California is known for its stunning beaches, and many of them offer perfect opportunities for walking and exploring. From the iconic Santa Monica Beach to the hidden gem of Moonstone Beach, there’s a walking beach in California for everyone. In this article, I’ll explore the top 15 best walking beaches in California, highlighting their unique features and why they’re worth a visit. So put on your walking shoes and get ready to discover the beauty of California’s coastline.
Discover Best Walking Beaches in California
- California offers a variety of beautiful walking beaches along its coastline.
- Santa Monica Beach is famous for its iconic pier and lively atmosphere.
- Point Dume State Beach in Malibu provides stunning cliff views and hiking trails.
- Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach offers miles of sandy beaches and diverse ecosystems.
- Carmel Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque beach with white sand and iconic cypress trees.
- Coronado Central Beach on Coronado Island provides pristine beauty and views of the historic Hotel del Coronado.
- Pismo Beach on the Central Coast boasts a charming downtown area and unique sand dunes.
1. Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach is one of the most famous beaches in California, known for its iconic pier, lively atmosphere, and beautiful coastline. The beach stretches for miles, providing plenty of space for walking and enjoying the ocean breeze. With a wide sandy shore and a paved walking path, Santa Monica Beach offers the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll. Whether you’re walking along the water’s edge or exploring the lively Santa Monica Pier, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and a vibrant beach experience. Don’t forget to check out the nearby walking trails, such as the Santa Monica Beach Path, which offers a scenic route along the coastline.
2. Point Dume State Beach
Point Dume State Beach is a hidden gem located in Malibu, California. This secluded beach is known for its dramatic cliffs, pristine shoreline, and breathtaking views. The beach offers several walking trails that take you along the coast and up to the famous Point Dume Overlook, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re exploring the tidal pools, walking along the sandy beach, or hiking the trails, Point Dume State Beach provides a peaceful and scenic setting for your walking adventure.
3. Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is a coastal paradise located in Newport Beach, California. This expansive park features miles of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and diverse ecosystems. With over 17 miles of hiking and walking trails, Crystal Cove State Park offers endless opportunities for exploring the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re walking along the shore, hiking through the canyons, or exploring the tide pools, you’ll be immersed in the stunning surroundings. Don’t forget to visit the historic Crystal Cove cottages, which provide a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
4. Carmel Beach
Carmel Beach is a picturesque and dog-friendly beach located in the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. This pristine beach is known for its white sand, scenic views, and iconic cypress trees. Take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, explore the tide pools, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery. With its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, Carmel Beach is the perfect destination for a tranquil beach walk.
5. Coronado Central Beach
Coronado Central Beach is a pristine stretch of sand located on Coronado Island, just outside of San Diego, California. This expansive beach offers miles of sandy shoreline, gentle waves, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Take a long walk along the beach, go for a refreshing swim, or simply relax and soak up the sun. The beach is also home to the historic Hotel del Coronado, a landmark hotel that adds to the beach’s charm and allure.
With its pristine beauty and laid-back atmosphere, Coronado Central Beach is a must-visit destination for beach lovers and walkers alike.
6. Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is a hidden gem located on the Central Coast of California. This charming beach town offers a wide sandy beach, picturesque dunes, and stunning coastal views. Take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, explore the unique sand dunes, or go for a scenic hike in the nearby Pismo Preserve. Pismo Beach is also known for its vibrant downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach walk or an adventurous hike, Pismo Beach has something for everyone.
7. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a vibrant and eclectic beach community located in Los Angeles, California. This iconic beach is famous for its lively atmosphere, colorful boardwalk, and unique street performers.
Take a walk along the Venice Boardwalk, a bustling promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and street vendors. Experience the sights and sounds as you stroll past artists, musicians, and performers showcasing their talents. Marvel at the beautiful murals and graffiti art that adorn the buildings along the boardwalk.
To truly immerse yourself in the artistic spirit of Venice Beach, venture to Abbot Kinney Boulevard. This trendy and hip street is home to an array of boutiques, galleries, and eateries. Take your time exploring the stylish shops and unique storefronts that line this bustling boulevard.
After a leisurely walk along Abbot Kinney Boulevard, head back to the sandy shore and relax on the beach. Soak up the California sun, listen to the crashing waves, and take in the vibrant energy of Venice Beach. Don’t forget to capture the enchanting moments with your camera, as Venice Beach offers countless photo opportunities.
8. Torrey Pines State Beach
Torrey Pines State Beach, located in San Diego, California, is a breathtaking coastal reserve that offers a unique and unforgettable walking experience. With its dramatic cliffs, golden sand, and picturesque hiking trails, this beach is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
Start your exploration by taking a leisurely walk along the sandy shoreline, feeling the warm sand beneath your feet and listening to the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs. As you stroll, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning beauty of the ocean and the cliffs that rise majestically in the background.
