This gorgeous, mile-long, sandy beach is perhaps the most recognised in San Francisco, with its incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge. With picnic tables, grills, and restrooms available, this picturesque beach is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon while enjoying a visit to San Francisco.

This striking beach, enroute from San Francisco to Monterey, is a favourite with visitors looking to surf, fish and perhaps to enjoy a night or two of camping out under the starts while on a motorhome journey down California’s shimmering coastline. Offering a broad expanse of beach, over four miles long, visitors can enjoy a peaceful and calm atmosphere at Half Moon Bay.

Carmel Beach is known for its beautiful fine, white-powder sand, where visitors can enjoy an evening watching the sun set around a cosy beach fire (following the local state’s fire rules). Carmel Bay’s lagoon also features a bird sanctuary, home to a wide variety of waterfowl and songbirds. 

Situated halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Pismo Beach is one of the best beaches in California, boasting fabulous long white sands which you can enjoy strolling along barefoot, while taking in the breathtaking views of the turquoise ocean. For more active travellers, get stuck into a range of excursions at Pismo Beach including horse riding, dune riding on four-wheel ATVs, and golf on courses featuring magnificent oceanfront views.

Easily the most popular beach in Santa Barbara, East Beach boasts a large expanse of sandy shores, bordered by a pleasant, grassy lawn, with proximity to all the main attractions of the city including Santa Barbara Zoo and Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Centre. For those wanting to try their hand at beach volleyball, the beach has a number of courts available, and bike hire is available from a number of beach-side rental centres.

Huntington Beach is one of the best beaches in California, and is known for its status as ‘Surf City USA’, making it a great spot to watch professional surfers. It’s also home to the world-famous Huntington Beach Pier, and a perfect location for a dip in the cool waters of the Pacific, before enjoying a sunbathe under the warm Californian sun.

This well-maintained beach boasts a sandy cove, tide pools, and easy walking paths. While visiting Treasure Island Beach, keep your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins!

Featuring on many a travel bucket list, a visit to the Big Sur and Pfieffer Beach is a must while taking a road trip down the spectacular coastal Highway 1. Here, you will find an incredible rock arch, known as Keyhole Arch, and unique purple sand.

No visit to Los Angeles is complete without stopping by the iconic Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach. The 3.5-mile Santa Monica Beach features soft, sandy shores and the amazing Santa Monica Pier, which features an amusement park, aquarium, Ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants, and more!

Coronado Beach is located just across the bay from San Diego, on Coronado Island, making it a calm and peaceful escape from the buzz of the city. Enjoy a kayak or boat ride so you can take in the stunning views of the island from the glistening waters. Beside the beachfront, you can find the opulent Hotel del Coronado, the setting for Marilyn Monroe’s iconic movie, ‘Some Like it Hot’.