The Top 10 Central Coast Beaches
One of the simple pleasures of life and living on the Central Coast of California is its proximity to the 800 miles of California coastline just waiting to be experienced. With miles of sunny, sandy coasts, it can be a difficult task to choose which pristine beach to visit next. From high activity beaches to secluded coves, a visit to any one of the following Central Coast beaches makes for a perfect day.
Carmel Beach
Carmel beach features more than a mile of cream-colored sand and chilly ocean surf. Expect to find cypress trees and cliffs, seagulls, dolphins, otters, beach walkers, sunbathers, surfers looking to catch a perfect wave, fishing, a game of volleyball, children at play, bonfires, and dogs on and off-leash. It’s gorgeous weather, scenery, quaint village setting, and fine selection of restaurants & shops downtown make it the perfect getaway destination for all who venture. The town’s charming eateries feature a little bit of everything from international, regional and local cuisine.
Activities:
Sunbathing, Surfing, Surf Lessons, Beach Walking, Fishing, Wildlife Watching, Bonfires, Volleyball
Amenities:
Restrooms, Volleyball Courts
Pet Policy:
Dogs allowed off-leash
Fees:
Free parking
Cayucos State Beach
Located directly on the waterfront in the quiet cozy coastal town of Cayucos rests Cayucos State Beach with its family-friendly sands and secluded coves. Activities include surfing, boogie/body boarding, fishing, swimming, and tide-pooling. Dogs are allowed on leash. The Cayucos Pier, built in 1875, offers stunning views of Cayucos, the Pacific Ocean and Morro Rock in the distance. The pier is also open to the public for fishing. No license required.
Things to Do:
Some of the nearby attractions, shops and restaurants include Estero Bluffs State Park, Good Clean Fun Surf & Sport, Remember When Too, Cayucos Collective, Duckies Chowder House, Sea Shanty, Martins Restaurant, Brown Butter Cookie Company, Cafe Dell Via, Ruddell’s Smokehouse, Schooners, Hoppes Garden Bistro, and Ocean Front Pizza.
Activities:
Surfing, Boogie Boarding, Fishing, Swimming, Tidepooling
Amenities:
Fishing Pier, Lifeguard, Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Showers, Kids Play Area
Pet Policy:
Dogs allowed on leash
Directions:
From Highway 101 South, take the 13th Street exit. Turn right on South Ocean Avenue for a leisurely drive down Cayucos’ main drag. Parking is available on Ocean Front Avenue and Ocean Avenue.
Morro Rock Beach
Morro Bay offers up some premium stretches of sand. Choose between the iconic Morro Rock Beach (a personal favorite) with its massive 580-foot rock, Morro Rock Jetty Beach just south of Morro Rock, North Point Beach, Morro Strand State Beach which is divided between the cities of Morro Bay and Cuyocus or Toro Creek Dog Beach (the dog-friendly 1-mile-long gap between the north and south sections of Morro Bay State Beach between Morro Bay and Cayucos). The Morro Rock Beach has quick and easy access and decent parking. Enjoy building sandcastles, collecting shells, birdwatching, dog walking (on leash), photography, or simply watching some of the expert surfers hit the waves. If you’re hitting the beach early consider stopping off at the Breakfast Buzz Cafe. The breakfast burritos shine at this buzzy cafe.
Activities:
Surfing, Birdwatching, Photography, Fishing
Amenities:
Restrooms, Picnic Tables
Pet Policy:
Dogs allowed on leash
Fees:
Free parking
Avila Beach
This family-friendly beach town is a perfect place to enjoy a day in the sun. The protected beach features a half-mile stretch of sand, gentle surf, tide pools, a lifeguard, and nearby facilities which include barbecue pits, volleyball courts, a basketball court, kids play area, a grassy area with picnic tables, clean bathrooms, and a popular fishing pier, which is open 24 hours. Dogs are allowed on-leash before 10 AM and after 5 PM. Finding an open parking spot can be a bit of a challenge at this popular beach, so give yourself plenty of time.
