Our top Southern California beaches between Los Angeles and San Diego
Southern California beaches between Los Angeles and San Diego offer beachcombers, surfers, and romantics the best hideaways, snorkeling locations, and off-the-beaten-path parties, with something for everyone. It’s amazing how many lovely beaches are just a short distance from the bustling cities of southern California and can be explored before or after leaving California on a cruise.
The best beach destinations in San Diego are scattered throughout the city, from north to south. Here is a list of the most acclaimed local Southern California beaches to choose from and discover.
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
Crystal Cove State Park
Hermosa Beach
La Jolla Cove
Balboa Pier
Central Beach Coronado
Coronado
If you’re a beach bum, Coronado is the place for you. The city is home to Coronado Central Beach, not to be confused with Hotel Del Coronado’s private courtyard beach. While you’re there, check out the Quay wall that extends 3/4 mile out into the water. Here, sunbathers bask alongside surfers who catch waves at the breaks along Point Loma. Be sure to bring your four-legged friend along as there’s an off-leash dog beach on Silver Strand State Beach, just 15 miles from Coronado!
Crystal Cove State Park
Wellness retreats, hiking trails and caves, steep mountains, crystal-clear water, and various marine life are all waiting for you at Crystal Cove State Park. Its secluded Southern California beaches are part of an underwater park with over 2000 acres of wooded regions to explore. The cove offers one of the most spectacular underwater views due to its shallow water. For an up close and personal view of untamed wildlife, try tidepooling when the tides lower to reveal some of the mystical creatures that call Crystal Cove home.
Hermosa Beach
This is one of those Southern California beaches where the sun is always shining, and the waves are plentiful. So there’s no better place to soak up some rays than at Hermosa Beach. It has something to offer every kind of outdoor enthusiast, whether you’re looking for a leisurely bike ride along the Strand, a game of volleyball, or just the right spot for a picnic.
La Jolla Cove
Between Lindeman’s Beach and Children’s Pool Beach, La Jolla Cove is a secluded beach in La Jolla, San Diego. The cove is recognized for its abundant marine life, excellent fishing, and numerous seals. It also has a significant historical value as the site of the Spanish Missionaries’ massacres of various indigenous tribes.
Laguna Beach
The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is four miles of white sand beach, perfect for an afternoon stroll. Stroll in the morning and watch surfers on the famous surf spot, Aliso Beach. It’s ideal for family’s with small children as the tide won’t get too intense. But it’s definitely one of those Southern California beaches that draws big crowds on summer weekends. The shoreline has a beautiful sunset view, so it’s a perfect place to enjoy a picnic dinner.Â
Newport Beach
If you love the Golden State and its endless summers, this could be one of the Southern California beaches for you. You won’t find a more attractive waterfront setting than Newport Beach, with its wide beach ideal for surfing. There’s also a magnificent stretch of sand from Newport Beach to Balboa Pier and a picturesque harbor full of glittering yachts.
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If you’re looking to stay near San Diego, check out the Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton, which we mentioned at the beginning of this list. By signing up for the no annual fee Hilton Honors American Express Card, you can earn 80,000 points by spending $1,000 during the first three months. You can also support this site at no additional cost by doing your Amazon shopping via our custom link.
Have you been to any of these Southern California beaches? Leave a comment below!
Wow! These beaches look so incredible and mesmerizing. Every beach has its own unique glamour and beauty that everyone can enjoy.
And even with traffic, it’s usually less than three hours from LA to San Diego.
Hermosa beach is one of the prettiest beaches in Southern California. I am dying to go here.
Hi Alita. Have you been to any of the others?
Wow, Southern California has the cleanest and clearest beach. I’d love to visit these places
Yes, I was lucky enough to visit back in November. Hoping to head back this year as well!
Oh, your post made me miss the beach so much. I haven’t been one in 3 years because of the Pandemic.
Hi Brianne. Do you have a favorite or two?
I haven’t been to any of these Southern California beaches. I will go to all of them if I live pretty close.
I did my first back in 2004. Just outside San Diego.
We have relatives here but haven’t been to any of this places so I guess I need to take note of this so that I can be able to have this as a reference when I can finally visit them go to some of this beaches in the future.
For many years, I just stayed in the main cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco when I visited California. Mostly when I did not have a car…..which you need to visit these places.
Wow.. these are amazing beaches.. that Hermosa and Laguna beaches are my fav.. i love these kinds of coves.. this made me want to hit the beach real soon.
Hi Milton. Thanks for sharing your favorites. What about La Jolla Cove?
I have been to Cornado. So beautiful. And the history behind the hotel is also amazing. Minus the haunted room. LOLI would love to visit the other beaches too.
Happy New Year Jen! Hope you get there. I’m hoping to revisit SoCal later this year.
Not knowing much about these beaches I enjoyed reading this. We do love to go to the beach in the summer. Crystal Cove sounds great.
Yes, the picture sells Crystal Cove for sure!
This is so cool, love the last picture with the family and water. You nailed it haha
Thanks Fransic!
Any place that has deep history like that of La Jolla Cove is my jam. I would love to visit this beach!
Yes, La Jolla Cove is beautiful and an easy journey from San Diego. It’s farther from Los Angeles.
This is great! My trip to Cali beaches is now longer thanks to your list. I will surely check them all.
Lol, that’s what I love to hear! Thanks khoingn!
All the beaches are so amazing OMG! But my favourite (at least from a picture) is La Jolla Cove. It’s so sad that I haven’t been to any of these.
Do you prefer cities instead of beach towns?
Laguna Beach is definitely on my radar. I have wanted to go there for a while.
Hi Rosey. Hope you make it soon!
I have never been to California, and these all sound wonderful. The scenery is just beautiful! I have been to Oregon and some of the coastline looks similar.
Opposite for me. Been to California several times, but never explored Oregon.
I really wanna visit laguna beach one day, it’s so beautiful!
Hi Verinoka. Glad we were able to make it look attractive to you. Enjoy your eventual visit!
I’ve always wanted to visit California or the states in general. But since the pandemic, I haven’t been able to get away anywhere. I’ve just been working on my bucket list and planning my future travels.
Hi Nyxie. Thanks for commenting and hope you start to travel again soon!
I adore California beaches. The most special one is RAT beach but this is my choice as it is where I live.
Thanks Elise. Have you been to any Central California beaches?