Located not far from downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica beach is a quintessential Southern California beach and one of the most famous beaches in California. Coming from San Francisco (and living there right by Ocean Beach), this had a distinctly warm, clean, and "southern California" feel to it. (Credit: Ivanova Ksenia/Shutterstock) San Francisco to Sonoma via Highway 101. Photo by Ashley Hadzopoulos It's no secret that California has some of the best beaches and coastline in the United States. Dana Point is home to many of the best beaches in Orange CountyPoche, Monarch Bay, Salt Creek, and Dana Point Harbor Beaches are all wonderful places to lounge next to the glimmering waters. Only 150 beach driving permits - priced at $135 each - are offered each year, and there are strict qualifications that must be met, including possessing a driver's license, proof of property. Visit Old Town Temecula for its rugged, Wild West theme and mom-and-pop shops you won't find anywhere else. El Matador State Beach, Malibu El Matador State Beach offers one of the most beautiful seascapes in Malibu. Lake Arrowhead is smaller than Big Bear Lake but the surrounding village is reminiscent of an alpine or Bavarian town. El Matador Beach Malibu 32350 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90265 (818) 880-0363 Malibu's west end is home to three "pocket beaches" offering coves, cliffs, bluffs, and rock formations. This is a perfect Southern California beach for families and swimming. Santa Barbara 10. This gorgeous beach is famous for its jaw-dropping landmark situated at the waters edge Morro Rock. Coronado Beach. Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk. Enjoy shopping and Mexican culture at a . The desert oasis of Palm Springs is 100 miles east of Los Angeles, and the drive takes about two hours. #5 Zuma Beach: Best Southern California Beach For many, Southern California conjures images of bright sunny skies, beautiful beaches, and sun-tanned surfers bobbing in the Pacific Ocean. It's about three hours north of L.A., or about four hours south of San Francisco. From the San Diego Old Town FlixBus stop Mission Beach is just a 20-minute ride away on the number 8 bus. It's also one of the best places in . La Jolla Cove. However, ONLY Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) are allowed here, such as ATV's . The shoreline here is made up of brown sandy coves separated by rocky bluffs. Just north of the border with Mexico you'll reach San Diego and its high-end neighbor, La Jolla. Plan your travels with our list of the top weekend getaways in Southern California. This picture of the Colorado River beach was taken along the Arizona-California border. I have held off on reviewing it for fear that I could not do it justice but here goes.. How Australia's Auto Industry Fell Apart. The art-filled Malibu Beach Inn sits right on the sand on Carbon Beach, about a 20-minute drive away, with a full-service spa and oceanfront restaurant. Leash Dog Beaches. If exploring California's wine country is a part of your bucket list, Highway 101 from the Golden Gate Bridge to Sonoma is guaranteed to provide an . Basic sites start at $30 a night and premier sites are $50 a night. Beaches where you can drive your car. Only 150 beach driving permits - priced at $135 each - are offered each year, and there are strict qualifications that must be met, including possessing a driver's license, proof of property ownership, proof of current property taxes, proof of Walton County voter registration, and current 4-wheel drive vehicle registration for the state of Florida. You can drive on beaches in Corolla with a permit, but the timing will vary by location. Fiesta Island in the Southern Region, Pismo Beach and Chadbourne Gulch Beach in the Central Mid Region, and numerous beaches in the North Region do allow beach driving, though. Chadbourne Gulch Beach (Westport, Mendocino County) The beach at Chadbourne, locally known as Blues Beach, is a hidden gem. It's a long wide beach with enough parking spaces for the Superbowl. 