21 Warmest Beaches in California You Should Visit [2024]

Almost the entire coast of California is made up of gorgeous sandy shores, but some beaches are warmer than others.

If you are looking for a sunny destination to spend a day playing in the surf and building sand castles, you don’t want to pick out the wrong beach where the cold will ruin all the fun.

The good news is that I grew up in southern and northern California and have spent countless days exploring the state’s best beaches.

When searching for the best warm beaches in California, there’s no better place to go than the beaches in Southern California. 

I created this list of the hottest beaches in California with the warmest stretches of sandy shore in the South so that you won’t waste a single chance to catch some rays.

21 Warmest Beaches in California

Warmest Beaches in Southern California

If you’re on the hunt for the hottest beach in California, the best place to explore is its southern region.

Southern California, or SoCal, is known for its sunny skies and picture-perfect weather. If you can only visit one region to soak up the sun, there’s no better place than SoCal.

Some of the best beaches in California are located here, so you will never run out of options.

• High = Highest summer ocean temperature
• Low = Lowest summer ocean temperature
• ☀️ = The Warmest month of the year (air temperature)

1. Santa Monica Beach

• High: 68°F in August
• Low: 65°F in June
• ☀️ 71°F in August and September

Why Visit: Arguably the most popular beach destination on this list, Santa Monica Beach is the perfect embodiment of SoCal’s beach culture.

With countless fun activities to do, ranging from beachfront dining to checking out the original Muscle Beach, there’s never a dull moment on this popular state beach. 

Visiting Santa Monica Beach and the world-famous Santa Monica pier should be on everyone’s travel plans.

We love to explore the area by cruising along the bike path that stretches over eight miles from Will Rogers State Beach to the North Jetty in Marina del Rey.

If you’re a fan of amusement parks, the Pacific Park has 12 thrilling rides for you and your family to trip, and there is also an educational aquarium with over 100 local species of sea life. 

If you’re not scared of heights, make sure to ride the Pacific Wheel, the world’s first and only solar-powered Ferris wheel.

• Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, food concessions, lifeguards, pier, athletic equipment, picnic areas, playgrounds, volleyball, bike path

• Best For: Exploring the Santa Monica Pier and amusement park, bike rides along the shore, and getting a tan on the wide sandy beach

2. Newport Beach

• High: 70°F in August
• Low: 66°F in June
• ☀️ 73°F in August and September

Why Visit: Newport Beach is a charming coastal town in Orange County, California. During certain months, this popular destination even has some of the warmest ocean water in California.

Whether you’re on a holiday with your family or enjoying a trip by yourself, there’s no shortage of fun activities you can do here, including fishing and whale watching from the pier.

You can also book a sailing charter for a romantic sunset cruise with your partner, or you can even take a surfing lesson when the waves are fairly tame.  

Our favorite thing to do is to head south towards Balboa and watch the bodyboarders and local surfers take on the unique surf break at the Wedge.

Although there is plenty to do, the best thing to do in Newport Beach is to just relax and enjoy a day of relaxing in the warm Southern California sun.

• Amenities: Lifeguards, parking, beach wheelchairs, public restrooms, fire rings, portable barbecue, piers, parks, boardwalk, weddings at the beach

• Best For: body surfing the shore break, whale watching from the Newport Pier, a pickup game of beach volleyball

3. La Jolla 

• High: 68°F in August
• Low: 65°F in June
• ☀️ 76°F in August and September

Why Visit: From rocky reefs to secluded coves and sandy shores, La Jolla has some of the most spectacular coastlines in California.

The city of La Jolla is home to several amazing beaches, including the popular La Jolla Shores, which attracts a lot of beachgoers. 

We love renting a kayak to explore the jagged cliffs and sea caves at La Jolla Cove, located in the southern portion of the bay, but the views are just as good from Ellen Browning Scripps Park.

Another fun thing to do is to visit Children’s Pool Beach, where you can spot La Jolla’s famous and protected harbor seals. 

For a summer visit, this beach is a great option for kids to swim, as the shore is protected from currents and larger waves.

With its breathtaking views and stunning beaches, La Jolla really deserves to be called the jewel of San Diego.

