28 Best Beaches in California In 2023

California’s Pacific Coast boasts 840 miles of shoreline making it the perfect place for a road trip to enjoy its endless stretches of sand. While many people can name a few of its more famous beaches like Venice Beach, San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, or San Diego’s Coronado Beach, some of the best beaches in California are not really known and therefore less busy.

So, to introduce you to some places you may not know, here is a round-up of the best California Beaches that you already know and love, and some lesser-known gems around the state.

Best California Beaches

Beaches in California are nature’s unspoiled treasures and they offer great opportunities for solitude, wildlife watching, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. We’ve lived in California for a year, so we had enough time to discover not only the famous touristy places but some hidden gems, too. (This post was originally written by Csaba & Bea of Our Wanders and has been updated by The Planet D team for 2023.)

1. Venice Beach – Los Angeles

Venice Beach is located in Los Angeles County and is one of those places that is known more for its bohemian feel than for the beach itself.

Most people who visit Venice Beach stroll along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, taking in the street performers, watching the bodybuilders lift weights, and witnessing the many artists plying their trade along this famous stretch.

Venice Beach itself is gorgeous so it is no wonder it is a favorite among the locals in the area. A few of the things that make it one of our favorite California beaches are the cool little shops, great cafes, and some of the hippest coffee places in L.A.

2. Manhattan Beach – Los Angeles

There is a reason that Manhattan Beach is one of the most expensive places to live in Los Angeles. Situated perfectly on the Pacific Ocean, the wide sandy beach is soft and dotted with beautiful houses, upscale restaurants, trendy boutiques, and some very expensive hotels.

Weekends bring out crowds of people including some pretty good beach volleyball players. Manhattan Beach seems like an odd name for a beach in California, but it was named after real estate developer Stewart Merrill who was from Manhattan New York.

It’s fitting that it’s named after a developer because the real estate along Manhattan Beach is impressive with home selling for up to $36 million dollars

Being located so close to downtown LA it is a great add-on to your day of visiting Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, or…