california beaches to visit in october

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The 10 best beach towns in California right now

Ready for a weekend getaway? These under-the-radar destinations are some of the best California beach towns

It’s no secret that California is home to some absolute gems. Its national parks are what dreams are made of, from Yosemite to Joshua Tree, and its cities are home to some of the best restaurants and nightlife spots around. 

But don’t forget about another thing Cali does very, very well: beach life. The beach towns here are home to glistening white sands and rugged coastlines perfect for hiking, as well as cute small town communities and culture spots. Basically, California’s beach towns have it all. Here are our favourites. 

RECOMMENDED: 🏨 The best hotels in California 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in California 🥾 The best places to hike in the Bay Area 🏕️ The best camping in California

This guide was written by travel writer Asonta Benetti . At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

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Best beach towns in California

1.  Playa del Rey

Although this beach community is only 15 minutes from LAX, Playa del Rey has an old school beach town vibe that makes you forget Los Angeles is just around the corner. Residents often greet each other in the street or at the numerous hidden gem restaurants. This narrow sliver south of Marina del Rey sits between the ocean and the Ballona Wetlands , home to hundreds of bird species. Head to Toes Beach at the northernmost part to surf and walk the long and wide Dockweiler State Beach to watch commercial airliners taking off above you.

2.  Dana Point

Right in the heart of SoCal beach country is Dana Point, a perfect getaway between Los Angeles and San Diego. An idyllic surfing destination, beginners should head to Doheny State Beach with easy waves to learn on.

Rather sail the waves than ride them? Dana Point is the dolphin and whale watching capital of the world, with plenty of boat tours to see them. Make sure to spend some time down at the beautiful harbor , chowing down on locally caught seafood – and some time on the cliffs above it, gazing out at the harbor lights against the open ocean.

3.  Fort Bragg

Up north on the remarkable Mendocino Coast sits Fort Bragg, a historical gem of California to explore. While it may not be a traditional beach town, this is still a must-visit and the first stop should be Glass Beach , where pieces of sea glass mingle with rocks in the tucked-away coves. Glass Beach is a part of MacKerricher State Park , where beaches, dunes, headlands, bluff, and wetlands all combine for one unique experience. The active Noyo Harbor provides an opportunity for boating excursions and kayaking to soak in the views.

4.  Cayucos

Cayucos is a small, unincorporated beach town on Estero Bay in Central California’s San Luis Obispo County. Stop by to take advantage of the license-free fishing off of the Cayucos Pier , which is also lit for night fishing. Take it a step further and try surfing or paddle boarding at the pier, which has ideal conditions for both. The town embraces its past with plenty of antiques shopping and historical buildings of interest in between strolls on Cayucos State Beach .

5.  Capitola

On the shores of Monterey Bay, five miles south of Santa Cruz, is Capitola, the West Coast’s oldest beach resort. Brightly painted Mediterranean-style buildings of the Capitola Venetian Hotel greet you from the water’s edge and local shops abound on the hillside above the water. Spend time on Capitola Beach, strolling over to the Capitola Wharf for fishing or taking in live music during summer evenings. At the end of the day, pick one of the restaurants that sit on the beach for a sunset dinner against the Bay.

6.  Cambria

Situated between Los Angeles and San Francisco sits the charming town of Cambria on the Central Coast. Walk the mile boardwalk to spy marine life and watch the water crash against the craggy coastline of Moonstone Beach . For a more up-close experience, head to the Piedras Blancas Rookery , home to a colony of up to 25,000 elephant seals. Rent a bike for shopping and wine-tasting; alternatively, jump in the car to visit the infamous Hearst Castle about six miles away.

7.  Pacific Grove

Perhaps a more relaxed cousin to the nearby towns of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, Pacific Grove sits at the tip of the Monterey Peninsula. Stop by for a tour of the Point Pinos Lighthouse , which has been in service since 1855.

If you’re in a romantic mood, spend some time at Lover Point Beach , where you can surprisingly watch the sun rise over the water and hit your surfboard to ride some very reliable waves. In October, come see why Pacific Grove is known as 'Butterfly Town USA' when thousands of monarchs migrate to the Monarch Sanctuary .

8.  Mendocino

Romance is in the fresh air of the small, artsy beach town of Mendocino. Known as the 'Victorian Village by the Sea', it is consistently counted as one of the most picturesque places in California.

Sharp, rocky bluffs jut out into the sea while adorable saltbox cottages and charming Victorian inns dot Mendocino’s coastline. The stunning Jug Handle State Natural Reserve marries ocean and forest with a lovely sandy beach; pull off of Highway 1 for picnicking and sunbathing at Big River Beach.

9.  Carpinteria

East of Santa Barbara lies the laid back town of Carpinteria, home of the 'World’s Safest Beach'. Carpinteria State Beach faces southward and is protected by the Channel Islands, leaving a gradual incline with few rip tides.

Bike or hike the bluffs Coastal Vista Trail to the Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve , to spy where seals give birth to pups on the shore. Plan ahead and schedule your visit during the California Avocado Festival , with 100,000 visitors stopping by Carpinteria’s downtown for food and music.

10.  Morro Bay

There is no mistaking the distinct view from the town of Morro Bay, where the volcanic mass of Morro Rock protrudes almost 600ft out of the water. Six miles of beaches allows for countless hours and viewpoints of the stunning scenery, including sunset on Morro Beach to watch the light sink against Morro Rock. Nature reigns in this delightful coastal community, where every year bird watchers come to the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival and visitors can find sea otters in the Morro Bay Natural Estuary.

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The 21 Best Beaches in California

Be it sunbathing, surfing, or hiking, California's beaches have something for everyone.

Oh, California. When it comes to America's third-largest state, it's nearly impossible to pick its best beaches. That's because almost all of them — in addition to those on its surrounding Channel Islands, like Catalina — have worthy attributes. However, the job had to be done, and we knew narrowing it down wasn't going to be an easy task. So, we crowdsourced, researched, and checked in with our resident Golden State experts to round up the best beaches California has to offer.

Into surfing? Head to Huntington Beach, a.k.a. "Surf City," where you can spend a day challenging the waves, then end the evening with a sunset stroll on its famed pier. Not a huge swimmer, but love the seashore? Try Limantour Beach in Point Reyes, which is known for its long, white stretches of sand and immense wildlife population, where you can whale watch and hike for days. Or visit the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea to hike the trails and enjoy the exquisite scenery of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

So, whether you're a swimmer or surfer, birdwatcher or hiker, or just a general beach lover — we've got you covered. Explore our favorites below to find out which California beach is the right one for you.

El Matador State Beach, Malibu

Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

Undoubtedly one of Malibu's most beautiful landscapes, El Matador State Beach boasts incredible ocean views from the rugged cliffs above. You'll have no choice but to scale them, as the beach can be accessed only by a steep trail leading down to the shore. The magnificent cliffs, unique rock structures, and hidden sea caves make you feel like you're in a scene straight out of Game of Thrones . Here, you'll be able to witness one of the most mesmerizing sunsets in the world, and if you come during the off-season (anytime but summer), you may even get the beach all to yourself. After a long day of hiking, swimming, and exploring, head to Malibu Seafood for fish taquitos and fresh ceviche — just don't forget to bring a cold six-pack at this laid-back, BYOB seafood joint.

Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur

This Big Sur beach is regularly mentioned as one of California's best. The real attractions here are the purple sand, Instagram-worthy sunsets, and unique rock structures, which are reminiscent of many Croatian beaches. The most famous is Keyhole Arch, a natural archway that frames the sunset if you're standing in the right spot. Make basecamp at one of the luxury cabins at Glen Oaks Big Sur , only a 15-minute drive from Pfeiffer Beach.

Thousand Steps Beach, Laguna Beach

Find yourself mesmerized by the beauty of Orange County at Thousand Steps Beach, best known for its sea caves and aqua tide pools. (Though accessing those tide pools might require walking on private property.) The beach gets its name from the stairs that lead to the shore, and jogging up and down these stairs is actually a popular pastime for exercise enthusiasts. Thousand Steps Beach is rarely crowded and great for surfing. It boasts a variety of opportunities for explorers looking for hidden gems — or just the perfect photo.

Santa Monica State Beach

Just west of Los Angeles, this highly frequented destination draws in millions of tourists a year with its iconic pier, fantastic beach, and stunning sunsets. The pier, as well as its famous roller coaster, is a must-do after a long day at the beach. Go right as the sun descends into the Pacific for an epic view from the top of the tracks. In a city with so many fabulous hotel options, choosing one can be hard, so opt for one of the luxury bungalows at the Fairmont Miramar . They come with private patios, and the hotel rents out beach cruisers to guests.

Coronado Beach, San Diego

The long stretch of white sand that makes up Coronado Beach is one of San Diego's most beautiful. The shore is as smooth as they come, and the water is ideal for both surfing and swimming. But the real standout here is the famed Hotel del Coronado , a National Historic Landmark best known for its stunning Victorian architecture. The hotel is also one of the largest wooden structures in the U.S. If you're coming to San Diego, "The Del" is a must-visit. Just beware: the property is just as famous for its history of hauntings as it is for its top-notch interiors and amenities.

Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles

Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure

This family-friendly beach has sand so soft that Hawaiian beaches have actually been known to import it. The watersports are aplenty: you can try body surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, or if that's not your thing, set up shop under an umbrella and people-watch until the sun sets. Where to stay? Try the Shade Hotel , which boasts a rooftop pool with gorgeous ocean views, or opt for an Airbnb rental right on the beach.

East & West Beach, Santa Barbara

Paddleboard at either of these two beaches, separated by the historic Stearns Wharf , to find yourself up close and personal with the seals that are known to laze upon the harbor's buoys. Both beaches are enshrouded by palm trees and make for a perfect lazy day at the beach during summer, but fall in Santa Barbara is just as magnificent. Don't forget to stroll along the iconic wharf, where you can pick up everything from local souvenirs to fish and chips to homemade ice cream.

Santa Cruz Beach

Rebecca Stunell/Alamy Stock Photo

Just an hour and a half's drive south of San Francisco, you can escape the fog and enjoy the sunshine at Santa Cruz's historic boardwalk . Since its 1907 opening, the boardwalk has transformed into one of the most well-known seaside amusement parks in California. Spend the day riding the roaring 1924 roller coaster, eating caramel apples on the boardwalk, and lounging on the beach. Or, for the full California experience, show off your surfing skills.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

In the small, fairytale-like city of Carmel-by-the-Sea lies Point Lobos State Natural Reserve , a beautiful area to visit for wildlife-watching, water activities (such as kayaking and snorkeling), and most of all, hiking. Yes, you can swim here, but depending on the season, the temperatures could be quite cold and the waters a bit rough. However, this is one of the best spots for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy all the natural beauty Central California has to offer.

Pacific Beach, San Diego

Kelly Griffin/Travel + Leisure

The beach is an excellent choice for those looking to surf, eat burritos, and people-watch. The near-constantly perfect weather seems almost suspicious, though the frequently reported beach parties and music-blasting day drinkers have given it a reputation for hosting a younger crowd. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere, join in on a volleyball game or explore the boardwalk bar scene.

Baker Beach, San Francisco

Melissa Zink/Travel + Leisure

Many would argue that the best way to enjoy the Golden Gate Bridge is by strolling along Baker Beach during the sunset. At this particular time of day, the golden glow pairs well with fantastic views of the bridge bearing the very name of this shade of light. Baker Beach is a great option for picnicking with your family or taking a hike with your dog, as there's a lovely trail along the cliffs that connects to the beach.

Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles

Hermosa Beach is named after the small Los Angeles beachfront city it lies within. Great for après-beach debauchery, this coastal spot is known for its abundance of beach activities, like volleyball, paddleboarding, and surfing. After a long day, head straight to the famous paved path known as The Strand (less commonly but officially called the Marvin Braude Bike Trail), where you can eat, drink, and shop your heart out.

Limantour Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore

The Point Reyes National Seashore is made up of almost a dozen gorgeous beaches well worth visiting. Limantour Beach, however, makes our list due to its seemingly never-ending hiking trails and plethora of wildlife (birds, seals, and even whales are commonly spotted along the shorelines). As an important nature preserve, the Point Reyes National Seashore is protected by the U.S. National Park Service, so don't forget to read up on the regulations regarding camping, boating, and drinking alcohol before planning a trip to Limantour Beach.

Huntington Beach, Orange County

One of SoCal's most famous beaches, this iconic stretch of sand is best known for its famed pier and surfing culture. It's literally nicknamed "Surf City USA." Whether you want to learn how to ride waves yourself, or just recreate Baywatch 's opening scenes (the series was filmed on this very beach), Huntington Beach is the place. It's often deemed one of the best beaches in Southern California .

Venice Beach, Los Angeles

This list wouldn't be complete without the iconic Venice Beach. It's best known for its bohemian vibes, tattoo parlors, skateboarders, and local hippies selling all sorts of crafts on the promenade that runs along to the beach. Here, you can find all sorts of eccentricities, food, booze, and some of L.A.'s best under-the-radar shopping spots. Moon Juice is one of them, selling a unique variety of beauty and wellness products like edible tonics, dusts, and cosmic provisions as well as cold-pressed juices and healthy snacks.

Monterey State Beach, Seaside

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Fish, surf, or explore tide pools at this state beach, which is comprised of three separate beaches between the coastal cities of Monterey and Seaside. With miles of flat, wide sand, Monterey State Beach is a popular spot for walking or jogging long stretches of coast and playing volleyball. But the fun isn’t just on the shore. Scuba dive beneath the waves to explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary . Or, take to the sky for some paragliding, which is also popular at this location.  

Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo County

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Located on California’s Central Coast, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Pismo Beach is probably best-known for its Monarch Butterfly Grove , which sees more than 10,000 butterflies every year, between late October and February. That's when they migrate south for winter and cover the beach in their bright-orange hues. Pismo is also a great spot for dune riding, surfing, fishing, horseback riding, and sipping the day away at one of the nearby wineries. If you’re looking to stay, Pismo Beach is home to the stylish Vespera Resort and the boutique Inn at the Pier .   

Redondo Beach, Los Angeles

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Redondo Beach is in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, along Santa Monica Bay. Find all the classic beach activities — fishing, boating, swimming, and surfing — at this quintessentially California locale. Head to the horseshoe-shaped Redondo Beach Pier for even more activities, shopping, and plenty of outdoor dining and drinking. 

Descanso Beach, Catalina Island

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Known for its sweeping, colorful views, Avalon is home to the Descanso Beach Club , the only beachfront restaurant and bar on this side of Catalina Island. Take in the beautiful ocean vistas from a private cabana, chaise lounge, beach towel, or table. The Presidential Cabanas include a beach butler and complimentary snacks and drinks, while the Hillside Cabanas are situated over the beach for even better views. The beach club also hosts events and beach parties for guests to enjoy once the sun has set in the summer. And when you’re finished on the shore, head to the iconic Catalina Casino located nearby.  

La Jolla Shores, San Diego

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Known as "the jewel" of San Diego, La Jolla offers something for any kind of beachgoer, from cliffs to reefs to quiet coves. We suggest traipsing down to the mile-long crescent known as La Jolla Shores. This beach is home to the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier , which serves as a research center for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. It's a popular swimming, diving, and surfing spot as well as a great place to launch a kayak. Keep the beach party going once the sun has set with a summer bonfire.  

Dunes Beach, Half Moon Bay

Erica Davis/Getty Images

Part of Half Moon Bay State Beach, Dunes Beach is a beautiful place to sunbathe the day away, with sandstone bluffs and, of course, spectacular dunes. There are good running, walking, and biking opportunities, and you can even take the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail along the shore to Poplar Beach a few miles south. There are also plenty of dining options and luxe accommodations nearby. Check in to The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay or the Seal Cove Inn , both just a stone’s throw from the beach. 

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Where to Find the Very Best Beaches in California

From san francisco to san diego, there’s a stretch of coast for you..

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California boasts hundreds of beaches, from tiny, rugged coves to long, sandy expanses.

Photo by Michelle Heimerman

There are few things that exemplify the spirit of California as precisely as its beaches. With a coastline stretching 840 miles, the state is home to over 400 public beaches (and plenty of private ones for those in the know), offering everything from ideal surf conditions to dreamy wedding backdrops. While the stereotypical SoCal aesthetic has become synonymous with the California beach experience (think: year-round sunshine and constant volleyball competitions), there is plenty of diversity to discover throughout the state’s beaches, including hiking trails in the North Bay Area and purple sand in Big Sur. Get to know the best beaches in California and learn what makes each one uniquely special.

Glass Beach is some three hours north of San Francisco in Mendocino County.

Photo by Wollertz/Shutterstock

Glass Beach

• Best for: A unique day that guarantees Instagram-worthy photos

It’s not often you’d find the site of a former trash dump on a list of must-visit beaches, but Fort Bragg’s Glass Beach is one of the most sought-out sea glass destinations in the state. All along the pebbly shore, smooth, flattened remnants of broken bottles pepper the scene with mesmerizing colors and textures. Visitors are discouraged from pocketing the pieces, but that hasn’t stopped many from taking home souvenirs shaped by the sea. Still, even though the beach isn’t strewn with quite as much colored glass as it once was, there is plenty to admire and photograph at this special stretch of coastline.

Bodega Bay was made famous by Hitchcock, but it’s also a top spot for fresh seafood.

Photo by Scott Greer/Unsplash

Bodega Bay Beach

• Best for: Cinephiles and seafood lovers

It’s impossible to extoll Bodega Bay Beach without the obligatory mention of Alfred Hitchcock. The famed filmmaker shot his iconic movie The Birds in the tiny village a few miles from the shore, and Hollywood historians will definitely want to check out the many filming locations in the area. (And yes, there are plenty of bird-watching tours at the beach for those not permanently scarred by the horror flick.) After taking in the local fliers, visitors often seek out the area’s famous seafood, with freshly caught crab, salmon, rockfish, and more featured on the menus of the Tides Wharf Restaurant (featured in The Birds, of course).

Campers and dog lovers flock to Dillon Beach.