• Amenities: Parking lots, garages, bathroom, showers, lifeguard station, picnic area, beachfront boat launch, parks

• Best For: testing your skills at the Tourmaline Surf Park, exploring the La Jolla tide pools, relaxing on a quiet stretch of beach

4. Corona Del Mar

• High: 70°F in August
• Low: 66°F in June
• ☀️ 73°F in August and September

Why Visit: Corona Del Mar is centrally located along the coast in Orange County and offers a perfect destination for some summer beach fun.

The main beach offers a half mile of soft sand for a day of sunbathing and watching the gentle waves crashing on the shore.

For families with younger kids, you can head over the rocks to Pirates Cove to the northwest of the main beach, where there are almost zero waves, and it’s safe for some swimming.

For couples, head to Inspiration Point to enjoy a romantic sunset with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

If you are fascinated by sealife, make sure you head to the rocky area past Inspiration Point, where you can explore the tide pools.

Corona Del Mar has some of the warmest beach weather in California, and is a perfect destination for families looking for a perfect beach destination.

• Amenities: Lifeguard, restrooms, showers, BBQs, picnic tables, volleyball courts, fire pits, parking, snack bar

• Best For: Spotting sea urchins and anemones in the tidepools, volleyball, sunbathing, bonfires

5. Dana Point

• High: 68°F in August
• Low: 67°F in June
• ☀️ 79°F in August and September

Why Visit:

Dana Point is our top destination in Orange County for its gorgeous beaches and laid-back vibe. 

Dana Point offers some of the most pristine beaches in Southern California and is a hotbed for surfing and beach volleyball.

Besides being famous as a top beach destination in Southern California, Dana Point is also the dolphin and whale-watching capital of the world.

Enjoy the sunset and ocean views from the trails in the Dana Point Headlands conservation area, and you might get lucky and spot a pod of migrating Grey Whales.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for an adventure or planning a romantic getaway; you can find plenty to do along Dana Point’s 6 miles of sandy shoreline. 

Dana Point should be at the top of your list if you are looking for some fun beaches in the southern portion of the state.

• Amenities: Lifeguards, parking, restrooms and showers, BBQs, boat launch area, paved paths, concessions, picnic tables, volleyball courts, fire pits  

• Best For: Whale and dolphin watching from the headlands, surfing at Salt Creek Beach, swimming in the tame waves at Doheny State Beach.

6. San Clemente

• High: 68°F in August
• Low: 63°F in June
• ☀️ 79°F in August and September

Why Visit: Another gem located in Orange County is San Clemente, which has five miles of beautiful beaches for you to explore. 

For anyone looking to surf some of California’s best waves, head to Trestles, which has some of the best breaks ranging from novice to expert.

Beginner wave riders should head to T Street or San Onofre, where the waves are smaller and the locals are less aggressive.

If you are not interested in getting in the water past your knees, there is plenty to do on land, including a bike ride along the beach trail.

Our favorite is walking to the end of the San Clemente Pier to see what the fishermen are catching and to enjoy the sunset.

• Amenities: Lifeguards, parking, picnic area, restrooms, visitor center, trails, volleyball court, BBQ, fire ring, concessions, campsites, RV sites

• Best For: Surfing the breaks at the world-famous Trestles

7. Laguna Beach

• High: 66°F in August
• Low: 63°F in June
• ☀️ 80°F in August and September

Why Visit: Laguna Beach is SoCal’s premier coastal destination known for stunning coastal parks and secluded coves and beaches. 

This quaint beach town has an artsy vibe that just happens to have some of the best beaches in California for swimming.

There are several great beaches nestled into semi-protected coves that make getting in the water less treacherous.

The seven-mile section of the California coastline is home to 30 beaches, each with its own charm.

Our favorite beaches are Cresent Bay Beach for an escape from the crowds and Wood’s Cove for its rugged rocky beach.

You can learn to skimboard at Victoria Beach, or ride an incredible break at Rockpile Beach if surfing is on your itinerary.

• Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, boardwalk, lifeguards, picnic areas, playground, volleyball, basketball, adjacent parks

• Best For: Playing in gentle waves in the beautiful coves, surfing at Rockpile Beach, bonfires on the beach

8. Oceanside

• High: 70°F in August
• Low: 67°F in June
• ☀️ 73°F in August and September

Why Visit: Oceanside is an iconic Southern California beach town located inside the northern part of San Diego County.

