Beaches in California for outdoor recreation

The three-mile stretch of sand includes a concrete pier with an amusement park, restaurants, and spaces for fishing and beach volleyball.

The oceanfront promenade features street performers, artists, food vendors, and the outdoor Muscle Beach gym, along white sand shoreline.

Seven miles of coastline contain 30 distinct beaches and coves, with tide pools, coastal cliffs, and many marked paths.

This beach contains mineral deposits that create purple-tinted sand, plus granite sea stacks including the Keyhole Rock formation.

Wide stretch of sand with cypress trees along the shoreline and rock formations. The beach extends next to residential areas and golf courses.

Long sandy beach with lifeguard towers, restrooms, showers, and parking areas. The surf breaks attract swimmers and bodyboarders during summer months.

Small beach with sea caves, rock arches and stone formations near the water. Access requires walking down steep stairs from the parking area.

Three mile stretch of sand with consistent waves for surfing. Contains fire rings, volleyball courts, and a paved beach path for cycling.

The wide shoreline contains mineral mica that creates a metallic glint in the sand. The flat terrain suits swimming and surfing.

Four miles of protected coastline with gray sand beaches. The location offers surfing conditions and whale watching from December through April.

This mile-long beach sits at the base of granite cliffs near the Presidio. The north section allows nude sunbathing.

Small stones line this beach near pine forests. Tide pools contain sea life and the water temperature averages 60 degrees.

The beach contains three rock formations shaped as bridges by sea erosion. Harbor seals and sea otters frequent the waters, while monarch butterflies gather in winter.

The beach extends 23 miles along the central California coast. Visitors can explore sand dunes, fish from the 1,200-foot pier, or search for clams.

This mile-long beach offers gentle waves for beginning surfers. The adjacent underwater park contains two artificial reefs and attracts marine animals year-round.

The shoreline spans 80 miles with granite cliffs and sandy beaches. Gray whales migrate past these waters between December and May.

Wide sandy beach with public volleyball courts, restroom facilities and shaded tables near the shoreline.

Three-mile stretch of sand with a 1,971-foot concrete pier, off-leash dog area, and fire rings.

Small cove beach surrounded by rocks, offering swimming areas and a grass park with benches overlooking the water.

One-mile beach with gentle slopes, shallow water entry, and frequent seal and sea lion sightings from December to May.

This protected cove offers clear water visibility up to 30 feet deep, with abundant marine life and rock formations along the shore.

The shore contains smooth glass pebbles in green, brown and blue colors, formed from discarded bottles polished by ocean waves.

The three miles of coastline include sandy beaches, tide pools, offshore reefs and wooded canyons with hiking paths nearby.

The 3.5-mile stretch of sand sits between Bolinas Bay and Mount Tamalpais, with multiple walking trails connecting the beach to the mountain.

This three-mile stretch of dark volcanic sand sits along a remote section of northern California coast with views of offshore rocks.

A natural stone arch formation stands in the water at this beach, creating a window-like opening visible during low tide.

This half-mile stretch of sand connects Santa Cruz Harbor and the San Lorenzo River mouth, with space for swimming and sunbathing.

Located near a railroad trestle and pier, this beach features limestone cliffs and provides access to coastal hiking trails.

A small beach between steep rock formations along the Pacific Coast Highway, with tide pools and gray sand stretching 300 meters near an abandoned military bunker.