15 Gorgeous Coastal Towns to Visit in California
California has an abundance of activities and places to visit up and down the state. It is, of course, most known for the stunning, long coastline it boasts along the West Coast.
I have lived in California my whole life and have still not done even half of what it has to offer, and I’ve done a lot!
While there is a lot to do, especially along the coast, you will have to drive to get there. If you’re visiting, renting a car is non-negotiable if you want to see more than one city/town! Just from San Francisco to Santa Cruz is over an hour drive without traffic. Make sure you plan accordingly so you don’t miss out!
For ease of reading, I’ve organized this list in order from north to south, so scroll all the way down for Southern California places.
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Point Reyes
Point Reyes is a bit over 50 miles North of San Francisco. It first caught my eye when I saw a photo of the incredible shipwreck.
You can easily spend a full day driving around Point Reyes National Seashore to check out the lighthouse, cypress tree tunnel, elephant seals, and hanging out in town.
For a full guide, read my post: A Day Trip to Point Reyes National Seashore.
Sausalito
This truly underrated town is across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Check out the floating houses, have lunch on the waterfront, walk around downtown, and take photos at the famous Battery Spencer.
While many people visit San Francisco each year, far fewer people make the trip across the bridge to Sausalito. Highly recommended as a fun, casual day trip!
San Francisco
If you’ve never been to Northern California before, the iconic city of San Francisco is a must-visit. There is such a wide variety of things to do and see! While it’s gorgeous in summer, the holiday season is absolutely magical in the city.
More San Francisco posts:
Half Moon Bay
I lived in Half Moon Bay until I was seven! It’s a lovely small town with a famous pumpkin season and adorable Christmas tree farms in November/December.
A couple times a year Lady Washington (the actual HMS Interceptor ship from Pirates of the Caribbean!) docks in the harbor at Pillar Point for people to tour!
Davenport
This hidden gem north of Santa Cruz has some incredible beaches. Shark Fin Cove is what Davenport is most famous for, with a large fin-shaped cliff in the ocean and an incredible tunnel that perfectly frames the beach.
For a full guide, read my post: A Day Trip to Davenport, California.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is one of the better-known towns in Northern California. It has great beaches (check out natural bridges), a boardwalk with fun games and rides, a lighthouse, The Mystery Spot, and a really cool state park with old buildings called Wilder Ranch.
Capitola
In Capitola, you’ll find an adorable small beach town with lots of character. Capitola has a lively downtown with plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from (I recommend Zelda’s for lunch and dinner!).
There is a neighborhood of iconic colorful condos right on the beach next to the pier that you’ve likely seen in photos.
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Monterey
A bit further south of the Bay Area is Monterey! It’s known for the incredible Monterey Bay Aquarium and the street written about by Steinbeck in his book of the same name, Cannery Row.
I love to visit the sand dunes in Marina—about 15 minutes north—on my way down to Monterey. Eat at The Fish Hopper for some incredible ocean views while you dine!
Carmel-by-the-Sea
One of my favorite places in California is Carmel-by-the-Sea. It’s a beach town with a neighborhood of storybook houses straight out of a fairytale. The Carmel Mission is gorgeous and the beaches are even moreso.
I recommend getting drinks (delicious mulled wine) and dessert at Forge in the Forest before walking around the cute neighborhoods.
For a full guide, read my post: A Day Trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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Big Sur
Pfeiffer Beach and McWay Falls are some of the more known areas in Big Sur. It’s a perfect place for camping and enjoying the outdoors! There are plenty of hikes to do and sights to see.
Even if you aren’t staying the night, driving through Big Sur down Highway 1 is my favorite scenic route.
San Simeon
Continuing south down Highway 1 after Big Sur is San Simeon. It is home to Hearst Castle and some adorable elephant seals. It also has hiking trails and of course, beaches!
Cambria
Cambria is one of the most charming small towns and is right below San Simeon. It has lovely little hotels and a delightful downtown. We visited in October and were caught off guard by scarecrows from the Scarecrow Festival lining the streets—some were incredibly realistic!
If you stay in Cambria, you’ll still be close enough to San Simeon to visit the elephant seals and Heart Castle.
Santa Barbara
This is easily one of my favorite places in California, and my second home! My dad grew up here, I spent my whole life taking trips and visiting, and I even lived here for four years in college. Now that my family has a condo in Santa Barbara, we spend about 1-2 months out of the year here.
There is so much to do from beach days to hiking in the mountains to strolling around State Street, you will never be bored!
More Santa Barbara posts:
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Carlsbad
Carlsbad is in North County San Diego and is the home of Legoland, but that is definitely not the only thing to do there! In spring there are gorgeous ranunculus flower fields you can get tickets to visit and summertime is the best for beach days and eating downtown.
Encinitas
Encinitas is one of my other favorite places in California besides Santa Barbara. It has incredible Southern California beach town vibes and tons of delicious places to eat. The beaches are just perfect and the downtown area has a great personality.
Summers get pretty crowded here with tourists, but it is still worth a visit for the perfect SoCal summer vacation.
If you visit Carlsbad or Encinitas, make sure to check out the Best Places to Eat in North County, San Diego!
