I might have grown up in the Carolinas, on the East coast, but I am convinced that I was a West Coast girl in another life. Don’t get me wrong, I love our beaches here, but there’s just something about a California beach! Two of my closest friends are getting married in September, in Big Sur, California. Naturally, I could not be more excited for their beach wedding and my husband and I are planning to be there for the ceremony. The wedding only spans a weekend, but we wanted to extend the trip for an entire week (we are sending the kids to grandma’s). Here are some of the California beaches that we plan on visiting and hope to one day visit on other trips.
Malibu Beach
Head to Malibu beach for some of the best surf in southern California. The coast is littered with celebrity beach homes, so there’s no telling who you might “sea.” While in Malibu, head to Point Dume (this beach is to die for), Malibu Creek State Park (great for standup paddle boarding), and even Leo Carillo State Park (this is a must-see beach littered with cool coastal caves!).
La Jolla Beach Cove
La Jolla is another southern California beach in a suburb of San Diego. Visitors can visit La Jolla Shores. a sandy beach with tide pools, or, they can head to La Jolla Beach Cove, located on the other end of La Jolla Shores. There’s so much to do in this tiny coastal village, and you’re sure to have fun exploring every bit of it!
Pfeiffer Beach
My friends are taking some of their wedding photos here and I am convinced it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world. You have to pay an admission to enter, but the view is to die for. From the beach, travelers can take a short 0.6-mile walk to the renowned McWay Falls. These locations are some of the most photographed places in all of California.
Garrapata Beach State Park
Garrapata Beach State Park, located 18 miles from Big Sur, is often overshadowed by McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach, but it’s one that cannot be missed. This California beach is incredibly clean, and surrounded by a valley of lilies. When I was a kid, we had an unforgettable picnic on a blanket at this beach. You’ll be glad you took the stairs!
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a tiny coastal town famous for its art galleries, gorgeous beaches, and television show. Locals often will walk the coastal paths between Main Beach (make sure to check out the tide pools!) and Garden Park. It’s said to be lovely at sunset! While in Laguna Beach, you’ll want to head to Victoria Beach (south of Victoria Drive in Laguna Beach) to see the huge tower in the sand! Legend has it, that it was part of a smuggling operation for pirates, but it’s actually just part of an old home. Either way, it makes for a lovely photograph.
Coronado Beach
Across from the famous Hotel Del Coronado lies the massive expanse that is the Coronado beach. In the western corner of the beach, there’s a leash-free dog park that’s a fun place to visit even without a furry friend! There are even a set of tide pools during low tide. Coronado Beach has it all.
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