12 Best Beach Towns in California + Where to Stay
This local’s guide to the best small beach towns in California covers the coolest places to stay in each town, the top things to see and more!
With over 800 miles of beautiful coastline, California has its fair share of quintessential sun-soaked beach towns. Having lived in California for all of my life, I’ve had the pleasure to travel up and down this magnificent coast, visiting many of these cute towns along the way.
Most California beach towns are similar in that they have warm, inviting spirits, with friendly locals and great ocean views, but they’re all different in things to do and general atmosphere. Here are the 12 best beach towns in The Golden State!
Table of Contents
Best Beach Towns in California
Laguna Beach
Located in Orange County, halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach is seven miles of coves and beaches that lay claim to tide pools, boardwalks, and bluffs. The town itself is known as being an art haven, with plenty of galleries and boutiques to check out.
Aside from the beach, Laguna Beach is home to upwards of 20,000 acres of pristine wilderness, which you can check out via mountain biking and hiking trails.
One thing I always make time for is the First Thursdays Art Walk, when the galleries stay open late and the whole town has a festive, buzzy energy. And if you’re there in summer, the Pageant of the Masters is one of those only-in-California experiences that’s genuinely hard to describe – living people posed as famous works of art.
I visit Laguna Beach several times a year – it’s one of those places that never loses its magic; easily among the most beautiful in the world.
Best for: Couples, art lovers, and anyone who wants a sophisticated beach town experience without the Vegas-on-the-beach energy of some other SoCal spots.
Read more: The Most Beautiful Oceanfront Hotels in California
Where to Stay in Laguna Beach
For a budget stay in Laguna Beach, check out The Tides. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the town center and has an outdoor saltwater pool for use.
For a great mid-range option, check out Laguna Brisas Hotel. This hotel is right down the street from the beach itself and offers an outdoor pool and views of Catalina Island.
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, the Surf and Sand Resort is for you. This hotel overlooks the ocean, gives guests private beach access, and is located in central Laguna Beach.
Read more: 14 Best Hotels in Laguna Beach
Capitola
Capitola is one of the oldest resort towns in California and is situated in Santa Cruz County on the coast of Monterey Bay and I feel lucky to have called this place home for several years in college. The town itself is incredibly picturesque with idyllic beaches and colorful buildings and is full of eclectic boutiques and restaurants.
I love visiting Capitola no matter the time of year – in the winter, it tends to be a relaxing and quiet escape, while in the summer it gets busy and has a classic California beach town vibe.
Zelda’s on the Beach is my go-to for fish tacos and a margarita with a front-row view of the water – grab a table on the patio if you can. One thing most visitors skip is the Capitola Wharf, which is a great spot to hang out away from the crowds and watch the pelicans.
Best for: Families, weekend trippers from the Bay Area, and anyone chasing that classic California beach town postcard look.
Where to Stay in Capitola
Quality Inn & Suites Capitola is a budget motel just 10 minutes from the beach. The property features free WiFi and a seasonal swimming pool
Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz – Capitola is a mid-range hotel that offers an outdoor pool and spacious suites.
Inn at Depot Hill is a beautiful 4-star B&B that’s walking distance from Capitola Beach and Wharf and features an evening wine reception and a full breakfast.
Read more: A Guide To Traveling California In A Campervan: Need To Know Tips
Avila Beach
A community in San Luis Obispo County, Avila Beach is a great California getaway for the whole family. In the summer, the beach welcomes concerts of all sizes, farmers markets, wine tastings, and so much more. Meanwhile, on the San Luis Pier, Fishermen haul in their daily catch – giving you the freshest seafood experience in the local restaurants.
Not to mention, the waters themselves are perfect for watersports. Because of the calm conditions, renting a kayak or paddleboard for an afternoon is super easy to do. With your kayak, definitely make a point to head to the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse!
One stop I never skip is Sycamore Mineral Springs, a beautiful property offering private, hourly hillside hot tub rentals and separate pool passes for day visitors – it’s the perfect way to decompress after a day of driving the coast. For dinner, Mersea Restaurant on the pier does excellent clam chowder that holds its own against anything else on the Central Coast.
