The California coastline is world famous for its stunning and beautiful beaches. There are numerous gorgeous central coast beaches to explore. Any beach lover should not miss these amazing California attractions. Whether you are looking for a classic one or the hidden gem, you’ll get everything in the Central Coast. All these beaches are favourite vacation spots among many families. There is always endless opportunities for beach lovers.
In summer months, the beaches become hub spots for sunbathing, or to take a break from the daily hectic schedule. Moreover, the beach towns offer another charm. The towns are filled with vibrant culture. The beaches are stretched between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. So, you can’t deceive yourself from experiencing some of the most beautiful coastline in the world. Here are 17 most beautiful Central California beaches that you must visit at least once in your lifetime.
1. Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach has recently developed the pier and its surrounding area to make this heavenly destination a much more alluring spot among the tourists. Strolling in the open fresh air will definitely reduce all the stress level to any visitor. The beach is located 13 miles south of Downtown SLO, off of Highway 101.
Pismo Beach is considered one of the most popular vacation destinations in the state. Definitely spend few days with your family in this lovely location. Taste the award-winning clam chowder. Your kids will love the Whale Surfing playground. This hotspot beach is great for surfing and fishing. Head to Sheldon’s Bait Shack sells to get everything necessary for fishing.
The panoramic views, amazing outdoor activities, make this beach a popular getaway destination among the locals and tourists. There is always plenty of spaces to soak up yourself upon the sands. If you are willing to enjoy driving on the sands, head to nearby Pismo State Beach.
2. Bonny Doon Beach
Bonny Doon Beach is one of the most popular Central California beaches among both locals and tourists. The extreme natural beauty of this fine sandy cove can easily be anyone’s a perfect getaway destination.
The beach is a part of Coast Dairies State Park and is located off the Cabrillo Highway in Santa Cruz County. Entry to this state park is free for public. If you love to explore and enjoy nature with less crowd, head to the more secluded north part of the beach.
Beach amenities are very limited here. Swimming is also not recommended due to strong currents. And obviously, no lifeguards are seen patrolling the beach. But for enjoying a nice picnic with your family and enjoying the rocky area, this beach is just second to none. Moreover, visitors get stunning views of the sunset from this golden sandy beach.
The parking area is open from 8 AM till sunset. Try to reach there early as the parking area is also small.
3. Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is a must-to-visit spot when you are in Big Sur. Try to reach to the place early as the small parking area fills up fast. In summer time, only the lucky visitors get the parking space. From Highway One, visitors need to turn for Sycamore Canyon Road. Be little patient while driving, the road is long and unpaved.
The one mile long beach is home to many wild and colorful flowers. Specially during summer, you will feel like it’s a beach garden. To click lots of Instagram-worthy photos, turn to the Keyhole Arch. If you are too lucky, you might catch purple sand.
Swimming is not safe here due to the presence of underwater rocks. Facilities are limited, and include picnic tables.
4. Moonstone Beach
Cambria’s one of the best known attractions is the sparkling Moonstone Beach. The name suits perfectly with the beach. Due to the presence of smooth stones, the beach shore sparkle when the light is right.
Most of the visitors gather at the spot to get the incredible sunset views. The entire day is perfect for exploring lots of beach activities. But no visitor should miss the sunset views. The best views of the Pacific Ocean can be seen from the one mile long boardwalk. Moonstone Beach is one of the Central California beaches where dogs are allowed.
You will encounter many families and couples are enjoying their beach vacation gleefully. There are pebbles spreading across the shoreline. Pebble collecting is going to be a fun game among your kids. Visitors may also head down to explore tide pools.
Also Read: 8 Best White Sand Beaches You Must Visit in Texas.
5. Oceano Dunes
Oceano Dunes is a great recreational spot for the beach goers. To enjoy all types of adventurous beach activities, all age group of people make this beach their one of the favourite destinations. The Dunes is just 20 minutes south of San Luis Obispo.
