Among the very first things that enters your mind about the state of California is its Pacific Ocean views and warm beaches. With stunning waves and sandy coves, boating and surfing, sightseeing and fishing, the attractive California beach towns are top-tier. Whether you’re wanting to transfer to California or wish to move to a charming seaside city, there are a lot of choices to have a look at in the state.
However if you’re uncertain where to begin on your hunt for your preferred California beach town, we’re here to assist. Redfin has actually created a list of the 21 beach towns in California, from Mendocino to Long Beach Let’s dive into a few of California’s leading beach cities, noted from north to south, so you can discover the ideal location for you.
Northern California beach towns
# 1: Crescent City
Average house cost: $315,000
Crescent City, CA houses for sale
Crescent City, CA apartment or condos for lease
Beginning our list in Northern California is Crescent City, situated simply north of Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. You’ll discover there are a lot of beaches to check out while residing in Crescent City, such as Battery Point Beach and Pebble Beach. About 6,700 individuals reside in this seaside California town. In Crescent City, you can stroll along the B-Street Pier and the Point St. George Beach Trails, have a look at Beach front Park, and check out the downtown location.
# 2: Shelter Cove
Average house cost: $425,000
Shelter Cove, CA houses for sale
Shelter Cove, CA apartment or condos for lease
Another among Northern California’s excellent seaside towns to think about purchasing a house in is Shelter Cove. House to simply 860 individuals, there are a lot of beaches to go to like Black Sands Beach, Cove Beach, and Little Black Sands Beach. Some popular things to check out in Shelter Cove consist of treking the Black Sands Beach Path, coming by the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, and checking out the downtown location.
# 3: Mendocino
Average house cost: $958,000
Mendocino, CA houses for sale
Mendocino, CA apartment or condos for lease
Mendocino has practically 700 homeowners– and incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. There are great deals of beaches to check out on a warm California day, like Agate Beach and Big River Beach. Ensure to trek along the Point Mendocino Path, check out the Mendocino Headlands State Park, and have a look at coffee shops and markets downtown if you transfer to Mendocino.
# 4: Half Moon Bay
Average house cost: $1,665,000
Half Moon Bay, CA houses for sale
Half Moon Bay, CA apartment or condos for lease
House to lovely beaches like Dunes Beach, Francis Beach, Half Moon Bay Beach, Miramar Beach, Poplar Beach, Roosevelt Beach, Internet user’s Beach, Vallejo Beach, Venice Beach, and Wavecrest Beach, there are numerous locations to invest a beach day. With approximately 11,400 homeowners in Half Moon Bay, ensure to likewise trek the California Coast Path, camp at one of the beachside camping sites, or walk through downtown and get some fresh seafood.
# 5: Santa Cruz
Average house cost: $ 1,607,500
Typical lease for a one-bedroom house: $3,951
Santa Cruz, CA houses for sale
Santa Cruz, CA apartment or condos for lease
The renowned seaside town of Santa Cruz has about 61,900 homeowners, making it another excellent location to contribute to your list. You’ll discover sensational beaches such as Cowell Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach, Mitchell’s Cove Beach, Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz Beach, and Seabright Beach. After transferring to Santa Cruz, you can invest the day at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, delight in nature at the Natural Bridges Emperor Path, and have a look at downtown Santa Cruz where you’ll discover farm-to-table dining establishments and regional browse stores.
# 6: Monterey
Average house cost: $ 958,750
Monterey, CA houses for sale
Monterey, CA apartment or condos for lease
House to approximately 29,900 individuals, Monterey is a terrific beach town to think about leasing or purchasing a house in. Some beaches you can go to consist of Del Monte Beach, Monterey State Beach, and San Carlos Beach. In addition to their beaches, there are a lot of activities to do in this seaside city. You can check out the popular Monterey Bay Fish tank, have a look at the stores and fish dining establishments along Angler’s Wharf, and check out the historical areas in Cannery Row, amongst lots of other regional favorites.
