The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Southern California Like Never Before

When they picture Southern California, most people think of beautiful beaches, and for good reason. With sunny weather most of the year and so many miles of sandy coastline, it is no wonder that the shore gets so much attention. In fact, most beaches are full of people sunbathing, playing, swimming, surfing, etc. Ready to see this part of the state in a whole new way? This amazing road trip will take you to some of the most tranquil and secluded beaches in Southern California. 

Google Maps

The trip to these hidden beaches covers 250 miles along the entire coast of SoCal. Between stops, you will enjoy views almost as incredible as the stops themselves. Take your time, take your camera, and take in the pristine beauty you discover. Use this interactive map to customize your trip. Feel free to add or remove stops, reverse the order, etc. to make this trip unforgettable.

Screaming Eagles Highway, Screaming Eagles Hwy, California, USA

Kyle Shannon/Google Local

This pristine beach lies at the northern end of Ventura County. There is a parking area at the end of Pacific Coast Highway, the frontage road along California’s Highway 101. A tunnel from the parking lot leads to this quiet piece of shoreline where waves are gentle and the views include the Channel Islands off the coast.

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31736 Broad Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

Peter Desera/Google Local

The incredibly scenic Lechuza Beach is accessible by a long staircase from a residential street above. The best way to find it is to park near the intersection of Bunnie Lane and Broad Beach Road. You may just have this serene, sandy stretch of shoreline to yourself as you enjoy the amazing rock formations and tree-lined cliffs around you.

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29208 Cliffside Dr, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

Sarah Markwardt/Google Local

Not far from one of the most popular and famous beaches in Malibu, Zuma Beach, is one of the most secluded and scenic. The area directly above the beach is private and accessible only by residents, but if you go to Big Dume Beach at Point Dume Park, you can walk south to Little Dume and find yourself alone, aside from maybe a few surfers if conditions are right.

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Abalone Cove Beach, California 90275, USA

Jose Lorenzo/Google Local

One of the most stunning beach in the Los Angeles area, Abalone Cove continues to also be one of the least crowded in Southern California. It pretty steep hike to get down to the shore, but it is well worth it. Here you will find exquisite tide pools full of life, epic rock formations, and small caves to explore.

Belmont Shore, Long Beach, CA 90803, USA

SKS - Superior Room/Vrbo

For example, this bright and modern Vrbo hotel suite offers luxury accommodations in the upscale neighborhood of Belmont Shores, central to dining, shopping, and entertainment.

8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA

Raymond Hu/Google Local

While Laguna Beach is usually full of people, these three miles of gorgeous coastline surrounded by scenic bluffs are surprisingly un-crowded, aside from the vibrant marine life to be found in the tide pools at Crystal Cove.

6039 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA

Billy Short/Google Local

North Ponto Beach is a narrow pebbly beach beside Carlsbad National Park that locals like to keep to themselves. It is fairly popular with surfers but few others frequent here, preferring the wider South Ponto Beach. When the tide is low, it is perfect for a beautiful walk below the steep cliffs.

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91932, Imperial Beach, CA 91932, USA

Cruising with the Clemons/Google Local

This beach hides in plain sight, meaning it is not exactly hidden, but few people even realize there is a beach here. Imperial Beach is located at the southern end of San Diego, just five miles from the border of Mexico. For those who discover it, this southern beach offers warm water, soft sand, and a picturesque pier.

Ready to pack the car and head to Southern California’s most secret beaches? Which of these would you most like to visit? We would love to hear your thoughts and your experience if you have taken this route! Check out this other article if you are interested in more of SoCal’s hidden gems waiting to be explored.