13 Charming Small Beach Towns in California

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What better way to explore the west coast than by visiting small beach towns in California?

California is known for its metropolitan giants like Los Angeles and San Francisco, but sometimes the best things come in small packages.

California has 840 miles of coastline and is littered with small coastal towns right out of a magazine.

If you’re looking for a slower, more relaxed way to experience the state and truly get to know how the locals live, visit these small beach towns in California. You may find your new favorite seaside vacation spot.

La Jolla

Just 20 minutes north of San Diego, you’ll stumble on the quaint but luxurious La Jolla.

Situated right on the California coast, the Pacific Ocean is everywhere you look, and believe me, the views are jaw-dropping. This town is a perfect place for a romantic stroll or a family-friendly beach trip.

La Jolla Shores Beach is a good option for couples or families, offering lots of space and good swimming. Surfing lessons are also available here.

There are many choices for accommodations, restaurants, and shopping to take your beach trip to another level. You won’t regret visiting La Jolla.

Capitola

Capitola is one of the cute California Beach towns that has been around for years. It staked its claim as the first beach resort in California in 1874. It has been a favorite stop along the Monterey Bay coast ever since.

The beach front is backed by colorful buildings, murals, and tiles.  While you swim, surf, boogie board, or paddle board, you can revel in the town that seems to be right out of a painting.

Fantasize living the coastal life by booking a stay in one of the buildings unique to Capitola. You’ll be within walking distance of everything you’ll need in this small beach town in California.

Encinitas

Another 10 minutes north of La Jolla, the charming city of Encinitas thrives on the coast.

Previously split into five different towns, Encinitas became what it is today in 1986 by the combination of Old Encinitas, New Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-sea, Olivenhain, and Leucadia.

Encinitas is known for being one of the best small beach towns in California to catch a wave or two. Fans of surfing, this town is for you!

And if you’re in Encinitas, you’ll need to make a stop by the famous Botanic Gardens. Explore 37 acres split into 29 different themed gardens.

Once you’ve hit the beach and the gardens, all that’s left is to see the sophisticated charm of downtown.

Avalon

Avalon may be a little harder to access than the other small coastal towns in California on this list, but it is totally worth the trip.

Avalon is an unforgettable island town occupying the south end of Catalina Island.

Explore the harbor and the adorable shops surrounding it. Try a little bit of island cuisine, then set off to explore the island’s scenery. 

I suggest taking this journey by walking or by bicycle. There are plenty of bike rentals near the harbor for good prices.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, scuba dive through kelp forests or parasail to get the best view of Avalon.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quiet beach town in California with Elysian beauty. Designed from its inception to maintain the natural beauty of the coast, Carmel-by-the-Sea does its utmost to keep its beaches and forests alive for visitors to enjoy.

Located 40 minutes north of Big Sur, this small beach town in California has a plethora of shopping, cultural experiences, and events for those who like to pack their schedule.

For those who don’t, Carmel Beach is perfect for relaxing all day with a good book.

Whether you want to see the whole town top to toe or need the beach, check out the beautiful Mission San Carlos Borroméo de Río Carmelo.

Shelter Cove

You can find plenty of misty, small beach towns in Northern California, and Shelter Cove is one of the best.

With less than 700 residents, Shelter Cove is the definition of small. But it’s located on California’s Lost Coast, so you can’t expect too many people to have found it.

Shelter Cove is the gateway to exploring that coast. From the city, you can venture out on hikes to see the Lost Coast. You may encounter some other-worldly sights, like a black sand beach.

But it’s not so remote that you can’t enjoy a nice luxurious stay here. Shelter Cove is the perfect in between.

Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg is another one of those small beach towns in California with an undeniable charm.

You’ll find this town by driving about 3 hours north of San Francisco.

The landscape is enough to take your breath away, with rocky beaches right out a painting and forests and plants with an overwhelming green.

And not only is it pretty to look at, there is so much to do here! Whether you’re here for a luxurious resort stay, an outdoor adventure, or a little bit of both, Fort Bragg has everything you need for the perfect vacation.

Carlsbad

Back down south, Carlsbad is another one of the best small beach towns in California. A smaller, quieter option to its neighbor Oceanside, you’ll get all the perks without all the crowds and hotel costs.

Rent a beach house just minutes away from the coast so you can walk to the beach on a moment’s notice.

If you or your kids are a Lego fan, good news! Legoland is just 10 minutes away. Or if ferocious animals are more your speed, you can see a few of those at the San Diego Zoo.

Carlsbad may be a small beach town in California, but it’s well-connected to everything you love about the state’s big cities.

Cambria

On the other hand, Cambria is a small town in California near the ocean but away from the bustle of the big cities.

Three hours north of Los Angeles, Cambria is the ideal place for an idyllic vacation. Take as many strolls on the beach as you like, dine at delicious restaurants, and enjoy the arts and cultural experiences of this small coastal town in California.

If you’re up for a little more adventure, you can go horseback riding through the beautiful forests surrounding the town or surf the untameable Pacific waves.

However, visit at your own risk because once you do, you’ll never want to leave.

Goleta

Adjacent to Santa Barbara, you’ll stumble on Goleta.

In the heart of California’s vineyards, wine connoisseurs will love the annual World of Pinot Noir event. This seaside celebration comprises an entire weekend in March each year.

Visit the South Coast Railroad Museum or head down the road to The Reef at UC Santa Barbara for some fascinating fun facts and sights.

And then, of course, relax on Goleta’s wide-open beaches. If you want to experience nature a little deeper, camp in El Capitan Canyon to get the best of the California coasts and forests.

San Clemente

San Clemente is a quiet beach town in California compared to the bustling city of Anaheim that surrounds it.

Here traffic slows down a little, making for a more relaxed SoCal. You’ll find that San Clemente’s beaches are a bit less crowded, and you can even camp on a few of them.

Great for swimming, surfing, or lounging, you’ll want to be on San Clemente’s shores all day.

You can snag a few San Clemente souvenirs downtown or visit the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens to learn a little about the history of the city.

Oxnard

Oxnard is one of those small beach towns in California that will keep you on your toes.

With everything from a Venetian gondola to top-rated boxing gyms, you can experience almost anything in this small coastal town.

Oxnard has a plethora of nightlife experiences, including a 1901 speakeasy. You can also delight in California’s fresh fruit at the Channel Islands Harbor Farmers Market.

Explore the Channel Islands Harbor by boat or kayak, go whale watching, sport fishing, and so much more. The possibilities are endless here in Oxnard.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is colorful, vibrant, laid back, and easygoing—the perfect recipe for a southern California beach town.

With all the coves, rocks, nooks, and crannies in between, you’ll feel like you are the first one to discover your strip of beach. Laguna Beach is the ideal place to go to live out your childhood mermaid fantasies.

Above the rocky ledges that lead down to the beach, you’ll pass tons of vendors with uniquely California merchandise and food. Snag a handmade piece of jewelry to bring home with you!

These small beach towns in California each have their own unique personality and vibe that you’ll be pulled to like a magnet. Get away from the touristy buzz of the big cities and revel in California’s best-kept secrets.

So decide on your next California destination and start packing! The beach awaits.