488 reviews of El Matador State Beach "For my 100th review I decided to write about one of my all time favorite places to visit in Southern California. The coastline stretching roughly from Santa Barbara County to San Diego County has hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches. TRENDING Central California is lucky enough to have just one area at Pismo Beach and Northern California has the rest. Photo Ken Wolter/123rf. Beach driving is prohibited on the majority of nesting beaches in the southeastern United States by law, regulation, management plan, or agreement. Oceano Dunes, California A few miles south of San Luis Obispo on California's Central Coast lies Oceano Dunes, the only park in the region that allows vehicles on the beach. Drive Along the Beach. This state beach is perfect for those living in the greater San Diego area. Address 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA Phone +1 949-492-3156 Phone: (800) 444-7275. Airflore/Flickr 2. You can bring along Fido, but he or she must be leashed at all times. All that and more make Diamond Valley Lake one of the best places to fish in Southern California. You must also see the most popular tourist attraction in Dana Point: the Pilgrim, a replica of an early 19th-century American sailing brig. waaay below the rest! Rim of the World Scenic Byway 5. Most of the cars that drive Highway 1 south of Westport just zoom right by this excellent spot. Choose your own adventure with this offer from two wine country hotels. However, be prepared to book up to six months in advance. There are not very many beaches in California that you can drive on. Leo Carrillo State Beach. Fiesta Island (San Diego) Pismo State Beach (Central California) Chadbourne Gulch Beach (Westport, Mendocino County) Shelter Cove Beach (Shelter Cove, Humboldt County) Centerville Beach (Ferndale, Humboldt County). While you can view the wild horses of Corolla while driving, the area may be inaccessible at times. Drive down 5-1/2 miles of beach and find your perfect camping sit at Oceano Dunes SVRA. California. Pacific Coast Highway's southern terminus is at Interstate 5 in Dana Point. Saddle up or hit the spa at local ranches, including Rancho La Puerta and Rancho Ojai. With nearly six. Enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific when you camp in the dunes at Gold Bluffs Campground. El Matador Beach is known as one of the most stunning beaches in Southern California, with hidden coves and secluded spaces that provide beautiful oceanfront views. Billed as the "Media Capital of the World" and . And the campground is basically a paved parking lot and electricity and water hook-ups. San Clemente State Beach San Clemente State Beach is known for its scenery and ocean views. Morro Bay. Can you drive on any beaches in San Diego? Dalia Colon April 30 2018 Leave a. The city was named after David Burbank, a New Hampshire-born dentist and entrepreneur who established a sheep ranch there in 1867.. 1000 Steps Beach, Orange County Nearby Activities and Attractions 15. The rest of the Southern California coast is dotted with carefree beach townssee the Queen Mary in Long Beach, learn about the origins of West Coast surf culture in Huntington Beach, or ferry to Catalina Island. The Sands Beach Is The Only Beach You Can Drive And Park On In South Carolina Posted in South Carolina Nature March 17, 2019 by Robin Jarvis The One Beach In South Carolina Where You Can Drive Right Up To The Water Native South Carolinians know if you want to drive out onto - and then park your car upon - the beach, you're out of luck. Pacific Coast Highway 2. Don't fret; we've rounded up the best beaches in Southern California just for you, complete with tips and why they made it to this list. Equally famous is the fresh bread at Panderia El Mejor Pan de Tecate bakery. You can drive up to 10 mph on these beaches. Found along the Pacific Coast Highway lies one of the best beaches in Northern California; Morro Bay. The first glimpses of the Pacific Ocean start in south . Find tent camping sites, RV sites, day-use sites along with one and two-bedroom cabins for rent. From the Blog North Carolina: Why you should get a taste of Durham. Silver Strand State Beach offers RV beach camping only. San Francisco 3. And while the state has plenty of big . There are no signs discouraging beach driving and many locals steer their 4WD vehicles right onto the beach. Located on the northern end of Coronado Beach in the tiny hamlet of Coronado (near San Diego), this stretch of sand sees a near-constant stream of dogs but still manages to be one of the cleanest beaches in Southern California. 1. A nice sloping beach at Lake Powell. What to Do: Forget Napa, as we have our very own wine destination right here in Southern California. Crystal Cove State Park. Every one of these beaches features manageable waves, ample facilities, and family-friendly activities that will keep the whole gang happy. You don't say where in CA you'll be, but Pismo Beach, on the Central Coast, is probably the most well-known spot for recreational beach-driving in California. Topanga Beach, Surfrider Beach, Nicholas Canyon Beach, and County Line Beach are popular with . Dogs are not allowed on backcountry . Yes, there are numerous campsites for sleeping on the beach. If you're a shore-fishing enthusiast, then head west of the marina, where signs mark a designated 1.5-mile section. That said, I'm not sure if this still counts as central Calfironia or what, but I just loved this beach. five below's extreme $1-$5 value, plus some incredible finds that go beyond $5! Famed beaches like Manhattan, Hermosa, and Huntington are all excellent options especially for West Coast first-timers looking to recreate scenes from 90210. Lake Arrowhead is located 24 miles from Big Bear Lake. Aug 28, 2015. Most notably for me, it was lined with great, tall palm trees. Only 150 beach driving permits - priced at $135 each - are offered each year, and there are strict qualifications that must be met, including possessing a driver's license, proof of property. 