The Most Beautiful Southern California Beaches
Whether you are looking for adventure on the waves, romantic sunsets on the beach or the best spot for watching people, Southern California beaches have it all. Year round, locals and visitors from around the world enjoy beautiful beaches. With so many choices, here are the top 5 to consider when not hanging out with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland.
Venice
Artists, outdoor bodybuilders, roller skaters, belly-dancers, palm readers, chain-saw jugglers….and the list goes on - this is what makes Venice Beach so popular and a year round tourist magnet. Known for having an entertaining and lively boardwalk scene and attracting the eccentric characters, it is more about the people than the surf and sand. The beach is bordered on by a 2 mile walkway that serves pedestrians, bicyclists and skaters and skate boarders.
Malibu
The beaches of Malibu are not only popular for its waves and silky white sand, but also for being home to many famous people. Known as “Hollywood Beach,” it has also been the background for such shows as Gidget and various Elvis beach movies of the 50’s and 60’s. Whether body surfing, sunbathing, people watching or whale watching (December to March,) Malibu is the perfect family beach.
Huntington Beach
Whether you are enjoying an evening stroll on the world famous Pier or a walk along the10 miles of uninterrupted coastline, Huntington Beach has rightfully earned the title Surf City USA. It is as authentic in surf lifestyle as it gets while offering the best of Southern California culture. Known for its great surfing scene, miles of bike paths, skating trails, volleyball by the Pier, body-boarding and great people watching, Huntington Beach has it all. Add to the list snack shops, restaurants and facilities, this beach is not only conducive to the surfers, but also for families with young children.
Laguna Beach
Located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach is southern California's premier coastal destination. Explore the city’s seven miles of picturesque Pacific Coastline where you will find 20 pristine, sandy beaches and coves. Surfing, skimboarding and paddle-boarding are just a few of the popular water activities you will find here. Whether you rent a kayak and paddle out to Seal Rock, take a wildlife and beach tour, or hop on a catamaran to see whales and dolphins, there is something for everyone. For art lovers, the city is home to more than 100 art galleries, artists’ studios and eclectic boutiques offering everything from one of a kind piece of jewelry to home furnishings. With unique and unusual merchandise, the walkable village community makes shopping and dining a fun and hip experience.
La Jolla
No surfboards or boogie boards allowed here, but who needs it when La Jolla Cove is the most desired area for swimming, snorkeling and diving; it is ecologically protected, making it a safe home for the bright orange Garibaldi fish in the crescent-shaped cove. Called “the jewel” of San Diego, this beach is small, but you’ll find more room to stretch out on the mile-long La Jolla Shores just next door.
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