Coastal California: 15 Beautiful Destinations You Need to Visit
My list of top coastal California destinations may not surprise anyone who knows me well. I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Golden State around a dozen times, and since I’ve always been drawn to the ocean, exploring the coast has been a top priority. In this post, I’m taking you on a road trip down the California coast, starting in San Francisco and ending in San Diego. Along the way, I’ll share the coastal towns, scenic stops, and hidden gems that truly stood out. These are the places I’d go back to in a heartbeat.
I’m already dreaming about my next West Coast adventure, and I hope this list inspires yours. If you have a favorite coastal California destination I didn’t mention, let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear about it!
Northern California: Top Coastal California Destinations for Natural Beauty & Rugged Coastlines
Northern California’s coast is defined by its dramatic cliffs, towering redwoods, and wide-open beaches. From the iconic cityscape of San Francisco to the wild shores of Point Reyes, this region offers a perfect blend of urban charm and raw coastal wilderness that nature lovers and adventurers will adore.
San Francisco – Iconic City on the Bay with Coastal Views
Coastal cities tend to be my favorite, and San Francisco did not disappoint. With the Pacific Ocean to the west and the San Francisco Bay to the east, the city offers endless opportunities to enjoy the water and take in iconic coastal views. Whether you’re walking along Ocean Beach, hiking the trails at Lands End, or watching the waves crash at Baker Beach, there’s always a scenic spot nearby.
What really stood out to me was how quickly the landscape shifts. Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, the scenery opens up into a whole new world. To the north, you’ll find Muir Woods, Point Reyes National Seashore, the Marin Headlands, and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. While they’re technically outside the city, they’re close enough to include in any San Francisco itinerary, and they offer some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in Northern California.
Plan Your Trip to San Francisco
Where to Stay:
- White Swan Inn near Union Square is a quirky boutique hotel near the Nob Hill neighborhood.
- Citizen M in Union Square is a bold, artsy capsule hotel where the rooms are small but cozy. We stayed at a CM in NYC and loved it.
Top Activities
- Take pictures of the Painted Ladies while humming the Full House theme song
- Drive down crooked Lombard Street, it’s such an unusual driving experience
- Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge
Read my 5-Day Itinerary to San Francisco & Big Sur for more on visiting these beautiful California coastal destinations.
Point Reyes National Seashore – Rugged Wilderness and Coastal Wildlife
If you want to feel like you’ve left the U.S. without hopping on a plane, Point Reyes National Seashore is your place. The combination of green countryside, foggy cliffs, and wide-open ocean views made me feel like I had landed somewhere along the Irish coast. (and now that I’ve been there, I can definitely say this feeling was right!) You’ll drive for miles along quiet country roads, past rolling farmland and rugged shorelines, with some of the most beautiful views on the Northern California coast.
We spotted so many animals on our visit, including whales, cows, a coyote, a stag, and even a beach full of elephant seals. Point Reyes National Seashore is wild and peaceful at the same time, which makes it one of the most unique places I’ve visited in the state.
Plan Your Trip to Point Reyes
Where to Stay:
While we didn’t stay the night in this area, these are the overnight stays on our radar for future visits.
- Nick’s Cove in Tomales Bay is a charming property with waterfront cottages (on the water!) and water view cottages. There’s a restaurant, shop, and nearby local activities that they can help arrange. Looks like a peaceful outdoor stay.
- Olema House has several unique and dreamily decorated accommodations. While all look lovely, I think the Mountain View King is the one I’d choose. There’s an on-site restaurant and market, too. Some notable amenities are a complimentary bottle of their house wine, games to borrow, fire pits, and a binocular bar so you can observe all the cool wildlife surrounding you.
- Lodge at Marconi in West Marin is an immersive coastal retreat with some thoughtfully styled rooms – they even have an a frame you can rent! The room amenities include a white noise machine and refillable water bottles which is pretty cool. They also have a restaurant.
