The main reason why I’m writing a blog post about the sunlit beaches from California in the middle of pumpkin season :))? I am a huge fan of summer and I can’t get enough of those sunny days, crystal blue waters and golden sands. So, if you are as nostalgic as me about summer or you are planning ahead for your summer vacay, you might need to read this.
The gorgeous Californian coast, also known as the Golden Coast, stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the stunning Eastern Desert. It offers a spectacular route through some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. I’ve managed to visit a few of them and made a top 5 list of the most beautiful beaches in California:
1. Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery (Elephant Seal Vista Point)
Just off Highway 1, near San Simeon, I found one of the most spectacular and unique beaches in California. However, this beach is not for humans, but for some of the largest mammals from the Northern hemisphere- the Elephant Seals. Adult males may grow to 14-16 feet (4-5 m) in length and weigh up to 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg). The females are much smaller at 9-12 feet (2.5-4 m) in length and 900-1,800 pounds (400-800 kg).
These amazing animals like to camp on this beach all year long and enjoy every minute of it. The beach has a strategically placed observation deck, right above the oceanfront. From there, I could safely see some of the most funny fights between males and hear some of the most bizarre sounds these seals make. You can easily spot the seals lying on the beach all year-round. But the best time of the year to see these amazing animals in action are October through May when the first elephant males arrive and the birthing and breeding season begins.
Fun fact: the name of the seal comes from the male’s large nose which resembles an elephant trunk.
2. Butterfly Beach
One of the favorite destinations for Santa Barbara locals, this beach has something special about it. I can’t really tell if it’s because it’s surrounded by the chic village of Montecito, or if it’s because of its pristine shoreline. Or both :). Its unique beauty also comes from the fact that despite its popularity, it has preserved its feeling of nature. It has no public facilities but Coast Village Road is a five-minute walk away. There you can find food and drinks.
The scenic beauty of Butterfly Beach must be the reason why so many celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey or Ariana Grande made Montecito their home.
Apart from locals and relaxed sunbathers, Butterfly Beach also attracts adrenaline junkies and surfers. Its waters are ideal for swimming, surfing and kayaking. The most adventurous water sports lovers can even spot dolphins and whales in the distance while in the water.
3. Sycamore Cove
This beautiful beach graciously spreads along the Pacific Coast Highway creating some of the most spectacular views. Its relaxing sandy shores and rolling waves are ideal for swimming, body surfing, and surf fishing. Sycamore Cove Beach is also a great great place to start exploring offshore. And if you get lucky you might spot harbor seals, California sea lions, dolphins and even migrating California gray whales.
Located in Point Mugu State Park, Malibu, this beach is the perfect spot for picnics and barbecues. Sycamore Cove beach has many useful facilities such as picnic tables and even barbecue grills as well lifeguards on duty. And if you enjoy it very much, you can also stay the night in the adjacent campground. Also, you can go on one of the many hiking trails that start around the area.
4. Santa Barbara Beach (East Beach)
This beautiful beach is located in one of the most charming Californian cities, Santa Barbara. The southern border of the city contains four miles of pristine beaches with gentle waves. Palm trees and lush greenery beautifully decorate the golden colored coastline of East Beach. And this makes it perfect for long walks in the afternoon and amazing golden hour photoshoots.
And even though the ocean is mostly friendly, the beach area is carefully supervised by a lifeguard in summer time. Some of the amenities available include restaurants, volleyball courts, playgrounds and a bike path.
Before leaving, take in some of those relaxing beach vibes while having lunch on one of the oldest functioning pier in California- Stearns Wharf.
5. Malibu Beach
Yes, that’s right, I’m talking about the one and only, ‘The Bu’! ‘27 miles of Scenic Beauty’ are the words written on the wooden sign that welcomes visitors to Malibu. This unique greeting is positively accounted for since the naturally charming coastline has been for centuries an attraction point for celebrity homes. Luxurious houses cover the beach line making me wonder what it would be like to wake up in the morning, step on the balcony and see the majestic ocean spreading beneath my feet. Definitely a cool movie scene idea right here :))
But Malibu doesn’t only attract the glamorous Hollywood celebrities and important figures of the entertainment industry. This famous 34 km coast strip also charms surfers and visitors from all over the world due to its mellow waves.
The famous beach has also been used as a location of setting for many films, television programs, fashion shoots and music videos. Some of them include ‘Two and a Half Men’ or Selena Gomez’s ‘Love You Like a Love Song’.
From the noisy and funny elephant seals to the pristine and fine golden sand beaches of Malibu, the Californian coast is without question extremely attractive to tourists. The unique and incredible scenery combined with exciting nightlife and celebrity-infused attractions top this all up making the beaches of California one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world.
Hope you enjoyed reading this 🙂
Love,
Alina
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