California Beach Vacations

Just south of Los Angeles, this beach is wonderful for its broad expense of white sand and typically calm surf. Even better, you'll have everything you need right there in quaint Laguna, from restaurants and ice cream to shopping.

The sand on this beloved San Diego beach is known for its mica, a mineral that sparkles under direct sunlight. Besides the sparkling beach, Coronado's warm weather and shallow water are ideal for swimming and skimboarding. Volleyball nets simply add to the fun. To the north, there is a dog-friendly section of the beach where Fido can jump, run, play, and get wet.

Dog-lovers will fall in love with Carmel Beach, as this beautiful spot allows off-leash dogs to play. Thanks to the excellent surf breaks and deep water, you can also try your hand at surfing. In the evening, be sure to catch the sunset, and don't miss the charming town of Carmel itself.

Situated in San Francisco, Baker Beach technically prohibits swimming — and it's often too cold to imagine taking a dip, anyway — but offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The beach slopes gently into the sea, forming a beautiful dune. If you're in San Francisco, don't miss it.

There are several lighthouses along California's coast. Many of them were installed at strategic points to prevent ship wrecks. In Mendocino, you can visit the Point Arena lighthouse and climb to the top for gorgeous views of the sea. For an even more intense lighthouse visit, Point Montara, near Moss Beach, and Pigeon Point in Pescadero offer on-site accommodation if you wish to spend the night.

For about a century beginning in the mid-19th century, California's economy relied on fishing. Today, these historic piers are rarely used to haul in the day's catch, but are still standing and have been re-purposed for a variety of entertainment. On the Santa Cruz Wharf, for example, you can dine, shop, and spot sea lions. Farther south in the state, the Santa Monica Pier is a perennial favorite for its amusement park rides.

Take part in a sandcastle building contest alongside professional builders. You'll find two opportunities in San Diego. The first is at Imperial Beach in July and the second is over Labor Day weekend at the Broadway Pier. If you're staying elsewhere along California's coast in summer, be sure to check local listings for the chance to put your sandcastle skills to work.

The state is known for its temperate weather, but just because you're not broiling in the heat doesn't mean the sun isn't doing damage. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats, and consider UV-protective beachwear for the little ones (or even for yourself!).

California is pretty casual. For the beach, pack shorts and t-shits and swimwear and sandals, and for the rest of the time, consider lightweight, easygoing fashion.

California's tap water is perfectly potable, so consider packing reusable water bottles for your beach days. A beach bag will also be handy. Additionally, you might find you'll be happy you brought goggles, a waterproof smartphone case for underwater pictures, and perhaps an external powerbank for particularly long days at the beach.

The drinking age in California is 21, but if you're of age, look young, and don't have formal identification handy, you might find yourself out of luck in a restaurant or grocery store.