California is known for its world-class beaches. The sun and surf is the main draw for visitors to the state. Most people head to the big, well-known cities and towns like LA, San Diego and La Jolla.

But if you’re looking for a place to enjoy the beach along the Pacific Coast with more of a chill, unique vibe, consider visiting one of the smaller beach towns in California instead.

Sprinkled up and down the coast are small towns flying under the radar with smaller crowds, more of the local scene, and of course incredible beaches.

To help you decide where to go, this list has the 10 best small beach towns in California.

Small Beach Towns in California

Carpinteria

The first on the list of best beach towns in California is the lovely Carpinteria.

Located down the coast from Santa Barbara, this seaside city has so much going for it.

Known for its incredible beaches, Carpinteria is a favorite among surfers and anyone looking for sun and sand.

Linden Ave is the place to be in Carpinteria. Here you’ll find the best in shopping and casual dining. Definitely grab a bite for lunch at the Spot – you’ll be glad you did!

And Zookers is another great choice for lunch or dinner in Carpinteria.

Sunset is the perfect time for one last beach walk before nighttime.

In winter months be sure to check out the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and watch the harbor seals at the rookery.

Read our full list of things to do in Carpinteria.

Carpinteria has several gorgeous beaches nearby, including Santa Claus Beach

Laguna Beach

You can’t go wrong with 8 miles of coastline including over 30 beaches.

That’s what’s available at Laguna Beach, one of the best beach towns in California. And it’s a pretty easy day trip from Los Angeles.

This gem on the SoCal coast has tons to do outdoors.

Explore the natural coastline with hikes in Laguna Wilderness Canyon Park or Crystal Cove State Park.

Enjoy a walk along the boardwalk on Main Beach or check out the tide pools along the sand.

If you are wondering if you should check out Laguna Beach, the answer is YES!

Pismo

Along Cali’s central coast is the stellar Pismo Beach.

Views of the Pacific are incredible from the bluffs making this one of the top places to stop on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

You’ll get some of the best views at Dinosaur Caves Park, a favorite among locals and visitors.

Definitely check out Monarch Butterfly Grove to see the beautiful creatures as they migrate during the cooler months.

Pismo is a great place to spend a night or two and sample the local eateries where there’s plenty of excellent seafood on the menus.

Cambria

Cambria has everything you’re looking for in that perfect small beach town in California.

You’ll love strolling the unique boutiques, antique shops and art galleries in town.

If you’re looking to taste local wines and beers, Cambria’s wineries and tasting rooms will not disappoint.

Take a short scenic drive to the historic Hearst Castle and tour the estate built by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst.

And, of course, Cambria’s incredible coastline has everything from sandy beaches glittering with moonstone, to hiking trails overlooking the Pacific.

Cambria is also known for Elephant Seals and whales making it one of the best beach towns in California for seeing wildlife.

Elephant seal Pacific Coast Highway California.

Have you ever seen such a strange yet somehow adorable looking creature as the elephant seal?

Fort Bragg

For picturesque views of the Pacific lapping against bluffs you have to get to Fort Bragg on the Mendocino coast.

A must-do in Fort Bragg is a visit to Glass Beach.

This unique place gets its name from the sea glass covering its shore. During low tide you see this dazzling shore and pick up fistfuls in your hands to examine stones and glass polished by nature.

Hop on a whale-watching tour and keep an eye out for seals along the shore.

You’ll love to stroll the historic downtown where there’s so much to see including cool murals and art galleries.

For the most impressive beach glass in California head over to Fort Bragg

Avalon (Catalina Island)

Stepping off the boat and onto Catalina Island you’ll feel like you’ve really escaped.

Avalon is truly one of the unique small beach towns in California.

Once here, there’s tons to explore. Head out on the water for a tour or any number of water sports or up into the hills to get a view from above.

Crescent Avenue has everything from shops to restaurants. It’s also where the main beaches are in town.

Avalon Beach and Harbor Catalina Island California.

Beautiful Avalon on Catalina Island is a lovely beach town and lots of fun for water sports

Morro Bay

Morro Bay is one of the coolest small beach towns in California that sets itself apart from the rest.

What makes it so different? The impressive Morro Rock, an ancient volcanic peak located at the end of Morro Beach.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the lagoon and saltwater marsh of Morro State Park.

Kayaking is a favorite activity in Morro Bay and it’s easy to rent gear along the bay.

When it’s time to eat, head straight for the Embarcadero.

Here you’ll find the best places to eat specializing in, you guessed it, seafood. Positioned right on the water it makes sense.

You can’t miss the giant Morro Rock on the beach at Morro Bay

Cayucos

Bring it down a notch at Cayucos.

This quiet town by the sea is the perfect place for anyone looking to relax and take a step away from the fast pace of life making it one of the most chill beach towns in California.

The town has shops and antique stores perfect for browsing.

A stroll along the beach is a great thing to do any time of day. For incredible views take a walk out on the Cayucos Pier or hike the Estero Bluffs.

Chill out at Cayucos beach California

Arcata

Set inland just a bit, Arcata is the one small beach town on the list whose shoreline is on a bay instead of the Pacific Ocean.

But don’t worry, Arcata has been around since the 19th century proving that it’s a steadfast community and a perfect place to visit.

You’ll love this small town with its historic past, hippie counterculture, and college town vibe.

There are great coffee houses, restaurants and shops.

Nature lovers will love exploring the Arcata Marsh and the Arcata Community Forest and Redwood Park.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Last, but certainly not least, on the list of idyllic small beach towns in California is Carmel-by-the-sea.

This beautiful town, located on the Monterey peninsula just to the south of Pebble Beach, is a must-do for any California itinerary.

You’ll love walking along Ocean Avenue where you’ll see the fairytale-like cottages, browse boutiques, and enjoy a bite to eat.

There are also over 20 tasting rooms in Carmel for wine lovers.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is known far and wide as being one of the best parks in the state of California.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve rocky coastline.

Add the popular and picturesque Point Lobos to your California itinerary

Final Thoughts on California Beach Towns

And that wraps up my list of cute beach towns in California. As you can see, the Golden State coastline has so much to offer no matter what you’re looking for. All along the coast are places that have something for everyone. From bluffs overlooking the Pacific to fairytale villages, you’ll find it.

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