At this California beach hotel, you can watch fishermen reel in their catch, gaze out to Catalina Island, walk to the lighthouse, or paddle a sea kayak as you spot indigenous plants and marine life.

But the coast of California is actually 840 miles long, so you can find numerous beaches and beach towns along the way. Many of them are relatively free from crowds, even during peak season.

Sonoma County's tourism site explains that the beach has been a "Russian River tradition" for over 100 years. Originally owned by Gertie and Ernie Johnson in 1918, the riverside resort has ...

What are the top 10 best beaches in the U.S.? Avila Beach on California's Central Coast has long been a favorite spot for visitors, especially from the Central Valley.

You won't need to travel far. San Luis Obispo County is home to the No. 2 beach in the state, according to USA Today's list of the best coastal gems in California in 2025.

I’ve Lived in California for 50 Years—and These Are the Best Secret Beach Towns in the Golden State The South Bay's Beach Cities look as if they've been plucked from a Beach Boys song.