Photo by Ken Schulze/Shutterstock

Dillon Beach

• Best for: Dog lovers who can’t bear to part with their pooches

Located on the northern end of Marin County, the beach is home to Dillon Beach Resort (do yourself a favor and grab lunch at its Coastal Kitchen ). It’s a private beach and, like many Californian beaches, you’ll need to pay to park. Considered one of the area’s most dog-friendly outdoor destinations, Dillon Beach allows pups to be off-leash between the tide line and the water. The nearby campgrounds and RV parks also make Dillon Beach a prime spot for road-trippers, but the resort itself offers a selection of dog-friendly cottages and cabins for those seeking a cozy stay with their canine friends.

Hit up Stinson Beach for rewarding coastal hikes.

Photo by Tupungato/Shutterstock

Stinson Beach

• Best for: Nature-loving hikers seeking memorable views

Located about 20 miles northwest of San Francisco, Stinson Beach is a white-sand stretch of natural wonder for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer to stay active while taking in the sights. While the towns of Stinson Beach and Bolinas are quaint spots for boutique shopping (check out the nearby La Sirena Bo-tique for homemade goods) and local eats ( Parkside Cafe is famous for its house-baked breads and pastries), the beach itself is the main attraction for hikers, joggers, and even swimmers (depending on the season; Northern California isn’t exactly known for warm waters). With a variety of trails ranging from easy-peasy to seriously challenging, Stinson Beach is a hiker’s haven. Trails leading from the waterfront to natural beauties like Cataract Falls and Alpine Dam take hikers through woods, meadows, and steep mountains. The most hardcore climbers can tackle a 15-mile loop with more than 3,500 feet of elevation to conquer Mount Tamalpais.

Muir Beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Photo by PhotoFires/Shutterstock

• Best for: Watching whales, butterflies, and birds

If you’re more into the beach scene for the wildlife than the surf or sand, head to Muir Beach for the very best closeup views. Located three miles west of the legendary Muir Woods (one of the Bay Area’s last remaining redwood forests with some 1,000-year-old trees soaring 250 feet high), Muir Beach is accessible via a 450-foot-long pedestrian bridge that offers sights of whales, birds, and butterflies galore. The Overlook is a popular spot to glimpse marine mammals making their winter migration, and a small nearby grove is the perfect spot to see thousands of monarch butterflies make their own migration to the coast during late August and September . And those who are game to stroll the marshy wetlands may spot a variety of shorebirds, including sandpipers, killdeer, and the marbled godwit.

Looking for that iconic Golden Gate Bridge shot? Head to the mile-long Baker Beach.

Photo by SvetlanaSF/Shutterstock

Baker Beach

• Best for: Impressing out-of-towners visiting the City by the Bay

San Francisco’s Ocean Beach is beautiful in its own right, but its nearly perpetual fog makes it a tough sell as a tourist attraction. But just a short drive through the city’s Richmond District brings residents and visitors to the mile-long Baker Beach , which offers a picture-perfect panoramic view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The slightly warmer microclimate makes the sand a little more hospitable to sun worshippers and those brave enough to dunk in the waves on a rare hot day, but the perspective is really the main attraction. The north end of the beach has historically (and unofficially) been recognized as clothing-optional, so be aware before venturing too far toward the bridge.

Ocean Beach offers miles of less-crowded waves for advanced surfers.

Photo by Lynn Watson/Shutterstock

Ocean Beach (San Francisco)

• Best for: Advanced surfers to practice their skills and devoted spectators to watch the action

While the generally frigid conditions at San Francisco’s famed Ocean Beach are enough to keep sunbathers away most days (average temperatures stay between 40° and 65°F year-round), experienced surfers rave about the board-friendly water. The 3.5-mile stretch of sand means there’s never too many wave riders in one spot, but the intensity of the rip current and extra-long distance to paddle out generally make the waves expert-only territory. But that doesn’t mean the beach isn’t suitable for everyone. Plenty of spectators park their cars and post up along the sidewalk above the sand to observe the pros. And both the advanced crowd and their viewing audience are all about it, showing up in their weather-appropriate hoodies, puffer jackets, and long pants with the surfers switching to mandatory wet suits in the parking lot.

Find historic landmarks and lots of family fun at Santa Cruz Main Beach.

Photo by Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock

Santa Cruz Main Beach

• Best for: Old-school amusement park vibes

Anyone who grew up as far north as Marin and as far south as Santa Barbara likely remembers a steady rotation of Santa Cruz Beach Bordwalk commercials set to the tune of the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ U.S.A.” Since 1907, the seaside amusement park has been a California family staple, with free admission, summer entertainment, and a variety of roller coasters. Two of the park’s rides are even considered National Historic Landmarks: the wooden Giant Dipper from 1924 and the nostalgic Looff Carousel built in 1911. The site has also been upgraded throughout the years and now features everything from a two-story miniature golf course to a laser tag arena, so kids (and let’s face it: grown-ups) are in for a full day of fun at the beach, even if they don’t dip a toe in the ocean.

Betrothed couples flock to Carmel for photos, but it’s a beautiful spot for all beach lovers.

Photo by Andrew Zarivny/Shutterstock

Carmel Beach

• Best for: Seaside weddings and milestone events that call for scenic backdrops

There are plenty of picturesque wedding venues throughout the state, but for couples craving an oceanfront ceremony and anyone looking to throw an epic party, Carmel Beach is considered a top-tier venue. Not only is the mile or so of fine white sand the perfect setting for barefoot nuptials and memorable birthday blowouts, but the location also offers uninterrupted sunset views and plenty of nearby venues like Grasing’s and Little Napoli for dinners, receptions, and celebrations of all sorts. The Mediterranean- and Spanish-style architecture throughout the surrounding town of Carmel-by-the-Sea also means that your album and Instagram feed will be full of one-of-a-kind photo ops and dreamy, dramatic shots, whether you’re here for a wedding or just passing by.

The Big Sur road harbors numerous epic beaches, and few are more epic than Pfeiffer Beach.

Photo by mana5280/Unsplash

Pfeiffer Beach

• Best for: Completely unplugging

If the majestic rock arches and stunning purple sand aren’t enough to pull visitors away from their phones, the tranquil atmosphere at Pfeiffer Beach will make it easy to completely unwind and unplug. Located in Big Sur, the famed beach features an array of natural spectacles, like the Keyhole Arch, a rock formation that allows waves (and sunset rays) to pass through. And of course, the purple sand is a spectacular sight, taking its hue from the nearby cliffs’ manganese garnet rocks. Bring along a high-quality camera if you can, but silence your notifications and sign out of your email for the duration of your visit.

Spot celebs—or at least some scenic ocean views—at Butterfly Beach.

Photo by David M. Schrader/Shutterstock

Butterfly Beach

• Best for: A possible celeb sighting

Anyone planning a beach day for the people-watching alone will want to check out Santa Barbara’s famed Butterfly Beach , located in the chic, celebrity-filled village of Montecito. Oprah Winfrey famously owns a compound in the area and calls Prince Harry and Meghan Markle her neighbors. But aside from a potential run-in with an A-lister, visitors to Butterfly Beach can partake in a variety of activities ranging from the athletic (stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are popular) to the sophisticated (the nearby Four Seasons Biltmore serves up Italian-inspired fare with a panoramic ocean view).

California has a few beaches like El Matador that are slightly trickier to get to (and harder to find parking), but the payoff is generally worth it.

Photo by Jenna Kim Photography/Shutterstock

El Matador State Beach

• Best for: A really rugged beach experience

El Matador State Beach is easy to miss from the road, but keep your eyes peeled as you drive north of Malibu. The tiny beach is striking, with building-sized natural rock tunnels covered in seaweed, sand caves, and exotic-looking birds like loons and cormorants. A rickety set of stairs leads you down to the shore. When the tide is low, you’ll be able to walk through most of the rocky arches—and you may run into an engagement photo shoot or two. Parking is limited in the area (the beach’s only lot accommodates just 20 cars), so go early to snag a spot and you’ll have the beach practically to yourself all day long.

Will Rogers State Beach is everything you think of when you close your eyes and imagine a Californian beach.

Photo by Kjell Leknes/Shutterstock

Will Rogers State Beach

• Best for: Fun in the sun with a famous backdrop

Will Rogers State Beach was often used as the setting for the original TV series Baywatch , before the show relocated to Hawai‘i. It’s located in Los Angeles’s ritzy Pacific Palisades neighborhood across the street from the striking Getty Villa museum and gardens, and there are plenty of beach activities to enjoy here, including fishing, windsurfing, and pickup games of volleyball. Palisades Village (from the same people who run the Grove in West Hollywood) is less than 10 minutes away and has ample dining options (Blue Ribbon Sushi, the Draycott, McConnell’s Ice Cream) as well as high-end shopping (Diptyque, Aesop, Chanel).

Santa Monica Beach, with its bike lanes, playgrounds, restaurants, and miles of sand, is justifiably popular.

