The coastline of California is a trove of sandy shores and picturesque views. So, it can be tough to determine which among the many California beaches is the “best”. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 most popular beaches in California, based on ratings and reviews from various online sources. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the ocean or some exciting waves to surf, this list has got you covered. Let’s take a look!
Best Beach in California
Manhattan Beach Pier
- Address: 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (11028)
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours

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Top 7 Most Beautiful Beaches in California

Corona Del Mar State Beach Park
- Address: Corona Del Mar State Beach Park, California 92625, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (5612)
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
Perfect breaking waves and tide pools to the south that are fun to explore. Water is pretty chilly this time of year, but fun to sit on the beach, listen to the ocean and play in the sand.By Marcie Jacobsen (2 weeks ago)Great beach! Clean water with some cool tides. There are plenty of trash cans, and some bonfire pits. You can use the paid parking, or you can save some cash and park on top the beach in the neighborhood. Its pretty peaceful here early in the morning, best time to comeBy Tiana G (9 months ago)One of my fav beaches in Newport Beach. Super crowded on the weekends so its best to enjoy on a weekday. Park to the right if you want to see pirates cove. Park to the left of you want to enjoy the main beach. There is also a cave at the far left of u walk down the beach a little. Restrooms available and you must pay for parking.By Melystikal (5 months ago)Lots of great views here, and, lots of seaweed. Free parking in the neighborhood before the beach. Climb over the rocks by the end of the parking lot to get to the more private Pirate’s Cove. Pretty neat area with lots of sea life by the rocks.By Anthony Ayy (8 months ago)Lovely place to see and spend good family time. The water is clean and smells very nice. Everyone who is nearby should visit it. Corona Del Mar State Beach is the place for good family time. I wish to have more places like this around the states.By Mustafa Đerahović (9 months ago)
Venice Beach
- Address: Venice Beach, California, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (3843)
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
Less crowded beach, spring flowers are in full bloom at the time we went. Splendid views.There is a hill atop overlooking the beach. Restrooms available.By Shreyasi Dutta (8 months ago)One of the most prettiest beaches I’ve been to in my life! Was neat, maintained and beautiful. It is a good place to watch surfers and have a cute date or picnic with friends and family. Sunsets are very gorgeous but be sure to go on a week day because on weekends it’s pretty packed, especially on holidays. There are nice coffee shops and other places to eat nearby.By thanuja ramesh (a year ago)This beach is clean and has bathroom . Also they have picnic table with grill make your day more enjoyable n relaxed . We went to beach Area which clean (no flies) . We had spend father day entire day here. Here I recommend to wear jacket or hoodies because of wind.By Munmi Boruah (7 months ago)Recently visited “Half Moon Bay State Beach”
This area is clean, equipped for people having rest with tables and benches, barbecue etc.
NOTE: the water is cold! The wind is cold! It feels like it’s going through your body and soul!!! So, make sure you take extra wind-resisted clothes! The sand is warm though
We visited on Sunday and paid $10 for parking
I think I’ll be back again in much warmer outfit!
#HalfMoonBayStateBeach
#BeachCaliforniaUSABy Oksana Sokaliuk (9 months ago)Less crowded beach, with lively people.Nice place to spend time in the evening.
Cleanliness is a problem here and there.
By Sam Sam (6 months ago)
Pacifica State Beach
- Address: 5000 CA-1, Pacifica, CA 94044, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (3832)
Asilomar State Beach
- Address: Sunset Dr, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (2717)
Marina State Beach
- Address: 200 Reservation Rd, Marina, CA 93933, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (2695)
Bruce’s Beach
- Address: 2600 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1400)
Ocean Beach
- Address: Ocean Beach, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1384)
That’s it for our list of the best beaches in California! If you have any arguments or additional information, please leave a comment. We love to hear from our readers. And don’t forget to check out some of the other posts on our blog for more travel inspiration. Happy beachcombing!
Beautiful location with amazing beaches. Filled with volleyball nets up and down the beaches. You can play on any of them anytime. Plenty of areas to beach and play in the ocean. Parking can be tricky if you don’t get there and get a spot. But 2 hours is the typical amount for a parking meter. Lots of great food options in the area. The Strand path is amazing. This path extends all along the beaches from pier to pier. Bathrooms located throughout. Check out the houses along the path. Amazing and beautiful. Lots of creative builds.
Probably my favorite place on earth! I just enjoy sitting on the beach and doing nothing. Restrooms are very close and there are lots of food options. I always have pleasant experience whenever I go there. Highly recommend. Great vibes and amazing sunsets!
Beautiful place and beautiful pier. Awesome pictures from underneath. Beautiful walkways bikeways and gigantic sand beach that goes on for miles. This place has so many volleyball nets they appear to go on forever there’s hundreds of them. Built in the 1800s this is an icon and they must see. 8 minutes from LAX airport A+
Beautiful pier with great views. There are plenty of benches to sit and enjoy. Restrooms were clean at the pier. Netball area is huge and clean. The water is a bit brown though at the time of our visit. Great shops around for shop and variety of food options too.
This was really a nice place to go with the family. There’s a little aquarium exhibit on the pier and my daughter loved it! The water in the ocean was also such a great temp. The beach was fairly kept up too. Best of all they have washing stations! Perfect to de-sand yourself when it’s time to go. Also have bathrooms.