9 Best Beaches In California In 2025

California is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. With over 840 miles of stunning coastline, the Golden State offers a beach for every kind of traveler — from surfers chasing the perfect wave to families looking for a peaceful retreat. Below is a list of the 9 best beaches in California, each with its own unique charm, scenic beauty, and unforgettable experiences.

1. Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach is the epitome of Southern California’s coastal charm. Stretching for 3.5 miles along the Pacific Ocean, it offers soft sand, palm-lined paths, and endless sunshine. The highlight is the iconic Santa Monica Pier, home to Pacific Park, restaurants, arcades, and street performers. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail offers cyclists and skaters stunning ocean views, while nearby Muscle Beach provides a taste of L.A.’s fitness culture. This beach is ideal for families, tourists, and locals looking to enjoy shopping, sunbathing, and waterfront dining. With its combination of relaxation and entertainment, Santa Monica is a must-visit California beach.

2. El Matador State Beach

El Matador State Beach, located along the Malibu coast, is a secluded paradise famous for its sea stacks, caves, and breathtaking rock formations. Reached via a steep staircase down a bluff, the beach feels like a hidden world. Photographers and couples flock here for its dramatic sunsets and romantic ambiance. Low tide reveals tide pools and arches to explore, while waves crash dramatically against the jagged cliffs. There are no food vendors or major facilities, adding to its raw, natural feel. El Matador is ideal for those seeking intimacy and wonder, offering one of California’s most photogenic beach experiences.

3. Pfeiffer Beach

Tucked away along the rugged Big Sur coastline, Pfeiffer Beach is a hidden treasure known for its surreal landscape. Its unique purple sand, created by manganese garnet deposits, makes it unlike any other beach in California. The centerpiece is the famous Keyhole Rock, a natural sea arch that glows at sunset when light beams pass through its opening. The drive down a narrow road adds to its off-the-beaten-path allure. It’s a must-see destination for those who appreciate raw, untouched coastal beauty.

4. Baker Beach

Baker Beach sits at the edge of San Francisco’s Presidio and offers a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge, making it one of the city’s most iconic beach destinations. The beach features dramatic cliffs, soft sand, and crashing waves, with plenty of space for walking, picnicking, and photography. On clear days, you can see the Marin Headlands and the vast Pacific Ocean stretch into the horizon. While the water is too cold and rough for swimming, the views and atmosphere are unbeatable. Baker Beach captures San Francisco’s natural beauty and historical significance in one unforgettable location.

5. Malibu’s Zuma Beach

Zuma Beach in Malibu is one of Los Angeles County’s largest and cleanest beaches, stretching over 1.8 miles. It’s a favorite for surfers due to its reliable waves, especially during the summer. The wide, sandy shore offers plenty of space for volleyball, sunbathing, or a leisurely walk along the surf. Lifeguards are present year-round, and amenities like food stands, restrooms, and showers make it convenient for day trips. Zuma is also a great spot for whale watching in the winter months. Free from the crowds of other Malibu beaches, it’s the perfect mix of natural beauty and active recreation.

6. Moonstone Beach

Moonstone Beach, located in Cambria along California’s Central Coast, is known for its peaceful ambiance and scenic boardwalk. The beach gets its name from the polished moonstones and agates that wash ashore, making it a favorite for beachcombers. The wooden boardwalk stretches for nearly a mile, offering sweeping views of the Pacific and a great chance to spot sea otters, seals, and even whales during migration season. The surrounding area features cozy inns and local eateries that enhance the relaxing vibe. Moonstone Beach is the perfect place for a serene, coastal getaway filled with natural beauty and coastal charm.

7. Pismo Beach

Located along California’s scenic Central Coast, Pismo Beach is a charming seaside town that offers the perfect mix of surf, sand, and small-town hospitality. Its wide beach is ideal for sunbathing, surfing, and even horseback riding along the shoreline. Pismo is also one of the few beaches in California where ATV riding is allowed on the sand dunes at nearby Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. The Pismo Pier is a great spot for fishing or catching sunset views, and the town itself is full of casual seafood eateries and wine-tasting rooms. Pismo Beach is classic California, unpretentious and full of adventure.

8. Capitola Beach

Capitola Beach, near Santa Cruz, is a picturesque coastal village that’s both colorful and full of charm. The beach is framed by the vibrant houses of the Capitola Venetian Hotel, giving the area a Mediterranean feel. A small wharf extends into the bay for fishing and sightseeing, and the gentle waves make the beach ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or just wading in the shallows. Capitola Village offers cozy cafés, art galleries, and boutique shopping just steps from the sand. It’s a family-friendly destination with a laid-back vibe and some of the most charming coastal views in Northern California.

9. Venice Beach

Venice Beach is a vibrant, eccentric coastal hub that captures the spirit of Los Angeles like nowhere else. The Venice Boardwalk teems with street performers, artists, vendors, and skaters, creating a dynamic and ever-changing atmosphere. Behind the beach, the Venice Canals offer a quieter, picturesque escape. Despite its energy, the sandy shoreline provides plenty of space to relax and swim.

Conclusion

California’s coastline is more than just a collection of pretty shores—it’s a mosaic of natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and soulful experiences. Whether you're chasing waves, soaking in sunsets, or exploring sea caves, the Golden State’s beaches offer something unforgettable for every traveler.