Spend Three Days On Three Beaches On This Weekend Road Trip In Southern California

Need to get away for the weekend? Looking for the classic Southern California beach experience? We’ve got you covered with a gorgeous three-day road trip through three Southern California beach favorites. Whether you’re a visitor or you’ve lived here your whole life, everyone will enjoy the fun and beautiful locations on this trip.

Check out this map for an easy suggested route. With not too much driving to do, you’ll be able to spend all your time and energy enjoying your beautiful surroundings. Have a fantastic time!

Google Maps

Marc Choquette/Flickr

Malibu Lagoon State Beach, California 90265, USA

Siadhal/Flickr

Known to those who frequent this spot as “Surfrider Beach” because of the great waves for surfing, Malibu Lagoon State Beach is an amazing destination for those who want to jump right into the fun sport’s culture. Surfrider Beach is especially unique in that it is the first World Surfing Reserve! You’ll also find the Malibu Pier here, as well as the beautiful Malibu Lagoon. You’ll have all day, so make sure you experience all of the elements of this amazing state beach. There are lots of good choices of places to stay overnight in Malibu. One nice, relaxed option less than 15 minutes away from the beach is Malibu Country Inn.

Ken Lund/Flickr

Newport Beach, CA, USA

Ken Lund/Flickr

Newport Beach is a sweet and endlessly charming beach town that you’ll be glad you have a full day to explore. After about an hour and a half of driving, you will know you’re there when you see it. You’ll certainly smile as soon as you get there. The architecture is reminiscent of a quaint East Coast town with a relaxed West Coast feel. You get the best of both worlds in Newport Beach! Enjoy the shops and restaurants all around the neighborhood, and when you’re ready for the beach itself, you’ll have your pick of places to sunbathe. The spacious sand is just one of the many qualities you’ll fall in love with when you’re at Newport Beach. Stay at one of the many cute inns in the area, such as Doryman's Oceanfront Inn.

Joe Wolf/Flickr

Moonlight State Beach, 400 B St, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA

Sergei Gussev/Flickr

For the last day of your road trip, head just over an hour’s drive down the freeway to Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas. Located in Northern San Diego, Moonlight is a fun, upbeat beach where you can enjoy the surf, sand, and the company of other beachgoers. If you have friends in town, Moonlight Beach is the perfect place to get together. Explore the neighborhood around the beach, stop and get a snack to cool off on a hot day, and splash in the gorgeous blue ocean. Moonlight is known for its natural two levels, so you can choose the upper beach for sunbathing or the lower beach if you’re going for a walk on the shore.

You’ll feel rested and rejuvenated after your trip to three of the best beaches in Southern California!

Have you taken this trip? Which beach was your favorite?