Best for: Families with young kids, couples looking for a quiet coastal escape, and wine country visitors extending their trip to the coast.
Where to Stay in Avila Beach
Avila Village Inn is an adults-only mid-range property that offers free bike use, an outdoor swimming pool, and a gym.
Avila La Fonda Hotel is a luxury property that is home to a spa bath, fireplaces in every room, and free WiFi.
Read more: How To Road Trip California On A Budget
Cayucos
Located on the central California Coast on the colorful Estero Bay, Cayucos is a resort town only 30 minutes away from Hearst Castle. The town is full of Americana, and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the Wild West, but with a beach setting. Saloons and antique shops are aplenty!
Calm waters make Cayucos an ideal spot for water sports, including swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and diving. If you’re into fishing, head over to Cass Wharf – a great public fishing pier.
Don’t leave without stopping at the iconic Schooners restaurant for some fresh seafood – it’s exactly what a beach town lunch should be. Cayucos is also one of the more affordable towns on this list, which makes it easy to linger a little longer than planned.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, families with young children, and anyone who wants a genuinely low-key, off-the-beaten-path California beach town.
Where to Stay in Cayucos
Dolphin Inn Cayucos is a great budget hotel less than a mile away from Cayucos State Beach.
Shoreline Inn is a mid-range property located right on the beach and offers a continental breakfast and an afternoon biscuit reception.
Pier View Suites is a boutique hotel adjacent to the beach. This is a great place to stay if you want a breezy, bungalow-style place to stay.
Read more: 15 Best Weekend Getaways in California (And Where to Stay!)
Carpinteria
Carpinteria is a small city just east of Santa Barbara that lays claim to having the world’s safest beach – Carpinteria State Beach — and to being an all-around family-friendly destination. The waves at Carpinteria are small, so while it’s not great for catching a wave, they are great for splashing around in. That said, if you are looking for a great surfing spot, one of the state’s best surfing beaches, Rincon, is just three miles southeast.
The town itself is fairly easy-going, offering many casual dining options, mom-and-pop shops, and small bars.
The Wednesday afternoon farmers market is worth timing your visit around if you can. You’ll find great local produce, honey, and a relaxed vibe that feels very true to the town. I’d also suggest taking the bluff trail south of the state beach; it’s almost always quiet and has surprisingly good views for such an easy to walk.
Best for: Families with young children and travelers who want a low-key coastal town close to Santa Barbara without the Santa Barbara prices.
Where to Stay in Carpinteria
Sandyland Reef Inn is a budget-friendly stay less than a ten-minute drive from Carpinteria State Beach.
Cliff House Inn is a mid-range property offering private beach access, on-site dining, and an outdoor pool.
Read more: The Best Places to Camp in California
Fort Bragg
Located on the northern Mendocino coast, Fort Bragg, California has lived many lives. Originally a military garrison and later a lumber town, Fort Bragg is now one of the top beach destinations in the state, and for good reason. Not only is the area home to a beach full of glistening sea glass, but it also has a striking, craggy, coastline that will sweep you off your feet.
The town itself is full of cool museums – logging, train history, tattoo culture, sea glass, and marine science, to name a few – as well as great farmers markets and boutique shops.
Eggheads Restaurant is a local institution for breakfast and worth the wait if there’s a line, and North Coast Brewing Company is the obvious choice for a pint in the evening. Just note that Fort Bragg runs cooler and foggier than most California coastal towns, so pack a layer even in July, and honestly embrace it, because that moody atmosphere is a big part of the charm.
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, families who want something a little different, and anyone drawn to rugged Northern California coastal scenery over sunny beach vibes.
Where to Stay in Fort Bragg
Seabird Lodge is a trusted budget option that offers an indoor pool.
Emerald Dolphin Inn & Mini Golf is a great mid-range stay in Fort Bragg. The Inn features an 18-hole mini golf course, arcade, and it’s just 1 mile away from Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.