Top Experiences
- Chimney Rock Hike: This was one of my favorite hikes of this part of the trip and the views at the end and along the way? Absolutely stunning. It’s a roughly 1.75 mile out and back hike offers views of Drakes Bay and the Pacific Ocean. You could potentially see whales, especially from March through May. We saw a coyote on the trail and tons of Elephant Seals once we got to the end of the trail.
- Find photo-op views like the Point Reyes Lighthouse, Cypress Tree Tunnel, Point Reyes Shipwreck, and South Beach Overlook.
Central California: Top Coastal California Destinations for Scenic Views & Seaside Charm
The central coast is a breathtaking mix of towering cliffs, quaint towns, and iconic highways. This stretch features some of California’s most famous coastal landmarks, making it a perfect route for road trips filled with natural beauty and charming seaside culture.
Monterey – Marine Life and Historic Coastal Charm
This is one of those cities that stays with you long after you leave. There was something so peaceful and serene about Monterey that made me feel as if I needed to come back soon. We stayed right on the coast of Monterey Bay and nestled in a quaint and charming area of town called the Cannery Row. It’s a mix of beautiful and gritty with remnants of its history of sardine canning. With peaceful bay views and a short drive from places like Big Sur and Point Lobos, Monterey makes a perfect, relaxing coastal California destination.
Plan YOUR tRIP TO mONTEREY
Where to Stay
- Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa we stayed here, the hotel was literally right on the shore which isn’t common in California. I still regret not upgrading our room to a bay view – I imagine listening to the waves crash at night would have been the best noise machine.
- Sanctuary Beach Resort has oceanfront rooms in a dreamy coastal setting. It also has a beach bonfire, meditation garden, heated pool, and a spa and movement studio.
Top Experiences
- The Monterey Bay Aquarium is on our list for our next upcoming visit. This museum is highly rated as one of the best
Carmel-by-the-Sea – Fairy-Tale Village by the Coast
One of the most charming little towns I’ve seen in California is Carmel-by-the-Sea or Carmel for short. This quaint little city feels as if it came straight from a fairytale with its ivy-covered buildings and little village-like shops. We didn’t get to spend nearly enough time exploring this charming coastal city and I look forward to visiting again. It was so memorable that it made my top coastal California destinations
Big Sur Coast – Dramatic Cliffs and Iconic Coastal Drive
Photos don’t really prepare you for how incredibly breathtaking this drive is. Your entire drive down Highway 1 will have you wanting to stop at every turnoff point along the way. Each scene is more beautiful than the last if that’s even possible. We took half a day to drive down the coast starting from Monterey and ending near McWay Falls. The turquoise and blue ocean crashing against the rocky coast, the colorful vegetation, and just the huge expanse of land that is mostly just landscape and very little signs of humanity is what make this drive extra special. Don’t expect to be Instagramming as you go as there is literally zero internet in the town outside of some of the restaurants and destinations.
Plan YOUR tRIP TO Big Sur
We have not stayed inside Big Sur (yet) but if we were to, these are some hotels on our radar.
Where to Stay
- Ventana Big Sur is on the very high end of the price range, but if you can pull it off – it looks like an absolute dreamy place to stay. This luxury resort has a mineral hot spring and sauna, beautiful and cozy rooms, and much more.
- Post Ranch Inn is another luxury hotel that is going to be a huge splurge on the budget… but sometimes it’s worth treating yourself! This stunning space has 3 outdoor pools, a spa, and rooms with unbelievable views.
- Big Sur Lodge near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park gives vintage cozy mountain retreat vibes. This is a mid-range hotel in comparison to Ventana but more budget-friendly.
- This South Coast Big Sur cabin with insane ocean views looks like it could be a good escape from the crowds. Imagine waking up and looking out those windows to that view. wow.
Top Experiences
- Literally just drive down Highway 1 and take in the views – my Big Sur post shares all the best ones.
- Hike the trails in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, and Garrapata State Park, all within the Big Sur area.
