Need to get away for the weekend? Looking for the classic Southern California beach experience? We’ve got you covered with a gorgeous three-day road trip through three of the best beaches in Southern California. Whether you’re a visitor or you’ve lived here your whole life, everyone will enjoy the fun and beautiful locations on this trip.

Check out this map for an easy suggested route. With not too much driving to do, you’ll be able to spend all your time and energy enjoying your beautiful surroundings. Have a fantastic time!

Google Maps
1. Malibu Lagoon State Beach - Malibu
Malibu Lagoon State Beach, California 90265, USA
Marc Choquette/Flickr
Malibu Lagoon State Beach, California 90265, USA
Siadhal/Flickr
Known to those who frequent this spot as "Surfrider Beach" because of the great waves for surfing, Malibu Lagoon State Beach is an amazing destination for those who want to jump right into the fun sport’s culture. Surfrider Beach is especially unique in that it is the first World Surfing Reserve! You’ll also find the Malibu Pier here, as well as the beautiful Malibu Lagoon. You’ll have all day, so make sure you experience all of the elements of this amazing state beach. There are lots of good choices of places to stay overnight in Malibu. One nice, relaxed option less than 15 minutes away from the beach is Malibu Country Inn.

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2. Newport Beach - Newport
Newport Beach, CA, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
Newport Beach, CA, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
Newport Beach is a sweet and endlessly charming beach town that you’ll be glad you have a full day to explore. After about an hour and a half of driving, you will know you’re there when you see it. You’ll certainly smile as soon as you get there. The architecture is reminiscent of a quaint East Coast town with a relaxed West Coast feel. You get the best of both worlds in Newport Beach! Enjoy the shops and restaurants all around the neighborhood, and when you’re ready for the beach itself, you’ll have your pick of places to sunbathe. The spacious sand is just one of the many qualities you’ll fall in love with when you’re at Newport Beach. Stay at one of the many cute inns in the area, such as Doryman's Oceanfront Inn. We love adding this to our beach road trip!
3. Moonlight State Beach - Encinitas
Moonlight State Beach, 400 B St, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA
Joe Wolf/Flickr
Moonlight State Beach, 400 B St, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA
Sergei Gussev/Flickr
For the last day of your road trip, head just over an hour’s drive down the freeway to Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas. Located in Northern San Diego, Moonlight is a fun, upbeat beach where you can enjoy the surf, sand, and the company of other beachgoers. If you have friends in town, Moonlight Beach is the perfect place to get together. Explore the neighborhood around the beach, stop and get a snack to cool off on a hot day, and splash in the gorgeous blue ocean. Moonlight is known for its natural two levels, so you can choose the upper beach for sunbathing or the lower beach if you’re going for a walk on the shore. Definitely one of the best beaches in California!

You’ll feel rested and rejuvenated after your trip to three of the best beaches in Southern California!

Have you taken this trip? Which beach was your favorite? Did it make the list? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re looking for more great beaches in the great state of California, make sure to check out these secluded beaches in California.

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More to Explore

Best Beaches In Southern California

Megan McDonald | April 21, 2023

What are the best beaches in Southern California?

The best beaches in Southern California are a diverse range of landscapes located up and down the California coast. From the iconic Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach to the stunning La Jolla Cove and Laguna Beach, there is no shortage of incredible destinations to choose from. Whether you're looking to surf the waves, sunbathe on golden sands, or explore the unique rock formations and tide pools along the coast, Southern California's beaches offer something for everyone. Other must-visit destinations include Huntington Beach, Coronado Beach, Newport Beach, and Crystal Cove State Park, each of which boasts its own unique charm and attractions.

Here are some of the best beaches in Southern California that you need to visit:

 

What is the prettiest beach in Southern California?

Zuma Beach in Malibu is the prettiest beach in Southern California. With its sparkling blue waters, wide expanse of golden sand, and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and hills, Zuma Beach is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. 

The beach is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions, and visitors can often see surfers riding the waves in the distance. Zuma Beach also boasts a range of other activities, including swimming, beach volleyball, and sunbathing. And with plenty of facilities such as showers, restrooms, and picnic areas, it's easy to spend a full day soaking up the sun and enjoying the natural beauty of this spectacular beach.

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