01
Best overall pick
Pismo State Beach
Pismo Beach On The Central Coast • Classic Central Coast Stretch Of Sand • Best All-Around Pick For Bakersfield Locals
A long, easygoing beach with classic pier views, cool weather, and plenty of room to spread out.
Pismo State Beach offers exactly what many Bakersfield residents want after the drive: wide, soft sand, cooler temperatures, and a casual town just steps away. The beach runs for miles, so it rarely feels crowded, and you can choose between pier-adjacent bustle or quieter stretches farther south. Restaurants, shops, and lodging clustered near the pier make it a simple choice for both day trips and low‑stress weekend stays.
02
Most relaxed vibe
Avila Beach
Sheltered Cove Near San Luis Obispo • Laid-Back Small-Town Beach • Best For Relaxed Day Trips
A compact, sheltered beach with gentle waves, a walkable promenade, and a low-key vacation-town feel.
Tucked into a south-facing cove, Avila Beach often feels a bit warmer and more protected from wind than other Central Coast spots. The beach sits right in front of a small downtown strip, so coffee, tacos, and tasting rooms are only a few steps from the sand. It is a comfortable pick for families with younger kids or anyone who wants a softer, slower-paced alternative to bigger-name beaches.
03
Most dramatic scenery
Morro Rock Beach
Morro Bay Waterfront • Windy, Scenic Shoreline With Big Surf • Great For Scenery And Photo Ops
A broad, often breezy beach dominated by the massive Morro Rock and rolling Pacific surf.
Morro Rock Beach delivers that classic rugged-coast postcard view, with the volcanic rock towering at one end of a long sandy shoreline. It is a favorite for walking, watching waves, and photographing sunsets rather than all-day swimming, which can be chilly and rough. Pair time on the sand with a stroll around the harborfront in Morro Bay for seafood, otter spotting, and a slower coastal pace than you will find nearer Los Angeles.
04
Best classic pier scene
San Buenaventura State Beach
Ventura Seafront Near The Pier • Wide Sandy City Beach • Best For Bike Rides And Classic Pier Strolls
A long, flat beach with a historic pier, paved bike paths, and convenient access from the 101.
Closer than Los Angeles and less hectic, Ventura’s main state beach strikes a good balance between convenience and coastal charm. The sand stretches out on both sides of the pier, with volleyball courts, picnic areas, and a multi-use trail that links easily to neighboring beaches. It is an appealing choice if you want an uncomplicated drive, easy parking, and enough amenities to keep a group with mixed interests happy for the day.
05
Big-city beach experience
Santa Monica State Beach
Westside Los Angeles Coast • Lively Urban Beach With An Iconic Pier • Best For First-Time Visitors
An energetic, broad beach backed by the Santa Monica Pier, amusement rides, and a full slate of big-city amenities.
If you are up for a longer drive and want the full Southern California postcard, Santa Monica delivers it in one stop. The beach is wide and flat, with lifeguard towers, bike rentals, and easy access to cafes, shops, and the amusement park on the pier. Expect more crowds and traffic than on the Central Coast, but also the most activity, people-watching, and options packed into a single stretch of sand.