12 Must-Visit California Beach Towns for Your Bucket List

Are you ready to discover some of the most unusual and spectacular beaches that California has to offer? The towns on this list offer a range of experiences, including sandy beaches for swimming, rocky beaches for photographing, city beaches for crowds, and quiet beaches for solitude. Take your pick. You can’t go wrong!

This article is part of my Wander Like a Local series, where guest writers reveal the best-kept secrets, must-see spots, and unique experiences that only locals know. Discover hidden gems and authentic tips from those who call it home.

Hillside homes in Sausalito, California.Photo byRobert So via Pexels.

1. Alameda in Alameda County

Alameda, the charming island city across the Bay from San Francisco, offers stunning views, excellent weather, and a friendly community. This beach town offers endless activities, from water sports at Crown Beach to wine tasting on Spirit Alley, making it one of California's best places to live according to Niche.

Bixby Bridge on the Big Sur coast of California.Photo byCarrie Zinn Green.

2. Big Sur in Monterey County

Big Sur in Monterey County is a breathtaking stretch of California’s Central Coast. It features dramatic cliffs along the Pacific and the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains. Accessible by the iconic, winding Highway 1, Big Sur is perfect for hiking, stunning photo ops, and surfing at Sand Dollar Beach, making it a must-visit destination.

3. Carmel By The Sea in Monterey County

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque village 120 miles south of San Francisco. It's my top pick for the best small beach town in California. With its soft sand, pristine beaches, and charming fairytale cottages, Carmel offers everything from beach activities to excellent dining and shopping, making it a perfect getaway for the whole family.

Hotel del Coronado near San Diego.Photo byPixabay.

4. Coronado in San Diego County

This quaint island, just six miles from San Diego, embodies the perfect Southern California beach town with its wide, soft-sand beaches and charming, walkable streets. Famous for the iconic Hotel Del Coronado and popular among surfers and sunbathers, Coronado offers a low-key vibe, great weather, and a range of activities, from water sports to exploring local parks and shops.

5. Fort Funston in San Francisco County

Fort Funston is a hidden gem in San Francisco. It offers dramatic cliffs, incredible ocean views, and a serene beach just south of Ocean Beach. Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, this dog-friendly park features walking trails, hang gliders soaring along the coast, and a stunning hike down to a quiet beach perfect for walking, relaxing, and even horseback riding.

The Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean in Jenner, California.Photo byDepositphotos.

6. Jenner By The Sea in Sonoma County

Jenner By The Sea is a magical small town in Sonoma County. It boasts stunning natural beauty where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. Known for its rocky coastline, green farmlands, and lounging seals, Jenner offers epic and windy days perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring its picturesque beaches.

7. Laguna Beach in Orange County

Laguna Beach is a quintessential California beach town in Orange County. It is renowned for its artsy vibe, beautiful coves, and laid-back atmosphere. Just 50 miles south of Los Angeles, Laguna offers everything from long beach walks and tide pools to art galleries and delicious food, making it the perfect flip-flop destination for endless summer fun.

A sea stack in Malibu, California.Photo byYayImages.

8. Malibu in Los Angeles County

Stretching 30 miles along the northwest coast of Los Angeles, Malibu is famed for its celebrity homes and stunning coastline. Beyond the glitz, Malibu offers a relaxing beach town vibe with highlights like Zuma Beach, hiking in the hills, shopping at Cross Creek, and dining at Malibu Farm on the pier. It's the perfect escape from busy L.A., where sun, waves, and a glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous await.

9. Point Reyes Station in Sonoma County

This coastal city is located about 60 miles north of San Francisco. Point Reyes Station offers breathtaking views and a charming small-town vibe. Nestled next to a National Seashore, it boasts historic lighthouses, artisan shops, and stunning hikes, making it perfect for whale watching, spotting elephant seals, and enjoying diverse marine birdlife. Don't miss this protected marine sanctuary's scenic trails and picturesque beaches.

Lighthouse in Santa Cruz, California.Photo byAnand Dandekar via Pexels.

10. Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz County

Located about 75 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz combines the lively beach culture of Santa Monica with a smaller-town feel. Known for its iconic boardwalk amusement park, Santa Cruz is a mecca for surfers and beachcombers, offering a vibrant yet laid-back bohemian vibe that attracts visitors from all over Northern California. From surfing and beach fun to exploring the Surfing Museum and Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, there's something for everyone.

11. Sausalito in Marin County

Just over the Golden Gate Bridge, north of San Francisco, Sausalito is a picturesque coastal town with stunning views of the Bay and the iconic bridge. Known for its upscale vibe, artistic atmosphere, boutique shops, and historic houseboat community, Sausalito offers a perfect day trip with waterfront beaches, seafood restaurants, and charming promenades. Take a ferry from San Francisco to experience this delightful beach town.

A canal in the Venice Beach neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.Photo byCarrie Zinn Green.

12. Venice in Los Angeles County

Venice Beach in Los Angeles, just south of Santa Monica, is renowned for its bohemian atmosphere and lively boardwalk filled with street performers, skateboarders, and the infamous Muscle Beach gym. This vibrant neighborhood offers a unique mix of eclectic boutiques, high-end restaurants on Kinney Boulevard, and luxury homes along picturesque canals. Visit Venice Beach for an energetic slice of California lifestyle, from the bustling beachfront to the serene canal neighborhoods.

Stretching along the Pacific coast, these California beach towns offer stunning views, diverse terrain, and vibrant cultures. From the artsy vibe of Laguna Beach to the charm of Carmel and the wild beauty of Big Sur, each town promises adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. So pick the one calling your name, pack your bags, and enjoy your perfect beach getaway.

Read the full article at Everyday Wanderer where you will find additional recommendations of what to see and do in each of these California beach towns.