For those seeking a more elevated adventure, venture up the cliffs for panoramic views of the coastline. The hiking trails at Torrey Pines State Beach offer breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding natural landscapes. As you hike, you’ll encounter a diverse range of plant and animal life, adding an extra layer of wonder to your walk.
Whether you choose to walk along the shoreline, hike the trails, or simply bask in the peaceful ambiance of Torrey Pines State Beach, you’ll be immersed in the natural beauty and tranquility that this coastal reserve has to offer. So grab your walking shoes and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey along the exquisite shores of Torrey Pines State Beach.
9. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a historic seaside amusement park located in Santa Cruz, California. This iconic beach and boardwalk offer a unique combination of thrilling rides, lively entertainment, and beautiful coastal views. Take a walk along the boardwalk, ride the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster, or simply enjoy the beach and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. With its nostalgic charm and scenic beauty, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a must-visit destination for beach lovers and amusement park enthusiasts.
10. Half Moon Bay State Beach
Half Moon Bay State Beach is a scenic coastal park located in Half Moon Bay, California. This beach offers miles of sandy shoreline, picturesque cliffs, and breathtaking ocean views. Take a leisurely walk along the beach, explore the tide pools, or hike the nearby coastal trails for a panoramic view of the coast.
Half Moon Bay State Beach is also known for its world-class surfing spots, so you might even catch a glimpse of some surfers riding the waves. With its natural beauty and variety of activities, Half Moon Bay State Beach is a great destination for a beach walk.
11. La Jolla Shores Beach
La Jolla Shores Beach is a pristine and picturesque beach located in La Jolla, California. This family-friendly beach offers gentle waves, soft sandy shores, and clear blue waters.
Take a walk along the shoreline, explore the tide pools, or try your hand at kayaking or paddleboarding in the calm waters. There are plenty of walking trails surrounding La Jolla Shores Beach, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
One of the highlights of La Jolla Shores Beach is the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, located nearby. Here, you can learn more about the marine life that calls this area home and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich biodiversity of the coastal ecosystem.
Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely beach walk, exploring the vibrant tide pools, or learning about marine life at the aquarium, La Jolla Shores Beach offers a memorable experience for beach walkers of all ages. The scenic beauty and family-friendly atmosphere make it a top choice for those seeking a quintessential California beach experience.
12. El Matador Beach
El Matador Beach is a hidden gem located in Malibu, California. This secluded beach is known for its dramatic cliffs, picturesque rock formations, and stunning sunsets. Take a walk along the sandy shore, explore the hidden sea caves, or simply relax and soak up the natural beauty of the surroundings. El Matador Beach provides a peaceful and romantic setting for a beach walk, away from the crowds and noise of more popular beaches. Don’t forget your camera, as this beach offers plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos.
13. Leo Carrillo State Park Beach
Leo Carrillo State Park Beach is a scenic beach located in Malibu, California. This state park offers a wide sandy beach, stunning cliffs, and unique rock formations. Take a walk along the shore, explore the tide pools, or hike the scenic trails that wind through the park. Leo Carrillo State Park Beach is also known for its camping facilities, so you can extend your beach walk into a memorable camping trip.
With its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, Leo Carrillo State Park Beach is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
14. Baker Beach
Baker Beach is a scenic beach located in San Francisco, California. This beach offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the rugged coastline of the city.
Take a walk along the sandy shore, enjoy a picnic with a view, or explore the nearby hiking trails that offer panoramic vistas of the bay.
Baker Beach is a popular spot for photography, as it provides a unique perspective of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. With its breathtaking views and proximity to the city, Baker Beach is a must-visit destination for beach walkers and nature enthusiasts.
15. Moonstone Beach
If you’re looking for a tranquil and scenic beach in California, look no further than Moonstone Beach in Cambria. This hidden gem is known for its smooth pebbles, beautiful rock formations, and breathtaking coastal views. As you take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, you can search for moonstones among the pebbles and enjoy the soothing sound of the waves.
One of the highlights of Moonstone Beach is the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, a wooden path that runs alongside the coastline. This boardwalk makes it easy for walkers and joggers to explore the beach while taking in the stunning vistas. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography aficionado, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Moonstone Beach offers a perfect setting for a relaxing beach walk.
With its peaceful ambiance and natural beauty, Moonstone Beach is a haven for visitors looking to unwind and connect with nature. So, lace up your walking shoes, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and embark on a serene beach walk at Moonstone Beach in Cambria.