Swimming is one of the best things visitors can enjoy here. Plus. Surfing and riding ATVs are other popular fun activities. The unique beach offers some of the unique views that is unlike anywhere else in the state.
Fishing and camping are also popular and many tourists come to experience these two things specially in Oceano Dunes. Local wildlife watching opportunity is huge here.
This Central California beach is one of the best beaches in San Luis Obispo County. So, don’t miss this gorgeous beach destination when you are in San Luis Obispo County. Must enjoy driving on the shoreline.
Also Read: 10 Best Florida Beaches You Must Visit With Your Family.
6. Carmel Beach
Carmel Beach is best known for its turquoise water, powdery white sands and the panoramic views. No beach exploration is complete without visualizing the breathtaking views of Carmel Beach. It is a gem. Strongly recommended to spend at least two days in this dreamland beach destination.
Popular water activities are paddle boarding, surfing and of course swimming in the crystal clear water. Sunbathing is one of the best things each visitor enjoys. You just need to lie down upon this powder like beach after applying lots of sunscreen on your entire body. And you are good to go to get into a complete zone of deep relaxation. Your kids will love to build their white sand castles.
To get some amazing green views, turn your head to Pebble Beach golf course. The spot is known for offering California’s one of the best green views. And if you are a golfing person, you can’t skip the spot.
Willing to experience tide pools? Plan your visit to this beach during low tide and get extra addons with colourful marine creatures in the pools.
Also Read: 9 Best East Coast Florida Beaches That Are Perfect For Your Next Gateway Destination.
7. McWay Beach
Located in the Julia Burns State Park, McWay Beach is unlike other traditional beaches. It is a very popular spot, reaching to the place is also fairly easy. Visitors are not allowed to get personalize with this beach. You can only get the amazing beach views from the view point on the top of ocean bluffs.
The main attraction of the beach is McWay Falls, a gorgeous waterfall plunging from 80 feet and falling into the Pacific Ocean. Must carry your camera and take amazing photos from the view point. The surrounding views are just jaw-dropping as McWay Beach is one of the most beautiful Central California beaches.
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8. Santa Cruz Main Beach
Santa Cruz Main Beach is one of the best Central California beaches for offering numerous recreational opportunities. All types of beach activities, for all age groups are always available here. the beach is a famous year-round destination. It is also one of the most crowded beaches and during your visit, you will encounter families, couples, friend groups, elderly people and many other types of visitors are having great fun in this premier getaway destination.
This fine beach is also known as Boardwalk Beach as it’s located in front of the boardwalk amusement park. The engaging beach activities are swimming, surfing and fishing. Beach facilities are also satisfactory. Visitors get clean toilets, nice restrooms, amazing restaurants and cafes inside the beach area. Lifeguard services are available.
Want to get more? Have a fun ride on the historic Big Dipper rollercoaster. There are also a mini golf and a swimming pool available for the visitors. However, parking can be little difficult to find and it is pricy.
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9. Capitola Beach
You can’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the top ten beaches on the US West Coast. Capitola Beach is located at the northern end of Monterey Bay. Capitola Beach is also known for its popular pier. The best time to visit this beach is during summer when lifeguards are on duty.
You will be good to know that Capitola Beach is a dog friendly beach. Families love to spend their weekends here. Summer camping on the beach attracts lots of visitors. And the gentle waves are good for kids to learn surfing.
Head to Soquel Creek to watch the activity of sea birds. Fishing is another popular activity in the beach. Don’t forget to visit the village of Capitola. It is a nice place with good restaurants and shops.
Also Read: 20 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Maine.
10. Shell Beach
The rocky shore and silver sandy beach is none other than the popular Shell Beach. For a day-trip, this scenic place is perfect. Shell Beach is just north of Pismo and it is a premier destination for surfers. The coastline offers picture-perfect views.
Visitors can explore here the popular Ontario Ridge Trail. The trail is connected with Shell Beach and Pirate’s Cove. To get the views of pristine nature and turquoise ocean water, must cover the Ontario Ridge to Shell Beach Bluff Trail Loop. The trail is three miles long and it’s easy to cover.