- Visit the historic Henry Miller Memorial Library
- Visit the Ewoldsen Memorial Nature Center and walk the Redwood Deck
- Stop at Big Sur Station to get all the visitor information and maybe a little souvenir
Eats & Treats
- Nepenthe & Cafe Kevah has been around since 1949 and is one of the more popular restaurants in the area. There is also a cafe and The Phoenix Shop full of fun, gifty items on the property which is fun to stroll through after grabbing a bite to eat. If you want a chance to sit on the deck outside be sure to ask! It might not be available, but they might not assume you’d want to sit there, too.
- Big Sur Deli has a mix of sandwiches and breakfast items, great for a quick bite to eat.
Note: Since February 2024, the Regents Slide area has been closed due to debris sliding and covering parts of Highway 1 with repairs continuing into summer of 2025. This area is well below Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park where you’ll find the popular McWay Falls. Many of the more popular views and destinations are north of this slide. Be sure to check the status before you make your plans! This website gives road updates.
TIP: download a Google Map offline with your must-see destinations pinned so you don’t miss them as you drive along, some are easy to drive by and not even realize
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – Central Coast’s Hidden Coastal Gem
The perfect warm-up spot before you drive the Big Sur coast if you’re starting up north. Just breathtaking views from various vantage points of the rocky California coastline. If we had more time, we’d have spent hours hiking through the Cypress trees and rocky coasts admiring the sparkling turquoise ocean.
Visit my post Stunning Big Sur Views to See in One Day for more
Southern California: Top Coastal California Destinations for Sun, Surf & Iconic Beach Culture
Southern California is known for its sunny skies, vibrant beach towns, and endless coastline packed with picture-perfect spots. From the rugged cliffs of Malibu to the surf culture in Encinitas and the dramatic skies at Sunset Cliffs, this region offers a laid-back vibe and plenty of coastal charm. Whether you want to explore hidden coves, catch some waves, or stroll colorful boardwalks, Southern California’s coast has something for every ocean lover.
El Matador Beach – Malibu’s Most Photogenic Coastline
El Matador Beach is one of three beaches within the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach and is a popular beach for movies and photoshoots due to its unique rock structures. One of the more popular movies is The Notebook. These awesome rock formations are best to visit during low tide if you want to explore. There is easy parking right off Highway 1, too.
Plan YOUR tRIP TO Malibu
El Matador and Pirates Cove are located in beautiful Malibu, California. Here’s some suggestions to add to your itinerary.
Where to Stay
- The Surfrider a charming luxury hotel with ocean views and unique amenities – like a Mini Cooper included in your stay (first come/first serve) you can drive down the PCH in, surfboards you can use during your stay, and a hotel restaurant exclusive to guests to name a few.
- Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club is a beautiful property near the coast with a variety of luxury cabins
Top Activities
- Explore the Getty Villa to see Greek and Roman antiquities
- Enjoy one of the many beaches in the area, my favorites are featured here.
- Check out the Malibu Pier
Pirate’s Cove – A Secluded Central Coast Escape
I am all about secret beaches and hidden gems and we found one in Pirate’s Cove, part of Point Dume State Beach. While it wasn’t so secret as several people were finding their way to this secluded cove, it was an exciting part of the day making our way to this beach and enjoying the views.
Visit my post A Day At Point Dume State Park for more on the area and Pirate’s Cove!
Venice Beach – Eclectic Energy on the SoCal Coast
One of the more unique beach towns on my list and one I can’t seem to get enough of is Venice Beach. This has also unofficially become the last beach we visit before catching our flights out of LAX as it’s roughly 15 minutes away. The beach is a huge expanse of uninterrupted sand with views of Santa Monica Pier and the canyons surrounding Malibu to the north and the Venice Pier to the south. One of my favorite coastal California destinations.
One of the most unexpected attractions in Venice Beach is the man-made canals by Venice founder Abbot Kinney made when Venice Beach was a seaside resort town inspired by Venice Italy. It’s fun to spend an afternoon walking the boardwalk, watching the skaters in the skatepark or artists painting the Venice art walls, dipping your toes in the pacific along the beach, and getting in some good eats and shopping around town.
