Best USA Beaches

• 196. Quarry Beach // Northern California

  

  Quarry Beach is one of two main beaches on Angel Island, which sits in San Francisco Bay, not far from Alcatraz Island. Found on the island's east coast its fine sands lie approximately two miles from the island's ferry terminal, beyond the historic Immigration Station and visitor centre which you'll likely be visiting in any case if heading to Angel Island.

  From California's mainland, the island can be reached by public… read more »

• 197. Lester Beach // Lake Tahoe

  

  Forming the northern trailhead of the 20 mile Rubicon Trail, Lester Beach is located on the western shores of Lake Tahoe. Facing roughly northeast, it stretches in a thin ribbon for approximately a mile, with its widest portions being at its south-eastern end. It then links to the much shorter Calawee Cove Beach.

  Together, both beaches are sometimes known as Bliss Beach, since they form the shoreline of D. L. Bliss… read more »

• 198. Clam Beach // Northern California

  

  Great for:

  • Fishing

  Clam Beach County Park lies just off (Redwood) Highway 101 to the north of Arcata. It is a long stretch of fine golden sand backed by low sand dunes.

  The beach here is a popular stopover for camping with parks for both RVs and tents. Facilities include plenty of picnic areas, firepits, and restrooms.

  As the name might suggest, Clam beach is popular for clamming - the name comes from the abundant razor… read more »

• 199. College Cove Beach // Northern California

  

  Beautiful College Cove Beach is one of the finest beaches in North California. This public beach is near Trinidad, about 75 miles south of the California/Oregon border. College Cove Beach is the northern cove of Trinidad State Beach and has a more secluded atmosphere. It is separated from the main state beach by "The Portal", a natural arch through the rocks.

  The beach looks out to Pewetole Island, a… read more »

• 200. Palisades Beach // Southern California

  

  Great for:

  • Fishing
  • Surfing

  This narrow strip of soft white sand is just along the coast from the ever-popular Santa Monica.

  Unlike its next-door neighbor, there aren't a whole host of beachfront bars and restaurants, which helps to keep the crowds away, and means there's plenty of wriggle room for a spot of sunbathing.

  Lifeguards are on duty every day and there are loads of places to park nearby if you're taking the car to the… read more »

• 201. Salt Creek Beach // Southern California

  

  Great for:

  • Swimming
  • Surfing

  Orange County's Salt Creek Beach is named after the stream which runs across the northern part of the beach during wetter times of year. Backed by scrub, the beach consists of a wide ribbon of sand paired with the lawns of Bluff Park, which is almost three hectares in size. It has a good number of picnic tables for anyone looking to enjoy an al fresco meal.

  Those looking to be… read more »

• 202. Malibu Lagoon State Beach // Southern California

  

  Great for:

  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Surfing

  Running for several hundred metres in total, Malibu Lagoon State Beach is looked after by California State Parks. It lies at the heart of Malibu, at the mouth of a lagoon as it connects with the Pacific Ocean. Its sands are ringed by the attractive Santa Monica Mountains.

  The stretch of sand that runs from the lagoon to the historic pier is also known as Surfrider Beach, and so it's no… read more »

• 203. Redondo Beach State Park // Southern California

  

  Great for:

  • Fishing
  • Surfing
  • Kitesurfing

  This 1.5 mile-long stretch of shoreline is jam-packed with activities and facilities, which keep visitors coming back time and time again.

  At the far north of the beach you'll find the magnificent pier. It's a great place for a spot of fishing, and there are plenty of bars, shops and restaurants here too, with plenty of variety on the menus. Naturally as you'd expect, there are plenty of fresh seafood places… read more »

• 204. McClures Beach // Northern California

  

  McClures Beach lies at the very end of Pierce Point Road, from where walkers head out on the Tomales Point Trailhead. Facing west into the broad expanse of the Pacific blue, rip currents make swimming dangerous, although there is plenty to do on the broad sweep of golden sands instead. Situated between two short headlands, the beach can't be seen from the car park, but is just a few hundred… read more »

• 205. Rodeo Beach // Northern California

  

  Great for:

  • Surfing

  Set near the tip of the Marin Headlands is Rodeo Beach, a narrow strip of pebbly sand dividing the Pacific Ocean from the brackish waters of Rodeo Lagoon. On closer inspection you may notice the sand contains weather-worn particles of red jasper, greenstone and orange chalcedony from the adjacent cliffs.

  Rodeo Beach is quite a popular family beach and there are some basic facilities. You can also bring the dog. The… read more »

• 206. Red Rock Beach // Northern California

  

  Noted as one of the best nudist beaches in California, Red Rock Beach is just south of Stinson Beach in California. It has a steep trail leading down from the highway so wear sensible footwear to reach this remote wave-battered crescent of beach which is favoured by naturists. You can also reach it at low tide by walking along the sand and scrambling over the boulders at Rocky Point from… read more »

• 207. Black Sands Beach // Northern California

  

  Backed by steep grassy cliffs and is studded with occasional large boulders, Black Sands Beach has a length of approximately 800 metres. A short drive west of the Golden Gate Bridge, it sits between Point Diablo Light and Point Bonita Lighthouse in Bonita Cove.

  Facing broadly south, it's well worth tackling the dirt path that leads to Black Sands Beach. Not only are there some great views back to San Francisco… read more »

• 208. Gibson Beach // Central California

  

  This is a top spot for nature lovers. Gibson's Beach is the southernmost beach in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and can be reached by car in around 10 minutes from Carmel. The scenic drive alone is well worth the time spent. 

  It's a wide sandy stretch about a quarter of a mile long and access to the beach can be challenging, but the reward of seclusion and some nice wave… read more »

• 209. Fan Shell Beach // Central California

  

  Fan Shell Beach is a picturesque little stretch of coastline along the famous 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. With its rugged beauty, soft white sand, and stunning ocean views, this beach is a favourite stop for visitors exploring the Monterey Peninsula.

  During spring and early summer, the beach is a key nesting site for Brandt’s cormorants, making it an excellent location for birdwatching. The surrounding rocks and tide pools are home… read more »

• 210. San Clemente State Beach // Southern California

  

  Great for:

  • Swimming
  • Surfing

  Found at the southern end of the city of San Clemente in California, San Clemente State Beach is a favourite with water sports enthusiasts. Set below attractive cliffs, its light-coloured sands continue for some over a mile in length, although much of its breadth can be lost with the high tide.

  Family-friendly and accessible to those with reduced mobility it is no surprise that San Clemente State Beach can become particularly… read more »

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