Activities:
Volleyball, Basketball, Biking, Skating, Fishing
Amenities:
Fishing Pier, Restrooms, Lifeguard, Picnic Tables, BBQs, Shops, Grass Park, Basketball Court, Aquarium, Kids Play Area, Tide Pools
Pet Policy:
Dogs allowed on-leash before 10 am and after 5 pm
Fees:
Free parking
Things To Do:
Kickstart your vacation with a walk or scenic bike ride along the Bob Jones Trail into Avila Beach or consider grabbing a cup of morning Joe at Kraken Coffee or a delicious acai bowl snack at Kravabowl to start, fill or end your day. Make your way down to the sand to find the prime lounging spot and spend the day tanning, splashing in the water, or jumping into a game of beach volleyball.
The town beyond is complete with lodging, a fine selection of restaurants, beach shops, wine shops, coffee shops, tasting rooms, art galleries, and more.
Take a mid-afternoon break with the whole family and explore the marine life at the Central Coast Aquarium.
The Avila Valley Barn offers a great family fun attraction for all ages with their animal feeding and petting zoo, pony and tractor rides. Be sure to shop the fruit and vegetable stand, freshly baked goods, the fudge & gourmet Sweet Shoppe and other specialty foods available for purchase.
Tip:
Be sure to try their delicious roasted corn on the cob when it’s in season.
Enjoy a glass of wine at PierFront Wine & Brew or dinner on the patio at Custom House as you enjoy the ocean waves and watch the sunset behind the hills.
Mr. Ricks offers cocktails, pool tables, and live music for those 21 and over.
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach, a hot spot for surfing, boogie boarding, biking, and fishing, is located just 13 miles south of Downtown San Luis Obispo off the highway 101. Make your way down Pomeroy Avenue and grab a cup of clam chowder from Splash Cafe or Brad’s before heading down to the pier or beach.Pismo Beach features one of the most popular fishing piers on the Central Coast complete with nearby facilities and easy beach access. Visitors may camp in one of two campgrounds within walking distance of the beach. If you time your beach visit in June or July you might experience the Classic Car Show or 4th of July fireworks show. The Clam Festival in October is another local favorite.
Activities:
Surfing, Fishing, Bodyboarding, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Volleyball, Walking, Beach Walking, Sunbathing, Swimming, Kiteboarding, Birdwatching, Clam Digging
Amenities:
Fishing Pier, Boardwalk, Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Showers, Lifeguard, Volleyball Courts, Kids Play Area, Benches, Rentals
Pet Policy:
Dogs allowed on leash on the beach, but not on the pier
Oceano Dunes
Popular among beach-goers and off-road enthusiasts alike, the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) is a popular recreational area just 20 minutes from San Luis Obispo to the south. Fulfill your adventurous side and take a day off to go riding ATVs through the sand dunes. As an added bonus, you can finish your day off by taking your car out on the beach for an evening of roasting hot dogs and s’mores over a bonfire on the beach with friends.
Activities:
OHV, ATV, Motorcycling, Beach Driving, Camping, Equestrian Use, Surfing, Fishing
Amenities:
Dunes, Beach Camping Area, OHV Area, Restrooms
Pet Policy:
Dogs allowed on leash
Fees:
Fee for vehicles entering the beach
Spooner's Cove
Spooner’s Cove is located in Montana de Oro (MDO), a state park located off the beaten path just beyond Los Osos offering truly unique trails for hiking, mountain biking, equestrian use, and a small secluded pebble beach filled with tide pools, caves, and unique rock formations to climb and explore during low tide. Picnic tables and fire pits are found at the cove along with restrooms. Parking is free by the park headquarters. Valencia Peak, a 4.2-mile trail near Spooner’s Cove, is one of the more popular hiking trails found in Montana de Oro. Islay Creek Campground (the only campground in Montana de Oro State Park) is across the street within walking distance from the beach.
Activities:
Hiking, Mountain Biking, Equestrian Use, Tidepooling, Camping
Amenities:
Campground, Trails, Restrooms, Tide Pools, Picnic Tables, Caves
Pet Policy:
Dogs allowed on leash on the beach
Goleta Beach Park
Plan an entire day or kick start your weekend with a barbecue at this playful beachfront located next to the University of California Santa Barbara campus (UCSB). It features more amenities than you can fit into one day. Experience picnic and grilling areas along with volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, restrooms, paved bike trail, a grassy park, kids play area, fishing pier, boat launch, and nearby restaurants to experience. Dogs are allowed on leash, so bring your furry friend too! The bike path runs behind the park and extends all the way to Santa Barbara making it a great spot to park and ride. The 1500-foot long fishing pier offers great views and pleasant fishing. Boats may also launch at this location along with kayakers and stand up paddleboarders with rentals on site.