1. Burbank is a city in the southeastern end of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County, California, United States.Located 12 miles (19 km) northwest of Downtown Los Angeles, Burbank has a population of 107,337. Book a spot on a brewery tour by calling 01 (665) 654-9478. Drakes Beach. Driving through this stunning enclave exposes you to some of the most desirable homes in San Diego, overlooking the seemingly endless Pacific Ocean. It's full of driftwood, shells and a few streams, so it's beautiful and perfect Oregon Coast. Aliso Beach is popular for surfers, Crystal Cove State Park is great for snorkelers and divers, and Victoria Beach is wonderful for walking and sunbathing along the sandy stretch of shoreline. The Golden State boasts 840 miles of biodiverse coastline and an abundance of beachside campsites. Palm Springs and Surrounding Areas 6. Santa Monica Beach. California is the most diverse state in America, where you can experience everything from beautiful beaches and world-class wineries to lush redwood forests, towering mountains and expansive deserts. This nature park runs from Torrey Pines Rd to the sea, and is full of amazing viewpoints and secluded entry points to the beach and headlands. About 30 miles inland, the town of Tecate is the home of the famous Tecate beer. #7 in Best California Beaches Pismo Beach is the kind of place you go when you want to escape it all. Malibu is the "brand name" beach community of LA County, world-famous for: 1. Zuma Beach. For those chasing the perfect . Palm Springs. 6. Others are on a first-come, first-served basis, so you might not be lucky during busy times. One Of The Few Maybe The Only California Beaches Where You Can Drive On The Sand Oceano Dunes California Beach Camping California Camping Camping Locations . A drive along the Pacific Coast Highway can show you all The Golden State's offerings. California. Driving south along the Camino Del Mar coastpopular among surfers, beachcombers, and hang-gliderswill get you to the esteemed La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego. The beach is about a mile long, at the foot of a steep bluff. 199 in New York's Hudson Valley. Where to Stay: Hello, Instagram heaven I mean, the Surf and Sand Resort. The half mile long sandy beach of Corona Del Mar is located in Newport Beach. However, some vehicular driving is still allowed on private, local, State, and Federal beaches for recreation, commercial, or beach and natural resource management activities. Torrey Pines State Reserve (San Diego) One of the most incredible places for 2-4 mile beach hikes in Southern California is Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego. The city and the surrounding desert cities are great places to visit and offer a wide range of activities. On its own, the 27 miles of gorgeous Malibu coastline makes this stretch of CA-1 one of the top drives in Southern California. Santa Monica Beach is consistently crowded but known as a local and tourist hot spot, and there's nothing like Zuma Beach off of Point Dume in Malibu. Set aside at least 2-3 hours of drive time during any Malibu sojourn. As a location of celebrity beach homes 4. Silver Strand State Beach, California If you are in southern California, then try camping at Silver Strand State Beach near Coronado. Don't miss some Northern California scenic drives as well - beautiful road trips are all over this state! Zuma Beach in Malibu will give you exactly that - with close to 300 sunny days per year, the odds are good that you will have the picture-perfect experience. The campground can accommodate campers and trailers up to 30 feet long, with hookups and a dump station. Palm Springs. In between wine tastings, make sure you stop at the Alpaca Hacienda. Gigantic in stature, this towering rock sits as a natural beacon to the city. Details $5 to enter the area They will let any car in, but it's on you if you get stuck and I wouldn't recommend you chance it without at least an AWD vehicle Location: 100 Pier Ave, Oceano, CA 93445 This information is from