Victoria Beach – Tide Pools and Pirate Tower in Laguna
Nestled in the far north part of Victoria Beach in a little Laguna Beach neighborhood are two unique features for a beach. A natural pool and a pirate tower. That’s right, pirate tower.
A while ago I found this amazing photograph on Pinterest of a girl floating in a round pool and waves crashing up against it. Turns out, this was actually somewhere in the US and not some tropical island far away. Once I knew that I had to find it. Unfortunately for me, this natural pool depends a lot on the tide and we happened to be there during low tide.
The pirate tower, however, was easy to see regardless of the tide. Such a weird and random thing to see that made this beach stand out from the rest. This area also experienced dramatic weather changes within minutes. It started off very foggy then became blue skies and sunny in such a short time.
The Wedge – Newport Beach’s Giant Waves & Coastal Drama
Balboa Beach in Orange County is a huge beach with sand as far as you can see. While this was a popular beach, there was a part of it that I just really, really enjoyed and that was near the jetty also known as The Wedge. There was a wide expanse of clean, uninterrupted sand combined with the entertainment of watching the waves crash extra hard against the jetty. If you’re lucky, surfers will be there and give you something to watch. If you’re even luckier, you’ll see a pod of dolphins swim by as we did.
Torrey Pines – Coastal Cliffs & Trails in San Diego
Torrey Pines State Beach was one of the first coastal California destinations I visited in San Diego and still a favorite. Driving to the beach is exciting as you get that wide, coastal view. There is parking along the way as well as a parking lot which is always helpful when visiting beaches. I love the walls of rock and the beaches covered in pebbles of all sizes. Perfect beach for walking up and down the coastline or just spending an afternoon in the sun.
La Jolla – Sea Lions and Scenic Coves on the Coast
I love this entire area, it’s so beautiful and fun to observe the seals. La Jolla Cove is a beautiful nook perfect for swimming, scuba diving, and exploring. Next to the cove is Boomer Beach, it’s basically a wide, rocky surface that’s fun to watch the waves crash onto. My other favorite area is the Children’s Pool. It’s another nook with a small beach loaded with harbor seals which are fun to observe.
Visit my post on 10 Amazing Things To Do In La Jolla, California for more
Encinitas – Laid-Back Surf Town on the SoCal Coast
This is another area I have a hard time choosing which particular beach I liked the most. There are three that we did visit: Moonlight State Beach, Swami Beach, and Cardiff State Beach, and each one was awesome in its own unique way.
Moonlight State Beach was the most populated beach having a neighborhood nestled up close to the shore. There were also several volleyball courts, concessions, and a huge length of shoreline perfect for strolling. Swami Beach literally made me question out loud to the city of San Diego why has it been holding out on us! What an incredibly beautiful view.
We stuck to the overlook here and watched a surfer for a while and admired the views. It felt like a much more peaceful beach. Lastly, Cardiff State Beach. We visited here before flying back home later that day it was a foggy, chilly day but the views were serene. We watched some surfers for a while and took in the last bit of ocean we’d have till our next visit.
Sunset Cliffs – Epic Views on San Diego’s Coastline
The last on my list of coastal California destinations has coves and arches, turquoise water, rocky coastline, and views for days. Sunset Cliffs have it all, the houses around the area are gorgeous, too. This is the perfect coastal California destination to go for a relaxing but breezy visit.
Save it. Share it. Explore it. ✈️
Your support helps us uncover and share more local gems and wanderlust-worthy guides. Every share, pin, and like brings more travel magic your way! Here’s how you can help
- Save this post on Pinterest with the image below.
- Share it with friends through email or social media who need travel inspiration.
- Comment below and let me know your favorite part—I love hearing from you!
- Follow us on social media @localloveandwanderlust
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support means the world! 🫶Jen
