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My Favorite Beaches in California (With Hot People & Good Vibes) 😎 🏖️
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items Born coastal, stayed coastal. I’ve lived all up and down California—from Humboldt fog to San Diego sun—and these are the beaches I’ve actually been to and would recommend.
My favorite beach activity is pretty much just throwing down a beach blanket ...
Map
Sections
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🌲 Humboldt County & the Lost Coast
🌁 SF Bay Area
🍓 Central Coast
🎥 LA & Surrounding
🍊 Orange County
🌞 San Diego Beaches
🌲 Humboldt County & the Lost Coast
Foggy solitude, redwoods, and wild stretches of sand. Definitely visit in the summer so the weather is dry and warm. Or if you like a foggy beach try spring.
A classic for the North Coast. One of the more popular beaches around Cal Poly Humboldt for students and families.
This is actually a clothing optional beach, but not a lot of visitors partake, one side is a bit more family friendly and the other s...
College Cove in Trinidad
The best beach in Humboldt. I used to love going here on sunny days when I lived in Arcata. It’s a small beach and a long way down, but it’s always an interesting time. Lots of free souls. Also can get kinda cruisey.
Baker Beach in Trinidad
This one’s way off the beaten path but had to mention! If you’re a backpacker or hiker this is part of the Lost Coast trail in Mendocino County. I’ve only been once and it was so cool.
Black Sands Beach on the Lost Coast
🌁 SF Bay Area
For fog lovers, city escapers, and occasional clothing-optional freedom
Chill NorCal staple. Cute lil town nearby. Surf vibes.
I love stopping by when I’m exploring Marin County. It’s really close to this natural water spring! Google Red Rock Spring.
Stinson Beach in North Bay
SF classic. Great views of Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific. Can be hard to find parking, but always a good rendezvous spot to have a day with friends.
Baker Beach in SF
Sexy secret cousin to Baker. Quiet, wild, intimate. One of my favorite beaches in SF. It sucks that it’s on the other side of the world some days, but if you can get there early afternoon it’s always worth it. Very gay and cruisey the closer you get ...
Marshall's Beach in the Presidio SF
Big. Moody. Fog-coded. Local haunt. Larger beach on the whole west coast of the city. At the footsteps of Golden Gate Park! It can get cold and foggy. Go at sunset.
Ocean Beach in SF
🍓 Central Coast
Sun, sea cliffs, and long lazy days with no agenda
White sand. Classy as hell. Dogs and slow walks. Near the iconic Monterey Bay. I’ve only been a handful of times passing thru, I definitely want to spend more time here!
Carmel Beach in Carmel-by-the-sea
🎥 LA & Surrounding
People-watching, long walks, and cinematic chaos
Big, bright, and made for rollerblades and 90s nostalgia. Not always easy to get to if you’re not in west LA, but the vibes are great. You can also take the Metro Rail! Spent a lot of days and nights here. Used to drive out with friends and post up a...
Santa Monica Beach Guide
Wild. Weird. A total sensory overload in the best way. Muscle Beach, street vendors, dispensary, and good food! There’s really something here for everyone. Can get pretty busy but it’s one of the most culturally iconic spots in LA.
Venice Beach in LA
🍊 Orange County
Golden light, glassy waves, and classic SoCal beach town energy
Surfer-heavy, sprawling, and social. Home of the US Open. Always a nice one to visit for a beach day if you’re in SoCal. You can swim in the water haha.
Huntington Beach
I’ve been once and it’s super trippy and cool. Quiet coves, tide pools, and sea-glass hunting. Definitely gotta check it out.
Crystal Cove State Park
Artsy, stylish, and home of that one reality tv series. I haven’t gone here a lot but it’s pretty notorious.
Laguna Beach
🌞 San Diego Beaches
Warm water, long afternoons, and casual perfection
A little grit, a lot of sun, and very SoCal. I like the vibes of the town. It’s not exactly a destination spot but it’s great. If you’re lookin for something to do with fam, they have a bowling alley nearby.
Oceanside
Yes, it’s nude. Yes, there’s a hill. Yes, the view is worth it. I need to go back here. Obviously we love a nude beach moment if you can’t tell haha. Watch out for rock slides!
Black's Beach in San Diego