Central California beach towns
# 7: Cambria
Average house cost: $ 769,000
Cambria, CA houses for sale
Cambria, CA apartment or condos for lease
With a population of about 5,600, Cambria is a captivating seaside location to reside in, situated in the heart of the main California coast. There are a lot of beaches to check out too, particularly Moonstone Beach. Ensure to take a trip of the extensive Hearst Castle, delight in among the incredible dining establishments in Downtown, or trek the Bluff Path or Santa Rosa Creek Path as soon as moving here.
# 8: Morro Bay
Average house cost: $1,007,500
Morro Bay, CA houses for sale
Morro Bay, CA apartment or condos for lease
Morro Bay has sensational beaches such as Morro Rock Beach and Morro Hair State Beach, ideal for taking in the sun or venturing out into the browse. Ensure to check out Morro Rock and see the otters playing in the water, get some fresh seafood for lunch or supper in downtown Morro Bay, and have a look at Morro Bay State Park if you choose this beach town is ideal for you.
# 9: Pismo Beach
Average house cost: $960,000
Pismo Beach, CA houses for sale
Pismo Beach, CA apartment or condos for lease
Approximately 8,000 individuals reside in this town where you’ll discover beaches like Pismo Beach and Spyglass Beach Tide Pools. It’s likewise easily situated near San Luis Obispo, where you’ll discover farm-fresh fruit and vegetables and regional stores. Some other enjoyable activities to do in Pismo Beach consist of checking out downtown Pismo Beach and getting a cup of clam chowder, treking the Meadow Creek Path, and taking a look at among the waterside parks like Dinosaur Caves Park.
Southern California beach towns
# 10: Santa Barbara
Average house cost: $1,785,500
Typical lease for a one-bedroom house: $3,495
Santa Barbara, CA houses for sale
Santa Barbara, CA apartment or condos for lease
This seaside town has a population of 88,300 and there are lots of beaches to invest the day at. In Santa Barbara, you can go to 1000 Actions Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach County Park, East Beach, Leadbetter Beach, Mesa Lane Park, Santa Barbara Beach, and West Beach. You’ll likewise have a lot of activities to check out throughout your downtime, like taking a look at the historical structures in Lower State, walking along Stearns Wharf, and going to the Santa Barbara Zoo.
# 11: Carpinteria
Average house cost: $1,086,000
Carpinteria, CA houses for sale
Carpinteria, CA apartment or condos for lease
In Carpinteria there are various beaches to check out if you choose to transfer to this relaxing oceanfront town. A few of these beaches consist of Carpinteria City Beach, Carpinteria State Beach, and Rincon Beach. This town is house to 13,100 occupants and you’ll discover a range of other activities like treking along the Carpinteria Bluffs, going to the California Avocado Celebration in October, and checking out the Tar Pits Park.
# 12: Ventura
Average house cost: $799,500
Ventura, CA houses for sale
Ventura, CA apartment or condos for lease
Ventura has a lot of beaches to pick from, excellent for a bright Southern California day. Some popular areas are Harbor Cove Beach, Mom’s Beach, Beach Park, and Ventura Beach. If you’re searching for a day invested in the area, you can have some fresh seafood at one of the dining establishments in downtown Ventura, check out the Ventura Boardwalk, and trek the Emma Wood River Path.
# 13: Malibu
Average house cost: $ 3,695,000
Malibu, CA houses for sale
Malibu, CA apartment or condos for lease
There are a lot of beaches to go to if you choose that Malibu is the ideal 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 homeowners, you can likewise trek at Coral Canyon Park or Solstice Canyon, have a look at the Malibu Bluffs, and get some fresh beachfront consumes.
# 14: Santa Monica
Average house cost: $ 799,500
Typical lease for a one-bedroom house: $3,295
Santa Monica, CA houses for sale
Santa Monica, CA apartment or condos for lease
Santa Monica has about 91,100 homeowners and is among the lots of popular Southern California beach towns you’re most likely to acknowledge on this list. You can take in the waterside views at Palisades Beach, Santa Monica State Beach, and Sorrento Beach. If you’re wanting to have a look at Santa Monica, you can likewise invest the afternoon checking out the Santa Monica Pier, go to Palisades Park, and come by among the lots of incredible regional dining establishments.