Santa Monica Beach

• Best for: Combining beach life with big city attractions

Santa Monica is perhaps Southern California’s most iconic beach. There’s a lot to love; the lively atmosphere, beachside bars such as the Bungalow and the Independence , and the many oceanfront cafés and restaurants all make it a must-hit spot. The pier, with its famous Ferris wheel, hosts a free autumn concert series with up-and-coming as well as well-known artists (previous performers include Khalid, Lemaitre, Rufus du Sol, Borns, and Mavis Staples). The beachside parking lots are $2 for two hours.

Learn to surf—or just watch the pros from dry land—in and around Huntington Beach.

Photo by Ken Wolter/Shutterstock

Huntington Beach

• Best for: Watching surfers and skaters—with your dog if you have one

This stretch of uninterrupted coastline is every surf and skate amateur’s dream, with five different beaches in 10 miles. Huntington City Beach is home to the pier and hosts all types of events throughout the year, from skate competitions to the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing . At Huntington State Beach, a little further south, there are one-off events and festivals throughout the year featuring acts like Toby Keith and Blink-182.

If you’re new to surfing but want to learn, Bolsa Chica State Beach is the place to go, with calmer swells that are more suited for beginners. Bringing your pooch? Huntington Dog Beach—home to a dog surfing competition and one of the largest corgi beach parties in the United States—is made for dog owners and lovers. Main Street goes through all the restaurants, bars, and shops of downtown and leads straight to the Huntington City Beach pier.

There are more sea lions than swimmers at La Jolla Cove.

Photo by Sunyong Park/Unsplash

La Jolla Cove

• Best for: Kayaking among an abundance of marine life

Part of a marine reserve and thus rich in marine life, San Diego’s La Jolla Cove is the ideal place to view sea turtles, dolphins, and seven-gill sharks. The animals are best seen in the water, so bring your scuba or snorkel gear or rent it from one of the shops along the beach. The sapphire water and surrounding cliffs make for a dramatic backdrop that give this spot the vibe of a Fijian island.

Michelle Konstantinovsky wrote about all the beaches from Glass Beach to Butterfly Beach. Sarah Purkrabek covered those from El Matador to La Jolla Cove.

The 10 most beautiful beaches in California

Mar 4, 2024 • 8 min read

In California, access to all beaches is enshrined in state law © RyanJLane / Getty Images

California is renowned for its sun-drenched strips of sand dotted up and down the Pacific coast with good reason. You don't become synonymous with US beach culture without some impressive shores that put the gold in the Golden State.

Find family fun in La Jolla, gaze upon world-class surfers in Huntington Beach, mingle with the bohemians in Venice Beach , cuddle at sunset in a Big Sur cove or find yourself on the stunning Lost Coast Trail.

No visit to California is complete without spending some time stretched out on the sand, and there are plenty of options for the many visitors that flock here every year. Beach time is sacred here – access is enshrined in state law. To help you get started on your must-visit list, here are ten of the best beaches in California.

1. Seacliff State Beach

California's Central Coast has more than 100 named beaches, varying from hidden coves perfect for quiet contemplation to long stretches of sunny sand backed by boisterous arcades and amusements, but some lure wildlife spotters as well as sun-seekers.

The northern star of the incredible sweep of sand that curves around  Monterey Bay is Seacliff State Beach . It's a perennial local hangout and swimming and jogging spot. Offshore, the crumbling remains of a freighter built of concrete once served as a fishing pier, and the deeper waters of the bay are known for being a great white shark breeding ground.

Monterey Bay is home to an extraordinary bounty of sea life, above and below the water. It's easily the richest natural habitat on the entire California coast. Even just standing on the shore, you can see some of its wildlife, from gray whales to sea lions, seals and otters. If you see a great white, stick to the land!

Local tip: Central Coast water temperatures hover in the brisk 50s °F , so it's only natural that the modern wet suit was invented here by Jack O'Neill in the 1950s. If that's too chilly for you, head to Monterey for its chart-topping aquarium .

2. Pfeiffer Beach – Big Sur

Cradled by mossy redwood forests, the rocky Big Sur coast is a mystical place. Search out hidden waterfalls and hot springs and watch for endangered California condors while wandering along sea cliffs. Pfeiffer Beach's phenomenal crescent-shaped slice of sand is one of the most beautiful beaches in California, known for its huge rock arch – Keyhole Rock – through which waves crash with life-affirming power. 

Dig your toes into the wet sand – it's purple! That's because manganese garnet washes down from the craggy hillsides above. It's often windy, and the surf is too dangerous for swimming, but it's a beautiful spot for a walk.

Local tip: Don't rush. Traffic, road closures and detours due to heavy weather, forest fires and even falling rocks slow progress on Hwy 1. Plus there are all the diversions along the way that will tempt you to stop for a visit or two.

3. Huntington Beach

One of SoCal's best beaches , this sand-sprinkled surfing hot spot has a lively, walkable promenade near the pier. It gets packed on summer weekends with surfers, volleyball players, swimmers and families. 

Grab a taco and watch pro surfers show how it's done, or rent a board if you're feeling adventurous. It's a great place to learn how to surf.

Local tip: If you want to build a bonfire or have a barbecue, stake out one of the thousand cement fire rings early in the day, especially on holiday weekends, when you should plan to arrive when the beach opens.

4. El Matador State Beach – Malibu

Arguably Malibu's most stunning beach, El Matador is famous for being the spot where swimsuit model photo shoots take place. Park on the bluffs above and stroll down a trail to reach sandstone rock towers rising from emerald coves. 

Sunbathers make the most of one of California's warm beaches by bodysurfing in the tides and watching for dolphins as they breech beyond the waves. 

Detour: Make the 5.5-mile jaunt to Point Dume for absolutely stunning views of this dramatic shoreline. You may have to wait half an hour to find a parking spot, but it's worth it.

5. Sonoma Coast State Park 

Stretching 19 miles, Sonoma Coast State Park is a chain of wave-lashed sandy pockets separated by dramatic rocky headlands. Some beaches are tiny, hidden in little coves and stuffed with rock formations, while others stretch wide. Most of the beaches are connected by vista-studded coastal hiking trails that wind along the bluffs. 

Bring binoculars and your camera – the views of mini islands, inlets and shifting tides are stunning. Exploring this area makes an excellent day-long adventure, but facilities are nonexistent, so bring water and food as well as a fully charged cell phone. 

Local tip: Bring sundowner cocktails and a picnic, or visit the gorgeously positioned restaurant and bar  River's End at the mouth of the Russian River to watch the area's glorious sunset.

6. Baker Beach – San Francisco 

Escape San Francisco's busy buzz at mile-long Baker Beach , fronting the Pacific with picture-perfect Golden Gate Bridge views. It's on the western shore of the Presidio, so you get an unparalleled perspective of the famous landmark and the Marin headlands beyond from its caramel sands.

It's perfect for picnicking, though it can crowd up on weekends, especially on fog-free days. For nude sunbathing, head to its northern end; those who prefer to remain clothed stick to the south.

7. The Lost Coast

To visit the Lost Coast is to discover volcanic beaches of black sand and ethereal mist hovering above roaring surf as majestic Roosevelt elk graze the forests.

The King Range boldly rises 4000ft within 3 miles of the coast, between where Hwy 1 cuts inland north of Westport to just south of Ferndale. The coast became "lost" when the state's highway system deemed the region impassable in the mid-20th century.

The best way to see the Lost Coast is to hike . In autumn, the weather is clear and cool. Wildflowers bloom from April through May, and gray whales migrate past the beaches from December through April. The warmest, driest months are June to September, but days are foggy, and the weather can change quickly.

Detour: Tackle an epic backpacking route through the area. Overnighters will need a bear canister and backcountry permit, both available from the Bureau of Land Management – the latter best acquired weeks in advance at recreation.gov .

8. Tourmaline Beach – La Jolla

You can fight the crowds and learn to surf at San Diego's renowned Ocean Beach or Pacific Beach , but Tourmaline Beach in La Jolla has some of the best (slow!) waves for longboarders and beginners. Its long, sandy beach also has one of the chillest local vibes in San Diego.

You'll be sure to catch a few rewarding waves here, even on a small day, and if you luck into a monster day, you're in business. Local surfers can get territorial over the waves near Black's Beach up to the north, but at Tourmaline, the mood is always mellow. Enjoy the sand, surf and free showers. If you'd rather beach comb, head north to the quiet tide pools at Bird Rock.

Local tip: Grab some of the best Mexican food in town up on the bluff at Oscar's , where you can try fish tacos – a San Diego staple – or killer ceviche.

9. Laguna Beach

Welcome to Laguna , a grand array of quiet coves, blue waves and seaside parks, all with an artistic flair. With 30 public beaches sprawling along seven miles of coastline, Laguna Beach is perfect for do-it-yourself exploring – there's always another stunning view or hidden cove just around the bend.

Although many of the coves are blocked from street view by multimillion-dollar homes, a sharp eye will take you to stairways leading from the Pacific Coast Highway down to the beach. Just look for the "beach access" signs and be prepared to pass between people's backyards to reach the sand.

Laguna Beach is an incredibly creative community – the local Festival of Arts stretches over July and August, featuring art shows and demos by 140 artists in media ranging from scrimshaw to furniture. The festival culminates with a reenactment of famous paintings by costumed actors, accompanied by an orchestra.

