17 Beautiful Coastal Towns to Live the California Dream

Summer is almost over, and if you’re dreaming of sun-soaked Cali days and sandy toes, you’re in for a treat! Having lived in this golden state for three years, with two of those years dedicated to the incredible experience of vanlifing along the West Coast, I’ve driven to see many sunsets in many different coastal gems.

As a transplant to Los Angeles, I never knew that beach town to beach town could have such different vibes, but Venice is definitely not the same as Laguna Beach. I’m excited to share with you a guide to my favorite and the best coastal towns in California.

1. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is the epitome of coastal fun, blending its iconic boardwalk with a lively surf culture. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, one of the oldest amusement parks on the West Coast, features the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, a thrilling ride since 1924.

Beyond the rides, you can stroll along the wharf, where sea lions often lounge and local seafood is always fresh. Downtown Santa Cruz is just a short walk away, where it has an eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and street performers that give the town its unique vibe.

Best Things to Do: Ride the historic Giant Dipper at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and check out the sea lions at the Santa Cruz Wharf. Surfing enthusiasts should hit Steamer Lane, one of California’s top surf spots.

2. Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is renowned for its seven miles of hidden coves, tide pools, and beautiful beaches. The town has a thriving arts scene, including over 100 galleries and the annual Pageant of the Masters.

Main Beach is the heart of Laguna, a sandy escape right near the bustling downtown area. Here, you’ll find everything from quaint cafes to high-end boutiques, all with that laid-back beach town feel.

Best Things to Do: Laguna Beach’s Heisler Park has great scenic walking trails and picnic spots, while Main Beach is perfect for a day in the sun. Visit the Laguna Art Museum for Californian art and play in the tide pools at Crescent Bay. The Sawdust Art Festival is a local favorite for arts and crafts.

3. Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque town known for its charming cottages, art galleries, and white-sand beaches. The town’s fairytale-like atmosphere is enhanced by its lack of street addresses, street lights, and chain stores.

Ocean Avenue, the main thoroughfare, is lined with unique shops and world-class restaurants. Like much of California, dogs are warmly welcomed here, so you’ll see plenty of furry friends enjoying the beach and sidewalk cafes.

Best Things to Do: Ocean Avenue is the peak spot for shops and dining, and Carmel Beach is perfect for dog lovers. Visit Point Lobos State Reserve for hiking and wildlife spotting, and explore the Mission San Carlos Borromeo for some history.

4. Capitola

Neighboring Santa Cruz, Capitola’s beachfront is full of rainbow cottages. The town’s gentle waves make it a peaceful beach day. Capitola Wharf extends into Monterey Bay with fishing and beautiful views. Capitola Village is exciting with plenty to window shop past and eat in.

Best Things to Do: Explore the colorful Capitola Village and walk along the Capitola Wharf. Visit the Capitola Historical Museum and relax at Capitola Beach. New Brighton State Beach is just a short drive away for more beach fun.

5. Avila Beach

Avila Beach is a tranquil seaside town known for its gentle waves and lovely pier. The beach itself is perfect for families, thanks to its calm waters and clean sand.

Just inland, the Avila Valley has hot springs for a soothing soak. The town also has a series of hiking trails with beautiful views of the coastline and the surrounding hills.

Best Things to Do: Relax at Avila Hot Springs after a stroll on the Avila Beach Pier and visit the Point San Luis Lighthouse for a historical tour. The Bob Jones City to Sea Trail is great for biking and wine tasting at the local wineries.

6. La Jolla

A popular day trip from San Diego, La Jolla is famous for its dramatic cliffs and luxury residences. The town has a range of outdoor activities, from kayaking and snorkeling in La Jolla Cove to walking so close to sea lions, you’re only a few feet away.

Its upscale shops and restaurants are a great place to try farm fresh restaurants with a heavy Mexican influence. La Jolla Shores is a popular, family-friendly beach with gentle waves and soft sand.

Best Things to Do: La Jolla Cove is ideal for snorkeling and kayaking, while the Birch Aquarium showcases engaging marine life exhibits. Walk to La Jolla Shores Beach and explore the tide pools. Just in the north, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has beautiful hiking trails and is a popular spot for paragliding.

7. Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is a classic Central Coast town known for its long pier and clam chowder scene. I can attest, the clam chowder is very good. The beach is perfect for sandcastle building and a lazy day out in the sun.

For the more adventurous, go ATV’ing or join a dune buggy tour in the nearby Oceano Dunes. The town also has a variety of laid-back shops and restaurants that line the streets.

Best Things to Do: Walk the Pismo Beach Pier for fishing and ocean views, and ride ATVs on the Oceano Dunes. Try the famous clam chowder at Splash Cafe, and visit Monarch Butterfly Grove in winter or Dinosaur Caves Park.

8. Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay’s picturesque area is famous for its role in Alfred Hitchcock’s film “The Birds.” The windswept beaches are great for flying kites, while the rugged coastlines attract photographers. The town’s seafood shacks serve up some of the freshest crab you’ll ever taste.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy all sorts of activities in the nearby state parks. And don’t miss out on Bodega Head for whale watching during the migration season.