There is no lots of opportunities available here. But the limited options are more than enough to attract thousands to visitors each year. Must experiencing sun bathing in this clean sand. Must have some extra time in your hand while visiting this wonder place. Or else, you’ll regret later.
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11. Asilomar State Beach
Asilomar State Beach is the favorite among surfers and kayakers. Located in Monterey Peninsula, it is a popular swimming and sunbathing spot among locals and tourists. In fact, you will get here some of the best tidepool experiences.
The one-mile-long golden sandy beach, also known as Moss Beach, is a great spot for wildlife. There are lots of local birds spotted here. Visitors take their dogs to the beach as dogs are permitted here. But there are some rules, visitors need to follow while they are visiting with their pets.
Sunset views in this beach is a worth watching thing. There is a picnic area in the nearby pine forest, a perfect spot for enjoying your food. And lastly, you’ll good to know that Asilomar State Beach is home to the Asilomar Conference Grounds, a historic resort and conference center.
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12. Montana De Oro
Montana De Oro is another unique beach and totally different from the rest as mentioned in this article. It is a lesser-known beach. And you have great opportunity to get the beach all to yourself because it is less-crowded as well.
To reach to the beach, visitors ned to cover the beaten path. And it is just past Los Osos. You’ll also hear the beach as MDO from the locals. It is a pebble beach. And there is no need to say Montana De Oro is one of the majestic beaches where you’ll get panoramic views from each corner of the beach.
There are some adventurous trails available here. Hiking and mountain biking are also enjoyed by lots of enthusiastic beach goers.
Related: 10 Best Beaches You Must Visit in Houston, Texas.
13. William R. Hearst Memorial Beach
William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach is a popular tourist spot. Though it is a small stretching beach, opportunities are massive here. The name has been given after the newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst.
The best thing of this beach is visitors can access one of the most scenic San Simeon Bay Trail that goes along the rugged ocean cliffs to the lookout point of Elephant Seal.
All the fun-filled engaging activities are swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking. This beach is indeed one of the best beaches in Central Coast of California for its immense outdoor recreational facilities. Leashed dogs are also permitted in William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach.
For experiencing the historical attractions, turn your head to Hearst Castle Visitor Center. There are tours conducted on a daily basis where visitors can get personalize with jaw-dropping architecture, nice garden areas, amazing artworks and many other wonderful things.
If you are still in the mood of getting more, visit the nearby Coastal Discovery Center. This attraction also provides several educational exhibits about the local wildlife and marine life.
14. Seabright Beach
Want to experience great surfing? Pop into one of the brightest and cleanest Seabright Beach. The beach is also known as Twin Lakes State Beach. Seabright Beach is actually a part of Twin Lakes State Beach. In summer months, there are lifeguards patrolling the shoreline.
The beach can be easily accessible via the western end of East Cliff Drive. According to the local people, Seabright Beach is the city’s best beach. You’ll discover a historic lighthouse in nearby area. It is a secluded beach and you can spend your hassle-free weekend peacefully in this lovely location. It is definitely a worth visiting spot.
15. Cayucos State Beach
Cayucos State Beach is a natural wonder and an ideal spot among families. Couples can also prefer this beach as a romantic escape. In short, visitors, irrespective of their age, collect immensely happy moments from this pristine beach.
It s a great spot anyone looking to unwind themselves. Engaging beach activities are swimming, sunbathing, strolling on the sandy shore and of course surfing. Beach amenities are also manifold. There are restroom and outdoor showers.
Families enjoy picnicking along with fire pits and barbecue grills. Ocean views are also stunning. Many visitors have witnessed dolphins and whales offshore during their migration season.
16. Morro Rock Beach
Morro Rock Beach is a must-visit place for anyone exploring the Central Coast of California. Here visitors can see the historic geological landmark the Morro Rock. It stands 576 feet tall. This gigantic landmark will surely make you amazed. And it is one of the biggest attractions of Morro Rock Beach.