Detour: Nearby Crystal Cove is great for camping, plus it's an underwater park where you can go scuba diving or tide-pooling, and fish, kayak and surf along the undeveloped shoreline.

10. Lake Tahoe

Lest you get complacent combing only the ocean shores, remember the inland marvel that is Lake Tahoe . In summer, it's California's favorite high-altitude escape: a sparkling diamond tucked in the craggy Sierra Nevada Mountains.

In South Lake Tahoe, the nicest strands are Pope Beach, Kiva Beach and Baldwin Beach. Elsewhere, beaches dot the rim, like always-busy Zephyr Cove with its sandy, mile-long shoreline. Sheer granite cliffs and a jagged coastline hem glacier-carved Emerald Bay State Park , a teardrop cove of viridian water. You can take a small boat to the lake's only island, just offshore.

This article was first published Jan 19, 2021 and updated Mar 4, 2024.

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Best California beaches for October vacation? - California Forum

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Our last two trips were to Florida and the Mediterranean, so our expectations might be a little bit high...I've googled several Californian beaches and it seems they're far from the idyllic beaches you see in the Caribbean or Mediterranean (white sand, clear warm water, etc.)

Still, we'll be spending two nights in the way from San Francisco to LA, and then two more days in San Diego , and my family definetly wants to go to the beach. I want to take my family to the beach but don't want anybody to be disappointed. What are the most beautiful beaches/coves in Cali?

Considering: Laguna Beach , Huntington Beach , Santa Monica , Pfeiffer Beach , Malibu , La Jolla and Coronado in the San Diego area, etc. Places like Venice Beach and Manhattan beach will be covered also, not because they're beautiful but because they're must-sees I think..

What about the weather? I've been told the water is cold year round and that sometimes it's cold at the beach too

Thanks in advance for the replies

Well all the beaches to spend time on are in SoCal and depending on which part of October the beaches will be still ok to hang out in and the water ok to take a dip in. Yes the water does not get warm it gets less cold

Ocean temps here in high summer do not get warmer than the low 70s F

September is the warmest month so depending on when you come in October the ocean may still be at 70ish or may start going lower.

We do not have the same climate as Florida which is tropical.

We have a more Mediterranean climate but the Pacific Ocean gets colder currents than the Mediterranean Sea.

Great. Everyone in our group knows that beforehand, we can deal with the cold water as long as the beach is nice: different blue colors in the water, nice rock formations (like in Cala d'Hort, Ibiza, for example), etc

We plan on starting on Oct 12 in SF, then do the coastal ride on Oct 15-16, LA Oct 17 to 24, SD Oct 25-26

Hard to compare our shoreline to Ibiza!!!

Try to come with no expectations! Surfers may be in wet suits by then.

Do you guys surf? How about surf lessons if you are not surfers:

http://www.surfdiva.com/

Folks play volleyball and walk/ride bikes along the beachfront. It is not just a place to lay out in the sun and/or swim.

But it won't be beach weather.

I never thought about the Portuguese coast but it does look similar!

I'm aware that we won't have beach weather, but planning our trip for the summer is not possible since we will also be visiting Las Vegas which can get brutally hot

Is Malibu really worth the time? if I had to choose between Santa Barbara and Malibu..?

In LA and San Diego , I'd also like to spend more time at the beach, a couple of hours. I was told that the good thing about CA is the vibe: surfers, sports, young people etc. I'm not sure if I'll be able to see that in october

I'm not sure if there's a list of must-sees when it comes to beaches..

Yes, the beach vibe is a big thing, and I enjoy it as well.

Laguna Beach is lovely, but I find it a tad staid and better for older (30s on up). This is my opinion; others may feel differently.

Stay in Santa Monica for your LA portion, if possible. You'll love the "beach vibe" when you get on your rental bike at 9:00 am before the day visitors arrive, and enjoy the beach bike path with the locals, the coffee shops, working out at Muscle Beach (the Santa Monica one, which is nicer than Venice), perhaps find beach yoga or take a surf lesson. Take the Expo line to see the Endeavor space shuttle at the CA Science Center, or on to Olvera Street in downtown LA. You can even catch the red line in downtown for a trip to Hollywood if you like.

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California in October: Efficient Autumn Travel Guide 2024

Welcome to California in October ! As summer fades away, the Golden State prepares to charm its visitors with pleasant weather and a multitude of activities. Whether you’re seeking vibrant fall foliage, exciting events, or a serene coastal getaway, there’s something for everyone in California this time of year.

October is considered one of the best times to visit California due to its mild and comfortable weather. With temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s Fahrenheit (15-27 degrees Celsius), you can enjoy outdoor activities without the scorching heat of summer or the chill of winter. So pack your bags and get ready for a memorable autumn adventure in California!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

• California in October offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
• An average high temperature of about  around 76°F at its height and only about 53°F at its lowest
• Experience the stunning fall foliage in destinations like Napa Valley and Yosemite National Park.
• Explore the diverse range of events and festivals happening throughout the state.
• Discover the charm of California’s wine country in Napa Valley and Carmel Valley.
• Indulge in coastal beauty with visits to Big Sur , Santa Barbara, and more.

Best Events in California in October

October in California is a vibrant month filled with exciting events and festivals. From agricultural fairs to cultural celebrations, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the notable events happening in California in October :

Big Fresno Fair

The Big Fresno Fair is a beloved tradition that brings together agriculture, entertainment, and delicious food. Visitors can explore livestock exhibits, watch thrilling horse racing, and indulge in fair cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of deep-fried treats or classic fair favorites, this event is a culinary delight.

California Avocado Festival

Carpinteria hosts the California Avocado Festival, a delightful celebration of the state’s most famous fruit. This festival features lively music, guacamole contests, and a variety of avocado-themed activities. From avocado ice cream to avocado-infused cocktails, you’ll discover unique and delicious avocado creations at this festival.

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival

Join the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival for a memorable experience celebrating all things pumpkin. Marvel at giant pumpkins, witness incredible pumpkin carvings, and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. Indulge in seasonal craft beer, browse through art exhibits, and savor delicious pumpkin-inspired treats.

Fleet Week San Francisco

San Francisco’s Fleet Week is an annual event that honors the contributions of the U.S. Armed Forces. This exciting celebration includes impressive air shows featuring military aircraft, ship tours, and live music performances. It’s a unique opportunity to show appreciation for the men and women in uniform.

Joshua Tree Music Festival

The Joshua Tree Music Festival is a one-of-a-kind music event held in the scenic desert town of Joshua Tree. This family-friendly festival showcases an eclectic lineup of talented musicians, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. Enjoy live performances, art installations, yoga sessions, and tasty food vendors.

West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval

The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is a legendary street party and one of the largest Halloween celebrations in the world. Join the energetic crowd dressed in creative and extravagant costumes as you dance, take part in the vibrant parade, and immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Halloween.

These are just a few examples of the exciting events and festivals happening in California in October. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, music lover, or simply looking for a unique experience, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Fall Foliage and Outdoor Activities in California in October

California offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fall foliage and engage in outdoor activities in October. Whether you’re a nature lover seeking picturesque landscapes or an adventure enthusiast looking for exciting experiences, California has something for everyone.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is a prime destination for witnessing the beauty of fall foliage. As the leaves change colors, the park transforms into a breathtaking display of vibrant hues. Take a scenic hike through the park’s trails and immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings.

June Lake Loop

The June Lake Loop, nestled in the Eastern Sierras near Mammoth, is renowned for its golden aspens and stunning fall foliage. Drive along the loop to witness the picturesque landscape and capture unforgettable moments. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the vibrant colors and breathtaking views.

A visit to Apple Hill in California’s El Dorado County is a must-do in October. This charming region boasts beautiful apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and scenic countryside. Pick your own pumpkins, savor delicious apple pie, and indulge in other seasonal treats. Apple Hill offers a perfect blend of fall foliage and autumn festivities.

Coastal Exploration

For a seaside trip, the central coast of California provides stunning coastal views and the opportunity to explore quaint towns like Cambria and San Luis Obispo. Take a leisurely walk along the pristine beaches, soak in the beauty of the coastline, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Embark on an unforgettable autumn adventure in California , where fall foliage and outdoor activities await. Capture the vibrant colors, breathe in the crisp autumn air, and create lasting memories in this picturesque destination.

Wine Country in California in October

If you’re a wine enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of vineyards during the fall season, visiting California’s wine country in October is a must. Two destinations that stand out are Napa Valley and Carmel Valley, each offering its own unique charm and experiences.

Napa Valley: A Colorful Wine Wonderland

Napa Valley is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, which come alive with vibrant colors during the autumn months. As you explore the region, you’ll witness vineyards turning shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The oak trees complement the scenery, their leaves adorned with bright orange foliage.

“I fell in love with the stunning fall colors in Napa Valley. The vineyards felt like an artist’s canvas, painted with hues of autumn. It truly is a wine lover’s dream.” – Emily, Wine Enthusiast

Not only can you immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery, but you’ll also have the opportunity to indulge in harvest events hosted by wineries throughout the region. This gives you a chance to sample new wines, learn about the winemaking process, and experience the unique atmosphere of the fall season.