It’s one of the warmest California beaches on this list, making it a hotbed for sun-seeking beach enthusiasts throughout the region. 

The main draw is Oceanside City and Strand Beaches, which offer wide stretches of soft sandy shoreline that flank the Oceanside Municipal Fishing Pier.

You can also head farther north to Oceanside Harbour Beach, where you can arrive early and secure a fire ring for a beach bonfire.

This coastal city is famous for surfing, with 3.5 miles of unobstructed beachfront offering plenty of big and powerful waves when a swell comes through. 

For beginners, head to the Oceanside Pier, where you can rent wetsuits and boards or take a lesson from a local who knows the breaks. 

When the waves are flat, we love to take a long walk along The Strand, which is a walkway along the beach that offers amazing views of the crashing waves and the sunset.

This is a must-visit for anyone looking for the perfect California beach experience.

• Amenities: Parking, bathrooms, shower, lifeguards, volleyball, pier, picnic areas, fire rings, parks, barbecues, designated swimming areas

• Best For: Learning to surf near the pier, a leisurely stroll along the pier, lots of open stretches of soft sandy beach

9. Aliso Beach

• High: 68°F in August
• Low: 63°F in June
• ☀️ 79°F in August and September

Why Visit: Another one to add to the list of the best warm beaches in California is Aliso Beach, which offers one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in Orange County. 

Not only is the beach really nice, but the facilities are top-notch with everything you will need for a day at the beach ranging from showers to a playground for the kids.

There is even a small restaurant that serves up some tasty beach-style grub, including freshly made beignets and lobster rolls with views of the crashing waves.

This is also a great place to test your skills at skimboarding as this beach is home to “The Vic”, which is the world championship of skimboarding. 

If you are looking for a prime destination for watching the sunset, Aliso Beach has firepits for a bonfire to keep you warm and to make some S’mores while the sun dips beyond the horizon.

Aliso Beach is also a great place to just relax and get a tan or to make some sand castles, as there is plenty of room to spread out on the wide sandy shore.

• Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, boardwalk, lifeguards, picnic areas, playground, volleyball, basketball, adjacent parks, food concession

• Best For: Skimboarding the epic shore break, sunset bonfires, beachside fish tacos at the Lost Pier Cafe

10. Descanso Beach 

• High: 70°F in August
• Low: 64°F in June
• ☀️ 71°F in August

Why Visit: Descanso Beach is located on the charming Catalina Island. It’s known for its warm temperatures year-round and has the warmest water temperatures in California during the month of August.

It has a sense of luxury and seclusion that attracts thousands to its pristine waters and stunning coastline.

This beautiful private beach still has public access so you can freely swim in its pristine waters, rent your own private cabana, and sunbathe on padded lounge chairs.

This popular destination has one of the best warm water beaches in California, so don’t forget to give it a visit.

• Amenities: Lifeguards, parking, restaurant, bar, private cabana and chaise lounge rentals, restrooms, showers, boat mooring, beachside dining 

• Best For: Those looking for luxurious amenities with their beach visit

11. Huntington Beach

• High: 66°F in August
• Low: 63°F in June
• ☀️ 63°F in August

Why Visit: Nicknamed the Surf City, this laid-back beach town has a 10-mile coastline that’s waiting for you to explore.

Huntington Beach is not only for surfing, but it’s also one of the best beaches for swimming in California. Check out the numerous events this beach holds or enjoy some peace and quiet at Sunset Beach.

If you want to swim, surf, and bird watch, visit Huntington State Beach. Learn to surf at Bolsa Chica State Beach or enjoy some quality time with your furry friend at Huntington Dog Beach.

• Amenities: Restrooms, parking, showers, food concessions, volleyball, picnic areas, lifeguards during summer, paved ramps, beach wheelchairs, trails 

• Best For: Taking your dog to the beach, watching the sunset

12. Imperial Beach

• High: 68°F in August
• Low: 59°F in January
• ☀️ 75°F in August and September

Why Visit: Imperial Beach is the southwesternmost beach in the United States and is situated right across the border from Tijuana. 

