California Beaches

San Diego delivers 70 miles of coastline with year-round surf, leopard sharks at La Jolla, and a taco scene fueled by proximity to the Mexican border. From Torrey Pines bluffs to Coronado's sparkling sand, every neighborhood has its own beach personality.

You don't need a flight to find great sand. Here are the best beaches within two hours of New York, LA, Miami, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Seattle, Houston, and Washington, DC — with transit tips and specific restaurant picks.

Beach camping in California ranges from bluff-top sites overlooking Big Sur's dramatic coast to sand-level tent spots in Morro Bay. This guide covers the best campgrounds from San Diego to Humboldt County, with reservation tips for the state's notoriously competitive booking system.

The best beaches across Channel Islands National Park in California, from the kayaking paradise of Scorpion Beach on Santa Cruz to the windswept white sands of Water Canyon on Santa Rosa. Includes boat schedules, hiking routes, and camping logistics.

The best dog-friendly beaches in the US with off-leash policies, parking costs, nearby dog-friendly restaurants, and essential safety tips for bringing your dog to the beach.