Huntington Beach Pier has been a California Icon since 1904 and is one of the largest along the West Coast at 1,850 feet. Huntington Beach or 'Surf City USA' has a consistent year-round surf. Hawaii's George Freeth surfed here in 1914 to help promote the sport along with Legendary Hawaiian Olympic gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku in the 1920's. Many famous surf shops followed in the 1950's to solidify the role of HB as the 'Surf Capital of the World' during the first United States surfing championship in 1959. Enjoy a sunset stroll along this historic pier and beautiful beach.
#349 Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes
The Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes are the largest coastal dune ecosystem in California at 18 miles long. Several opportunities are available from relaxing at Rancho Guadalupe Dunes County Park, off-roading at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area and camping at Pismo State Beach. Native American Chumash used the site as a fishing village and hunted alongside wild grizzly bears.
Cecil B. DeMille filmed his famous epic 'The Ten Commandments' in 1923 and buried the gigantic sets after filming. Excavated pieces of 'Egypt' have been discovered in the shifting sands. This National Natural Landmark also preserves many endangered plants and animals. Enjoy exploring these wild, uncrowded dunes.
#338 Ventura Harbor Village
Ventura Harbor Village is the place to be in Ventura. With its boutiques and restaurants, spend an hour or a day strolling the yachts and gorgeous sandy beaches. The Village also serves as the gateway to Channel Islands National Park with an informative visitor center.
#311 Moonstone Beach
Moonstone Beach is a stunning beach in Cambria. A boardwalk meanders on the bluffs while a walk along the beach takes you through tiny stones that glisten like moonstones. This uncrowded beach is the perfect retreat on the Central Coast.
#303 Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
The Crystal Cove Beach Cottages are a nationally recognized historic district in Crystal Cove State Park of Newport Beach. Built in the 20's through 40's, these cottages provided visitors with a unique oceanfront experience. The state park has preserved this untouched stretch of coast offering a glimpse into California's travel past. They have been featured in many films from the silent days through 1988's 'Beaches' with Bette Midler. You can stay overnight in one of the restored cottages or just enjoy the beautiful beach.
#300 Coronado
Coronado, 'Crowned One' in Spanish, is a resort destination across the bay in San Diego. Usually referred to as an island, it is actually connected to the mainland by the isthmus, Silver Strand. The town built the iconic Hotel Del Coronado in 1888 and has been the place to be and be seen ever since.
Traveling the San Diego-Coronado Bridge is the perfect way to make a grand entrance with its sweeping views of Downtown and the bay. Beautiful Main Street is lined with galleries, shops and restaurants while the beach offers the finest in sand in California often making the top list for best beaches in the USA.
#294 Montana de Oro Sand Spit
The Sand Spit is a ancient coastal dune field in Montaña de Oro State Park. For several miles, massive sand dunes cover bluffs that descend into crashing waters below. A trail leads to the ocean while climbing the many peaks offer dramatic vistas of Los Osos and Morro Bay. Enjoy a peaceful day wandering the dunes and finding hidden spots to relax.
#292 San Clemente Pier
San Clemente Pier is a classic California wooden pier at 1,296 feet long. It is the third pier to be constructed at this site with the first one opening in 1928. A leisurely sunset stroll or moonlit walk are a perfect way to spend time on the Orange County Coast.
#287 Jalama Road Scenic Byway
Jalama Road is a 14 mile Scenic Byway between Lompoc and the ocean. The road winds through rolling hills that are a brilliant green in the winter and golden in the summer. Oak groves dot the slopes to provide shade and a haven for wildlife. At the end is the secluded Jalama Beach where you will feel worlds away to discover a pristine coast.
#282 Treasure Island
Treasure Island in Laguna Beach is the perfect place to experience the California coast. With its white sandy beaches, rocky tidepools, hidden coves and perfectly landscaped bluff-top gardens, it is certainly a treasure. Bring your camera and stay for the sunsets.
