The tiny San Luis Obispo County community of Avila Beach had a rebirth of sorts in the late 1990s when the Unocal Corporation began cleaning up a tremendous oil spill beneath the town by removing contaminated sand by the truckload and replacing it with pristine sand from the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. After the cleanup was complete, …
Pismo State Beach, Pismo Beach
It’s easier to place it in the area of its namesake, but in reality, Pismo State Beach comprises three different beaches spanning across three neighboring towns: Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, and Oceano. The part of Pismo State Beach that is actually in Pismo Beach is more commonly known as North Beach. It’s a popular spot …
Morro Rock City Beach, Morro Bay
For one of the most dramatic backdrops you’ll find at any beach in the state of California, head to Morro Rock City Beach in Morro Bay. Morro Rock, the gigantic volcanic plug that looms over all of Morro Rock City Beach’s visitors is a 580-foot tall, absolutely awe-inspiring protected natural landmark. When you’re not gazing …
Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz
If Natural Bridges State Beach looks familiar, it’s probably because it’s one of the most photographed natural places in all of California. And once you’ve taken in the scenery, it’s not hard to understand why. The natural mudstone arches that earned the beach its name make an incredible backdrop for your day in the sand. …
Jalama Beach, Lompoc Florida
Jalama Beach is not necessarily a day trip sort of spot. You could hypothetically take the 14.5 mile drive off the Pacific Coast Highway out to Jalama Beach County Park, spend your day swimming, surfing, whale watching, and taking photographs, and then head home after the sun has set, but this sort of place is …
Rincon Point State Beach, Carpinteria
For surfers, Rincon Point State Beach is a mecca of sorts. It’s one of the most renowned surfing spots in the state of California and it receives wetsuit-wearing visitors from all over the globe every year, including some legends of the sport. Even if you’re a not surfer yourself, you will likely find the spectacle …
Surfer’s Point Beach, Ventura
Follow the Ventura River until it opens up into the Pacific and there you’ll find Surfer’s Point Beach. This rocky shoreline in the middle of the Ventura County Fairgrounds is a haven for surfers because of its point break that sends perfect waves rolling in with great consistency. Surfer’s Point Beach is not only great …
