| humbly presents its list for what we believe are the | | | | the town of Aptos, California, in Santa Cruz County. |
| best beaches in California. Of all the beaches California | | | | It features fire rings and a barbecue and picnic area |
| has to offer, we think these are tops! If you can find | | | | and is a popular summer beach. It is also the home to |
| better beaches in California, then we'll eat out hat | | | | the "cement boat" a long stranded freighter ship. |
| (metaphorically speaking)! | | | | Muir Beach: This beach is less than a half hour drive |
| Malibu Lagoon Beach: A beautiful lagoon beach with | | | | from San Francisco down scenic Hwy I. It's one of |
| 22 acres of wetlands, gardens and sandy beach. It's | | | | the most glorious regions of Northern California in the |
| considered one of the worlds premiere surfing | | | | Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Fishing, surfing |
| beaches. On the east side of the Malibu Creek Bridge | | | | and campfires are allowed, and there are many |
| is the Malibu Pier, which is excellent for saltwater | | | | coastal trails above the beach for hikers to explore. |
| fishing. On the west side is a nature area. | | | | Black Sands Beach at Shelter Cove: This splendid |
| Venice Beach: No trip to Los Angeles would be | | | | black sand beach is a great place for Whale watching. |
| complete without a trip to this iconic beach. Street | | | | Located north of the small hamlet of Shelter Cove in |
| performers, artists and "the beautiful people" mingle | | | | a remote region of the "Lost Coast", it's the trailhead |
| and stroll all the way to Santa Monica along the | | | | for the famous King Range hike. This is a day only |
| famous boardwalk that runs through this inimitable | | | | beach, so campers will have to head for the |
| California beach town. | | | | mountains. |
| El Capitan Beach: This shady, sandy, Santa Barbara | | | | La Jolla's Beaches: La Jolla means "the jewel," a fitting |
| beach features rocky tide pools along El Capitan | | | | name for the precious beaches of La Jolla's coast. |
| Creek. It's perfect for swimming, fishing, surfing, | | | | Surfers prefer Windansea beach, harbor seals love |
| picnicking and camping. A long stairway gives access | | | | the Children's Pool, La Jolla Shores is popular for |
| from the bluffs to beach and a bike trail connects | | | | swimming and sunbathing, while the Cove is a |
| the park with Refugio State Beach. | | | | favorite snorkeling spot. |
| Ocean Beach: O.B. as the locals call it is a laid-back | | | | Drake's Beach: This vast stretch of white sand can |
| beach-community know for its surfers and liberal | | | | be found at the Point Reyes National Seashore. The |
| politics. It is an eclectic beach community with a leash | | | | areas strong winds and choppy seas make it at little |
| free "dog beach", a fishing pier, swimming, surfing and | | | | too violent for most swimmers, but sun worshippers |
| volleyball. It has separate swimming and surfing | | | | will be delighted by the opportunity to work on their |
| zones, which is definitely a good idea. | | | | tans in a beautiful California outdoor hotspot. |
| Rio Del Mar Beach: This long, sandy beach is found in | | | | |