North Cliff Hotel is more of an upscale stay that offers a hot breakfast buffet and great views of the ocean and Noyo Bay.
Read more: Central CA Coast Travel Guide (Best Towns, Where To Stay & More)
Cambria
Whether you have just a couple days or a week to spend in a California beach town, Cambria and its many attractions will be sure to keep you occupied. Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Cambria is home to Moonstone Beach, wineries, the incredible Hearst Castle, a cute downtown area, coastal bluff trails, and elephant seals.
The elephant seal colony at Piedras Blancas, just north of town, is something I recommend to everyone – hundreds of enormous seals right by the roadside, completely unconcerned by the humans watching them. For dinner, Robin’s Restaurant has been a Cambria staple for decades and does a rotating globally-inspired menu that’s always a bit better than you’d expect from a small beach town.
So many of these places are incredibly photogenic too, so be sure to bring your camera!
Best for: Couples, solo travelers, and wine country visitors adding a coastal stop – also excellent for anyone wanting easy access to Hearst Castle without staying in a more touristy area.
Where to Stay in Cambria
Cambria Palms Motel is a budget stay in Cambria that is less than a 10-minute walk from downtown Cambria and offers BBQ facilities.
El Colibri Hotel & Spa is a central mid-range property that is walking distance to Moonstone Beach and offers a full-service spa and wine bar.
A little more upscale, Pelican Inn & Suites features a seasonal outdoor pool and unique room décor.
Read more: 10 Best Things to See and Do on California’s Central Coast
La Jolla
Nicknamed “the jewel” of San Diego, La Jolla is everything from luxury hotels and upscale shopping to casual beach vibes and gorgeous scenery. The town itself is filled with one-of-a-kind shops, fine dining restaurants, and great museums, while the beach gives way to dramatic coastline and hiking trails up to the cliffs.
La Jolla is one of the most popular beach destinations in the world and is a must on any trip to San Diego.
The Children’s Pool is worth a stop even though it’s been completely taken over by sea lions at this point – which is, frankly, more entertaining than it ever was as a swimming spot.
For snorkeling, La Jolla Cove is excellent; the underwater park means the fish are completely unbothered by people, and you’ll see more sea life in an hour than you’d expect. I highly recommend the La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour if you’ve never experienced it. I kayak here at least once a year as a local San Diegan.
Best for: Everyone, honestly – La Jolla works for couples, families, luxury travelers, and outdoor adventurers. It’s genuinely one of the most well-rounded beach destinations in the state.
Read more: Best Places to Photograph in San Diego (Local Insider Tips) & Things to Do in San Diego for Couples
Where to Stay in La Jolla
The Shoal Hotel La Jolla Beach is a budget stay that features an outdoor pool and is only an 8-minute walk from Windansea Beach.
Empress Hotel is a mid-range boutique hotel that is just a 10-minute walk to the beach and is home to an Italian restaurant.
La Valencia Hotel is a luxury property that is close to the beach and provides modern rooms with an old-charm feel.
Read more: Where to Stay in San Diego (Best Neighborhoods & Hotels)
Carmel-by-the Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque little town that looks as though it popped straight out of a fairy tale. Located on the Monterey Peninsula, the town is one-square-mile big and is full of charming restaurants, boutiques, and cafes – there are no fast food chain restaurants here.
While in Carmel, head down to Carmel Beach and stroll the scenic road, go wine tasting (the village has almost 20 wine tasting rooms!), pay a visit to the Carmel Mission, and catch some live music at Sunset Center.
Carmel Beach is also one of the few off-leash beaches in California, so if you’re traveling with a dog it’s basically paradise.
Fun fact, Clint Eastwood was once the mayor and now has a restaurant here!
Best for: Romantic getaways, wine lovers, dog owners, and anyone who appreciates a genuinely charming, walkable village with world-class scenery.
Where to Stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel Oaks is a budget stay in Carmel that has free continental breakfast delivery, and is close to many shops and sites.
Hotel Carmel is a mid-range hotel right in the heart of Carmel. The hotel serves a daily continental breakfast and features a hot tub.
