Explore California’s Most Charming and Surreal Beaches

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From Purple Sands to Multicolored Glass Pebbles. Explore the stunning coastline and discover the most charming and surreal beaches in California. Whether it’s the enchanting purple sands, vibrant glass pebbles, or star-studded shores frequented by Hollywood celebrities, this guide reveals California’s most whimsical and eccentric beach destinations. Dive into the magical and otherworldly beauty that these surreal spots have to offer!

The most surreal beaches in California: Rockaway Beach, Pacifica

Rockaway Beach viewed from the coastal bike path

Rockaway Beach, nestled in Pacifica, California, is a standout among the most charming and surreal beaches in California. This renowned brown sand beach offers visitors the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Activities and Attractions

Begin your adventure at Rockaway Beach by exploring the hiking trails that wind through Mori Point to the north and a scenic rocky point to the south. For those who enjoy biking, there’s a paved path running behind the beach, perfect for walking, running, and biking. Surfers flock to Rockaway Beach to ride the waves, while fishermen cast their lines when the shoreline isn’t too crowded. The beach’s diverse activities cater to various interests, making it a versatile destination.

Getting There

Access to Rockaway Beach is straightforward. From Highway 1 in Pacifica, turn onto Rockaway Beach Avenue, then immediately turn onto Old Country Road, which ends at a parking lot. This southern lot provides access to the widest area of the beach, though high tide may cover much of the sand. For a quieter experience, there’s another parking lot at the end of San Marlo Way, north of the hotels. This northern section offers a more secluded spot, though it has less sand.

Discover the charm and allure of Rockaway Beach, where the brown sands and inviting atmosphere create a uniquely captivating experience. This truly makes it one of the most charming and surreal beaches in California.

Where to Stay

Explore the Best Hotels and Accommodations in Rockaway Beach, Pacifica, California with our partner Expedia.com Whether you’re looking for beachfront luxury, cozy inns, or budget-friendly options, Expedia has a variety of choices to suit your needs. Book your stay today and experience the charm of Rockaway Beach!

The most surreal beaches in California: Pismo Beach, Oceano

Pismo Beach pier on a sunny day

Discover the thrill of one of the most charming and surreal beaches in California: Pismo Beach’s soaring sand dunes and breathtaking coastline in Oceano, California. Visitors can immerse themselves in a range of activities that make the most of this scenic destination.

Activities and Attractions

Pismo Beach offers an array of activities and attractions to make the most of its soaring sand dunes and  stunning coastline. Visitors can experience the excitement of zooming across the expansive dunes in an  ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) or enjoy a tranquil horseback ride along the picturesque coastline, ideal for nature lovers. For those who love camping, parking your RV right on the beach and spending the night under the stars with a  breathtaking ocean view creates an unforgettable experience.

Getting There

To reach Pismo Beach, head towards Oceano, California. From Highway 1, take the Pacific Coast Highway exit, and follow the signs to the beach. For those camping with RVs, designated parking areas on the sand provide easy access to all the thrilling activities and beautiful scenery. Maximize your adventure at Pismo Beach and create unforgettable memories with the diverse activities  and attractions it offers.

Where to Stay

Explore the Best Hotels and Accommodations in  Pismo Beach, Oceano, California with our partner Expedia.com Whether you’re looking for beachfront luxury, cozy inns, or budget-friendly options, Expedia has a variety of choices to suit your needs. Book your stay today and experience the charm of Rockaway Beach!

The most surreal beaches in California: Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach

Victoria Beach

Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach is renowned as one of the most surreal beaches in California, with its enchanting Pirate Tower. This 60-foot, medieval-style spiral staircase was constructed in 1926 to provide the homeowner above the beach with access to the sea. The tower earned its nickname from a former owner who dressed as a pirate, hiding coins and sweets for local children among the rocks. Interestingly, Bette Midler also owned the tower at one point, adding to its intriguing history.

Activities and Attractions

Victoria Beach offers more than just the Pirate Tower. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing on the pristine sands, exploring tide pools teeming with marine life, and capturing stunning photographs of the coastline. The beach’s secluded location makes it a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the ocean.

Getting There

To reach Victoria Beach, head to Laguna Beach and find Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Turn onto Victoria Drive and look for street parking, as the beach is accessed by a stairway located between homes at the intersection of Sunset Terrace and Victoria Drive.

Discover the charm and allure of Victoria Beach, one of the most surreal beaches in California, where the iconic Pirate Tower and the scenic beauty create a unique and memorable coastal experience.

Where to Stay

Explore the Best Hotels and Accommodations in Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach with our partner Expedia.com Whether you’re looking for beachfront luxury, cozy inns, or budget-friendly options, Expedia has a variety of choices to suit your needs. Book your stay today and experience the charm of Rockaway Beach!

The most surreal beaches in California: Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur

Pfeiffer Beach is one of the more secluded beaches in Big Sur

Ranked among the most surreal beaches in California, Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur offers an almost extraterrestrial beauty that is sure to captivate visitors. The beach is renowned for its metallic, purple-hued sand, created by the erosion of nearby hillsides that deposit manganese on the shore, resulting in a truly unique and breathtaking vista.

Activities and Attractions

Pfeiffer Beach is perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike. Visitors can explore the dramatic rock formations, enjoy the serene coastal views, and capture stunning photos of the vibrant sand. The beach’s secluded and unspoiled environment makes it an ideal spot for a peaceful day by the ocean.

