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Coastal California is heavily influenced by east–west distances to the dominant cold California Current as well as microclimates. Due to hills and coast ranges having strong meteorological effects, summer and winter temperatures (other than occasional heat waves) are heavily moderated by ocean currents and fog with strong seasonal lags compared to interior valleys as little as 10 mi (16 km ...
Nov 8, 2024 · California is home to 12 major ports. The combined ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach make up the sixth-busiest port in the world. In parts of the Big Sur coast and north of San Francisco, the "coast" that you can reach is barely wider than the road that hugs the coastal mountains. California's beaches and natural areas vary with its geography.
- Betsy Malloy
Nov 27, 2023 · California’s picturesque coastal region captures the imagination with its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, eclectic cities, and laidback culture. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer about some key facts of California’s coastal region: It covers 1,264 miles, features 9 key bioregions, offers over 300 beaches, and contains major ...
- Cute Coastal Towns in Southern California
- Cute Beach Towns in Central California
- Best Coastal Towns in Northern California
Malibu
Contrary to popular belief, Malibu is not just a single beach, it’s a city as well as a beach region in the state. You can visit 21 miles of beach when you visit the Malibu area, and each square foot is as delightful as the last! The Malibu area is dotted with state beaches like Topanga State Beach and Pointe Dume Beach, but you can also visit the Malibu Pier and the Malibu Surfrider Beach. If you visit sites like Surfrider, you can watch the surfers training and catching waves, or you can si...
Ventura
Located near Carpinteria and Oxnard, this famous beach town in Southern California is near a working harbor, a fishing marina, and a delightful shopping area with restaurants and waterfront activities. You can jet ski, paddleboard, or enjoy a boat trip here — and best of all, your dog is welcome on the beach! This is one of the must-see locations along California’s coastal towns for a whole host of reasons. Enjoy the surf and sand as you sunbathe near the water, or walk along the famous Ventu...
Montecito
This delightful beach town has enjoyed new fame recently because it has been associated with Megan Markle and Prince Harry as they traveled down the Montecito Coast. But it’s no stranger to celebrities: Oprah has been living in Montecito for years. These ex-royals have taken up residence near Butterfly Beach in Montecito near Santa Barbara, bringing new interest to this little gem of a beach town.
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is one of the best-known beach towns in California, and it is located between San Francisco and Los Angeles along the Pacific Coast Highway. Stay along the seven miles of oceanfront in a resort like the Vespera on Ocean, or head just south of the town to visit one of the local wineries like Santa Rita Hills. Stroll along the iconic Pismo Beach Pier, or walk along the long stretch of flat and soft beach sand. You can sunbathe here or you can head over to the Pismo State Beach and O...
Cayucos
The white sands of Cayucos State Beach are one of the biggest attractions in the cute coastal town of Cayucos. Cayucos has a well-known pier that dates back to 1872 from the days of this town’s past when it was an important commercial port for ships sailing from Los Angeles to San Francisco. This is a small beach town with a ton of character and lots of delightful shopping and dining. Cayucos has preserved its Salinan and Chumash history, and visitors can learn more about the land’s original...
Morro Bay
Nearby Morro Bay has a lot to offer from kayaking in the harbor, to biking along the beach, to checking out the daily catch that is locally caught and served in the town’s excellent restaurants. This town is near San Luis Obispo, one of the most beautiful areas in the state. In Morro Bay, you can visit the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History to learn about the local history and the Chumash people who lived here first. Take a bay cruise to catch the sunset, or take a stroll along the Embarcade...
Davenport
Located near Half Moon Bay, this delightful little town is sometimes referred to as part of the “slow coast” of California. This is a historic area with a ton of charm and the city dates back to 1867, making it a good place to stop if you love to visit museums and learn about local history. Visit the famous “Davenport Crack” in the surrounding hills near Davenport Beach or go see the unique rock formations like Shark Fin Cove. If you want to visit some more rugged coastal areas, head over to...
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is one of the best-known places towns on the California Coast and for good reason! This is a much larger city than some of the others on this list and it boasts the Pillar Point Harbor area as well as the unincorporated Princeton-by-the-Sea. This a great place to visit any kind of beach that you want to see, from Half Moon Bay State Beach with its cliffs and sea rocks, to Dunes Beach and Miramar Beach which offer up rugged sections of cost with large waves. This beach town is cl...
Pacifica
Another beautiful beach town near San Francisco, Pacifica is well-loved by locals for good reason. There are great hiking trails here (Mori Point is a real stunner) and the beach allows dogs. This also is a great place to learn to surf, and the University of Surfing will help you learn to catch a wave. Stay at the Pacifica Beach Hotel or the Lighthouse Hotel and head to the Moonraker for a delightful meal, or walk into town for some snacks and take them down onto the beach. This is a casual a...
Sep 30, 2024 · 1. **Length of the Coastline**. The California coastline stretches over **840 miles**, making it one of the longest in the United States. This vast stretch includes diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, offering numerous recreational opportunities. 2.
Apr 9, 2024 · The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Scenic Beauty: The iconic Route 1, better known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), runs mostly along the coast and offers some of the most stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and California's dramatic landscapes. The PCH is a testament to California's diverse coastal geology, featuring rocky cliffs, coastal bluffs, and expansive beaches.
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Sep 10, 2024 · Planning tip: Not far away is one of Long Beach’s most exclusive neighborhoods, with rows of historic homes on the Naples Canal built in the early 1900s. Glide along the waterway on a gondola tour. 13. Santa Monica Beach – Santa Monica. Best beach for a low-key L.A. vibe.
