10 State Park Beaches in Southern California to Visit to Close Out Summer

No matter the season, SoCal's iconic coastline feels like something out of a movie. Sandy beaches lined with colorful towels and umbrellas, golden sun rays glittering off the Pacific's perfect barrel waves, warm surf lapping along the shoreline as families splash in the shallows, watercolor sunsets—"California Dreamin'" has never looked better!

But as the summer crowds start to thin, Southern California’s gloriously cinematic beaches start to show off a quieter, more relaxed side of the West Coast. From hidden coves to rugged cliffs, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy the sand and sunshine in a little more seclusion, especially within California's massive state parks system (280 and counting). These state beaches in Southern California are perfect for a last-minute, late-summer outing, offering everything from peaceful tide pools and scenic coastal hikes to serene stretches of white sand that feel like your own private slice of the Caribbean.

1. Gaviota State Park, Gaviota

Get double the beach on your getaway when you visit Gaviota State Park! Refugio Beach and Gaviota State Beach are two of the options here, both boasting unspoiled stretches of coastline with wild beauty and easy access to the water. Can't choose? Refugio State Beach is one of those underrated spots that seems to have it all, with calm waters for swimming, quiet picnic areas, and scenic coastal views. The beach’s gentle waves make it perfect for kayaking or a relaxed day in the sand. Gaviota State Beach is equally gorgeous and is a great spot for a beach bonfire. If you can pull yourself away from the water, the Gaviota Wind Caves are pretty special, and Gaviota Peak is a challenging climb for serious hikers that boasts panoramic views of the coast.

2. El Capitan State Beach, Goleta

Not to be confused with California's iconic national park wonder farther north, beach bums will want to head to SoCal to experience El Capitan State Beach instead. Same name, different place! This blufftop gem can be found just west of Santa Barbara, tucked below ancient sandstone cliffs. It’s a favorite for campers who like misty mornings, starry nights, and exploring cliffside alcoves in between surf sessions or sunset strolls. Bonus: Gaviota State Park is just a few miles away, so you can double up and hit the nearby bike trail to Refugio for even more coastal views and dolphin sightings.

3. Leo Carrillo State Park, Malibu

Known for its fishing, windsurfing, and beachcombing, Leo Carrillo State Park is one of Malibu’s most rugged hidden gems. Here you'll find more sea caves, tide pools, and secret nooks than seemingly possible, plus plenty of views. Named after a Hollywood cowboy who loved conservation, Leo Carrillo is a go-to for surfers, campers, and all ages of curious kids hunting for crabs in rocky nooks. With such a dreamy setting, the sandstone cliffs and sea caves almost feel like a movie set (and they sometimes are).

4. Point Dume State Beach, Malibu

It's no secret that Malibu is a beachy hotspot, so of course, there are more hidden gems here to love. Point Dume State Beach and Natural Preserve shows off a taste of Malibu's dramatic side, with sheer cliffs, wildflowers, cactus, and the city's iconic headland jutting into the Pacific. The headland trail leads to an overlook view so cinematic it starred in "Planet of the Apes," and below the cliffs, the beach is a mix of warm sand and rocky reefs that is perfect for sunbathing, tide pooling, or waterfront picnics at the provided picnic tables. It’s also a prime spot for spring whale watching and spotting rock climbers.

5. Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach

Crystal Cove State Park is 3.2 miles of uncrowded bliss between Newport Beach and the ever-gorgeous Laguna. The park's tide pools, bluffs, and backcountry trails make it a choose-your-own-adventure kind of beach destination, both on and off the water. The restored 1930s beach cottages here add a splash of colorful, retro charm—and, yes, you can rent one and live the barefoot dream. Bonus: history buffs, amateur paleontologists, and budding archaeologists will love all of the fossils here, and the casual beachside Shake Shack above PCH serves up burgers with a million-dollar view.

6. Doheny State Beach, Dana Point

Salty and sunny, Doheny State Beach may be SoCal’s original family-friendly state beach, but it's still one of its coolest. Originally donated by oil tycoon Edward Doheny, it's now a must-visit spot for surfers, tide pool explorers, and weekend campers who like their sunsets extra golden. Just south of Dana Point Harbor, you can watch longboarders glide while seagulls stroll alongside the water, or even enjoy a seriously cool whale-watching experience.

7. San Clemente State Beach, Orange County

San Clemente State Beach, located in Orange County, California, is one of the most popular coastal destinations in the region thanks to its striking ocean views, sandy shoreline, and dramatic bluffs. Known for consistent waves, it’s a favorite among surfers, swimmers, and bodyboarders, while the beach’s expansive day-use areas make it just as enjoyable for picnicking and sunbathing. Visitors can also explore the surrounding bluffs and trails, which offer excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

8. South Carlsbad State Beach, Carlsbad

Forget the Carlsbad Caverns of New Mexico, when you can head to Carlsbad Beach in SoCal! Perched on a bluff just south of Legoland, the laid-back South Carlsbad State Beach is geared toward relaxation and is a dream for a long day of sunbathing, surfing, or enjoying a long, peaceful walk along the shore. Campers, surfers, and sunset chasers will all find plenty to love here. Staircases lead from clifftop campsites straight to a wide, sandy beach, perfect for morning coffee with your toes in the Pacific. Pro tip: Grab tacos in nearby Encinitas, then nap to the sound of crashing surf.

9. Silver Strand State Beach, Coronado

You can't get much farther south in SoCal than San Diego, and Silver Strand Beach, located on the edge of San Diego Bay, is often much less crowded than its more famous counterparts in the city. This gorgeous beach isn't just a pretty face, though; it's a unique sandy sliver of sand packed with silvery oyster shells (hence the name), with a unique setting and mild climate that offers beaching opportunities both on the Bay and the Coast—3 miles of beach altogether. Each body of water has its own personality, opportunities, and character, which means you can easily choose your own adventure here. The bay side is often warmer and calmer, perfect for swimming, sailing, and fishing, while the coast is great for catching waves. Both sides have epic seashell hunting. But if you really want to feel like a local, bring a bike, pack a picnic, and cruise the Bayshore Bikeway.

10. Montaña de Oro State Park, Los Osos

The beaches of Montaña de Oro State Park are a true hidden gem. Like many of SoCal's coastal state parks, this diverse park is known for rugged cliffs and dramatic ocean views, but here you'll find an extra dose of wildflower-covered hills and sandy beaches that aren't nearly as crowded as the more popular spots in Pismo Beach. In between beach volleyball sessions, just down the road, Morro Bay is a local favorite with dozens of eclectic waterfront shops, fresh seafood galore, and the iconic Morro Rock—an ancient volcanic mound that towers over the bay and the town. You can also hike along the bluffs for sweeping views of the ocean, which makes it a great spot for a romantic stroll or casual photography.

Surfing, diving, parasailing, lounging—no matter how you "beach," late summer in SoCal has more than its fair share of spots worth (re)discovering before settling in for fall. These underrated state beaches are just the start! Plan your travel itinerary today with Only In Your State!