The Best Beaches in California for Swimming, Whale Watching, and Winter Sun

"For travelers looking to get to know the many-varied charms of the Golden State, discovering it through the best beaches in California is never a bad idea. The state's coastline spans a vast 3,427 miles after all. Among its 420 public beautiful beaches are plentiful opportunities to swim, lay out, look at tide pools, surf to your heart's content, or watch the sunset."

"Perhaps you're envisioning the kind of sun-soaked day of sand and surf the beaches of Malibu, San Diego, or Orange County could fulfill. Or maybe you'll be best suited by the moody, rocky shores of Central and Northern Cali, landscapes of twisting cypress trees and foggy-grey skies. From the craggy cliffs and purple sand of Big Sur to the luxurious white sands of Carmel, the California coastline has something to offer virtually anyone looking for the perfect beach day."

"Consider this a hidden gem, as many tourists to the Malibu area often miss the tucked-away charm of El Matador. Prepare to hike down a dirt trail and then a narrow, steep stairwell that gives way to epic rock formations and captivating sea caves. I've personally spent hours here, watching dolphins and exploring the secluded coves carved out by contorting rock formations. There's a picnic area and bathrooms at the top of the trailhead."

California's coastline stretches 3,427 miles and includes roughly 420 public beaches offering swimming, sunbathing, tide-pool exploration, surfing, and sunset viewing. Beach types range from sun-soaked sands in Malibu, San Diego, and Orange County to moody, rocky shores in Central and Northern California with twisting cypress and foggy skies. Big Sur features craggy cliffs and purple sand, while Carmel offers luxurious white sand. El Matador in Malibu is a tucked-away beach reached by a dirt trail and steep stairwell, with epic rock formations, sea caves, and a picnic area with bathrooms at the trailhead. Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is notable for its famous purple sand and Keyhole Arch.

Read at Conde Nast Traveler