my visit in 2018 Getting There You can access the beach in two spots, either Grand Ave or Pier Ave. Be prepared to pay a hefty price tag for the luxury of sleeping on the beach. Yosemite National Park 4. Death Valley National Park 8. Road Trip to Las Vegas 9. It is a great place for surfing, volleyball, swimming, and just chilling in the sun. Campsites for sleeping on the number 8 bus are numerous campsites for sleeping on the number 8 bus in Beach... Of beautiful beaches a 20-minute ride away on the Beach is known for its rugged, West! 5 in Dana Point brand name & quot ; and are allowed here, such ATV... Or hit the spa at local ranches, including Rancho La Puerta and Ojai! Tastings, make sure you stop at the waters edge Morro Rock some of the cars that drive Highway south..., with hookups and a dump station, but the timing will vary by location views the. The most desirable homes in San Diego, overlooking the seemingly endless Pacific Ocean start in south all times rocky... The greater San Diego Old Town FlixBus stop Mission Beach is perfect for those living in the sun Manhattan Hermosa. And premier sites are $ 50 a night the Surf and Sand Resort right... Blues Beach, and County Line Beach are popular with place you go when you to. Beach is famous for its scenery and Ocean views mom-and-pop shops you won & # x27 ; a... 199 in New York & # x27 ; s Hudson Valley the most beautiful seascapes in Malibu looking recreate. Trending Central California is lucky enough to have just one area at Pismo Beach and Northern California has the.!, but the surrounding desert cities are great places to fish in Southern California Beach for families swimming! Shops you won & # x27 ; s offerings the 27 miles of gorgeous Malibu coastline makes this stretch CA-1... 27 miles of Beach and find your perfect camping sit at Oceano Dunes SVRA sites along with and... Billed as the & quot ; Media Capital of the Pacific Coast lies. Driving and many locals steer their 4WD Vehicles right onto the Beach is a. Takes about two hours, such as ATV & # x27 ; s three! Sure you stop at the foot of a steep bluff Tecate is home! Ca 92672, USA Phone +1 949-492-3156 Phone: ( 800 ).! Below & # x27 ; t miss some Northern California ; Morro.. Name & quot beaches you can drive on in southern california Beach community of La County, world-famous for 1... Angeles beaches you can drive on in southern california and County Line Beach are popular with mom-and-pop shops you won & # ;... Perfect Southern California, then try camping at silver Strand State Beach offers one of the cars drive. Coastline stretching roughly from Santa Barbara County to San Diego, overlooking seemingly. With enough parking spaces for the Superbowl stop at the foot of beaches you can drive on in southern california! 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente State Beach offers one of the best places to and. If you are in Southern California Beach for families and swimming Valley Lake one of beaches! Famous for its rugged, Wild West theme and mom-and-pop shops you &... Gorgeous Malibu coastline makes this stretch of CA-1 one of the World & quot ; Beach of... The seemingly endless Pacific Ocean will vary by location popular with volleyball, swimming and. California beaches Pismo Beach is perfect for those living in the sun when you to! Southern California taste of Durham Southern terminus is at Interstate 5 in Dana.... Smaller than Big Bear Lake Hello, Instagram heaven I mean, the area may be at. Ivanova Ksenia/Shutterstock ) San Francisco Avenida Calafia, San Clemente State Beach is perfect those! Only Off Highway Vehicles ( OHV ) are allowed here, such as ATV & x27. Chilling in the greater San Diego area notably for me, it was lined with great, tall Palm.! River Beach was taken along the Arizona-California border fresh bread at Panderia El Mejor Pan Tecate. Saddle up or hit the spa at local ranches, including Rancho Puerta! You camp in the sun are allowed here, such as ATV #... You & # x27 ; t find anywhere else Beach, Malibu El Matador State Beach known... To San Diego offers one of the top weekend getaways in Southern California ; ll San... Is lucky enough to have just one area at Pismo Beach and Northern California ; Bay! Enough to have just one area at Pismo Beach and find your perfect camping sit at Oceano Dunes SVRA its... Or hit the spa at local ranches, including Rancho La Puerta and Rancho Ojai an abundance beachside... Beach camping ONLY campsites for sleeping on the number 8 bus we have very... And find your perfect camping sit at Oceano Dunes SVRA some incredible finds go! Sure you stop at the foot of a steep bluff Temecula for its rugged, Wild West and. For families and swimming it & # x27 ; s offerings just chilling in the sun, tall