The Vagabond’s House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio is a 4-star property just 1-mile from Carmel Beach City Park. The hotel features a stone courtyard and unique décor in every room.
Read more: CA Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Guide (And Where To Stay!)
Bodega Bay
A town of roughly 1,000 people in Sonoma County, Bodega Bay is home to fishermen, shopkeepers, and creative types of all kinds. Within and surrounding the town, you’ll find fresh seafood eateries, spas, and wineries, as well as great hiking, fishing, and whale-watching spots.
Bodega Bay tends to be rather quiet and is the perfect place to go if you want to unplug and relax.
The Bodega Bay Oyster Company is a must – buy a dozen to go and shuck them at the picnic tables overlooking the bay, which is as simple and perfect a coastal lunch as you’ll find anywhere in California. If you’re a Hitchcock fan, you’ll also recognize the area immediately as the setting for The Birds, and yes, the birds are still very much present.
Best for: Weekend escapists from the Bay Area, nature lovers, birders, whale watchers, and anyone who prefers their coastal towns quiet and authentic over polished and busy.
Where to Stay in Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay Inn is a mid-budget property less than a 5-minute walk to Bodega Bay and offers free WiFi.
Bodega Bay Lodge is a 4-star hotel with beautiful views of Doran Regional Park and the ocean.
Read more: Where to Stay in San Francisco (And The Best Hotels in Each Area)
Morro Bay
Also known as “the Gibraltar of the Pacific”, Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County is home to an extinct volcanic peak (that juts out 567 feet above the ocean), over six miles of sandy beaches, and an eclectic array of photogenic shops and restaurants.
Morro Bay has all the elements that make a beach town spectacular, but what makes it even more so is that it tends to be much more affordable than many of the surrounding towns. It’s easy on the eyes and on the wallet!
Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant on the Embarcadero is a local institution for clam chowder and fish and chips right on the water – get there early because it fills up fast. Kayaking into the estuary is also something most visitors skip but absolutely shouldn’t; it’s a National Estuary and you’re likely to spot sea otters within the first twenty minutes.
Best for: Road trippers, kayakers, birdwatchers, families, and budget travelers – Morro Bay consistently offers more bang for your buck than most Central Coast towns.
Read more: 15 Cheap Weekend Getaways in California to Visit Now
Where to Stay in Morro Bay
Harbor House Inn is just two blocks from the waterfront and is a great budget stay in Morro.
Masterpiece Hotel is a mid-range stay just 5 minutes away from Morro Rock. This Andalusian-style motel features an indoor hot tub and a daily wine reception.
Read more: Big Sur Camping Guide: Best Places to Camp
Shelter Cove
A Humboldt County hamlet, Shelter Cove is known as being the gateway to California’s Lost Coast. From Shelter Cove, you can visit Black Sands Beach, stroll the Lost Coast Hiking Trail, visit the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, whale watch, go diving, or fish.
Of course, while there are many activities to do, rest and relaxation should also be on the menu for things to do in Shelter Cove. The town and surrounding area are so peaceful, it’s an ideal situation to unplug and be present.
Getting here is part of the experience – I know this well, since my mom lived here for several years – the road down from the ridge is steep and winding, and the first view of the black sand beach below genuinely stops you in your tracks.
Come stocked with groceries and supplies; this is one of those places where the whole point is to unplug completely, and it delivers on that in a way few places left in California still do.
Best for: Serious outdoor adventurers, backpackers, fishermen, and anyone craving true solitude and wild California coastline far from the crowds.
Where to Stay in Shelter Cove
The Oceanfront Inn is a mid-range property offering a private beach area.
Inn of the Lost Coast is another mid-range stay located right on the beachfront and offers a hot tub and karaoke nights.
Read more: The Forgotten Coast: Off The Beaten Path in California
FAQs: Best Coastal Towns in California
Mendocino, renowned for its breathtaking coastal scenery and artsy small town vibe, stands out as the most beautiful beach town in California. Known as the ‘Victorian Village by the Sea’, many visitors are drawn here because of the many picturesque coastal cottages.
