The Best Beaches in California

California, located in the United States of America, is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Carmel Beach is celebrated for its curvaceous stretches of soft white sand and breathtaking sunset vistas, while Baker Beach is renowned for its picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge. On the other hand, Venice Beach is a popular strip of golden sand that lines the Pacific Ocean, and Bliss Beach boasts the pristine alpine Lake Tahoe. Finally, Coronado Beach provides stunning vistas of the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Check out our guide below for a complete list of California's renowned beaches.

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Top Beaches in California Beaches for Every Taste Best Time to Visit California California Beaches Map Where to Stay?

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Top Beaches in California

TOP-TIER BEACH

California

Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach is a scenic sand beach located in Carmel, CA, USA, around 2 hours south of San Francisco. Display...

TOP-TIER BEACH

San Francisco

Baker Beach

Baker Beach is a publicly accessible shoreline situated in San Francisco, California, USA. This popular coasta...

TOP-TIER BEACH

Los Angeles

Venice Beach

Located on the coast of Venice town, west of downtown Los Angeles, Venice Beach is a picturesque strip of gold...

Santa Cruz

4 Mile Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park

Wilder Ranch State Park, located in Santa Cruz, USA, is home to the largest and most accessible beach in the a...

Sausalito

Black Sands Beach

Black Sands Beach is a beach located in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, situated below the Marin Headlan...

California

Bliss Beach

D. L. Bliss State Park, nestled on the western shoreline of California's largest alpine lake, Lake Tahoe, is a...

California

Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach is situated on the Coronado Peninsula, located in San Diego Bay, California, USA. Spanning acro...

Davenport

Davenport Cove & Shark Fin Beach

Davenport Cove, also referred to as Shark Fin Cove or Shark Tooth Beach, is a visually appealing beach situate...

Marin County

Little Beach at Muir Beach

Little Beach at Muir Beach is a renowned clothing-optional beach situated in a cove located at the northern en...

Santa Barbara

More Mesa Beach

More Mesa Beach is a lesser-known beach located in More Mesa Park in Santa Barbara, USA. The beach is situated...

La Jolla

South Blacks Beach

South Blacks Beach is a remote beach situated between La Jolla Shores and Black's Beach. The beach is composed...

Sausalito

South Rodeo Beach

South Rodeo Beach is a beach situated in a secluded cove to the south of Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands re...

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Beaches for Every Taste

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Nudist Beaches in California

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Best Time to Visit California

The best time to visit California in United States of America is during the summer months which fall between June to August. This is the time when the weather is warm and the waters are perfect for swimming and enjoying outdoor activities. The beaches are at their best during these months and you can enjoy surfing, sunbathing or just relaxing by the sea. Spring is another great time, especially in April and May when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. If you want to avoid the peak season rush and are okay with cooler temperatures, then September and October are ideal as well. Whatever the season, California offers something for everyone and is guaranteed to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.