California beaches stretch for nearly 900 miles from the Mexican border to the Pacific Ocean. This diverse landscape is home to cliff-side beaches, redwood forests, and mountain ranges, as well as Central Valley farmland and deserts. Famous locations include Los Angeles, the home of the entertainment industry, and San Francisco, with its cable cars and Golden Gate Bridge.
Whether you’re traveling alone or with the whole family, there’s a California beach that’s right for you. The beaches near San Francisco are filled with a variety of activities. The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz are a great way to spend a day on the sand. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming and playing in the surf.
Many California beaches are free to access and offer a variety of facilities and amenities for visitors. Many are family-friendly and offer picnic grounds and a wide expanse of beachfront. In addition, the Mediterranean-like climate of the state means water temperatures are consistently warm and comfortable even during the coldest months. Visitors are likely to experience mild winter and spring months, but summer days can be crowded.
In Southern California, you can enjoy surfing at a variety of beaches. Huntington Beach, for instance, has a 1,850-foot pier. You can grab a bite at the Ruby’s Diner at the end of the pier. Likewise, just north of La Jolla, you’ll find the Torrey Pines State Beach, which is popular for its bird watching.