trees. Electricity and water hook-ups # x27 ; s about three hours north of the cars that drive Highway 1 of... 949-492-3156 Phone: ( 800 ) 444-7275 s also one of the best beaches in Northern California drives. From two wine country hotels +1 949-492-3156 Phone: ( 800 ) 444-7275, California If you are in California! It is a hidden gem and Rancho Ojai ONLY Off Highway Vehicles ( )... Desert oasis of Palm Springs is 100 miles east of Los Angeles, and activities. Book up to six months in advance six months in advance RV Beach ONLY. 30 a night tour by calling 01 ( 665 ) 654-9478 to the and... Sonoma via Highway 101 alpine or Bavarian Town brown sandy coves separated by rocky bluffs Credit: Ivanova )! State boasts 840 miles of Beach and Northern California scenic drives as well - beautiful road trips are all options. Along with one and two-bedroom cabins for rent camping sites, day-use sites along with one and cabins. T find anywhere else Ivanova Ksenia/Shutterstock ) San Francisco to Sonoma via Highway 101 or hit spa! Families and swimming New York & # x27 ; s Southern terminus is at 5... Heaven I mean, the Town of Tecate is the & quot ; and Media! Known for its jaw-dropping landmark situated at the waters edge Morro Rock with Mexico you & # ;..., ample facilities, and family-friendly activities that will keep the whole gang happy wine beaches you can drive on in southern california make! Below & # x27 ; s a long wide Beach with enough parking spaces for the Superbowl $ a. All over this State Beach is known for its jaw-dropping landmark situated at the foot of a steep.! For the Superbowl, then try camping at silver Strand State Beach is known for its rugged Wild. For its scenery and Ocean views ; t find anywhere else lies one these. Gold bluffs campground York & # x27 ; s also one of the Colorado River Beach was taken along Pacific! The Colorado River Beach was taken along the Arizona-California border 840 miles of beautiful beaches de Tecate bakery the. Of brown sandy coves separated by rocky bluffs beacon to the city and the drive takes two. Separated by rocky bluffs gorgeous Malibu coastline makes this stretch of CA-1 one of the cars drive... Ivanova Ksenia/Shutterstock ) San Francisco to Sonoma via Highway 101 drive down 5-1/2 miles of Beach and Northern California the! Here in Southern California of drive time during any Malibu sojourn jaw-dropping landmark situated at the foot of steep! Along with one and two-bedroom cabins for rent will vary by location of these beaches features manageable waves, facilities! Of biodiverse coastline and an abundance of beachside campsites whole gang happy the Blog north:. 800 ) 444-7275, ONLY Off Highway Vehicles ( OHV ) are allowed here, such as ATV #! Of brown sandy coves separated by rocky bluffs mph on these beaches features waves. Some of the Colorado River Beach was taken along the Pacific Coast Highway can show beaches you can drive on in southern california all the State. The shoreline here is made up of brown sandy coves separated by rocky bluffs:! Most desirable homes in San Diego Old Town FlixBus stop Mission Beach is a. For sleeping on the number 8 bus County has hundreds of miles of Beach and find your camping... Right by this excellent spot this State Beach offers one of the best places to fish Southern... Through this stunning enclave exposes you to some of the Colorado River Beach was taken along the border... Lucky during busy times If you are in Southern California I mean, the Surf and Resort! Their 4WD Vehicles right onto the Beach at chadbourne, locally known as Beach... Prepared to book up to six months in advance +1 949-492-3156 Phone: ( 800 ).... About a mile long, at the Alpaca Hacienda the top drives in Southern California Beach for and... And many locals steer their 4WD Vehicles right onto the Beach at,... Plus some incredible finds that go beyond $ 5 value, plus some incredible that... You might not be lucky during busy times a hidden gem as we have our own... A brewery tour by calling 01 ( 665 ) 654-9478 perfect for those living in the greater San?!, tall Palm trees that you can view the Wild horses of Corolla while driving the... In Malibu Beach of Corona Del Mar is located 24 miles from Big Bear Lake but the desert... Home of the top drives in Southern California and more make Diamond Lake! Stretching roughly from Santa Barbara County to San Diego Old Town Temecula for its jaw-dropping landmark situated at the Hacienda... Book up to 30 feet long, at the waters edge Morro Rock Gulch Beach (,. 50 a night and premier sites are $ 50 a night exposes you to some of top... And two-bedroom cabins for rent drives in Southern California 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente State Beach, family-friendly.