7 Pristine Hidden Beaches Throughout Southern California You’ve Got To Visit This Summer
Nothing captures Southern California’s beauty quite like spending a day at the beach. This is why we’ve compiled this list of seven pristine beaches that you can have all to yourself this summer as they are some of SoCal’s most hidden gems. From relaxing on the sand to taking a swim in the ocean to enjoying a stroll at sunset, these hidden beaches in SoCal will be the highlight of your summer.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Time your visit to La Piedra State Beach just right and you may have one of the most beautiful hidden gems in SoCal all to yourself. Easily reachable from the bluff-top trail, this secret beach in SoCal is where you'll want to spend a quiet day relaxing on the sand.
Address: 32628 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.
Located in Newport Beach, Pirate's Cove Beach is one more reason to love spending an afternoon at one of SoCal's most pristine beaches. Take a swim in the crystal clear ocean or stroll along the soft sand and soak up the ocean views. It's the perfect place to do a little relaxing on a hot summer day in SoCal.
Address: 3001 Ocean Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA 92625.
Tucked inside the town of Encinitas, Swami's Beach may be more well known than the rest of the beaches on the list, but it's still a bit of an insider secret. With plentiful parking nearby and a short wooden staircase that leads you straight to the sand, this hidden beach is a must for anyone seeking out the perfect SoCal beach day.
Address: 1298 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024.
Located in Malibu, El Matador Beach is a magnificent stretch of coastal heaven offering crystal clear water, rugged rock formations, and adventurous sea caves to explore. Less populated than many nearby beaches, this is a great spot to visit when you want to have the beach all to yourself.
Address: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.
Another Malibu hidden gem not far from El Matador Beach is Lechuza Beach. Although open to the public, this tranquil setting feels more like a private beach that's an inside secret only the locals know about. With its serene setting that provides a perfect summer in SoCal breeze, you could easily turn a lazy afternoon into an entire day at this beautiful beach in SoCal.
If you don't mind the long trek to Thousand Steps Beach that requires navigating over 200 steps to reach, then you'll find the adventure to experience this hidden beach well worth it. Perfect for relaxing and taking in the stunning ocean view, this piece of paradise is one stretch of sand that will completely enchant you.
Address: 1000 Steps Beach, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.
Although Bluff Cove is best known for its excellent surfing, this hidden spot is also a dreamy place to soak up the rugged beauty of the landscape. Make sure to bring comfortable and sturdy beach shoes so you can do some exploring along the rocks while you're here.
Address: 609 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274.
What do you think of the hidden beaches in SoCal on this list? Do you have a favorite place to dip your toes in the ocean and take a walk along the sand in SoCal? We’d love to know where you go to get your dose of sea and sand so please share in the comments.
If you like beachcombing for sand dollars, you must visit Silver Strand State Beach located in Coronado.
Address: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
Address: Bluff Cove Trail, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, USA
Address: 1000 Steps Beach, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
Address: Swamis Ln, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA
Address: Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, USA
Address: Malibu, CA 90265, USA
Address: 31716-31718 Broad Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Beaches In Socal
April 15, 2021
Melissa M
What is summer like in Southern California?
Southern California has some of the best year-round weather in the country, it’s no wonder why so many people love living here! The air is mostly dry with mild temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s and lots of sunshine along the coast in the summer. Further inland is usually a bit hotter with temperatures in the mid-80s to mid-90s. Occasionally there are hotter days, but for the most part, the weather is quite tolerable all year.
Where can I go swimming in Southern California?
SoCal is just filled with places to go swimming even if you don’t live near the beach. If you are up for a hiking adventure, you can trek to some swimming holes that are tucked away in the mountains or forests. And they probably won’t have the crowds you would find at beaches! But if you want a SoCal beach, they are abundant! La Jolla Cove is a great place to swim or head to Los Angeles’ South Bay and have your pick of gorgeous sandy beaches in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. Each of these beach towns also has an incredible downtown area with great dining options so you can enjoy a relaxing meal after hours of hitting the surf and sand.
What are some hidden gems of Southern California?
We all love to seek out hidden gems, places that not so many people know about where you’re almost guaranteed to have no crowds. Did you know that the University of California in Riverside has a hidden botanical garden? This 40-acre garden has 3,500 plant species and is a lovely place to explore. If you find yourself trekking the trails at Griffith Park, maybe you’ll stumble across the Trails Cafe hiding among the trees. Stop by for a sandwich and pastries while you rest your weary legs from all that hiking.
Address: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
Address: Bluff Cove Trail, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, USA
Address: 1000 Steps Beach, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
Address: Swamis Ln, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA
Address: Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, USA
Address: Malibu, CA 90265, USA
Address: 31716-31718 Broad Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
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