By Kenya Barrett
In the words of famed singer Katy Perry, “You can travel the world, but nothing comes close to the Golden Coast.” There is no truer statement, as California offers some of the best beaches in the U.S. Without further ado, here are 5 beaches you should definitely visit while you’re in the Golden State!
Mission Beach
Located right alongside Mission Bay, San Diego, is Mission Beach. Perhaps one of the most active beaches in all of California, you can find everything from skaters and beach volleyball players to surfers and frisbee throwers here. However, many of the visitors spend the majority of their time sunbathing on the beach that spans nearly two miles long.
One of the main attractions at Mission Beach is its oceanfront boardwalk, which is home to Belmont Park. Belmont Park serves as a small amusement park that offers a variety of rides and concession stands to visitors and beachgoers of Mission Beach. It is the perfect place to grab a bite and watch the waves of the Pacific Ocean roll into the coastline.
Ocean Beach
Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Ocean Beach is both a tourist attraction and a site of historical significance in San Francisco. The beach has become a popular site for surfers due to its strong currents and powerful waves, and was the location for the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition in 2011.
Additionally, Ocean Beach is the wreckage site of the 19th century ship, King Phillip. Occasionally, parts from the ship will appear on the shore – with wreckage appearing most recently in 2010.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is one of Orange County’s most popular areas. The city itself became a fixture in mainstream media when the MTV series, Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County aired in 2004. Today, Laguna Beach is home to a number of beaches along the city’s seven mile coastline. Some of which include Aliso Beach Park, Crystal Cove Park Beach, and Main Beach.
Main Beach features a few tide pools and a boardwalk for visitors to enjoy. It is the perfect place to walk your dog or go surfing when the tides are right. The Aliso Park and Crystal Cove Beaches are ideal for water sport activities such as skimboarding, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Laguna Beach as a city has also become a place for locals and visitors to observe contributions to contemporary and performance art.
Venice Beach
Once you visit Los Angeles, almost everyone will recommend that you check out Venice Beach. Venice Beach is not only one of the most popular beaches in California, but it may also be the liveliest. The beachfront stretches more than two miles long and features a boardwalk, skatepark, and recreation area. Along the boardwalk, visitors can shop from the several street vendors and stores around – making it the perfect place to snag some Cali-themed souvenirs!
Venice Beach is also a great place to view different types of art. Street performers often complete a variety of dance and acrobatic shows here, to gain the attention of tourists. There is also a section on the beach that is dedicated to individuals who enjoy graffiti and work of such artists.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a popular destination for visitors year round. The area is home to Surfrider Beach, which has been a desirable location for surfers for several decades. This beach also draws in crowds every year due to its proximity to Malibu Pier, where visitors can enjoy different seafood restaurants and even participate in fishing activities as well.
In addition to the beautiful waters, Malibu Lagoon State Beach is the perfect place to birdwatch. With an interesting biodiversity created by the merging of the Pacific Ocean and the Malibu Creek, the area has become a unique habitat for diverse species of migratory waterbirds. Some of the rare birds you can spot in this area include the Snow Goose, Yellow Wagtail, and the Red Phalarope.
