You could lay down a towel and read a book almost anywhere in California. But if you feel like getting a little more active—surfing, trail running, mussel harvesting—we’ve picked eight beaches that are worth pulling over for, listed from north to south.
Patrick’s Point State Park
Trinidad
isn’t a warm, sunny, white-sand beach. Twenty-five miles north of Eureka, this 640-acre state park tends to be cold and breezy, but it has dramatic ocean views, beachside camping, and hiking among the redwoods of Humboldt County. Plus, when you visit during the regulated season, this zone is prime for abalone diving. If you’re lucky, you’ll even find mussels right on the beach.
Black Point Beach
Sea Ranch
is a long, cliff-backed beach off Highway 1 south of Sea Ranch. The waves are often big enough to do some modest surfing, or you can access an eight-mile coastal trail along the cliffs. Book a safari tent at (from $250), a new luxury camp-hotel on a rocky cliff with views of the Pacific, and you’ll have easy access to the beach a couple miles down the road.
Bolinas Beach
Bolinas
Thirty miles north of San Francisco, the turnoff from Highway 1 to Bolinas is intentionally unmarked. Though the village is famous for not wanting to be found, the beach is strikingly beautiful, rugged, and open to the public. Newbie surfer? Rent a longboard and a wetsuit at the or check out the stellar trail running at (just head straight for the ). Afterward, grab fish tacos at the in the base of a lifeguard tower on nearby .
Pescadero State Beach
Pescadero
Before you hit the sand, drive into the little town of Pescadero, south of Half Moon Bay, and pick up a loaf of superlative artichoke garlic bread fresh from the oven at . Then drive to , a sandy, mile-long shore where waves crash into rocky coves, sea lions lounge on bluffs, and the sunset is worth sticking around for.
Sand Dollar Beach
Big Sur
The $10 day-use fee tends to keep road-tripping crowds away from , as does the short, steep trail you’ll hike to access it. This spot south of Big Sur is great for hardy, cold-water surfing, but it’s also perfect for a picnic. Stock up on supplies at the , and enjoy a slice of the rocky Big Sur coastline to yourself. At low tide, you can go for a decently long walk on the beach.
Jalama Beach
Lompoc
You can pitch a tent or rent one of seven county-owned cabins just steps from the sand at , a remote, dog-friendly beach an hour north of Santa Barbara. You’ll reach the water after 14 miles along a twisty road. Once you get there, the on-site has basic grocery supplies and a good burger.
San Onofre State Beach
San Onofre
covers a vast stretch of sand near an active Marine Corps base. There’s good surfing at , a mellow longboard break with a welcoming vibe that’s less intimidating than nearby . A camping zone is down the beach, accessed via a separate entrance. After a sunrise surf session, hit up for a massive breakfast burrito.
Swami’s Beach
Encinitas
, famous for its surf break, is also a good spot for a beach run—you can link together a few miles in either direction. A meditation center is nearby, and has great coffee and açai bowls.