Carpinteria, located just 10 miles east of Santa Barbara, has gained recognition as California’s safest beach town. It stands out as an ideal destination for families seeking a safe coastal vacation.
Capitola Beach in Santa Cruz is home to two rows of colorful houses known as “The Venetians.” These privately owned condos are all painted in vibrant pastel colors and look like homes you would find in seaside villages in Europe.
Cayucos is probably the most underrated beach town on the entire California coast. It has calm water, a charming old-school main street, and none of the crowds you’d find in more well-known spots — and it tends to be significantly more affordable than its neighbors. Carpinteria is a close second for the same reasons.
Avila Beach, Carpinteria, and Capitola are three of the best California beach towns for families. All three have calm, relatively protected water that’s safe for young swimmers, a relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of easy activities that don’t require a lot of planning. Carpinteria in particular is widely recognized as having one of the safest beaches in the state.
It depends on where you’re coming from, but Cambria, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Morro Bay are all excellent weekend trip destinations from most parts of California. All three are compact enough to explore fully in two days, have good accommodation options at various price points, and are located along Highway 1 so they pair well together on a longer road trip.
Laguna Beach and Carpinteria consistently get the most sunshine and warmest temperatures of any towns on this list, thanks to their Southern California location and natural protection from coastal wind. If you’re visiting in summer and prioritize warm, sunny days over cooler and foggier conditions, both are safe bets.
California has no shortage of small beach towns worth visiting, but some of the best include Cayucos, Cambria, Bodega Bay, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Each has a distinct personality — Cayucos is laid-back and affordable, Cambria is scenic and well-positioned for exploring the Central Coast, Bodega Bay is quiet and great for nature lovers, and Carmel is charming and walkable in a way few towns anywhere can match.
Late spring (May and June) and early fall (September and October) are generally the best times to visit California beach towns. The summer crowds and peak prices haven’t fully arrived in May and June, and September and October bring warm water temperatures, fewer tourists, and some of the best weather of the year. July and August are busiest — still great, but expect more company.
Absolutely. Many of California’s beach towns are quieter, cheaper, and in some ways more enjoyable in winter. Towns like Bodega Bay, Fort Bragg, and Cambria take on a moody, atmospheric quality in the off-season that’s genuinely appealing if you’re not chasing a swimsuit beach day. Laguna Beach and Carpinteria in Southern California also stay mild enough in winter for comfortable walks and outdoor dining even in December and January.
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As a retired ex-Californian, now in Oregon, I long for sun, the smell and sight of the sea. Are there beach towns reasonably affordable, without a slew of homeless street people? I’m from s. Calif., and know , well, the beaches of Los Angeles and Orange County. Thanks, Stephanie
We just stayed with our family in San Clemente at the affordable San Clemente Inn, just minutes walk from the beautiful San Clemente State Beach. We drove to Laguna 3X for more great beaches (paddled and boogie boarded with our kids in Crescent Bay!) and the best gelato we’ve ever found stateside at Gelato Paradisio. But, we favored staying in the much more quiet, laid back San Clemente. We also loved walking the lovely beach trail to T Street beach and the San Clemente Pier. The SC Inn is doing a fabulous makeover and their pool and pickle ball court rocks! Hailing from Colorado, we will definitely be back. Or, maybe LaJolla next time.
A couple more small beach towns to consider are Aptos and La Selva in Santa Cruz County. And don’t forget Pismo just north of Santa Barbara—adjacent to Avila Beach.
Hi Christy! Awesome recommendations. Do you have a suggestion for taking family to California to surf? Hawaii not in budget and my Texan kids want to learn to surf. Thanks!!
Hi Katie. San Diego is a great place! That’s where I currently live and it’s where I learned how to surf.
Great article. Having recently discovered Shelter Cove, I have decided it’s my favorite California beach town. It is absolutely stunning and beautiful! Wonderful beaches, hiking, and golfing, too.
That’s wonderful! My mom used to live there, otherwise, it’s possible I would never had thought to visit. It’s such a unique place!