The beach is popular for offering stunning outdoor activities, jaw-dropping views. Must take your kids to this beach as it is a great wildlife sighting spot. And the sandy beach perfectly suits with sunbathing, sand castle building and surfing. It is a great year-round destination indeed.
17. Avila Beach
When it comes about one of the most beautiful Central California beaches, how we can miss Avila Beach. It is a hidden gem in California. The beach is a protected bay area. To experience both nature and beach activities with the fullest opportunities, visit this charming beach destination.
Avila Beach is a short distance from Shell Beach. There are nice coves and amazing trails, visitors must explore. The Bob Jones Trail is a 4-mile-long scenic trail. It starts at the trailhead parking lot. You’ll encounter many families with their kids are Playing in the shallow ocean water. The waves are also calm.
There are nice playgrounds, souvenir shops and even ice creams are available which are sold by street vendors. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding area from the existing boardwalk.
Among the locals, this beach is a heaven, especially during summer months, when they can relax upon the beach for the entire day. Dogs are allowed in Avila Beach, so you might discover dog-owners, surfing with their pets.
FAQs
1. What is the best beach on the Central California coast?
Pismo Beach, Bonny Doon Beach, Pfeiffer Beach, Moonstone Beach, Hearst San Simeon State Park, Oceano Beach, McWay Beach are some of the best beaches you’ll find on the Central California Coast.
2. What is the safest beach town in California?
Carpinteria is home to the world’s safest beach town. And Carpinteria State Beach is protected by the Channel Islands.
3. What is the nicest beach to visit in California?
Laguna Beach, Malibu, La Jolla, Pismo Beach, Pfeiffer Beach, Hermosa Beach are one of the nicest beaches and perfect getaways to celebrate your family vacation.
4. Which city in California has the best beaches?
Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Trinidad, Santa Monica, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, Malibu, Ventura, Venice Beach, Catalina Island, Coronado, La Jolla are the best places where you’ll find best California beaches.
5. Are California beaches swimmable?
Not all beaches, but there are many stunning beaches in California that offer marking swimming places to enjoy. To enjoy the best swimming in California beach, turn your head to Manhattan Beach. It is one of the most popular and best swimming beaches in Southern California.
6. What is the warmest beach to swim in California?
Coronado Beach, Pismo Beach, Avalon Beach, Avila Beach, Oceanside, La Jolla Shores Beach, Solana Beach, Laguna Beach are the warmest beaches in California. You might head to any of these beaches to enjoy refreshing swimming.
7. What is the cleanest beach in California?
Laguna Beach in Orange County, California is America’s one of the cleanest beaches. Laguna Beach has more than seven miles of coastline along with 20 pristine coves and beaches. The location of Laguna Beach is halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego.
8. What is the prettiest beach in California?
Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles, El Matador State Beach in Malibu, Santa Monica Beach & Pier in Santa Monica, Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna Beach, Coronado Beach in Coronado, San Diego, Pacific Beach in San Diego are the prettiest beaches to make anyone fall in love with these California coastal beaches. Also, these pristine beaches are good enough to provide tons of recreational opportunities to make the visitors’ trip more laid back.
9. What is the best swimming beach in California?
La Jolla Cove is one of the best swimming beaches in California. Moreover, the stunning beaches and excellent marine life make this beach destination a year-round popular vacation spot in the state.
10. Can you swim at night in California?
It’s not recommended to swim at night in California beaches. Always go for swimming during day time.
11. What months can you swim in California?
Late spring and early fall are the best time to swim in the California beaches. In these two seasons, the water temperature in the ocean gets warmer and swimming can be really enjoyable. The best months to swim in California beaches are generally from July to September.
12. Do sharks go to the beach?
According to researchers, sharks come closer to the shoreline but they don’t come to beaches.
13. What beach do celebrities go to?
Malibu Beach in California is one of the best beaches known for the pristine water and celebrity residents.
14. Where is the bluest water in California?
La Jolla Cove Beach has the bluest water, and the beach is located in Southern California.
