The California Coastline stretches for 840 miles along the Pacific Ocean, and includes some of the most popular beaches in the world. Each year there are more than 150 million visits to over 400 California state beaches.  From the rugged and rocky northern California beaches -- to the wide sandy southern California beaches, both tourists and residents alike are taken with the natural beauty of the diverse landscapes. 

While the entire coastline is well-known for its spectacular terrain, the type and character of the seashores vary widely.  The rugged coastline in the northern part of the state is enjoyed mainly for its scenic beauty, and has many unusual, hidden and secluded beaches.  Eureka, Santa Cruz and Aptos have especially popular beaches.

As you travel from the northern California beaches to the southern California beaches, the coastline changes from rocky cliffs and small rugged windswept seashores... to broad areas of dunes along the Central Coast... to the quintessential surfing and volleyball beaches of Southern California.  Checkout the pictures to the right to get an idea of the differences. 

If you want to go swimming or enjoy a warm seaside picnic at one of the beaches in california, then your best bet is Southern California.  Even here, however, the water rarely gets above 75 degrees, so be prepared if you plan to swim.  If you want to try your hand at surfing, a wet suit is second only to a surfboard when you gather your equipment and head out in search of the perfect wave. You can check the water temperatures here.

There are over 60 State Beaches in southern California and northern California, which are all part of the State Park System.  They are all public, and some of the state's best beaches can be found in this group.  If you want to surf, fish or just enjoy the spectacular setting, California State Parks and Beaches are located all along the coast and offer great access and amenities. Check our list in each region (above)  to find the best locations for you.

In addition to the state, cities and counties also operate seaside facilities. But no matter which entity operates them, there are some things you need to know. Two of the most important are alcohol use restrictions and beach closing time.  You can obtain this information by clicking the links found on our regional pages.

There are some clothing optional beaches in California.  We have a list of beaches in California with special characteristics on each of our "Beach Pages" (see links above).

Conservation and Education

The state works hard to make sure its beauty and resources can be enjoyed by all. The Coastal Commission offers a variety of educational and conservation programs to increase the publics knowledge of coastal and marine resources. Their programs include Coastal Cleanup Day and an annual Art & Poetry Contest for school children. If you want to know more about their programs, be sure and visit the Coastal Commission website at www.coastal.ca.gov.  While you're there, check out the winners of the Art and Poetry contest. They are impressive.

Wheelchair Access

The Coastal Commission also maintains a list of locations with wheelchair access, including contact information.

Clean Water

California has the most extensive and comprehensive monitoring and regulatory program in the nation.  The CA Water Resources Board is responsible for water quality monitoring and strong pollution prevention measures.  They maintain information regarding the water quality on their website. 

More Information

We have accumulated and provided you with detailed information on the beaches in each region -- including maps, camping information, pictures and more (see links above). Whether you plan to swim, wade, surf, dive or just relax, you can definitely find a seaside location to enjoy.