Road along the California coastline
19 Best Under The Radar California Beach Towns
By SERA PARRIS
This quaint beach town with stunning Victorian-era architecture is known for its laid-back vibes, miles of golden sandy beaches, lively nightlife, and ample outdoor fun.
Oxnard
It has great eateries, farmers' markets, the Mullin Automotive Museum, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, performance art, and the annual California Strawberry Festival.
Capitola is a seaside gem with Mediterranean style and plenty of things to see and do, like visiting the Capitola Historical Museum, shopping, and nearby wine tasting.
Capitola
There is something for everyone with seasonal festivals, great art, a phenomenal culinary scene, rich history, abundant entertainment options, hiking, surfing, and sunbathing.
Known for its Glass Beach, Fort Bragg is overflowing with sites like the picturesque Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, MacKerricher State Park, and its historic downtown.
Fort Bragg
Enjoy rail biking, visiting the Guest House Museum, or riding the famous Skunk Train. Hikers will love Noyo Headlands Park, Pygmy Forest, and whale watching from Pomo Bluffs Park.
You’ll feel like you’re on the Mediterranean coast with incredible views of Avalon Bay, posh accommodations, spas, first-rate restaurants, and brilliant beaches.
Avalon
Visit the Catalina Casino, the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, the Hermit Gulch Campground and Trans-Catalina Trailhead, and Lover's Cove State Marine Conservation Area.
Cayucos is a surfer's paradise with miles of sandy white beaches. Explore shipwrecks and hike Estero Bluffs, or visit tidepools, Cayucos Pier, and the Pacific Coast Wine Trail.
Cayucos
From five-star dining experiences, historical society exhibits, and mural tours to fun-filled adventures and exhilarating watersports, this beach town is hard to pass up.