12 best beaches in California

21.07.2023 - 07:39 / roughguides.com

Few regions of the world have been idealized and mythologized as much as California – yet it seldom fails to live up to the hype. Among the finest jewels in the state's crown are its magnificent beaches. There's no better place to soak up the near-endless sun than along the coast — whether you're there for surfing, nature or just pure relaxation. Here's our pick of the best beaches in California from north to south. If you’re looking for sun, sea, sand and scenery, read on.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to California , your essential guide for visiting California .

Best for: beach and redwoods

Seven miles south of Crescent City, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is worth visiting less for its redwood forests than its fantastic beach area and hiking trails, most of which are an easy two miles or so along the coastal ridge where the redwoods meet the sea. From May to July, wild rhododendrons and azaleas shoot up everywhere, laying a floral blanket across the park’s floor.

Del Norte is the least visited of the Redwood national and state parks – pure bliss for anyone looking to get off the beaten track, though the seas can be rough so if you're after the best beaches to swim in California, carry on.

California has more national parks than any other state. Don't miss our guide to the best national parks in California.

What else to do in the area: While you're in redwood country, stop to baulk at some of the tallest trees on Earth. Hike among them in neighbouring Jedediah Smith and Prairie Creek state parks.

Del Norte © Zack Frank/Shutterstock

Best for: surfing

The coast of Mendocino County, 150 miles north of San Francisco, is a dramatic extension of the Sonoma coastline – the headlands a bit sharper, the surf a bit rougher. Sea stacks form a dotted line off the coast and there’s an abundance of tide pools, making the area a prime spot for exploring the secrets of the ocean, either on foot or in diving gear.

This is one of the best beaches in California for surfing, and there are delightful sandy beaches to be found between Gualala and Albion, such as the largely deserted strand of Manchester Beach State Park.

What else to do in the area: March brings out droves of people to watch migrating whales. Or – if you're a keen birdwatcher – head north up the coast to take a ride on the historic "skunk train" along Pudding Creek Estuary to spot ospreys, blue herons and egrets.

Manchester Beach © pikappa51/Shutterstock

Best beach of The Peninsula

San Francisco sits at the tip of a five-mile-wide neck of land commonly referred to as The Peninsula, home to old money, new technology, and some excellent beaches. Mavericks Beach is among the most splendid and boasts the largest waves