This is a little bit of a hidden gem as the beach is relatively quiet compared to the options closer to San Diego, and you will have no trouble finding a good spot to set up on the sand.

The only downside is that following heavy rains, the water can be unsafe due to sewage draining into the ocean.

This is still a great beach to visit, with plenty of soft sand for building sand castles or for getting a tan.

We really enjoyed the small beach town feel as Imperial Beach is home to some great restaurants and multiple breweries for some off-the-beach dining and fun.

Another fun stop is at the Imperial Beach Pier for fishing and watching the surfers from above the break. 

You can also grab some fish and chips or a cold beverage and watch the sunset from the seafood shack at the end of the pier.

• Amenities: restrooms, lifeguards, beachfront restaurants

• Best For: surfing, fishing, sunbathing, enjoying the sunset

13. Coronado Beach

• High: 68°F in August
• Low: 59°F in January
• ☀️ 76°F in August and September

Why Visit: Coronado Beach stretches 1.75 miles from the Naval Air Station to a hotel area on the peninsula near Glorietta Bay Yacht Marina.

The white sand beach is located on the Coronado peninsula, which is just across the water from Downtown San Diego and the Embarcadero.

Our favorite part of this beach is the gorgeous views of Cabrillo National Monument across the entrance from San Diego Bay.

In fact, Coronado Beach is attached to the famous Hotel del Coronado, where visitors can relax in a poolside cabana or enjoy a cocktail with a view of the sunset.

On our visits to Coronado, the beach was very crowded, but we found that the farther you walk away from the hotel, the more room there is to stretch out.

If you trek far enough to the northeast side of the beach, there is a dog park where your four-legged friends can run free and play in the waves.

This is an amazing option for beachgoers that are vacationing in San Diego and want to have a beach day that is close to all the city’s other attractions.

• Amenities: Lifeguards, restrooms, outdoor showers, fire rings, picnic benches, children’s playground, beach volleyball courts, outdoor showers

• Best For: Surf lessons, sunbathing, swimming, beach bonfires, resort dining and drinks

14. Long Beach

• High: 66°F in August
• Low: 57°F in February
• ☀️ 84°F in August and September

Why Visit: Long Beach offers just over four miles of sandy beaches that get plenty of the famed Southern California sunshine. 

This long stretch of shoreline includes four main beaches, Alamitos, Junipero, Long Beach City Beach, and Rosie’s Dog Beach.

While all the beaches are similarly wide and sandy, they each have their own amenities, including a beach shack restaurant at Junipero and volleyball courts at the city beach.

From these beaches, you will get a view of the historic Queen Mary ocean liner, and you can watch the massive cruise ships entering and leaving the port of Long Beach. 

While no one got stung during our visit, we were warned multiple times to shuffle our feet when in the water as these beaches are home to lots of stingrays.

If you love ocean fishing, bring your license and your pole to the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier for a chance to catch monster fish. 

• Amenities: Lifeguards, restrooms, concession-style restaurant, outdoor showers, children’s playground, bike path, beach volleyball and basketball courts

• Best For: Swimming, sunbathing, biking, volleyball, fishing

Warm Beaches in Northern California 

It might be warmer in Southern California, but its Northern counterpart has its own charm. From national parks to beaches, NorCal will wake up your slumbering adventurous spirit.

The blue waters of Northern California beaches and the warm sun make the phrase “walking on sunshine” a reality right at your toes.

Let’s take a look at some of the warmest beaches in Northern California.

Looking for a secluded beach in California? Check out this Black Sand Beach in San Francisco

15. Stinson Beach

• High: 59°F in September
• Low: 54°F in June
• ☀️ 89°F in July

• Amenities: Lifeguards, parking, snack bars, restrooms, picnic areas, barbeque grills, cold showers, beach volleyball rental, trails

• Best For: Large beach with easy access to cafes, great for enjoying the sunset

Why Visit: Stinson Beach is situated at the base of Mount Tamalpais at the bottom of the Point Reyes National Seashore.

This long stretch of beach near San Francisco is a popular spot for residents from the Bay Area to escape the heat and have a day of building sand castles or taking a beginner surf lesson.

