In addition to its well-known beaches and vibrant towns, California’s coastline is home to a number of undiscovered treasures.
These unappreciated seaside communities provide a calm get-away from the throng, immaculate beaches, and a taste of real coastal life.
Come along as we find some of the most intriguing coastal communities in California that are just begging to be explored.
Mendocino
Mendocino County’s charming little communities are remote and uncrowded, partly due to their difficult access.
The nearest airport is the little domestic Sonoma County airport, which is still two hours distant. What was the outcome? a quaint, peaceful village with family-run eateries and modest inns.
One of the best restaurants in town, the 56-year-old Cafe Beaujolais, is just a stone’s throw away from the luxurious boutique hotel Nicholson House, making it an excellent spot to stay.
Mendocino was once home to an art colony in the 1950s, and the town is still home to several art galleries today. While there, you also have to visit Russian Gulch State Park, a hiker’s paradise located two miles north. This state park offers hiking trails among waterfalls, fern canyons, and beaches.
Montecito
Among the well-known individuals who have made Montecito their home are Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle.
The wealthy and well-known frequent this unincorporated community east of Santa Barbara because it provides peace and quiet.
Fortunately for visitors, this implies that the location provides a beach town escape devoid of crowds. Due to its east-west orientation, Butterfly Beach is a local favorite in Montecito. It’s a great place to witness both sunrises and sunsets.
The Rosewood Miramar Beach, which is also home to the Michelin-starred restaurant Caruso, is among the greatest places to stay in Montecito. Here, however, it’s not only about opulent resorts.
Avila Beach
Avila Beach, on the Central Coast, is largely visited by locals and is roughly 3.5 hours’ drive from Los Angeles.
Although there are three beaches in the town, the primary beach—also known as Avila beach—is situated immediately outside of it.
It’s a family-friendly beach with toilet facilities, picnic spaces, volleyball nets and even a basketball court. Dogs are not permitted on this beach, however they are permitted on Old Port Beach, which is close by.
Directly in front of the ocean, the Avila ocean Promenade is lined with stores, eateries, wine bars, and other establishments. Harford Pier has other dining options and hiking trails are not far away.
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Dana Point
Despite being home to 6.5 miles of beaches and being the original California surf town, Dana Point is still relatively unknown outside of its immediate vicinity.
Enjoy a relaxed day at Dana Strand Beach away from the crowds, or have a picnic on Doheny State Beach. Those who like to get out on the water can rent kayaks and paddleboards nearby.
Take a boat excursion to see whales once you’ve had enough time at the beach. Dana Point is, after all, frequently referred to be the World’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital.
For days, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coast by hiking in the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area.
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Avalon
On Catalina Island, which resembles the Amalfi Coast, Avalon is the lone city. Beyond the public beaches, there is a lot to do in this area, including ziplining and submarine cruises.
The majority of people in Avalon get around by walking, bike, or golf cart because cars are not permitted here, which adds to the town’s beauty.
While Avalon can get very busy on summer weekends, particularly in July, things are still more laid back than they are on the mainland. To see even more of the island, you can travel to Two Harbors on the opposite side of Catalina.
This island offers a wonderful range of holiday options, including a spa to unwind in (perhaps after a kayaking adventure), a choice of eateries, and other attractions.
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Final Thoughts
The coast of California is home to a wide variety of beach towns, each with its own distinct personality and undiscovered gems.
These underappreciated locations, which range from the opulent community of Montecito to the historic village of Mendocino, offer a tranquil haven from the masses and an opportunity to take in the genuine beauty of California’s coast.
So gather your belongings and set out to explore these undiscovered beauties, where you may unwind, revitalize, and make lifelong memories.
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