this park boasts a sandy cove, tidepools, a nature trail through the Butterfly Preserve, and several hiking trails. There is also a bicycle path around the perimeter of the park.
Reviewed By 497haydns
If the Monarchs are here, a wonderful visit, go on a warm sunny day they will be flying about, the is very nice, and very unusual to Eucalyptus trees in USA. Check on line if the Monarchs are here, the info is accurate and up to date.
6. Sand Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 757 reviews
Rocky coves and boulders to jump off of are the primary features of this beach.
Reviewed By RevfromCA - Sacramento, United States
This is a beautiful state park well worth the $10 entrance fee along the east shoreline of Lake Tahoe. You can use the entrance fee the same day to visit Cave Rock state park as well which is closer to South Lake Tahoe. The walking paths along the shore of Sand Harbor are very nice and the scenery is excellent. Check out the visitors center as well.
7. Nevada Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Wide sandy beach, which offers escape from the bustle of other beaches.
Reviewed By VacationsRWanderful
This is a family and dog friendly beach. It’s near the campground and at the end of an easy 1 mile walk through Rabe Meadows. Parking is $10 per car, with limited space. If you choose to park in the lot, get there early.
8. Capitola Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 409 reviews
Artsy, secluded spot close by, but away from the crowds of Santa Cruz
Reviewed By sonofdragon - San Jose, United States
Capitola Beach sits right at the shores of Pacific Ocean along Monterey Bay. It’s about half-a-mile drive from where we live in San Jose via CA 17 S route. Exactly right at the doorstep of Capitola Venetian Hotel, a quaint and colorful boutique hotel on the beach. Small it is but vibrant complete with restaurants, shops and entertainment throughout summer and special holidays. Low key. Feels like you belong. Family oriented. Dog friendly. Frequented by local tourists. Very much a quintessential California beach. A popular surf break and sunset romantic pastime. Walk atop the pier overlooking the beautiful Monterey Bay and watch shorebirds, otters, surfers etc busy do their fun thing. Parking can be a problem despite fee for parking. Park free somewhere past Capitola Historical Museum and Fire station and walk. Not far and do able.
9. Coronado Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,416 reviews
Popular surfing beach.
Reviewed By almaanne - Central Arizona, United States
You must get here early to secure a parking spot as there are not many. The only exception is if you are military and then the other side of this beach is open to you with more parking and a beach too, but it's for military families. The beach has beautiful white sand with lovely shells being thrown up on it as it's open to the coast. The view out to sea with large ships, Point Loma Pennisula, and Cabrillo National Monument is great. In the background is the low growl of planes from North Island Naval Air Center. Overhead fly helicopters infrequently which children love to see. I saw a pelican flying across the breakers looking for a meal.
10. Santa Monica State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,705 reviews
Reviewed By morrisjkm - Ann Arbor, United States
Fantastic huge beach on the Pacific Ocean with the famous Santa Monica Pier, endless volleyball nets, bike path, Muscle Beach, eateries, sunshine with epic sunsets. Maintained daily by large tractor which sifts white sandy beach.
