California is famous for its beaches, palm trees and sun. Thousands of visitors travel to California each year to experience the ‘Cali life’. With over 400 beaches in California, it would be difficult to visit them all. This is just a short guide to the Southern Californian coast, moving from Los Angeles down to San Diego and explores some of the best spots for a beach day in sunny California.
Santa Monica beach:
Located west of Downtown Los Angeles is the popular Santa Monica beach. Santa Monica beach is one of the most popular beaches in California. The Santa Monica Pier is a landmark for the beach and features an amusement park, aquarium, restaurants, and bars. South of the pier is the original Muscle beach where you will find a well-equipped gym on the sand. If you would prefer a more relaxed form of exercise, you can hire bikes or walk up and down the boardwalk.
Venice beach:
Another popular Californian beach is Venice beach. Located just 10 minutes south of Santa Monica beach you could easily visit both in the same trip. Venice beach is famous for its eccentricity with street performers, sand sculptures, markets, food stalls, and shops. The beach is also home to many colourful murals, and artworks that shouldn’t be missed. Similar to Santa Monica beach, Venice beach has its own skateparks, outdoor gym and bike hires for some outdoor exercise.
(Image: Venice beach)
Huntington beach:
Huntington beach is located between Newport beach and Bolsa Chica State beach. Like most beaches in California, Huntington beach has great water sports facilities to surf the Pacific, dine in one of the many restaurants or a stroll along the sand. Huntington beach is the closest beach to Disneyland Anaheim so is the perfect add on if you are already in the area.
La Jolla Shores:
La Jolla beach is a very popular beach for visitors to San Diego. La Jolla Shores is great for a day out with the family. The north-facing beach provides shady spots during the day with a protected beach area for swimming and water sports such as surfing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Wander to the La Jolla Cove to watch the seals and sea lions in their natural habitat or visit the tide pools to explore the wildlife up close. There are many activities and sights to see at La Jolla Shores and Cove which makes it the perfect day out for all the family. Downtown La Jolla is walking distance from Ellen Scripps Park and looks over La Jolla Cove. Downtown La Jolla is home to several restaurants and bars that look out over the stunning beach, you will also find world famous restaurant, George’s at the Cove, on this promenade.
(Image: La Jolla shores)
Pacific beach and Mission beach:
Another great beach to visit in the San Diego area is Pacific beach. Pacific beach joins onto Mission beach with just a walk down along the sand. Pacific beach is a popular spot for students as the party atmosphere is well and truly alive with many bars and restaurants open until late into the night. The Pacific beach pier is a stunning location to watch the sunset.
At Mission beach you will find the Mission Beach Aquatic Center where you will be able to rent equipment for a variety of water sports including paddle boards, wakeboards, kayaks, water skis and surfboards. Their trained instructors will help you get out onto the water and support you all the way. If you’re lucky like I was on one of my lessons you’ll be able to watch the dolphins diving in and out of the ocean while you surf, a great bucket list activity!
(Images: Mission beach)
Ocean beach:
Ocean beach in San Diego is known for its vintage and hippy vibes. The Ocean beach neighbourhood is filled with thrift shops, surf shops, food stalls and coffee shops. Ocean beach is home to Hodad’s who claim they sell ‘The World’s Best Burger’ which definitely didn’t disappoint. While Ocean beach may not be the most beautiful beach on this list, the neighbourhood surrounding the beach is worth the visit whether you’re finding all the bargains in the thrift shops or having a burger it is a great day out. A short walk south of Ocean beach is the stunning Sunset Cliffs which is a popular spot for visitors to San Diego. Sunset Cliffs is the perfect location to watch the sunset over the Californian coast.
(Images: Ocean beach and Sunset Cliffs)
Coronado:
Last on the list is Coronado Island located off the shores of mainland San Diego. Most famously known for being the backdrop of Marilyn Monroe’s 1958 film ‘Some Like it Hot’ is the Hotel del Coronado. The hotel is the perfect postcard setting and continues to attract visitors with its stunning architecture. Coronado has been voted one of the best beaches in the US on several occasions and it is clear why. The island is perfect for a full day out with the many beaches, including a dog beach North of the island, the souvenir shops, cafes, bars, and picnic areas. The long sandy beaches that have been described to ‘literally sparkle’ are perfect for a stroll along the beach, sunbathing or playing sports on the sand. Coronado Island is easily accessible from San Diego either by the frequent running ferries, or by the Coronado Bridge. From a personal perspective, Coronado was one of my favourite beaches I visited in California, so it is definitely one to consider for your trip.
(Images: Coronado)
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