13 Best Beaches in Southern California to Soak up the Sun

This beach, just south of Coronado Island, offers a more laid-back and family-friendly vibe compared to the more crowded Coronado Beach. It’s a favorite for camping, kite flying and calm-water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. The beach is known for its long, golden stretches of sand and tropical atmosphere. Plus, it’s one of the few beaches in Southern California where you can enjoy both ocean and bay views.

Don’t Miss: Once you’ve had your fill of the sun and sand, take a quick drive up to the heart of Coronado. Stroll along Orange Avenue to browse boutiques and grab a bite at one of the charming local cafés—many of which offer outdoor seating perfect for sunset views. If you’re feeling active, rent bikes and explore Coronado’s waterfront bike path. And don’t forget to snap a photo by the historic Hotel del Coronado.

Tucked beneath sheer cliffs near the Torrey Pines Gliderport, Black’s Beach is both secluded and striking. Famous for its nude beach section, it offers a sense of privacy that’s hard to find elsewhere. The hike down is steep and a bit challenging, but the reward is worth every step: a vast expanse of golden sand where you’ll have plenty of space to yourself. Surfers flock here for the challenging waves and the abandoned Mushroom House (a.k.a. Bell’s Pavilion) nearby adds a quirky touch to the experience. I love this beach because it feels like a little secret—peaceful, private and absolutely worth the trek.

Don’t Miss: Before or after your trip down to Black’s, head to downtown La Jolla for upscale dining, casual taco joints and coffee shops galore or spend the day exploring the Birch Aquarium.

If you’re looking for solitude and natural beauty, San Onofre State Beach seriously delivers. After paying a small entrance fee, you’ll make your way down rugged cliffs to a sprawling stretch of sand that seems to go on forever. This beach is serene and uncrowded, thanks in part to the fee keeping the crowds away. Camping is available and there are bathrooms and showers to make your stay comfortable. This is one of my all-time favorite beaches because it feels so untouched—I’ve often felt like I had the entire coastline to myself. And for those looking for a bit more adventure, the southern part of the beach also allows nude sunbathing.

Don’t Miss: Nearby San Clemente has a quaint downtown area with surf shops, restaurants and a laid-back Southern California vibe. The San Clemente Pier is also a great spot for a romantic sunset stroll or a casual dinner at one of the pier’s seafood joints.

As California’s first state beach, Doheny holds a special place in SoCal’s coastal history. Located in Dana Point, this beach is awesome for swimming, surfing and tide pooling. Onshore, you’ll find volleyball courts, picnic areas and even the San Juan Creek Trail for a scenic hike. The nearby Doho Café serves up frozen margaritas to enjoy with the salty breeze. Camping is available for those who want to stay close to the shore, but if you prefer luxury, there are resorts nearby with incredible ocean views.

Don’t Miss: After a day of fun in the sun, head over to Dana Point Harbor. You can book a whale-watching tour (especially amazing during migration season), or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the harbor’s calm waters. There are also numerous shops and restaurants in the harbor area, making it easy to turn your beach day into a full weekend getaway.

Don’t let the name scare you—it’s more like 200 steps, though you’ll definitely feel it when schlepping your beach gear back up! This hidden gem is beloved by locals for its dramatic cliffs, clear waters and golden sands. The views at the bottom are breathtaking, reminiscent of Hawaii’s rugged coastline. I’ve always thought this was the most beautiful beach in Southern California. You’ll often spot skimboarders, tide pools teeming with sea life and seals basking in the sun. While the waves can be a bit wild, it’s a stunning spot for both swimming and surfing. Just be prepared for chilly water and pack light for the trek back up—your thighs will thank you later!

Don’t Miss: Once you’ve made it back to the top, you must check out Laguna Beach’s art scene. Visit the local galleries or pop into the Laguna Art Museum for a dose of culture. And if you’re hungry, the downtown area is filled with chic cafés, bistros and gelato shops.

Crystal Cove beach features tide pools, hiking trails and the iconic Crystal Cove Historic District with restored 1930s-era beach cottages. You can even rent one of these vintage beach cottages for a unique overnight stay, but they tend to book up quickly—so plan ahead! This beach is a great spot for nature lovers who want to explore both land and sea. The underwater park is a favorite among snorkelers and scuba divers. And when you’re hungry, you can grab a bite at the Beachcomber Café, which sits right on the sand.