Getting There

To reach Pfeiffer Beach, drive to Big Sur and take Sycamore Canyon Road off Highway 1. The narrow, winding road leads directly to the beach parking area. Be prepared for a small entrance fee, and note that the beach can be tricky to find, so a map or GPS is recommended. Experience the enchanting allure of Pfeiffer Beach, one of the most surreal beaches in California, where its purple sands and stunning natural beauty create an unforgettable coastal adventure.

Where to Stay

Explore the Best Hotels and Accommodations in Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur with our partner Expedia.com Whether you’re looking for beachfront luxury, cozy inns, or budget-friendly options, Expedia has a variety of choices to suit your needs. Book your stay today and experience the charm of Rockaway Beach!

The most surreal beaches in California: Glass Beach, Fort Bragg

Sea-smoothed, multicoloured glass pebbles at Fort Bragg

As one of the most surreal beaches in California, Glass Beach in Fort Bragg offers a truly unique and captivating experience. Originally a popular dumping ground, the beach has been beautifully reclaimed by nature. Now, it features smooth, colorful glass pebbles washed up by the sea, creating a fantastical stretch of coastline.

The most surreal beaches in California Activities and Attractions

Visitors can marvel at the vibrant glass pebbles, take stunning photographs, and explore the nearby tide pools teeming with marine life. The beach’s unique scenery makes it a perfect spot for beachcombing and a tranquil day by the ocean.

Getting There

To reach Glass Beach, head to Fort Bragg, California. Follow signs to MacKerricher State Park, and find parking near the coastal access points. The beach is just a short walk from the parking area, making it easily accessible for visitors of all ages.

Experience the enchanting allure of Glass Beach, where the colorful glass and stunning natural beauty make it one of the most surreal beaches in California.

Where to Stay

Explore the best hotels and accommodations in Glass Beach, Fort Bragg with our partner Expedia.com. Whether you’re looking for beachfront luxury, cozy inns, or budget-friendly options, Expedia has a variety of choices to suit your needs. Book your stay today and experience the charm of Rockaway Beach!

The most surreal beaches in California: Bowling Ball Beach, Mendocino

The bowling balls at Schooner Gulch Beach

Bowling Ball Beach, part of the evocatively named Schooner Gulch Beach, stands out as one of the most surreal beaches in California. Located on the Pacific coast near Mendocino, this beach features spherical, bowling ball-like boulders neatly aligned along the shore. These unique formations were created as the softer mudstone eroded, leaving behind compressed, tougher rock spheres.

The most surreal beaches in California: Activities and Attractions

Visitors to Bowling Ball Beach can marvel at the intriguing boulder formations, which are particularly captivating when shrouded in mist and backed by pink skies at sunrise. The beach is ideal for exploring tide pools, beachcombing, and taking stunning photographs of this natural wonder.

Getting There

To reach Bowling Ball Beach, head to Mendocino, California. Take Highway 1 to Schooner Gulch Road and follow the signs to the beach parking area. A short hike from the parking lot will lead you to this unique and breathtaking stretch of coastline.

Experience the enchanting allure of Bowling Ball Beach, one of the most surreal beaches in California, where its unusual boulders and stunning natural beauty promise an unforgettable coastal adventure. 

Where to Stay

Explore the best hotels and accommodations in Glass Beach, Fort Bragg with our partner Expedia.com. Whether you’re looking for beachfront luxury, cozy inns, or budget-friendly options, Expedia has a variety of choices to suit your needs. Explore the Best Hotels and Accommodations in Glass Beach, Fort Bragg with our partner Expedia.com Whether you’re looking for beachfront luxury, cozy inns, or budget-friendly options, Expedia has a variety of choices to suit your needs. Book your stay today and experience the charm of Rockaway Beach!

The most surreal beaches in California Black Sand Beach, San Francisco

The Black Sand Beach is also a popular spot for surfing

Black Sand Beach in San Francisco, one of the most surreal beaches in California, offers an otherworldly experience with its striking black sands and breathtaking sea views. This south-facing beach is unofficially considered a clothing-optional spot by locals. It makes for an enticing destination for those looking to embrace nature in its raw form.

The most surreal beaches in California: Activities and Attractions

Visitors can enjoy sunbathing on the distinctive black sand, which contrasts beautifully with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The serene atmosphere and stunning vistas make it perfect for photography and relaxation. For the more adventurous, exploring the rocky shoreline and tidal pools offers a glimpse into the beach’s diverse marine life.

Getting There

To reach Black Sand Beach, head toward Marin Headlands in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. From there, take Conzelman Road and follow the signs to the beach parking area. Be prepared for a hike up and down the cliffs to access the beach, adding an element of adventure to your visit. Experience the unique charm of Black Sand Beach, one of the most surreal beaches in California, where the combination of stunning views and natural beauty creates an unforgettable coastal adventure.

Copilot

Experience the unique charm of Black Sand Beach, one of the most surreal beaches in California. The combination of stunning views and natural beauty creates an unforgettable coastal adventure.

Where to Stay

Explore the best hotels and accommodations in Black Sand Beach, San Francisco with our partner Expedia.com. Whether you’re looking for beachfront luxury, cozy inns, or budget-friendly options, Expedia has a variety of choices to suit your needs. Book your stay today and experience the charm of Rockaway Beach!

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