One of the big draws to this beach in this Norcal coastal town is its size and the fact that there are great facilities.

We love coming here after hiking the Dipsea trail in Mount Tam to dip our feet in the sand and have a quick lunch.

The water at the beach is fairly cold, especially if you go farther out, but can be quite comfortable if you wear a wetsuit.

Be warned that this beach is in the red triangle of great white attacks in California.

Stinson Beach is famous for an attack that took place in less than 6 feet of water.

Related:

• Best Beaches near Sacramento

16. Salmon Creek State Beach

• High: 57°F in August & September
• Low: 54°F in June
• ☀️ 64°F in September

Why Visit: Salmon Creek State Beach, located in Bodega bay, makes our list of the best warm water beaches in Northern California.

This beach is a popular surfing spot due to its consistent surf and ease of accessibility. The 2-mile stretch of sandy beach is broken up into North and South Salmon Creek Beach.

If you’re looking to swim, opt for the lagoon as this beach is at the northern tip of the red triangle which means sharks frequent the area.

When we visited on a weekday, the beach was pretty empty outside of a few surfers out on the water.

There are two paths you can take to go down the beach, with one being more steep and a bit challenging.

• Amenities: Parking, lifeguards, restrooms, driftwood shelter, picnic areas, trails, camping area, dunes

• Best For: Amazing coastal views, watching the sunset

17. Drakes Beach

• High: 59°F in September
• Low: 54°F in June
• ☀️ 74°F in September

Why Visit: Drakes Beach is a remote beach in Point Reyes National Seashore, but it does not mean it has less to offer.

This is one of our favorite beaches to visit, with its breathtaking views of sandstone cliffs and calm and soothing waves.

Drakes Beach is sheltered from the weather which makes it good for swimming (although the water is still cold).

You can easily drive up to the beach and park, which makes it convenient.

If you visit during the winter and spring, you may get lucky and see the Northern Elephant Seals as they are breeding and pupping this time of the year.

• Amenities: Parking, picnic tables, bookstore, visitor center, lighthouse, restroom, first aid kit, cafeteria, bay overlook, lagoon, lifeguard, cafe 

• Best For: Seeing the elephant seals, quiet and secluded beach

Related: Best Beaches in Lake Tahoe

18. Three Rocks Beach

• High: 75°F in June
• Low: 73°F in September
• ☀️ 67°F in September

Why Visit: Three Rocks Beach is one of several amazing beaches in Half Moon Bay and is less than an hour away from the bustling downtown San Francisco.

It boasts boulders and rocks that provide the most amazing backdrop for pictures. The beach, aside from its stone formation, still has a wide space for exploration and tide pooling.

If you are looking for serenity and peace Three Rocks Beach is the perfect spot.

You can also drop by the Ritz-Carlton hotel and enjoy the stunning views it offers. Spending your time here will surely be worth it.

• Amenities: Close proximity to The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Half Moon Bay Golf Links, vista point, restaurants, parking, picnic area, hiking trails, tide pools

Local Tip: Another fun activity to do in the area is to visit one of the organic fruit picking farms in the Bay area for some fresh fruits and produce.

19. Santa Barbara Beach (East Beach)

• High: 65°F in August
• Low: 62°F in June
• ☀️ 77°F in August

Why Visit: If what floats your boat is a beach that offers not just sand and sea but also amenities and comfort, then Santa Barbara Beach is what you’re looking for.

One of the best swimming beaches in California, this long strip of beach is home to picturesque inns and hotels. There is a myriad of activities you can do from beach volleyball, sunbathing, and swimming, to sports activities.

Name it, and this beach has it. The calm waters at East Beach are perfect for those who want to go kayaking and paddle boarding with rentals available at the beach.

• Amenities: Lifeguards, playground areas, volleyball courts, picnic areas, restaurants and cafes, bike path, volleyball, trails, kayaks, and boogie board rentals

20. Santa Cruz Beach

• High: 60°F in August
• Low: 57°F in June
• ☀️ 76°F in September

Why Visit: Santa Cruz Beach is the perfect answer when you ask people to describe a Californian beach. Miles and miles of sandy shoreline, blue waters, and endless possibilities of activities.

