01
Best overall beach day
Pismo State Beach
Pismo Beach • Classic Central Coast Strand • Most Versatile Pick
Big, walkable sand, easy access, and that breezy Central Coast feel make Pismo an easy favorite from Rexland Acres.
Pismo State Beach is usually the first place Bakersfield and Rexland Acres locals name when someone asks where to hit the coast. The beach stretches for miles, with plenty of room to spread out, stroll the shoreline, or let kids run in the shallows. You get a lively pier area, nearby restaurants, and simple parking options, so you can roll in, hit the sand, and be back on Highway 99 by evening.
02
Best for families
Avila Beach
Avila Beach Waterfront • Sheltered Family-Friendly Beach • Best For Calm Water And Kids
A smaller, more protected bay with a tidy promenade, Avila feels made for families and low-key hangouts.
Tucked just off Highway 101, Avila Beach is a gentler alternative to the more open-coast spots, with typically calmer water that’s less intimidating for younger swimmers. The compact beachfront makes it easy to keep an eye on kids while still enjoying the view, coffee, or ice cream from the shops along the promenade. It’s a great choice if you want a simple, park-once beach day without a lot of walking or logistics.
03
Best for ocean views
Morro Rock Beach
Morro Bay Waterfront • Laid-Back Surf And View Beach • Best For Dramatic Scenery
With Morro Rock looming over wide, windswept sand, this beach is all about big views and a relaxed harbor town vibe.
Morro Rock Beach sits at the mouth of Morro Bay, where the iconic volcanic rock anchors the skyline and makes even a quick walk on the sand feel memorable. The beach is broad and often breezy, popular with surfers, dog walkers, and sunset chasers rather than big, noisy crowds. After your time on the sand, it’s an easy hop into town for clam chowder, fish tacos, or a slow stroll along the Embarcadero.
04
Best camping beach
Carpinteria State Beach
Carpinteria • Small-Town State Beach Campground • Best For Camping Weekends
A mellow stretch of sand backed by a classic state park campground, Carpinteria is ideal for turning a beach run into a full weekend.
Carpinteria State Beach gives you that old-school coastal town feel: a long sandy shoreline, small local shops, and a campground just steps from the water. It’s a favorite for Bakersfield-area families who want to set up for a couple of nights and let the kids roam between bikes, tidepools, and campfires. The town’s scale is walkable and low-key, so everything you need is close without the intensity of a big resort area.
05
Best for an active scene
East Beach
East Santa Barbara Waterfront • Urban Waterfront Beach • Best For People-Watching And Activities
East Beach mixes broad sand with volleyball courts, palm-lined paths, and easy access to Santa Barbara’s city energy.
If you want your beach day to come with bike paths, volleyball nets, and plenty of people-watching, East Beach is the move. The sand here runs along a palm-lined stretch of Santa Barbara’s waterfront, close to parks and within reach of the Funk Zone and downtown. It’s a bit farther from Rexland Acres than the Central Coast options, but you get a full day’s worth of sun, scenery, and city amenities in one stop.