Support Local: Vacation Local
Six California Beach Towns Worth Visiting
With some COVID-19 restrictions lifting, many Californians are looking to spread their wings and take a vacation but still want to stay close to home. With school back in session and the busy summer travel season almost over, now is the time to take advantage of our local California beaches. Vacationing local and supporting our state is the best way to rebuild our economy and guarantee the success of some of the small businesses located in tourist towns. Here are a few of our favorite less traveled beach towns across the state.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Capitola:
Capitola offers cute, colorful cottages along the shore with plenty of shops and restaurants along the water. Capitola can get quite crowded, but if you go in the off season it is the perfect little get away, just under a 2-hour drive from the East Bay. You can do a weekend getaway here or just a day trip. If surfing is more your thing, while in Capitola check out Capitola Wharf.
Gualala:
Gualala Point Regional Park Beach is the northernmost point along the Sonoma County Coast. Miles of coastal hiking can be found in Gualala with gorgeous panoramic views. Located just north of town is Sea Ranch, known for its distinctive architecture. Hiking trails meander along the estuary to the river shoreline and also out to the sandy driftwood-covered ocean beach. This ecologically sensitive area is preserved by the California Coastal Commission and is a magical place to experience.
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Cayucos:
Just north of famous Morro Beach, Cayucos offers a lot of the same beach appeal with views of the famous Morro Rock just south of Cayucos Beach. If you want to go fishing, Cayucos Pier is just the spot for you. Home to fish like surfperch, skate, white croaker, occasional starry flounder, halibut, sardines, and mackerel.
Carpinteria:
Located minutes from Santa Barbara, this picturesque beach town offers several beaches for you to explore. While exploring the Central Coast, check out Carpinteria State Beach and the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve. If you haven’t watched the seals pass the day away, you definitely want to stop at Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
La Jolla:
La Jolla is one of the top places to visit in San Diego. It is a perfect place to view wildlife, enjoy water sports, and experience luxury in California. One of the legendary things to do in La Jolla is discovering the sea caves by kayak. There are seven sea caves in La Jolla and you can only access them from the water.
Oxnard:
Oxnard may not sound like the best place for a getaway, but don’t let the name fool you. It is known for birdwatching, wide sandy beaches, and on clear days, views of the Channel Islands off the coast. For birdwatching, check out Mandalay State Beach home to protected beaches, dunes, and wetlands. If lounging and people watching is more your thing, think about heading over to Oxnard Beach Park or Hollywood Beach.