One of the first things that comes to mind about the state of California is its Pacific Ocean views and sunny beaches. With magnificent waves and sandy coves, boating and surfing, sightseeing and fishing, the picturesque California beach towns are top-tier. Whether you’re looking to move to California or want to relocate to a quaint coastal city, there are plenty of options to check out in the state.
But if you’re not sure where to start on your hunt for your favorite California beach town, we’re here to help. Redfin has put together a list of the 21 beach towns in California, from Mendocino to Long Beach. Let’s dive into some of California’s top beach cities, listed from north to south, so you can find the right place for you.
Northern California beach towns
#1: Crescent City
Median home price: $315,000
Crescent City, CA homes for sale
Crescent City, CA apartments for rent
Starting off our list in Northern California is Crescent City, located just north of Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. You’ll find there are plenty of beaches to explore while living in Crescent City, such as Battery Point Beach and Pebble Beach. About 6,700 people live in this coastal California town. In Crescent City, you can walk along the B-Street Pier and the Point St. George Beach Trails, check out Beachfront Park, and explore the downtown area.
#2: Shelter Cove
Median home price: $425,000
Shelter Cove, CA homes for sale
Shelter Cove, CA apartments for rent
Another one of Northern California’s great coastal towns to consider buying a home in is Shelter Cove. Home to just 860 people, there are plenty of beaches to visit like Black Sands Beach, Cove Beach, and Little Black Sands Beach. Some popular things to explore in Shelter Cove include hiking the Black Sands Beach Trail, stopping by the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, and exploring the downtown area.
#3: Mendocino
Median home price: $958,000
Mendocino, CA homes for sale
Mendocino, CA apartments for rent
Mendocino has just about 700 residents – and amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. There are lots of beaches to explore on a warm California day, like Agate Beach and Big River Beach. Make sure to hike along the Point Mendocino Trail, explore the Mendocino Headlands State Park, and check out cafes and markets downtown if you move to Mendocino.
#4: Half Moon Bay
Median home price: $1,665,000
Half Moon Bay, CA homes for sale
Half Moon Bay, CA apartments for rent
Home to beautiful beaches like Dunes Beach, Francis Beach, Half Moon Bay Beach, Miramar Beach, Poplar Beach, Roosevelt Beach, Surfer’s Beach, Vallejo Beach, Venice Beach, and Wavecrest Beach, there are countless places to spend a beach day. With roughly 11,400 residents in Half Moon Bay, make sure to also hike the California Coast Trail, camp at one of the beachside campgrounds, or stroll through downtown and grab some fresh seafood.
#5: Santa Cruz
Median home price: $1,607,500
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,951
Santa Cruz, CA homes for sale
Santa Cruz, CA apartments for rent
The iconic coastal town of Santa Cruz has about 61,900 residents, making it another great place to add to your list. You’ll find stunning beaches such as Cowell Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach, Mitchell’s Cove Beach, Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz Beach, and Seabright Beach. After moving to Santa Cruz, you can spend the day at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, enjoy nature at the Natural Bridges Monarch Trail, and check out downtown Santa Cruz where you’ll find farm-to-table restaurants and local surf shops.
#6: Monterey
Median home price: $958,750
Monterey, CA homes for sale
Monterey, CA apartments for rent
Home to roughly 29,900 people, Monterey is a great beach town to consider renting or buying a home in. Some beaches you can visit include Del Monte Beach, Monterey State Beach, and San Carlos Beach. In addition to their beaches, there are plenty of activities to do in this coastal city. You can explore the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, check out the shops and fish restaurants along Fisherman’s Wharf, and explore the historic spots in Cannery Row, among many other local favorites.
Central California beach towns
#7: Cambria
Median home price: $769,000
Cambria, CA homes for sale
Cambria, CA apartments for rent
With a population of about 5,600, Cambria is a charming coastal area to live in, located in the heart of the central California coast. There are plenty of beaches to explore as well, specifically Moonstone Beach. Make sure to take a tour of the expansive Hearst Castle, enjoy one of the amazing restaurants in Downtown, or hike the Bluff Trail or Santa Rosa Creek Trail once moving here.
