These 21 charming beach towns in California stand out from the crowd.
The criteria for being mentioned: Golden sand, gorgeous sunsets, and a population of less than 100.000.
Let’s start right with:
21. Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach, located in San Luis Obispo County, is popularly known as the clam capital of the world.
This town is also known for its perfect weather, alluring wineries, long white beaches, and delicious seafood.
The next town on our list is about 165 miles south of Pismo Beach.
20. Pacific Palisades
Located in LA County, Pacific Palisades is known for its seclusion. Also its beautiful hiking trails and parkland, long beaches, and great architecture are well-known.
Located in the hills with nature all around, it’s not surprising that a lot of celebrities choose this town for their homes.
Let’s travel about 335 miles north:
19. Capitola
The vibrant town of Capitola is located in Santa Cruz County on the coast of Monterey Bay.
It is known for being the oldest beach resort town on the entire West Coast, has beautiful piers, rainbow-colored houses, and lots of local restaurants and boutiques.
18. Monterey
Less than 40 miles south of Capitola, Monterey has some of the state’s oldest historic sites. There is California’s first public library, the first newspaper, the first publicly funded school, the first public building, and so on.
Additionally, the aquarium in Monterey is renowned globally, and the wildlife of Monterey Bay is truly remarkable.
17. Encinitas
Encinitas, located in San Diego County, is over 400 miles south of Monterey and marks the beginning of a series of towns in Southern California.
The relaxed allure of Encinitas, paired with its stunning coastal views and timeless architecture, is sure to captivate your heart.
Add the charming sidewalk cafes, specialty retail stores and exceptional surfing conditions and you’ll want to stay forever.
16. Solana Beach
Beautiful Solana Beach is just three and a half miles south and also in San Diego County.
It is known for its shopping, with some unique stores, lovely boutiques and art galleries. Solana Beach also has sunshine almost daily and in winter, it’s just a few degrees colder than in summer.
Let’s go a little bit north again: Number 15 is located in Orange County, about 45 miles away:
15. Dana Point
Called the ‘Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World’, Dana Point is an awesome beach community.
Dana Point, with its pristine beaches, delectable eateries, evening wine cruises, and ideal surf conditions, is a destination that never disappoints.
Number 14 is another 60 miles north:
14. Manhattan Beach
The ‘pearl of LA’s South Bay’’s beach front real estate is just impressing. Additionally, Manhattan Beach Pier with its aquarium at the end is one of the most beautiful piers on the Santa Monica Bay.
Also a reason why Manhattan Beach is one of the top beach towns in the state: The excellent restaurants, the wide beach, and the year-round temperate weather.
13. Santa Monica
Only 12 miles north, Santa Monica is known for its many bars, restaurants, parks, and beaches.
Despite its beach town vibe, Santa Monica is quite bustling. Especially the famous Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street Promenade is a hot spot for tourists.
So if you like the buzz, this town is perfect for you.
Our next town is located in Orange County, over 50 miles south of Santa Monica.
12. Newport Beach
Especially the Balboa Peninsula with its gorgeous waterfront spots makes Newport Beach a perfect destination.
Its old-fashioned charm and laid-back atmosphere makes you want to stay forever, and the beach on the peninsula is considered as one of the best urban beaches in the entire US.
11. Venice
Just about 50 miles north, back in LA County: Venice with its busy boardwalk.
Strolling through Venice unveils a tapestry of murals, meandering canals, and a vibrant boardwalk featuring Muscle Beach and the skatepark.
Moreover, Abbott Kinney Boulevard brims with dining options, shopping opportunities, and activities.
Number 10 takes us another 80 miles north.
10. Carpinteria
At the southern end of Santa Barbara County, Carpinteria offers multiple beaches and a harbor seal preserve, where baby seals are easy to spot.
Carpinteria Beach is embraced as “World’s Safest Beach” by the city.
Carpinteria, while being a very small town, also offers a considerable collection of restaurants and hiking trails.
9. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz takes us to number 9 after a 270 mile road trip north.
This university-centric locale boasts a plethora of attractions. Amidst its myriad of beaches and a boardwalk graced by an amusement park, it stands as a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
The Monarch Butterfly Preserve and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary provide ample opportunities for discovery and exploration.
The next spot on our list is just 46 miles south of Santa Cruz:
8. Carmel-by-the-sea
This charming town in Monterey County is celebrated for its pristine white sand beaches, the charming village ambiance, and its historic Spanish Mission.
Carmel’s streets are tree-shaded, the houses look like storybook cottages, and it has a rich artistic history.
7. San Clemente
Almost 400 miles south, the southernmost city of Orange County is a scenic town rich in history and cultural heritage.
Its Spanish colonial-style architecture is gorgeous, and the mild climate year-round combined with the breathtaking mountain and ocean views will make you fall in love with this place.
Number 6 is another 50 miles south.
6. La Jolla
This beautiful town is known as San Diego’s Jewel by the Sea for a reason.
Downtown La Jolla is replete with chic boutiques, exquisite jewelry shops, and upscale dining establishments.
The main reason of this towns popularity is its beach though: La Jolla Cove is well-known for its white sand, the waves that are perfect for surfers, and its sea lions and seals.
5. Malibu
Malibu in LA County is about 140 miles north of La Jolla.
Being part of the 156.000-acre Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Malibu is perfect for hiking.
With its mediterranean climate and the 21 miles of coastline with some of California’s best beaches, for example El Matador Beach, which is one of the best beaches to visit in the US, Malibu is always worth visiting.
Number 4, about 80 miles south of Malibu:
4. Laguna Beach
Thanks to over 30 beaches and coves, the gorgeous Laguna Beach is the perfect place for upscale seaside fun.
Being known for its bohemian chic, the beautiful beaches, and lots of art galleries, this town also offers a fantastic network of trails that are perfect for running, hiking, and biking.
3. Santa Barbara
We’ve reached the top 3, which starts with the fascinating Santa Barbara, a little less than 150 miles north.
By the way, a lot of the towns in this video are also mentioned in this post about the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. Be sure to check it out!
Santa Barbara is located between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This makes it perfect for beach lovers as well as people who like hiking.
The scenic Channel Islands are just a short boat ride away, and the Mediterranean climate is gorgeous.
Also the architecture with its red-tile roofs and stark white walls is exceptional and gives the city its Spanish vibe.
Number 2 is over 220 miles south, almost at the Mexican border.
2. Coronado
With its stunning beaches, beautiful Coronado Island offers plenty activities in the sun.
It also boasts impressive views of the Coronado Bridge and the San Diego skyline.
The perfect Mediterranean climate, the stunning sunsets, and the bars and restaurants make this town a dream destination.
Our top spot is about 95 miles north to Newport Beach and another hour per boat.
1. Avalon
Avalon is located on Catalina Island. The special thing about Catalina is its crystal clear water and one-of-a-kind white sand.
There are endless locally owned shops and restaurants.
Experiencing the breathtaking views from the Hermit Gulch Trail Loop, or visiting the Botanical Gardens, Catalina Island with Avalon is definitely worth a day trip.
If you enjoyed reading this list, you’ll love watching it in video-format:
