10 California Beaches for Unsurpassed Fun

California Beaches hold a special place to me where growing up I can truly say spending a day on the beach provides an unsurpassed amount of fun.  As I get older it still is so much fun spending a day on the beach.  A typical day will start with a cool foggy morning walk on the sand with smell of salt in the air then, surfing, all with a full day of sunshine leading to gorgeous sunsets makes for the perfect day.

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Let me share with you my favorite 10 California Beaches, that are a must see for all travelers to California.  Each beach has their own special quality but what they all have in common are the amazing unsurpassed sunsets and surfing.  Make sure to pick up your Lonely Planet Guide for you next California trip.  You can also check Trip Advisor for some activities and hotels in each beach area.

10 California Beaches For Unsurpassed Fun! - 1AdventureTraveler

10 California Beaches For Unsurpassed Fun! - 1AdventureTraveler

10 California Beaches For Unsurpassed Fun! - 1AdventureTraveler

Morro Bay  – California Beaches

Visit this quaint Northern California seaside town of Morro Bay known for the famous Morro Rock.  Try one of the year-round activities; biking, hiking, golfing, kayaking and surfing.  The visitors guide is helpful to plan your day.  There are two separate Maps one for bikes and one is a visitors guide.  The seafood chowder is wonderful in this cooler climate town.  The water is a little chilly at times.

Santa Barbara – California Beaches

Stay in this upscale California Beachside town of Santa Barbara.  With its beautiful pier and seafood restaurants poised to catch the sunsets.  Make sure to take a view of the boats in the marina.  Try some upscale shopping, art galleries and quaint restaurants that lead to the pier.   Take a visit the missions nearby.  Spend a few days here and relax.

Venice Beach – California Beaches

Welcome to Venice Beach or “Muscle Beach” as I know it.  Enjoy this quirky beach town and walk the strand.  Yes, walk on the beach path next to bike riders, roller skaters or skate boards enjoying the sun swaying to the music.  Make sure you are walking on the correct side.  Nothing worse than running into another person head on.   Stop by and watch the weight lifters on the beach flexing their tanned tone muscles under the sun.  Eat like a local, and do some souvenir shopping.  Do not forget to get in some surfing while here.

Santa Monica – California Beaches

At the end of iconic Route 66 sits the Santa Monica Pier at this California Beach.  Take a ride on the Ferris wheel which twinkles at night.  Santa Monica is located next to Venice Beach, not far from the Los Angeles Airport.  Rent bikes and ride the strand which goes along the beach.  You can also find the fancy Santa Monica Place shopping center and Third Street Promenade.  If you’re looking for the legendary Beverly Hills just drive northeast.

Manhattan Beach – California Beaches

Travel towards Los Angeles and stop at Manhattan Beach.  Another beachside town with the strand path for bike riding or walking.  People watch the street performers or visit one of the fun and crazy restaurants/bars.  The “Comedy and Magic Club” in nearby Hermosa Beach is where Jay Leno sometimes frequents which is close by.  One of my favorite upscale Italian Restaurant is the “Bottle Inn”.  Make sure to make reservations.

Huntington Beach – California Beaches

Huntington Beach a Surfers Paradise with guys and gals catching a wave and enjoying the life. This is one of the famous Southern California Surfing Beaches.   No worries here while you enjoy the warmth of the sun.   Shop surf clothes then grab a bite of food or enjoy a refreshing beverage.  Take a walk along the pier, play volleyball, bicycle or rent a surf board.  I just love to soak in the sun and watch the surfers.  Growing up, this was my hangout in the summer.

Newport Beach – Balboa Island – California Beaches

Another surf town is Newport Beach, which has the hustle and bustle of people and a fun places to catch a wave.  You can also visit the famous Balboa Island for some quaint shops and cafes.  Also drive along Pacific Coast for stunning views of the beaches and ocean waves that takes you from one beach to the next.  Stay in one of the luxury hotels and have a sunset dinner.

Laguna Beach – California Beaches

Laguna Beach with its quaint town of shopping and restaurants right next to the beach makes it a favorite beach of mine.  I really do enjoy my favorite sushi restaurant here.

La Jolla – California Beaches

Travel north of San Diego where sits the beautiful La Jolla with its elegant shopping and cafes.  Take a meander down to the beach and watch the surfers.

San Diego – California Beaches

Welcome to home of the happiest people of California.  With lots of fun things to do in town plan your day.  Go across the bridge to Coronado Bay and rent a paddle board, go out on a yacht for a sunset cruise and so much more.  As a treat splurge on a night at the Hotel del Coronado to get pampered.

[Looking for a great tour in your favorite city try Viator.  They have provided some wonderful tours for me!]

10 California Beaches For Unsurpassed Fun! - 1AdventureTraveler

10 California Beaches For Unsurpassed Fun! - 1AdventureTraveler

Etcetera 

Hope you enjoy my 10 favorite California Beaches that I love to visit.  With so many fun things to do at the beach from surfing, to bicycling the beach to restaurants, bars and shopping.  There is something fun for everyone.

All I like to do is just a drive along the coast and see surfers enjoying the sparkling Pacific Ocean and smelling the salt air, Then I truly feel at home.

Life is short, go out and have an adventure!

⇢ Check out my guest post on the Raw Surf website.  There you will also find some great Surfing Adventure Packages for your next travel. 🌊


Have you traveled to a California Beach?  What was the best activity you did while in Cali?  Please leave me a comment below.


 

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