The 10
Best Beach Towns In Southern California

Whether you're in the market for a day trip or a weekend away, one of these charming seaside escapes is  your new happy place. Here, the best beach towns in Southern California.

1. Carpinteria

The small seaside village has a walkable main street called Linden Avenue and mom-and-pop establishments including little surf shops, antique stores and cafés.

Facebook/Carpinteria

2. San Clemente

Known for gorgeous Spanish architecture and 1,296-food pier, where you can catch the killer sunset.

Facebook/San Clemente Guide

3. Manhattan Beach

There's a charming 1950s feel to the shops in Manhattan Beach and it's only 10 minutes south of LAX.

                                        LA County Dept. Of Beaches & Harbors   

Not exactly a small town (it has around 200,000 residents), but "Huntington" has a chill vibe. 9.5 miles of sandy flat beach and slammin' waves.

Facebook/Pasea Hotel & Spa

4. Huntington Beach

5. Oxnard

It's regarded as the new Malibu by people who want beautiful wide beaches at prices that aren't quite as hefty and-it's the starting point for the Venture County Wine Trail. 

Visit Oxnard

6. Laguna Beach

The area is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. It also has 20,000 acres of protected natural land for biking and hiking. 

Visit Laguna Beach

7. Newport Beach

The average home in Newport Beach clocks in around $2.5 million. But, you don't need to be rolling in it to enjoy a weekend here.

Facebook/Newport Beach

8. Long Beach

There's a case to be made for Long Beach as your new beachy getaway, with its ethnic diversity, active LGBTQ community, great food and walkable downtown area.

Visit Long Beach

9. Dana Point

Dana Point is all about the sailing plus wide flat beaches are made for long walks, as well as parasailing, windsurfing and boogie boarding.

Ekash/Getty Images

10. Solana Beach

Home to Del Mar Dog Beach (where your canines can run off-leash and even swim with you) and a thriving Cedros Design District.

Visit Solana Beach

for more local travel ideas visit

PureWow Travel