Whether you’re looking to play beach volleyball or enjoy a relaxing day soaking up the sun, this family-friendly beach has a place for everyone.

During the summertime, this warm water beach has a lifeguard on duty making it a safe swimming beach.

Once you’re done playing at the beach, make sure to stop by one of the craft breweries in the area for a refreshing pint.

• Amenities: Paid parking, garages, outdoor showers, cafes and restaurants, lifeguards, pier, picnic area, beach volleyball, restrooms, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

21. Avila Beach

• High: 60°F in August
• Low: 57°F in June
• ☀️ 73°F in September

Why Visit: This beautiful beach and charming town are located just a short drive from San Luis Obispo and are just an hour and a half north of Santa Barbara.

In Avila Beach, you will find this quintessential central California beach with its picture-perfect sand shore and its pier where you can watch the migrating humpback whales.

This is a great destination beach for a weekend getaway as you can spend a few days lounging in the sand, enjoying the boutique shops, tasting some local craft beer, and take a surfing lesson. 

• Amenities: Parking, lifeguard, picnic area, cafes and restaurants, restrooms, outdoor showers, volleyball, basketball, swings, trails, pier

FAQs

Where are the warmest beaches in California?

The warmest beaches in California are in Southern California on a stretch of the coastline from the Mexico border to Santa Monica.

These beaches include Imperial Beach to the south to Will Rogers State Beach to the north with water temperatures from 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the late summer.

The weather is generally mild, with ocean breezes in this area of Southern California and average daytime highs rarely going above 80 degrees.

What are the warmest beaches in Northern California?

The warmest beaches in Northern California are Stinson, Tennessee, Rodeo, and other small beaches located just north of San Francisco.

These beaches can have water temperatures as high as 59° F and daytime highs that get into the mid to high 80s during the early and late summer.

Stinson Beach is one of the top beach destinations in Northern California, with plenty of warm sunny days, but the Bay Area fog can roll in and cool the air temperatures by as much as 30° F.

What beaches in California have the warmest water?

The beaches in California with the warmest water are any of the options that stretch from Orange County down to the northern coastal areas of San Diego County.

Beaches, including Newport and Oceanside, can have water temperatures as high as 70° F during the late summer. 

While there is some variation in water temperature between the beaches in this area, they only vary by one to two degrees on most days. 

Can you swim in California beaches in winter?

Yes, you can swim in California beaches in winter if you are prepared with a good wetsuit, but be prepared to be very cold.

Winter swimmers may also want to include a neoprene hoodie and booties as the water temperatures can easily get down as low as 40° F.

If you decide to brave the cold water, make sure to check the currents and water conditions to ensure that there are no dangerous rip tides or high surf warnings.   

Are California beaches swimmable?

Not all California Beaches are swimmable, but there are plenty of great options where kids and adults can get in the water.

Some California beaches have very strong currents that make them too dangerous for swimming, while others in the northern part of the state are very cold.

For the most swimmable beaches in California, look to visit the beaches stretching from San Diego to Orange County, where there are often lifeguards and the water temperatures can get as high as 70° F.

Are San Diego beaches warm?

No, San Diego beaches would not be considered warm in comparison to beaches in Florida, the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, or Southeast Asia.

While the air temperatures routinely sit around 75° F during the summer, the water only gets to around 68° F, which is still relatively cold.

The beaches in San Diego are a perfect temperature on many summer days for getting a suntan, but the water may be too cold for most for extended exposure.

Wrap-Up: 21 Warmest Beaches in California

California is the quintessential place to visit if you’re on the hunt for pristine beaches and stunning coastlines. Good vibes last all day, and the food and people do not disappoint.

Each place has its own charm, and there are plenty of unique areas that you can explore.

Now that you already know where to find the warmest beaches in California, it’s time to choose the perfect destination for you.

Just like what they say, it’s always sunny in California. So, no matter what region you choose, the Golden State will never disappoint.

Related:

• Swimming holes near Sacramento
• San Jose, CA Beaches
• Dog Beaches in Lake Tahoe
• Best Hot Springs in Northern California
• Lake Camping in Northern California