# 15: Long Beach
Average house cost: $790,000
Typical lease for a one-bedroom house: $ 3,155
Long Beach, CA houses for sale
Long Beach, CA apartment or condos for lease
Another seaside Southern California city to have a look at is none besides Long Beach. There are a couple of ultimate beaches to invest the day at, like Alamitos Beach, Bayshore Beach, Long Beach City Beach, Junipero Beach, and Mom’s Beach. Other activities in Long Beach consist of taking a trip of the Queen Mary or the Fish Tank of the Pacific, checking out downtown Long Beach, or discovering to browse.
# 16: Huntington Beach
Average house cost: $1,150,000
Typical lease for a one-bedroom house: $2,420
Huntington Beach, CA houses for sale
Huntington Beach, CA apartment or condos for lease
You’ll discover a huge selection of beaches in Huntington Beach– Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington State Beach, and Sundown County Beach. With a population of 13,100, this mid-sized beach town is a terrific choice if you’re searching for a somewhat busier environment. If you desire choices besides a beach day you can visit the Huntington Beach International Browsing Museum, have a look at the stores and dining establishments along the beachfront streets, and walk along the Huntington Beach Santa Ana River Path.
# 17: Newport Beach
Average house cost: $2,750,000
Newport Beach, CA houses for sale
Newport Beach, CA apartment or condos for lease
Naturally, the oceanfront town of Newport Beach needed to be consisted of 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 numerous choices to pick from. If you’re wanting to transfer to Newport Beach, there have to do with 84,800 individuals residing in the city. Newport Beach has a lot of other activities consisting of checking out Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier, treking the Crystal Cove Path, and taking a look at Balboa Island.
# 18: Laguna Beach
Average house cost: $ 2,743,250
Typical lease for a one-bedroom house: $3,000
Laguna Beach, CA houses for sale
Laguna Beach, CA apartment or condos for lease
Another timeless Southern California beach town is Laguna Beach, house to about 22,800 homeowners. With beaches like Aliso Beach, Crescent Bay Beach, Cress Street Beach, Scuba diver’s Cove, Laguna Beach, Table Rock Beach, Thalia Street Beach, Treasure Island Beach, Victoria Beach, West Street Beach, and Woods Cove, there’s constantly a brand-new location to see the shoreline. In addition to these lovely beaches, ensure to go to the Cloud nine, have a look at Main Beach Park, and check out all the regional dining establishments, coffee shops, and stores by the beach.
# 19: Dana Point
Average house cost: $1,602,500
Typical lease for a one-bedroom house: $ 3,768
Dana Point, CA houses for sale
Dana Point, CA apartment or condos for lease
With beaches like Capistrano Beach Park, Dana Strands Beach, Doheny State Beach, Laguna Niguel Beach, and Salt Creek Beach, it’s not a surprise that Dana Point likewise made our list. House to 32,800, there is plenty to do in this incredible seaside city. For instance, you can check out the Dana Point Caves, get a meal at the Dana Point Harbor, or camp at Doheny State Beach if you choose to transfer to Dana Point.
# 20: San Clemente
Average house cost: $1,788,500
Typical lease for a one-bedroom house: $2,750
San Clemente, CA houses for sale
San Clemente, CA apartment or condos for lease
San Clemente is house to 63,900 individuals and has numerous beaches to go to. A few of the lots of beaches consist of North Beach, San Clemente City Beach, San Clemente State Beach, and T-Street Beach. Or if you’re searching for something a little various, you can walk along the Sea Top Path, come by the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, and have a look at the San Clemente Pier.
# 21: La Jolla
Average house cost: $2,002,500
La Jolla, CA houses for sale
La Jolla, CA apartment or condos for lease
La Jolla, a community of San Diego, is the last beach town in California on our list. House 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 range of choices whether you’re searching for a peaceful beach day or an early morning invested out on the waves. You can likewise invest the day at Cuvier Park, check out museums like the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Birch Fish tank, and go to the Sea Cavern Lookout Point.
Note, this list is not detailed of all the beach towns in California. Average house list price information from the Redfin Data Center throughout June 2023. Typical rental information from Rent.com June 2023. Population information sourced from the United States Census Bureau