With 3,427 miles of coastline, the Golden State is home to countless beaches, but if you’re looking for the very best, be sure to put these on your must-experience list.
1. Coronado Beach, San Diego
Located on Coronado Island in San Diego, Coronado Beach is often said to be its crown jewel. The mile-and-a-long stretch of sand sparkles in the ever-present sunshine due to a high concentration of mica, a silver pearl-hued mineral. Not only is it stunning to look at, you’ll find lots to do here, including surfing, boogie boarding and watching incredible sunsets.
2. Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur
California’s central coast is home to one of the most unique beaches on the planet. Pfeiffer Beach enjoys a backdrop of towering forest-covered mountains while its sands are made up of unusual deep-purple and violet hues. The color is derived from manganese garnet in the hills which erode and wash down to the beach by a creek. You’ll see more vast expanses of purple sand following a winter storm as it helps to speed up the erosion process. The contrast of the turquoise waves crashing against the shore is absolutely breathtaking.
3. Crystal Cove State Park Beach, Laguna Beach
Set at the north end near the border of Newport Beach, Crystal Cove State Park features three-and-a-half-miles of uninterrupted, unspoiled coastline edged by waters so striking clear, and in varying shades of vibrant blue, that you might think you were in Hawaii. Take a long stroll across the sand or hiking the park’s trail along the bluff for especially jaw-dropping views.
4. Black Sands Beach, Lost Coast, Humboldt County
Way up north in Humboldt County, Black Sands Beach is part of the 80-mile stretch known as the Lost Coast, a wild and remote region unlike anything you’ll find in the southern half of the state. The tranquil beach is known for its black sands that are the result of centuries of erosion from the nearby shale cliffs. Getting there requires a one-hour drive along the twisting, turning back roads from Highway 101, but it’s worth the effort as you may be able to enjoy it all to yourself.
5. Greyhound Rock Beach, Davenport
In the summertime, just 10 miles south in Santa Cruz the beaches are typically packed with people without an empty spot of sand to be found, but here near Davenport at Greyhound Rock Beach you’re more likely to be sharing the sand with an elephant seal. Getting there requires a steep, though short walk down a cliff, preventing the beach from getting too crowded. Once there, make the easy climb up Greyhound Rock to watch for the dolphins that frequently pass by.
6. Montara State Beach
Located near San Francisco just north of Half Moon bay, Montara is a gorgeous nearly one-mile stretch of beach with lots of hidden coves to stretch out, relax and take in the view, enjoying a place that feels as if it’s worlds away from the chaos of the city.
