The best beaches in the world
The Golden State of California occupies a significant chunk of the West Coast of the US. All along this sun-drenched coastline, there are beaches in California that lure visitors from across the country. You don’t have to leave the continental United States to find beaches with sugary sand where you can watch dolphins swimming off the shore—simply plan a trip to California.
California beaches can be broken down into three geographic categories: those in Northern California, Central California, and Southern California. In the northern section, the beaches of the San Francisco Bay are popular options. In Central California, some of the best beaches are found in Big Sur, Pismo Beach, and Santa Cruz.
Southern California is full of beach options, and every local and visitor has their own personal favorite. Beaches here have become associated with a certain atmosphere and draw certain crowds. Some of the best known beaches in this part of the state include Laguna Beach, Malibu, Santa Barbara, and the beaches in San Diego.
California is also known for its water sports. All along the coastline you can spend a day snorkeling, sailing, or fishing, and there are many beaches specifically popular with surfers. Beyond the beaches, the top cities are known for nightlife, food, history, and culture. From the rolling hills of San Francisco to the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, there’s always something new to discover in California.
If you like a beach with a back story, you will love Glass Beach in Northern California. This beach got its name because of an incredible amount of smooth seaglass on the shores. The story goes further back however, to the early 20th century when residents of Fort Bragg dumped their garbage (including a good [...]
A trip to Northern California doesn’t have to be only about urban pleasures and wine tastings. There are also beaches in Northern California where depending on the season, you can work on that tan during the same trip as you are exploring the streets of San Francisco. One of the most popular beaches for this [...]
The Huntington Beach hotels figure among the most popular hotels in all of Southern California. This has a lot to do with their prime locations along the Orange County coast. Eight and a half miles of uninterrupted beaches await in Huntington Beach, and beach hotel guests don’t have to go far to find shops and [...]
One of the most popular destinations along the coast of Central California is Big Sur. Travelers come here for stunning views, granted by the Santa Lucia Mountains that rise majestically from the Pacific Ocean. Big Sur is known for its incredible outdoor activities including hiking and mountain climbing. Beyond the natural beauty of the mountains, [...]
There are numerous reasons why the Pismo Beach hotels can make excellent California vacation bases. Their proximity to a long, white-sand beach is one reason, and anglers can fill hours on end fishing off the town’s pier. Teeing it up at a nearby golf course and visiting the area wineries are just two other options [...]
The beaches in San Diego County are numerous, and there are several beach hotels to select from as well. This helps to make San Diego an excellent destination for beach vacations. The region’s fantastic weather is only icing on the cake, and there are plenty of great area attractions to take in on the side [...]
People have been escaping to Laguna Beach California for more than 100 years now. Visitors come mostly to indulge in some quality beach time, and numerous lodging establishments have sprung up to meet their accommodation needs. Upscale resorts, inviting inns, well-priced chain brand hotels, and pocketbook-friendly motels are all available in this artsy beach community, [...]
Without a doubt, one of the biggest attractions in Central California is the Santa Cruz Boardwalk Beach. Here visitors arrive for plenty of sunshine and plenty of entertainment too. Not only is this a beautiful place to work on your tan, but it also has historical significance. The oceanfront amusement park here is California’s oldest [...]
A stay at one of the Newport Beach hotels is something that many Orange County visitors have in mind, and there are several reasons why. The location near a fantastic strip of sand is just one reason, as is the fact that there is plenty to do on the side when a break from the [...]
No trip to San Diego would be complete without getting out of the city and soaking up some of the beach culture. One of the best places to experience this vibe is Pacific Beach San Diego. Known for its three mile boardwalk and fun beach bars, this beach is just as entertaining as it is [...]