Carmel Valley: A Hidden Gem

If you’re seeking a more intimate wine country experience, Carmel Valley is the perfect destination. This hidden gem offers a tranquil and idyllic setting, with mild temperatures and changing colors that add to its allure.

As you explore Carmel Valley, you’ll discover boutique wineries tucked away amidst the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. The intimate atmosphere allows for personalized tastings and interactions with winemakers, providing a truly immersive wine experience.

When it comes to accommodations, both Napa Valley and Carmel Valley offer a range of options to suit every traveler’s preferences. From luxury resorts like Bernardus Lodge and Carmel Valley Ranch to boutique hotels like Archer Hotel and San Luis Creek Lodge, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind after a day of wine tasting and exploration.

Experience the magic of wine country in California in October, where breathtaking vineyards and a progressive wine culture await. Whether you choose to explore the vibrant colors of Napa Valley or discover the hidden charm of Carmel Valley, you’ll be treated to a memorable wine-focused adventure in the heart of California.

Coastal Destinations in California in October

Experience the stunning beauty of the California coastline in October. With its breathtaking views and mild temperatures, it’s the perfect time for ocean lovers to explore the coastal destinations. Whether you’re looking for dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, or charming beach towns, California has it all. Here are some coastal destinations to consider:

Big Sur is a renowned destination that offers a unique blend of rugged cliffs, towering redwoods, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. In October, you can witness the fall colors on the cliffs, creating a striking contrast against the deep blue ocean. Take a scenic drive along Highway 1, hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, or simply relax on the beach and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this stunning coastal area.

2. Pismo Beach

Located on California’s central coast, Pismo Beach welcomes visitors with its wide sandy beaches and picturesque scenery. In October, the weather is still pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the beach. Visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove, where thousands of butterflies migrate and cluster in the eucalyptus trees, creating a magical sight. Explore the charming downtown area with its unique shops and delicious seafood restaurants.

3. Carpinteria

Carpinteria is a hidden gem on the California coast, offering stunning coastal scenery and a laid-back atmosphere. Known for its pristine beaches, Carpinteria is perfect for beachcombing, swimming, and sunbathing. Take a leisurely walk along Linden Avenue, where you can find boutique shops, art galleries, and local eateries. In October, Carpinteria hosts the California Avocado Festival, celebrating the region’s love for avocados with live music, delicious food, and avocado-themed activities.

4. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a coastal city known for its Spanish-style architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culinary scene. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Stearns Wharf, visit the Santa Barbara Zoo, or explore the numerous wineries in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley. In October, the weather is mild, making it a perfect time to relax on the beach, go kayaking, or indulge in outdoor dining at the local restaurants, which offer fresh seafood and farm-to-table cuisine.

5. San Francisco

San Francisco, although known for its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, also offers a charming coastal experience. In October, the city experiences fewer crowds, allowing you to explore its scenic coastline at a leisurely pace. Take a walk along the famous Ocean Beach, visit Lands End and enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, or take a ferry to Angel Island State Park for a day of hiking and picnicking.

California in October is a delightful destination with a range of activities and events to enjoy. Whether you are seeking vibrant fall foliage, coastal beauty, or a wine country experience, October has something for everyone.

Immerse yourself in the rich autumn colors of Napa Valley and Yosemite National Park, where the landscapes come alive with hues of red, orange, and gold. Take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean while exploring the coastal beauty of Big Sur and Santa Barbara. October offers the perfect weather to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and beach exploration.

For wine enthusiasts, October is the ideal time to visit California’s renowned wine country. Savor the flavors of new wines and witness the grape harvest festivities in Napa Valley and Carmel Valley. Experience the intimacy of Carmel Valley or indulge in the luxury offerings of Napa Valley.

Whether you are a wine lover, outdoor enthusiast , or someone looking to relax by the ocean, California in October provides endless options to suit your preferences. So pack your bags and create lasting memories in the mild weather and diverse landscapes of California this October.

Thinking about coming in November instead? Click Here .

What is the best time to visit California?

What is the weather like in california in october, what are some things to do in california in october, can i see fall foliage in california in october, what are some events and festivals in california in october, what outdoor activities can i do in california in october, can i visit california’s wine country in october, what are some coastal destinations to visit in california in october, related posts.

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Best Time To Visit California Beaches

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If you’re planning a vacation to California it’s understandable to ask “when is the best time to visit California beaches?” California beaches are some of the best in the world for sunbathing, people-watching, and surfing.

The water temperatures can be a little chilly compared to other beach States like Florida, however, the surf and the sunsets are hard to beat.

I grew up visiting the beach in California and over the years I’ve developed habits to make my beach days enjoyable. During college, I preferred the social atmosphere of a busy beach.

These days, I choose to visit the beach for the peaceful sound of the waves, the sun, and quiet runs on the beach.

In this article, I’ll share the tips you need to plan a great beach vacation in California. I’ll share the best time for waves, weather, water temperature, crowds, and time of day.

Let’s get started!

Best Time To Visit California Beaches 

Choosing the best time to visit California beaches will depend on a few factors and your preferences. Everyone plans a vacation for a different reason.

Maybe your trip is scheduled around a business meeting or maybe it’s for the family. If you’re visiting to catch big waves it will likely be at a different time than if you want warm ocean temperatures.

For The Weather

The weather can be tricky on the California coast but if you visit in mid-summer or early fall it should guarantee warm weather and sunny days.

Most people assume that California beaches are always sunny with warm weather, but this is a false stereotype created by pop-culture.

There are a few important things to know about beach weather in California.

In the month of May, the weather will be heating up and many people are excited to get out of the cold weather and visit the California beaches. Chances are, they will encounter the phenomenon of “ May Grey ”.

May Grey refers to the marine layer that tends to hang over the California Coast in the early summer. It’s hit and miss and hard to predict, but you can count on at least half of the month of May to be overcast. Sometimes it clears up by midday, and other days it sticks around all day.

Plan a trip to California beaches and chances are half of your beach time will be spent under the clouds (this goes for beaches all the way down to San Diego).

June Gloom piggy-backs on May Grey and will still have a number of warm cloudy days. The second half of the month will give you a better shot at enjoying sunny days. Most days during June will see the marine layer burn off by midday, but it’s not always the case.

If you’re planning a trip for summer, it’s best to schedule it in the back half of the summer when there is a much better chance of sunny days.

Split The State In Half

The cut off for the North and South is blurry but usually cuts off around San Luis Obispo (which is really Central California). There is a trade-off when you visit Northern California beaches (Monterey and above). Northern California beaches have beautiful beaches but cooler days and the wind usually picks up in the afternoon.

If you’re planning your trip and desiring sunny, wind-free days, your best bets are beaches South of the San Luis Obispo/Pismo area.

For The Warm Water Temperature

California has cool ocean temperatures throughout most of the year, but there’s a “best time” to visit if you want ideal temperatures for swimming.

In early summer the weather will warm up, however, the water temperatures are always behind. Ocean waters off the California Coast heat up in late summer.

August and September will provide the warmest ocean temperatures for swimming. Of course, many people still swim year-round. Most surfers prefer to wear wetsuits but they aren’t needed in late summer!

For The Crowds

If you want to plan a trip to California beaches you’ve likely thought about the crowds. You might like crowds because people watching is fun. But crowds also mean more competition for beach space, higher hotel prices, and more traffic.

Planning a beach trip around crowds is easy, whether you’re okay with crowds or want to avoid them. How so? School schedule!

It’s easy, just look up the local school schedule and plan your trip around those dates. One week in August or September the beaches will be packed, and the next week they will be virtually empty (the difference is shocking). This holds true for holiday weekends too.

If you want to avoid the crowds plan a trip for the week after Labor Day. The second week of September you’ll get empty beaches, perfect weather, and warm ocean temperatures.

Many hotels and beach rentals lower their prices after the Labor Day weekend too (you might actually save money by avoiding the crowds).

For The Waves

Don’t get me wrong, there is great surfing year-round in California but there are certain times when the surf gets big. While surfing in the summer is probably a warmer and more pleasant experience, those seeking the big waves should flip their calendar up-side-down.

November-March is generally the best time for big waves. If you’re planning your trip around surfing California beaches, then visit in the winter!

Chances are it won’t be the winter you’re used too (it will likely be great sunny weather, but not super hot).

The Best Time Of Day To Visit California Beaches

What’s the best time of day to visit California beaches? It depends, but if you’re like most people and coming in the summer, mid-morning is the best time to get to the beach.

There are a few reasons why it’s important to get to the beach in the morning.

Parking and Traffic

Parking can be difficult and costly at California beaches. Arrive after 10 am and you’ll either be walking far or paying to park. Why pay and why walk?

Arrive earlier than the masses and you’ll find a great spot, close to the beach.

UV Radiation

If your concern is ultraviolet radiation, which is understandable, the worst time of day is between 10 am and 4 pm. UV radiation is cancer causing and we’re susceptible to it every day, even when we’re not at the beach.

If you grew up before the 2000’s you likely received a lot of harmful solar radiation and sunburns (read my article on the basics of sunscreen 101 ).