Don’t Miss: Once you’re done at the park, take a quick drive to Fashion Island in Newport Beach for upscale shopping, or hop over to Balboa Island for a frozen banana dipped in chocolate (a local favorite).

Rosie’s Dog Beach is a dream for dog lovers and their furry friends. It’s one of the few off-leash dog beaches in Southern California with plenty of room to run, splash and socialize. The ambiance is relaxed and friendly, with dog owners often gathering for casual chats as their pets play. Even if you don’t have a dog, it’s a super fun spot to visit. Bonus: it’s a great beach for sunset photos!

Don’t Miss: After playtime with the pups, explore the surrounding Belmont Shore neighborhood. Second Street is lined with an eclectic mix of restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques. You’re also close to the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific in downtown Long Beach.

Although I haven’t made it to Catalina yet, friends rave about Descanso Beach, saying it feels like a Mediterranean getaway without ever leaving SoCal. It’s accessible via a short ferry ride from Los Angeles and the private beach club offers cabanas, cocktails and a luxurious atmosphere.

Don’t Miss: DJs keep the night lively on summer Saturdays and the town of Avalon is just a short walk away. Whether you’re sipping champagne like an A-lister or exploring the yacht-lined harbor, Descanso Beach is a must. And the entry is just $2!

Venice Beach is as eclectic as it gets. The famous Ocean Front Walk buzzes with street performers, vendors and unique shops, while the skate park and Muscle Beach gym add to its iconic status. Rent a beach cruiser and pedal through the chaos, or grab an ice cream and soak in the energy.

Don’t Miss: Beyond the boardwalk, you’ll find Venice’s charming canals—a nod to its Italian namesake—that are lovely for a quiet stroll. Whether you’re here for people-watching or soaking up the sun, Venice Beach offers an experience unlike any other.

The first beach I ever visited in SoCal, Santa Monica holds a special place in my heart. Its three-mile stretch of sand is anchored by the historic pier, complete with a Ferris wheel, vintage carousel and arcade games. Beyond the amusements, you’ll find volleyball courts, a bike path and plenty of space for lounging.

Don’t Miss: For a quieter experience, head south toward the beach near Main Street—it’s less crowded and has easier parking. Santa Monica is the quintessential family-friendly beach with something for everyone and its nostalgic charm keeps me coming back time and time again.

This beach offers a bit of everything: tide pools, sea caves and plenty of space for beachcombing or lounging. It’s also dog-friendly, so your furry friend can join you for the day. Leo Carrillo is particularly popular among campers, with sites just a short walk from the sand.

Don’t Miss: Be sure to take advantage of the park’s network of hiking trails that wind through the Santa Monica Mountains and offer sweeping coastal views. You might even spot dolphins or migrating whales off the coast. Or drive a few miles up Pacific Coast Highway to check out Malibu’s surf shops and grab a bite at Neptune’s Net, an iconic seafood shack and biker stop that’s been featured in numerous films.

Stepping onto El Matador Beach feels like you’re entering a movie set. With its towering rock formations, dramatic sea arches and secluded coves, it’s one of the most photogenic beaches in Malibu. The descent down the stairs is a bit of a workout, but the views make it all worthwhile. I truly felt like Malibu Barbie here—it’s glamorous, picturesque and perfect for soaking in the Pacific Coast.

Don’t Miss: This spot is a favorite for photographers and anyone looking for a romantic, picturesque escape. It’s easy to see why some call this the most beautiful beach in Southern California.

Located along the northernmost edge of Southern California, Butterfly Beach in Santa Barbara is a beach-goers paradise. The calm waters make it a great spot for swimming, while the surrounding area offers kiteboarding, parasailing and hydrofoiling for thrill-seekers. This beach feels more tranquil, with fewer crowds and a sense of exclusivity. After a day by the water, explore Santa Barbara’s charming streets or enjoy the coastal views at sunset.

Don’t Miss: In the evening, you can savor local wines at one of the city’s many tasting rooms—Santa Barbara is at the heart of a burgeoning wine country scene.