{"id":84816,"date":"2023-06-23T10:11:11","date_gmt":"2023-06-23T17:11:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=84816"},"modified":"2025-05-13T09:00:47","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T16:00:47","slug":"beach-towns-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/beach-towns-california\/","title":{"rendered":"21 Popular Beach Towns in California to Live in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the first things that comes to mind about the state of California is its Pacific Ocean views and sunny beaches. With magnificent waves and sandy coves, boating and surfing, sightseeing and fishing, the picturesque California beach towns are top-tier. Whether you’re looking to move to California or want to relocate to a quaint coastal city, there are plenty of options to check out in the state.<\/span><\/p>\n

But if you’re not sure where to start on your hunt for your favorite California beach town, we’re here to help. Redfin has put together a list of the 21 beach towns in California, from <\/span>Mendocino<\/span><\/a> to <\/span>Long Beach<\/span><\/a>. Let’s dive into some of California’s top beach cities, listed from north to south, so you can find the right place for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"crescent<\/p>\n

Northern California beach towns<\/span><\/h2>\n

#1: Crescent City<\/span><\/h2>\n

Median home price:<\/b> $315,000\u00a0<\/span>
\nCrescent City, CA homes for sale<\/span><\/a>
\nCrescent City, CA apartments for rent<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Starting off our list in Northern California is Crescent City, located just north of Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. You\u2019ll find there are plenty of beaches to explore while living in Crescent City, such as Battery Point Beach and Pebble Beach. About 6,700 people live in this coastal California town. In Crescent City, you can walk along the B-Street Pier and the Point St. George Beach Trails, check out Beachfront Park, and explore the downtown area.<\/span><\/p>\n

#2: Shelter Cove<\/span><\/h2>\n

Median home price:<\/b> $425,000\u00a0<\/span>
\nShelter Cove, CA homes for sale<\/span><\/a>
\nShelter Cove, CA apartments for rent<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Another one of Northern California’s great coastal towns to consider buying a home in is Shelter Cove. Home to just 860 people, there are plenty of beaches to visit like Black Sands Beach, Cove Beach, and Little Black Sands Beach. Some popular things to explore in Shelter Cove include hiking the Black Sands Beach Trail, stopping by the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, and exploring the downtown area.<\/span><\/p>\n

#3: Mendocino<\/span><\/h2>\n

Median home price:<\/b> $958,000\u00a0<\/span>
\nMendocino, CA homes for sale<\/span><\/a>
\nMendocino, CA apartments for rent<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Mendocino has just about 700 residents – and amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. There are lots of beaches to explore on a warm California day, like Agate Beach and Big River Beach. Make sure to hike along the Point Mendocino Trail, explore the Mendocino Headlands State Park, and check out cafes and markets downtown if you move to Mendocino. It’s also near some of the best lakes in California to live on<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"half<\/p>\n

#4: Half Moon Bay<\/span><\/h2>\n

Median home price:<\/b> $1,665,000\u00a0<\/span>
\nHalf Moon Bay, CA homes for sale<\/span><\/a>
\nHalf Moon Bay, CA apartments for rent<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Home to beautiful beaches like Dunes Beach, Francis Beach, Half Moon Bay Beach, Miramar Beach, Poplar Beach, Roosevelt Beach, Surfer’s Beach, Vallejo Beach, Venice Beach, and Wavecrest Beach, there are countless places to spend a beach day. With roughly 11,400 residents in Half Moon Bay, make sure to also hike the California Coast Trail, camp at one of the beachside campgrounds, or stroll through downtown and grab some fresh seafood.<\/span><\/p>\n

#5: Santa Cruz<\/span><\/h2>\n

Median home price: <\/b>$1,607,500\u00a0<\/span>
\nAverage rent for a one-bedroom apartment:<\/b> $3,951\u00a0<\/span>
\nSanta Cruz, CA homes for sale<\/span><\/a>
\nSanta Cruz, CA apartments for rent<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The iconic coastal town of Santa Cruz has about 61,900 residents, making it another great place to add to your list. You’ll find stunning beaches such as Cowell Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach, Mitchell’s Cove Beach, Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz Beach, and Seabright Beach. After <\/span>moving to Santa Cruz<\/span><\/a>, you can spend the day at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, enjoy nature at the Natural Bridges Monarch Trail, and check out downtown Santa Cruz where you’ll find farm-to-table restaurants and local surf shops.<\/span><\/p>\n