What’s unfortunate about UV radiation is the time of day it’s at its worst. 10 am – 4 pm is the prime time of the day!

The good thing about avoiding these times is that there won’t be crowds at the beach before 10 am (although the beach will still be crowded after 4 pm) (here are the best natural sunscreen for kids and adults ).

If you’re visiting the beach in the summer, or on a holiday (like July 4 th ) you’ll be competing with other beachgoers for a spot on the beach.

Get there early and you can stake out your preferred area without having to settle for the spots that are leftover.

Recommended Beaches In California (my picks)

Picturesque beaches in california.

• Laguna Beach – amazing, clear water and path along the ocean
• Del Mar Beach – San Diego community with a nice park and beach area
• Moonlight Beach – picturesque beach in Encinitas
• Carmel Beach – quaint town, beautiful beach views, with a beach you can drink on (read about the 5  California beaches that allow alcohol )

Beaches For The Masses

• Pismo Beach – Central Coast beach where people flock
• Ventura Beach – great beach for sunbathing and swimming
• Zuma Beach – largest beach in Malibu, you’ll likely see a few movie stars
• Redondo Beach – large beach ana d great boardwalk, often hosting professional events (surf and volleyball)
• San Onofre – a long stretch of protected beach that allows camping and surfing
• Mission Beach – the place to be during San Diego summers

More Recommended Beaches In California

When is the best time to visit California beaches? It depends on your group, what you’ll be doing (surfing, camping, relaxing). It also depends on whether you want crowds, perfect weather, or warm ocean temperatures.

Once you narrow it down, it’s easy to pick a month and place to visit.

Remember, the weather in California will differ depending on if you’re in the North or South. In winter, the weather in Northern California will become cold, but even in summer, the afternoons are usually windy. In Southern California, the weather will be a more consistent temperature but there will be months that are more overcast than others (May, June etc.).

Let us know in the comments what time of year you chose and if you enjoyed it. If we missed something let us know. We’d like to keep this list updated and add to it over time. Thanks for reading another Beach Life blog post! Enjoy your time at the beach.

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Home » North America » The Ultimate Guide to the BEST Beaches in California (2024)

The Ultimate Guide to the BEST Beaches in California (2024)

In a state packed with natural beauty, iconic cities, and amazing things to do, it’s hard to find any fault with California. It boasts nine national parks, epic road trips, and some of the best quality of city living anywhere in the world. It’s no wonder California is the most visited state in the United States!

Yet another top attraction – the beaches in California! From epic stretches of sand in the cities of LA and San Diego to quiet secluded beaches along the stunning Big Sur seaside drive, California’s beaches will delight, surprise, and most likely take your breath away.

In this post, we’ll look at the best beaches in California. We’ll also show you some of the best places to stay nearby, whatever your budget and travel style. If all that doesn’t sound like enough, we’ve also picked out some of the best things to do and see nearby. So, let’s hit the sand, dude!

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When to Go to Beaches in California

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The best time to visit California depends on what you want to do during your stay. The great thing about the state is that it’s a year-round destination. However, for visiting the beaches in California, it’s not recommended to come between November and April, even if you’re visiting the warmer climate of Southern California.

The best time to head to California for a beach vacation is from May to October. August and September are the warmest months, although July and August can be very crowded and expensive. If you visit in September, the crowds will have thinned, and you’ll be able to swim in tepid waters and sunbathe to your heart’s content, especially in the south of the state.

Since California is such a large state, there are some regional factors to take into consideration. San Diego can be very foggy during May and June, meaning that the beaches might be a bit colder than you like. It can get foggy in July and August in San Francisco, too.

Taking everything into consideration, the best month to travel to California is September. Visiting at any other time of the year won’t be too big of an issue, though – if you can’t go to the beach, there are plenty of other things to do on your backpacking trip to California !

• Who It’s For:  Families who aren’t content with just chilling on the sand. There’s so much to do here!
• Don’t Miss: Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier. This classic theme park is fun for everyone.

One of the most popular beaches in California, Santa Monica is not just a great base for beach holidays, but also for visiting LA. There’s no shortage of things to see and do in the area, places to eat, and hotels to stay in. The only criticism you could make is that this place gets a bit crowded. But if you can deal with that, then no worries! It is, after all, one of the best beaches in the United States.

Another cool spot to stay is Long Beach , just down the coast from here. A great spot for a road trip if you’re staying in Santa Monica.

Best Airbnb –  Private room with parking included

This comfy private room is just 12 blocks from the beach – easy walking distance. If you want to cruise along the ocean front, you’ve also got somewhere to park your car for free!

Best Hostel –  HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica

This hostel should be the first port of call for solo travellers in Santa Monica. There’s always something happening, and the friendly staff can help you organise tours of nearby attractions.

Best Hotel –  Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica

Right on the beachfront, this affordable hotel is an excellent base for your Santa Monica beach break. You’re welcome to enjoy a free hot breakfast and a dip in the pool too!

Best Studio –  Large premium studio by the beach

This cosy studio apartment boasts a fully equipped kitchen for those beach days when you’re wiped out and can’t even be bothered to head to one of the awesome local restaurants!

Pacific Park

One of the most recognisable  theme parks  in the world, stroll down the midway with some candy floss as you search for the next thrilling ride to go on! [ image credit ]

Heal the Bay Aquarium

Just moments away from the Pacific Ocean, this  aquarium  has more than 100 species of marine life. Perfect for kids – especially in the unlikely event the weather isn’t perfect. [ image credit ]

Rusty’s Surf Ranch

Serving casual food during the day and welcoming bands during the evening, this relaxed  restaurant  boasts good food and an even better atmosphere. [ image credit ]

Play Volleyball

Learn the ropes of one of the most fun beach sports at this  introductory volleyball class .

Take a Ride

Stretch your legs and see the best that Santa Monica and nearby Venice Beach have to offer on a  bike ride .

Go Bar-Hopping

Find out more about the best bars and nightlife in Sant

• Who It’s For:  Those who want to get off the beaten track and fully appreciate California’s natural beauty.
• Don’t Miss:  Tacos and Seafood at nearby Malibu Seafood.

This beautiful beach is made up of three small coves with stunning rock formations. Your first introduction will be from the rugged cliff tops. Want to swim? You’ll need to head down a steep dirt trail to do so, but it’s so worth it to get into that water. If you come here outside of summer, you might even have the whole beach to yourself. What more could you want?! This is an easy sell as one of the top beaches in California.

Best Airbnb –  Fabulous Ocean Views

This gorgeous apartment allows you to make the most of the stunning ocean views. Perfect for a couple or a small group of friends/family.

There are so many beautiful Airbnbs in Malibu !

Best Hostel –  Freehand Los Angeles

Since El Matador is on the Pacific Highway, it’s tricky to find somewhere to stay nearby. However, the Freehand is one of the  best hostels in Los Angeles , so why not stay there?!

Best Hotel –  Residence Inn Los Angeles Westlake Village

In nearby Westlake Village, you can make use of a hot tub and indoor and outdoor pool if swimming at the beach isn’t quite enough for you!

Best Villa –  Six Acre estate with infinity pool

Meet the “if money were no object” Malibu mansion! If there are any Hollywood A-lister’s or premier league footballers reading this, you know where to stay!

Malibu Wine Safaris

Head a little inland to try some of the  fine wines  grown in the area and meet some wild animals!

Malibu Seafood

When it comes to fresh fish, you won’t find anywhere better than  this . BYOB and settle down with your favourite seafood dish.

Charmlee Wilderness Park

Set on a bluff above the coast,  Charmlee  is the perfect spot for a picnic with views over some of the best beaches in California. There are more than eight miles of hiking trails too.

Visit an Animal Sanctuary

Alpacas and goats are just some of the cast that you’ll meet at one of the best-loved  animal sanctuaries  in California.

Go Hiking and Surfing

This will be a tiring but rewarding day for your legs as you combine  surfing and hiking . It’s okay though; there’s wine at the end!

Make Cheese

Want to get a taste of Malibu before you visit? Why not make  cheese  with the help of a mama goat in the comfort of your own home!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

• Who It’s For:  Anyone looking to see one of the most awe-inspiring sights in California. Don’t forget your camera!
• Don’t Miss:  Keyhole Rock – the main focus of the beach. It’s an enormous natural arch that looks especially spectacular at sunset!

Hidden away in the Big Sur State Park , chances are you’ll need your own transport to get to this epic beach in California. But this spot is well worth the hassle of renting a car on your travels! You could be forgiven for thinking that the purple sand found here has transported you to the Mediterranean. And those rock formations with the waves crashing against them are just something else. Pfeiffer Beach is sure to boost your popularity on the Gram!

Best Airbnb –  Goat farm with Ocean Views

Want to stay on a working farm and wake up to the sounds of cows lowing and roosters crowing? This friendly farm welcomes guests, who leave as friends!

Best Hostel –  America’s Best Value Presidents Inn

While there aren’t any hostels in Big Sur, this budget hotel is a superb alternative. Although it’s inexpensive, it boasts an outdoor pool!

