Reporting by Roseann Cattani, Salinas Californian
As the last day of summer nears, there’s still time for one more spontaneous coastal escape — and there is no shortage of picture‑perfect California beach towns to choose from.
If you need inspiration, try these must‑see West Coast beach towns.
The five best California beach towns
Here’s what Conde Nast Traveler said about the five California beach towns they selected.
What to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Ranked among America’s most charming towns, Carmel-by-the-Sea is the ideal Monterey Bay escape. Visitors can experience world-class food and wine all within steps of gorgeous white sandy beaches. Conde Nast highlights the town’s “European-style cottages that house art galleries, specialty boutiques, and excellent local cuisine,” a visual guide to the town’s history as an artist hub and creative and culinary hotspot.
At the bottom of the town’s main drag, Ocean Avenue, is Carmel Beach, one of the most iconic spots on California’s Central Coast. Ocean Avenue was also among five California main streets voted favorite holiday shopping destinations in a poll recognizing the top 150 U.S. main streets for Christmas shopping.
What to do in Sausalito
Located across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, Sausalito has, over the years, transformed from a fishing village to an artist’s enclave and a bougie haven. The perfect road trip destination for a laid-back afternoon spent eating a first-class meal at a waterfront restaurant or sipping a cocktail while gazing over the harbor, dreaming about life on a houseboat.
The editors recommend strolling the small town’s Bridgeway promenade, which is “lined with cute shops, restaurants, and farmers’ markets.” The Rodeo Beach and Lagoon in the Marin Headlands is also a favorite among surfers and dog-walkers.
What to do in Point Reyes Station
Located about an hour’s drive from San Francisco in west Marin County, Point Reyes Station is a gateway to the national park and a destination in its own right. The historic town retains its western charm but with a modern twist, offering visitors boutique shops, farm-to-table restaurants, cafes, and a local arts scene.
Visitors can grab a picnic to go and head over to Point Reyes National Seashore and explore its various terrain, from sand beaches and grasslands to brushy hillsides and forested ridges.
What to do in Avalon
The only city on Catalina Island in the California Channel Islands, the Conde Nast writers said that “Avalon could almost pass for a town on the Amalfi Coast.” High praise indeed!
There is ample shopping along Front Street, and visitors can watch a classic film at the Avalon Theater. Among Tripadvisor’s top things to do in Avalon is a trip to the town’s iconic Catalina Casino with its Art Deco murals and a submarine tour.
What to do in Newport Beach
In Newport Beach, coastal cool meets serious money. Located in the center of coastal Orange County, the city surrounds Newport Bay, where more than 9,000 boats are docked.
The city’s own visitor website promises “luxury at your leisure,” offering award-winning cuisine, high-end and boutique shopping, and many opportunities to sit back and enjoy a perfectly crafted cocktail.
There are also opportunities for more active pursuits such as kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the harbor, Conde Nast suggests, or hop on the ferry to Balboa Island.
This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian.
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