Activities:
Fishing, Birdwatching, Biking, Walking, Sunbathing, Volleyball, Picnicking, Boating, Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Amenities:
Fishing Pier, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, BBQs, Paved Bike Trail, Grass Park, Kids Play Area, Restaurant, Boat Launch, Volleyball Courts
Directions:
From Highway 101 take the Hwy 217 exit toward the Airport and UCSB then follow it to Sandspit Road and look for signs pointing to Goleta Beach Park.
West Beach
West Beach in Santa Barbara sits adjacent to Stearns Wharf, the oldest working wood wharf in California (built in 1872) featuring multiple shops, restaurants, fish market, and museums. Motorized boats are prohibited, so visitors are only allowed to use outriggers, sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards, and other small watercraft without fear of crossing paths with any large industrial vessels. The West Beach area of the waterfront has a lot to offer, but the beach itself is best for volleyball, kayaking, and boating. Visitors enjoy skating, biking or simply walking the waterfront along the bike path. It is also home to Santa Barbara’s New Years and 4th of July Fireworks shows.
Activities:
Volleyball, Biking, Skating, Skateboarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing, Windsurfing, Boating, Sailing
Amenities:
Pier, Volleyball Courts, Paved Bike Path, Skatepark, Grass Park, Restrooms
Pet Policy:
No dogs allowed on the beach
East Beach
Family-friendly East Beach in Santa Barbara is located along the waterfront east of State Street and the Stearns Wharf Pier area. Most of the activity can be found on the east end with its numerous sand volleyball courts, picnic tables on a grassy park, paved bike path, kids play area, skate park, restrooms, and arts pavilion. Rent a bike at Wheel Fun Rentals and enjoy a cool breeze as you cruise along Cabrillo Blvd. Parking for East Beach can be found along East Cabrillo Boulevard and also in lots located at Ninos Drive, Corona Del Mar Drive, and Garden Street.
Activities:
Volleyball, Biking, Sunbathing, Walking, Running, Skating, Picnicking
Amenities:
Lifeguard, Volleyball Courts, Paved Bike Path, Skate Park, Grass Park, Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Kids Play Area, Restaurant, Accessible Features
Pet Policy:
No dogs allowed on the beach
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Arroyo Burro Beach
Better known as Hendry’s Beach among locals, Arroyo Burro Beach is surrounded by tall bluffs with parks and trails to explore. Load up your pooch and head to this flat, dog-friendly spot for a game of fetch along the coastline. This is one of the cleanest beaches in the area because of those who venture out from the South Coast Watershed Resource Center to clean it on a monthly basis. The parking lot entrance for this popular beach is just west of the intersection of Cliff Drive and Los Positas Road. At the end of the day, be sure to give your furry friend a bubble bath at the self-serve dog-washing station located in the parking lot!
Activities:
Sunbathing, Bodyboarding, Swimming, Fishing, Hiking, Beachcombing, Beach Walking
Amenities:
Lifeguard, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, BBQs, Grass Park, Restaurant, Accessible Features
Pet Policy:
Dogs allowed off-leash on the beach south of the creek mouth, and on-leash in the rest of the park
Rincon Beach Park
On the border between Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, just off Highway 101, lies Rincon Beach Park. Rincon Beach Park is made up of Rincon Park County Beach, a sandy beach bordered by bluffs and Rincon Point State Beach, a rocky narrow beach with excellent surf. Visitors can picnic on the bluffs above the beach or stroll down to the water to watch the surfers, and quite possibly even some pro surfers.
Activities:
Surfing
Amenities:
Restrooms, Lifeguard
Pet Policy:
No dogs allowed on the beach
Fees:
Fee for parking
That's All Folks!
That concludes our Top 10 Central Coast Beach Bucket List. Did any of our selections make your list? If so, which ones? Which Central Coast beaches make up your Top Ten?