#6: Monterey<\/span><\/h2>\n

Median home price: <\/b>$958,750\u00a0<\/span>
\nMonterey, CA homes for sale<\/span><\/a>
\nMonterey, CA apartments for rent<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Home to roughly 29,900 people, Monterey is a great beach town to consider renting or buying a home in. Some beaches you can visit include Del Monte Beach, Monterey State Beach, and San Carlos Beach. In addition to their beaches, there are plenty of activities to do in this coastal city. You can explore the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, check out the shops and fish restaurants along Fisherman’s Wharf, and explore the historic spots in Cannery Row, among many other local favorites.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"moonstone<\/p>\n

Central California beach towns<\/span><\/h2>\n

#7: Cambria<\/span><\/h2>\n

Median home price: <\/b>$769,000\u00a0<\/span>
\nCambria, CA homes for sale<\/span><\/a>
\nCambria, CA apartments for rent<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

With a population of about 5,600, Cambria is a charming coastal area to live in, located in the heart of the central California coast. There are plenty of beaches to explore as well, specifically Moonstone Beach. Make sure to take a tour of the expansive Hearst Castle, enjoy one of the amazing restaurants in Downtown, or hike the Bluff Trail or Santa Rosa Creek Trail once moving here.<\/span><\/p>\n

#8: Morro Bay<\/span><\/h2>\n

Median home price:<\/b> $1,007,500\u00a0<\/span>
\nMorro Bay, CA homes for sale<\/span><\/a>
\nMorro Bay, CA apartments for rent<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Morro Bay has stunning beaches such as Morro Rock Beach and Morro Strand State Beach, perfect for soaking up the sun or venturing out into the surf. Make sure to explore Morro Rock and see the otters playing in the water, grab some fresh seafood for lunch or dinner in downtown Morro Bay, and check out Morro Bay State Park if you decide this beach town is right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

#9: Pismo Beach<\/span><\/h2>\n

Median home price:<\/b> $960,000\u00a0<\/span>
\nPismo Beach, CA homes for sale<\/span><\/a>
\nPismo Beach, CA apartments for rent<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Roughly 8,000 people live in this town where you’ll find beaches like Pismo Beach and Spyglass Beach Tide Pools. It\u2019s also conveniently located near San Luis Obispo, where you\u2019ll find farm-fresh produce and local shops. Some other fun activities to do in Pismo Beach include exploring downtown Pismo Beach and getting a cup of clam chowder, hiking the Meadow Creek Trail, and checking out one of the waterfront parks like Dinosaur Caves Park.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"santa<\/p>\n

Southern California beach towns<\/span><\/h2>\n

#10: Santa Barbara<\/span><\/h2>\n

Median home price:<\/b> $1,785,500\u00a0<\/span>
\nAverage rent for a one-bedroom apartment:<\/b> $3,495\u00a0<\/span>
\nSanta Barbara, CA homes for sale<\/span><\/a>
\nSanta Barbara, CA apartments for rent<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

This seaside town has a population of 88,300 and there are many beaches to spend the day at. In Santa Barbara, you can visit 1000 Steps Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach County Park, East Beach, Leadbetter Beach, Mesa Lane Park, Santa Barbara Beach, and West Beach. You’ll also have plenty of activities to explore during your free time, like checking out the historic buildings in Lower State, strolling along Stearns Wharf, and visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo.<\/span><\/p>\n

#11: Carpinteria<\/span><\/h2>\n

Median home price:<\/b> $1,086,000\u00a0<\/span>
\nCarpinteria, CA homes for sale<\/span><\/a>
\nCarpinteria, CA apartments for rent<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

In Carpinteria there are numerous beaches to explore if you decide to move to this cozy oceanfront town. Some of these beaches include Carpinteria City Beach, Carpinteria State Beach, and Rincon Beach. This town is home to 13,100 inhabitants and you’ll find a variety of other activities like hiking along the Carpinteria Bluffs, visiting the California Avocado Festival in October, and exploring the Tar Pits Park.<\/span><\/p>\n

#12: Ventura<\/span><\/h2>\n

Median home price:<\/b> $799,500\u00a0<\/span>
\nVentura, CA homes for sale<\/span><\/a>
\nVentura, CA apartments for rent<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Ventura has plenty of beaches to choose from, great for a sunny Southern California day. Some well-known spots are Harbor Cove Beach, Mother’s Beach, Seaside Park, and Ventura Beach. If you’re looking for a day spent in town, you can have some fresh seafood at one of the restaurants in downtown Ventura, explore the Ventura Boardwalk, and hike the Emma Wood River Trail.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n