#8: Morro Bay
Median home price: $1,007,500
Morro Bay, CA homes for sale
Morro Bay, CA apartments for rent
Morro Bay has stunning beaches such as Morro Rock Beach and Morro Strand State Beach, perfect for soaking up the sun or venturing out into the surf. Make sure to explore Morro Rock and see the otters playing in the water, grab some fresh seafood for lunch or dinner in downtown Morro Bay, and check out Morro Bay State Park if you decide this beach town is right for you.
#9: Pismo Beach
Median home price: $960,000
Pismo Beach, CA homes for sale
Pismo Beach, CA apartments for rent
Roughly 8,000 people live in this town where you’ll find beaches like Pismo Beach and Spyglass Beach Tide Pools. It’s also conveniently located near San Luis Obispo, where you’ll find farm-fresh produce and local shops. Some other fun activities to do in Pismo Beach include exploring downtown Pismo Beach and getting a cup of clam chowder, hiking the Meadow Creek Trail, and checking out one of the waterfront parks like Dinosaur Caves Park.
Southern California beach towns
#10: Santa Barbara
Median home price: $1,785,500
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,495
Santa Barbara, CA homes for sale
Santa Barbara, CA apartments for rent
This seaside town has a population of 88,300 and there are many beaches to spend the day at. In Santa Barbara, you can visit 1000 Steps Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach County Park, East Beach, Leadbetter Beach, Mesa Lane Park, Santa Barbara Beach, and West Beach. You’ll also have plenty of activities to explore during your free time, like checking out the historic buildings in Lower State, strolling along Stearns Wharf, and visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo.
#11: Carpinteria
Median home price: $1,086,000
Carpinteria, CA homes for sale
Carpinteria, CA apartments for rent
In Carpinteria there are numerous beaches to explore if you decide to move to this cozy oceanfront town. Some of these beaches include Carpinteria City Beach, Carpinteria State Beach, and Rincon Beach. This town is home to 13,100 inhabitants and you’ll find a variety of other activities like hiking along the Carpinteria Bluffs, visiting the California Avocado Festival in October, and exploring the Tar Pits Park.
#12: Ventura
Median home price: $799,500
Ventura, CA homes for sale
Ventura, CA apartments for rent
Ventura has plenty of beaches to choose from, great for a sunny Southern California day. Some well-known spots are Harbor Cove Beach, Mother’s Beach, Seaside Park, and Ventura Beach. If you’re looking for a day spent in town, you can have some fresh seafood at one of the restaurants in downtown Ventura, explore the Ventura Boardwalk, and hike the Emma Wood River Trail.
#13: Malibu
Median home price: $3,695,000
Malibu, CA homes for sale
Malibu, CA apartments for rent
There are plenty of beaches to visit if you decide that Malibu is the right beach town for you – El Matador State Beach, El Pescador State Beach, El Sol Canyon Beach, Malibu Beach, Malibu Lagoon State Beach, La Piedra Beach, Las Tunas Beach, Lechuza State Beach, Paradise Cove Beach, Playa San Juan Leighton, Point Dume State Beach, Nicholas Canyon Beach, and Zuma Beach. In this town of 10,400 residents, you can also hike at Coral Canyon Park or Solstice Canyon, check out the Malibu Bluffs, and grab some fresh beachfront eats.
#14: Santa Monica
Median home price: $799,500
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,295
Santa Monica, CA homes for sale
Santa Monica, CA apartments for rent
Santa Monica has about 91,100 residents and is one of the many famous Southern California beach towns you’re likely to recognize on this list. You can take in the waterfront views at Palisades Beach, Santa Monica State Beach, and Sorrento Beach. If you’re looking to check out Santa Monica, you can also spend the afternoon exploring the Santa Monica Pier, visit Palisades Park, and stop by one of the many amazing local restaurants.