Best Things to Do: Hike the Bodega Head Trail for panoramic ocean views and savor fresh crab at Spud Point Crab Company. Doran Regional Park has camping and fishing, while the Bodega Marine Lab provides guided tours.

9. Malibu

Malibu is synonymous with pristine beaches, celebrity homes, and top-tier surfing spots. This Los Angeles day trip destination stretches along 21 miles of scenic coastline with everything from wide sandy beaches to secluded coves.

Malibu’s Zuma Beach is popular with families and surfers alike, while El Matador Beach is my personal favorite as it’s covered with sea stacks jutting out of its clean sand. All along Malibu, head inland for trails facing out into the ocean.

Best Things to Do: Surf at Zuma Beach or dine at Malibu Farm Cafe on the pier. Hike the scenic trails at Point Dume State Beach and visit the famous Getty Villa for art and artifacts. Go look at all the expensive rare cars in the parking lot of Malibu Country Mart.

10. Encinitas

Encinitas is a laid-back surfer town with beautiful beaches and botanical gardens. The town is split into several distinct areas. Moonlight Beach is perfect for families, while Swami’s Beach is a world-renowned surf spot. Downtown Encinitas is a mix of unique shops, cafes, and restaurants, great for an afternoon wandering around.

Best Things to Do: Visit the San Diego Botanic Garden for exotic plants or the Self-Realization Fellowship Gardens and surf or sunbathe at Swami’s Beach, a local favorite.

11. Mendocino

Mendocino (not the restaurant) is one of the best places along Highway 101 for rugged cliffs along the Pacific Ocean. This small village is dotted with charming Victorian homes and green gardens.

Mendocino Headlands State Park surrounds the town with several miles of coastal vista trails and opportunities for whale watching.

Best Things to Do: Hike the Mendocino Headlands State Park for cliffside views and visit the plant collections at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Explore the historical Ford House Museum and walk through the quaint downtown area. Russian Gulch State Park has more trails and a beautiful waterfall.

12. San Clemente

San Clemente combines Spanish-style architecture with a strong surf culture and scenic coastal trails. Its historic pier is a central hub, surrounded by beaches that are perfect for surfing and swimming. The town’s downtown area, Avenida Del Mar, is lined with lively shops and restaurants.

Best Things to Do: Surf at Trestles and stroll down Avenida Del Mar for shopping and dining. Visit the Casa Romantica Cultural Center for art and gardens, and walk the San Clemente Pier. The San Clemente Coastal Trail is a great waterfront trail.

13. Newport Beach & Balboa Island

Newport Beach is a coastal city known for its beautiful sandy beaches and luxurious lifestyle. It has one of the largest small yacht harbors in the world. The Newport Pier provides scenic ocean views, and the surrounding area is filled with chic restaurants and boutiques. People come for the watersports, and whale watching is a fun option, too.

Nearby, take the ferry to get to Balboa Island, a place full of beach vacation homes and fun at Balboa Fun Zone.

Best Things to Do: Take a boat tour around Newport Harbor or try watersports like stand-up paddleboarding. Walk the Balboa Pier for fishing and views, and explore Balboa Island on foot or by renting a bike. Eat their famous frozen bananas.

14. Morro Bay

Morro Bay is instantly recognizable by its iconic Morro Rock, a massive volcanic plug that towers over the bay. The waterfront area is lined with seafood restaurants and galleries; you can find plenty of water activities to try out.

My favorite place is actually just south of the Rock, at Montana de Oro State Park, which I think is one of the most gorgeous State Parks in the country.

Best Things to Do: Kayak around Morro Rock for close-up views. The Embarcadero is lined with seafood restaurants and shops. Definitely go to Montana de Oro State Park at sunset.

15. Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay combines scenic coastal bluffs with pumpkin patches and excellent seafood. The town’s beaches are ideal for long walks, tide pooling, and picnicking. Nearby, the Half Moon Bay State Beach has miles of sandy shores with a backdrop of rolling hills. Coastal farms also offer seasonal activities like pumpkin picking in the fall.

Best Things to Do: Half Moon Bay State Beach is great for a relaxing day by the water, and visiting one of the local pumpkin farms in the fall is a must. Hike the coastal trails at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, or stop by Pillar Point Harbor for fresh seafood. Mavericks Beach is famous for its big wave surfing.

16. Oceanside

Oceanside is a classic Southern California beach town with a strong arts scene. The historic wooden pier is a focal point, popular for fishing and stunning sunset views. The town has the California Surf Museum, which explores surfing culture. With excellent surf breaks and a laid-back atmosphere, Oceanside attracts surfers and those looking to relax by the sea.

Best Things to Do: Walk the Oceanside Pier and go to the California Surf Museum for surf culture exhibits. Oceanside Harbor Village has waterfront dining and boat rentals, while Mission San Luis Rey is a historical experience.

17. Pacific Grove

Driving through Pacific Grove, adjacent to Monterey, you’ll see Victorian homes and picturesque shorelines. Tide pool in Asilomar State Beach and go on walking trails along the coast. The town is particularly famous for the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, where thousands of butterflies gather during migration season.

Best Things to Do: Explore the tide pools at Asilomar State Beach. Visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary to see thousands of butterflies during migration season. The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has local exhibits, and Lover’s Point Park is great for picnics and kayaking.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.