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The Best Beaches to Visit in California

California offers some of the finest stretches of beach in the world. For a weeklong adventure, the following beaches offer the best California has to offer. They are ideal for family, couples, and friends alike.

PISMO BEACH

PISMO BEACH, CALIFORNIA

Located half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco in southern San Luis Obispo County is the famous central coast beach city of Pismo Beach. Pismo Beach boasts stunning stretches of white beaches, sand dunes, and groves of eucalyptus trees, which attract migrating monarch butterflies every season. The Monarch Butterfly Grove alone is a captive sight to behold. The beach city holds a clam festival every October with clam chowder competitions ideal for families. Visitors may enjoy fishing at the Pismo pier, riding the sand dunes, surfing the waves, or golfing at some of the finest golf courses in the world. Go horseback riding or simply walk down this gorgeous stretch of sand for a relaxing, invigorating, and inspiring experience. Eateries include a casual, budget, family style seafood dinner at the Cracked Crab. Perched on the bluffs is the Ventana Grill where coastal fusion cuisine meets with an extensive selection of tequila flights surrounded by crashing waves. In the morning, enjoy gooey Old West Cinnamon Rolls to start another sweet day at the beach.

RINCON BEACH 

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

photo by flickr user wanderingnome

Rincon Beach, located just south of Santa Barbara with its curve of shoreline is an epic surf location. The beach is known for its wild breaks and near perfect rides. The narrow stretch of sand is at times covered in driftwood or sprinkled with rocks and seaweed. Located next to the historic highway 101, Rincon boasts the finest waves anywhere and attracts surfers from all over the globe. Surfing or simply watching surfers is an ideal way to spend the day at Rincon. Travel just ten minutes north into town for casual seafood and a lively, relaxed atmosphere at Brophy Bro’s Restaurant and Clam Bar or enjoy a cold tap beer specials and baby back ribs at Killer B’s BBQ & Bar.

VENICE BEACH

VENICE, LOS ANGELES

photo by flickr user Storm Crypt

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, and Mar Vista is the world famous Venice Beach. Canals were originally built to drain the marshlands to create this special stretch of sand that now boasts a world famous beach boardwalk. One and half miles of sand and surf encapsulate some of the most festive, bohemian, and carnival-like experiences in the world. Travel to the west side to find street vendors and performers entertain by juggling, miming, and break dancing all with circus-like enthusiasm then head towards the east side which boasts store fronts equip with tattoo and piercing shops. Whatever direction taken, Venice is a Mecca for poets, artists, entertainers and true originators to express themselves. Venice offers terrific eateries such as sushi at Chaya Venice, a gathering spot for musicians and movie stars or for an organic, fresh experience head to Figtree’s Café. For a drink to remember head over to Hal’s Bar and Grill for some fantastic specials, some of the friendliest bartenders and some live jazz.

LA JOLLA BEACHES

LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA

From the charming stretch of sand at Windnsea Beach to the famous La Jolla Cove, the beaches in La Jolla are stunning and world renowned. La Jolla Shores boasts crystal blue waters with a fine sand bar break that lends itself to pleasurable swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing on the beach with the kids. La Jolla Cove offers a covey of wildlife along a wild coastline. Not far from the cove are fine restaurants and bars. After a swim in the cove travel up to Jose’s for some fine Mexican food including carne asada and enchiladas along with happy hour special margaritas or have a drink in the famous La Valencia Hotel for an authentic La Jolla experience.

CORONADO BEACH

CORONADO, CALIFORNIA

Coronado Beach is a magnificent stretch of coastline set along Ocean Boulevard across from streets lined with mansions and gorgeous homes similar to the elegance and grace of Hamptons beach houses. Coronado has an island feel set apart from the city of San Diego. The wide stretches of sand are clean and family friendly. Open fires, family picnics, runs on the beach and couples enjoying vivid sunsets are just a few activities enjoyed on the beaches of Coronado. Travel down Orange Avenue to find a variety of eateries. Burger Lounge serves a simple budget menu of burgers, salads, and beers in a relaxed environment. For a family style approach there is Clayton’s coffee shop for local cuisine. For those willing to spend more, an evening at the Crown Room at the world famous Hotel Del Coronado cannot be matched.

Alexandra is a travel enthusiast who loves to write about tourism, beaches, food, and the wonderful things in the world. She provides her own insights on vacationing to the blogosphere. If you would like to learn more about her, follow her @alexsjourneys or visit her blog alexsjourneys.wordpress.com.

Submitted By Alexandra Jacobs on Feb. 21 , 2013

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