#15: Long Beach
Median home price: $790,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,155
Long Beach, CA homes for sale
Long Beach, CA apartments for rent
Another coastal Southern California city to check out is none other than Long Beach. There are a few quintessential beaches to spend the day at, like Alamitos Beach, Bayshore Beach, Long Beach City Beach, Junipero Beach, and Mother’s Beach. Other activities in Long Beach include taking a tour of the Queen Mary or the Aquarium of the Pacific, exploring downtown Long Beach, or learning to surf.
#16: Huntington Beach
Median home price: $1,150,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,420
Huntington Beach, CA homes for sale
Huntington Beach, CA apartments for rent
You’ll find a plethora of beaches in Huntington Beach – Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington State Beach, and Sunset County Beach. With a population of 13,100, this mid-sized beach town is a great option if you’re looking for a slightly busier atmosphere. If you want options other than a beach day you can tour the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, check out the shops and restaurants along the beachfront streets, and stroll along the Huntington Beach Santa Ana River Trail.
#17: Newport Beach
Median home price: $2,750,000
Newport Beach, CA homes for sale
Newport Beach, CA apartments for rent
Of course, the oceanfront town of Newport Beach had to be included on our list. With beaches like Balboa Beach, Crystal Cove State Beach, Little Corona Del Mar Beach, Little Treasure Cove, and Newport Beach, there are countless options to choose from. If you’re looking to move to Newport Beach, there are about 84,800 people living in the city. Newport Beach has plenty of other activities including exploring Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier, hiking the Crystal Cove Trail, and checking out Balboa Island.
#18: Laguna Beach
Median home price: $2,743,250
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,000
Laguna Beach, CA homes for sale
Laguna Beach, CA apartments for rent
Another classic Southern California beach town is Laguna Beach, home to about 22,800 residents. With beaches like Aliso Beach, Crescent Bay Beach, Cress Street Beach, Diver’s Cove, Laguna Beach, Table Rock Beach, Thalia Street Beach, Treasure Island Beach, Victoria Beach, West Street Beach, and Woods Cove, there’s always a new place to see the coastline. In addition to these beautiful beaches, make sure to visit the Top of the World, check out Main Beach Park, and explore all the local restaurants, cafes, and shops by the beach.
#19: Dana Point
Median home price: $1,602,500
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,768
Dana Point, CA homes for sale
Dana Point, CA apartments for rent
With beaches like Capistrano Beach Park, Dana Strands Beach, Doheny State Beach, Laguna Niguel Beach, and Salt Creek Beach, it’s no surprise that Dana Point also made our list. Home to 32,800, there is plenty to do in this awesome coastal city. For example, you can explore the Dana Point Caves, grab a meal at the Dana Point Harbor, or camp at Doheny State Beach if you decide to move to Dana Point.
#20: San Clemente
Median home price: $1,788,500
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,750
San Clemente, CA homes for sale
San Clemente, CA apartments for rent
San Clemente is home to 63,900 people and has countless beaches to visit. Some of the many beaches include North Beach, San Clemente City Beach, San Clemente State Beach, and T-Street Beach. Or if you’re looking for something a little different, you can stroll along the Sea Summit Trail, stop by the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, and check out the San Clemente Pier.
#21: La Jolla
Median home price: $2,002,500
La Jolla, CA homes for sale
La Jolla, CA apartments for rent
La Jolla, a neighborhood of San Diego, is the last beach town in California on our list. Home to beaches like Black’s Beach. Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores Beach, Marine Street Beach, Shell Beach, Torrey Pines State Beach, Whispering Seas Beach, and Windansea Beach, there are a variety of options whether you’re looking for a quiet beach day or a morning spent out on the waves. You can also spend the day at Cuvier Park, explore museums like the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Birch Aquarium, and visit the Sea Cave Lookout Point.
Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the beach towns in California. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during June 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com June 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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