These are the top 10 beaches in California, USA Today says. See the full list
Looking for a top-tier beach to visit this summer?
The top 10 beaches in California offer everything from scenic sunsets and sandy shores to stellar surfing and waterfront activities, USA Today said, making them perfect vacation destinations for those seeking some sun-soaked relaxation.
The publication sought out the very best spots for beach bliss throughout the Golden State’s 400 beaches and 840 miles of coastline.
‘Olol’koy Beach Park in Oxnard nabbed the top spot, with Pismo Beach coming in second place on the list.
Here are the best beach destinations in the state:
What makes Oxnard, Pismo Beach the best beaches in California?
‘Olol’koy Beach Park in Oxnard earned the No. 1 spot on USA Today’s list thanks to its “golden sands and rolling lawns” with jogging paths, volleyball courts, grills and play areas, the publication said.
The Ventura County spot “provides a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation,” USA Today said.
Pismo Beach took the No. 2 spot on USA Today’s list due to its family-friendly attitude, natural beauty and wide range of outdoor activities, the site said..
“Fun for all ages, Pismo Beach on the Central Coast is a picturesque seaside destination known for its panoramic coastal vistas, wide sandy shores, and laid-back California charm, offering a great blend of relaxation and recreation,” USA Today said.
Huntington Beach was named the No. 3 beach in the state as a destination for outdoor adventurers and relaxed beachgoers alike, boasting “miles of picturesque coastline, rolling sand dunes, and world-class surfing conditions,” according to USA Today.
USA Today’s 2025 beach rankings were similar to those from the previous year, when ‘Olol’koy Beach Park was also named the No. 1 beach in California.
Pismo Beach came in second place in 2024, while Harbor Beach in Oceanside was third.
Where are the top 10 beaches in California?
These were the top 10 coastal gems in California in 2025, according to USA Today:
- ‘Olol’koy Beach Park (Oxnard Beach Park) in Oxnard
- Pismo Beach in Pismo Beach
- Huntington State Beach in Huntington Beach
- Carlsbad State Beach in Carlsbad
- Ventura Beach in Ventura
- Crissy Beach in San Francisco
- Malibu Lagoon State Beach in Malibu
- Butterfly Beach in Montecito
- Newport Municipal Beach in Newport Beach
- Santa Cruz Main Beach in Santa Cruz
How did USA Today come up with its rankings?
To narrow down its list of the best beaches in the Golden State, USA Today said it called on a panel of travel experts to nominate their favorites.
The publication then asked readers to vote for their top picks.
The California beaches with the most reader votes landed on the top 10 list, USA Today said.
