01
Best overall pick
Pismo Beach
Central Coast Near Highway 101 • Classic Central Coast Surf Town • Best Mix Of Pier, Waves, And Walkable Downtown
If you only make one coastal run from East Bakersfield, Pismo’s wide beach and busy pier are the safest bet.
Pismo Beach delivers the full California-beach picture in one stop: a long sandy shoreline, a photogenic pier, and plenty of places to grab fish tacos or clam chowder between strolls. The firm sand is great for long walks, and there are usually enough waves for casual surfers and bodyboarders without it feeling intimidating. Parking can be tight right by the pier on busy weekends, so arriving earlier in the day from the valley pays off.
02
Low-key local feel
Avila Beach
San Luis Obispo Bay • Relaxed Small-Town Beach • Best For Relaxed Day Trips
Sheltered and sunny more often than many Central Coast spots, Avila is a mellow choice when you want an easygoing beach day.
Tucked inside San Luis Obispo Bay, Avila Beach tends to be a bit warmer and less windy, which makes it appealing if you are driving from Bakersfield to escape the heat without freezing on the sand. The compact downtown sits right behind the beach, so you can park once and wander between the sand, the pier, and casual cafes. It is a good pick for families or anyone who prefers gentle waves and a smaller scale than Pismo.
03
Great for breezy walks
Morro Bay Beach
Morro Bay Waterfront • Laid-Back Harbor Beach • Best For Cool-Weather Walks And Views
With its giant rock and often misty air, Morro Bay’s beach is ideal when you want scenery and space more than sunbathing.
The long stretch of sand near Morro Rock feels far removed from the valley, with cooler temperatures, rolling dunes, and the harbor on one side. It is an easy place to walk for miles, watch surfers near the rock, or scan for sea otters in the channel. Pack layers; even on days that start hot in East Bakersfield, Morro Bay can be foggy and breezy, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
04
Top camping spot
Carpinteria State Beach
South Of Santa Barbara • Family Camping Beach • Best For Camping With Kids
Carpinteria State Beach pairs a broad sandy shoreline with well-used campgrounds, making it a go-to weekend base camp from the valley.
If you are up for more than a day trip, Carpinteria State Beach is popular with Bakersfield-area families who want to set up camp right near the sand. The waves tend to be gentler than at some open-coast spots, and there is enough room to spread out for beach games, tidepool exploring at lower tides, and sunset walks. Campsites book up early for prime weekends, so planning ahead is almost as important as packing the ice chest.
05
Most amenities
San Buenaventura State Beach
Ventura Waterfront • Active City Shoreline • Best For A Full-Service Beach Day
Close to Ventura’s shops and bike paths, this long beach works well when you want sand time plus easy access to city conveniences.
San Buenaventura State Beach stretches for quite a distance, with multiple access points, bike paths, and plenty of room for volleyball, jogging, or just posting up with a chair. It is close enough to Ventura’s main corridors that grabbing coffee, lunch, or last-minute supplies is straightforward, which is helpful after a drive from East Bakersfield. Expect more people than at quieter coves, but in exchange you get lifeguards in season and the feeling of an active, lived-in shoreline.