The best beaches in the world
California beach vacations are perfect for travelers looking to enjoy a sunny beach experience while at the same time having access to the amenities and attractions of the Golden State. There are urban beaches with major party scenes and wide swaths of golden sand, and there are also miles of pristine secluded beaches where you can enjoy the sand and sun without crowds of tourists.
The southern part of the state offers the most well-known ideal of California beach vacations, with sunny weather and golden beaches. In Orange County, Huntington and Newport Beaches offer wide stretches of sand that get quite crowded in the summer, as well as ample dining and shopping opportunities. You can often rent a little beach cottage if you'd like to stay right near the sand and sun. Laguna Beach offers a pretty waterfront as well as an active artists' community. A little further north, you can enjoy the beaches of LA on the promenade at Long Beach, where you can get a view of the Queen Mary, Santa Monica State Beach and its famous pier, as well as the bizarre musclemen and beach-goers at Venice Beach.
While Southern California beach vacations arguably comprise California beaches' claim to fame, the beaches on the Central Coast of California offer their own attractions. Pismo Beach is the only beach in the state on which you can drive a vehicle, and come summertime you'll see tons of cars parked on the beach while vacations light up a bonfire and barbecue on the beach. Shell Beach and Avila Beach both offer soft golden sand and thriving beach communities. Meanwhile, the distinctive rock at Morro Bay juts out of the ocean, providing a landmark to visitors who come to surf, boat, and walk along the pleasant waterfront.
Northern California beaches, such as Fort Bragg Beach and the Crescent City beaches, are completely different, up near the redwood forests and the Oregon border. They tend to offer a wilderness experience and gorgeous scenic views of the rugged Northern California coastline. California beach vacations in the north often include birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking in addition to trekking along the coastline.
San Diego vacations are one of the best ways to soak up the sunshine of California. Beyond the famous zoo, historic Gaslamp Quarter, and excellent cuisine, there are also gorgeous beaches were you can work on that golden tan. It would be impossible to avoid the beach during a trip to San Diego, as worshipping [...]