Best Hotel –  Big Sur Lodge

Get into Big Sur’s state park and stay in a lodge of the same name. You have a restaurant, pool, and bar on-site! This is one of the  best places to stay in Big Sur.

Best Cabin –  Ocean view Sanctuary

For somewhere to completely escape and disconnect from day to day life, you won’t do much better than this cabin. Ideal for a couple who want to create everlasting memories!

The Village Big Sur

There’s not a lot surrounding Pfeiffer Beach, but this  restaurant  does exquisite food in nearby Big Sur Village. [ image credit ]

Big Sur Tap House

Fancy a beer? Grab one at this  tap house  – either at the bar or in the outdoor seating area. [ image credit ]

Redwood Deck

If you’re driving to Pfeiffer Beach, you may as well explore what else Big Sur has to offer. Redwood Deck is where you can view the tallest trees in the world!

A car isn’t the only method of getting along Big Sur’s coastal road. Why not try it on a  phat bike  instead?

Watch How Honeybees Work

Meet honeybees  at nearby Carmel By The Sea. You’ll be able to taste their honey too!

Explore The Marine Life

Nearby Carmel is a great place to go wildlife watching. See  what’s in the tidepools near town.

• Who It’s For: Looking for a boho vibe where anything goes? Venice Beach in California is the one for you!
• Don’t Miss: Take some time away from the beach to stroll along Venice’s canals, which give the neighbourhood its name.

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the earlier mentioned Santa Monica Beach in LA, Venice is another of California’s most popular beaches. It’s also one of the most famous in the world! Check out the street art or just watch the locals running and biking along the promenade. It’s mad how quickly the time passes when you’re doing this! You’ll see crazy sights like rollerblading guitarists and chainsaw jugglers – to name a few.

Best Airbnb –  Venice Beach Walkstreet Getaway

Within walking distance of the bars of Venice Beach, this cool suite is everything you need for a short break away. If you fancy a night in, there’s a comfy sofa, TV, and books for guests to use.

Best Hostel –  Samesun Venice Beach

Right on the boardwalk with views of the Pacific Ocean, can you think of a better hostel in Venice Beach than this? If the location doesn’t sell it, the hospitality of the staff will!

Best Hotel –  The Kinney – Venice Beach

One of the coolest hotels on Venice Beach, the three-star Kinney is covered in street art. There’s also a fire pit, ping pong tables, and a heated pool where you can meet fellow travellers.

Best Tiny House –  Hip Venice Experience

Modelled on an Airstream caravan, this tiny house has a garden and a private entrance. An unusual but romantic Venice Beach Airbnb.

Take care of yourself with the help of  Moon Juice’s  alchemists. They do some awesome cold-pressed juices!

Small World Books

Find a mixture of independent prints with classic literature at this much-loved  bookshop . Your next beach read is here! [ image credit ]

Venice Skate Park

Watch the locals pull off some incredible moves on their  skateboards . If you consider yourself a pro, why not have a go yourself?!

Learn to surf with the help of a professional instructor on one of the most iconic beaches in California!

Do a Scavenger Hunt

Stuck for ideas for your bachelorette party? Leave it in the hands of the professionals with a  scavenger hunt!

Arrive in Style

Feel like a superstar by taking a  limo ride  to some of the coolest clubs in Hollywood!

• Who It’s For:  Those who want several options for their beach break in terms of activities.
• Don’t Miss: Taking a hike along the coast and spotting all the seals.

Point Lobos State Reserve’s waters are quite cool and can be rough depending on the season, so it’s not ideal for swimming. However, for everything else, it gets a big tick! Hiking in the national park and watching wildlife are incomparable, and outdoor enthusiasts will love using this beach as the base for a day trip.

Best Airbnb –  Cozy Carmel Cabin

This cute and cosy cabin makes for a heavenly base for couples. It’s just off highway one and is within walking distance of restaurants, galleries, and shops.

Best Hostel –  HI Monterey

This popular hostel in nearby Monterey is ideal for visiting Point Lobos State Park. It’s just five minutes from all the attractions in town, too!

Best Hotel –  Candle Light Inn

This downtown Carmel hotel is within ten minutes of Point Lobos State Reserve. It’s an excellent option for digital nomads, as there’s a work desk and a small fridge.

Best Cottage –  Cathedral Redwood Studio with Loft

This cottage is ideal if you want privacy. It’s on the edge of the state park at the end of a lane off Highway One. The views from the floor to ceiling windows are to die for!

Whaler’s Museum

Once the  whaling station  in the 19th century, this building has a whole lot of history, which you can learn about with a visit.

South Shore Trail

One of the many hiking trails in the state reserve, this one takes you along to the gorgeous Hidden Beach in California. [source:  Serj Malomuzh (Shutterstock) ]

Bird Island Lookout

This  overlook  has views of two sandy beaches. You may even see seal pups here during the spring. [ image credit ]

Want to practice your swing? Take this Nocal VIP  golf experience !

Do a Team Activity

See the sights of nearby Monterey in a fun and interactive way on a  scavenger hunt!

Take a Food Tour

Find the best places to eat in Monterey on a  food tour  through the old town.

• Who It’s For: Families looking to spend time paddling in the waves and having lots of space on the sand will be delighted with Coronado Beach.
• Don’t Miss: Hotel del Coronado. The historic beachfront hotel is part of a very special group: it’s one of the only surviving examples of the American Victorian beach resort-style architecture.

Coronado Beach is one of the best beaches in San Diego, California, and sits in the shadow of the second-largest wooden structure in the US – the Hotel Coronado. The supposedly haunted hotel has to have a spot on your San Diego itinerary! The beach is wider than most in California, and at 1.5 miles long, you’ll never have trouble finding a spot on the sand. If that’s not enough, there are a plethora of activities on offer here, including boogie boarding, volleyball, and tide-pooling!

Best Airbnb –  Private room with garden entrance

Solo travellers looking for a homestay near Coronado Beach will not be disappointed with this private room. Enter through the garden into a 20s style Spanish home.

Best Hostel –  HI San Diego – Downtown

Right in the heart of  downtown San Diego , there are regularly free or cheap tours and activities on offer here. There’s also a games room where you can make the most of arcade games and a pool table!

Best Hotel –  El Cordova

This Spanish village-style resort has four restaurants on-site, as well as gardens and boutique shops. Couples love this place!

Best Beach Cottage –  Beautiful Beach Cottage in Coronado

This beautiful green cottage is the ideal base for a relaxing stay at Coronado Beach. The traditional Spanish architecture is a nice touch!

MooTime Creamery

What says beach more than ice cream? Exactly.  MooTime Creamery  is probably the best in Coronado! [ image credit ]

Glorietta Bay Park Promenade

Take a walk along this  promenade  and see more of the San Diego Bay.

Coronado Ferry Center

This market gives you the chance to sample some delicious local seafood before shopping to your heart’s content.

Take a Bike Tour

Want to cover the whole of Coronado Island in a day? A  bike  is the best way to do so!

Explore on an Electric Trike

If you want a different kind of workout and some more stability, choose an electric  trike  tour instead!

Take a Crime Tour

Learn about the grisly goings-on of the nearby  Gaslamp Quarter  on a true crime tour.

• Who It’s For: Surfers will be delighted with the challenging waves and the gorgeous evening sunsets.
• Don’t Miss:  The International Surfing Museum – it’s one of the coolest places to go on a rainy day.

In a state packed with great surfing spots, it’s hard to pick a favourite beach in California. However, since it’s also known as Surf City USA, we guess it will have to go to Huntington in Orange County. It’s where the US Open for surfing takes place annually, and it’s home to the International Surfing Museum. There’s more to the beach than surfing, though. It’s also a wonderful place to watch the sunset or bring the family – since there are lots of other activities on offer too!

Best Airbnb –  Surf City Studio

Looking for privacy just a block from the beach? This studio boasts a sun deck, patio and entrance – all of which no-one else has access to.

Best Hostel –  Sea Rock Inn – Long Beach

This motel doesn’t quite fit into the hostel category. However, it’s cheap, and there’s plenty of space to park your VW Camper. (Other vehicles to transport surfboards are available).

Best Hotel –  Huntington Surf Inn

You’ve got the surf beach, the surfing museum, and now the surfing hotel. Rooms come with a private bathroom and extra-large beds. Great for couples!

Best Cottage –  Private Cottage Downtown

Originally an early 20th-century carriage house, this comfortable California Airbnb has been repurposed with you in mind. There are two beach cruiser bikes at your disposal should you want to cover more distance in the neighbourhood.

Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum

This fun  museum  shows you the history of surfing and muses on its future. Its coolest attraction is the world’s largest surfboard! [ image credit ]

Huntington Beach Pier

Looking for  somewhere  to eat or drink after a day of surfing? You have plenty of options on the pier!

Huntington Beach Symphony Orchestra

Musicians will be bowled over by the sheer amount of genres this  orchestra  performs. Check out a gig when you’re in town!

Learn to Surf

Take your first steps out into the water with a  Huntington Beach surf lesson .

Take a City Tour

Get to know the city’s  history and culinary scene  a little more intimately!

Explore Meditation

Find a tune with your body’s rhy

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for California

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

1. Backpacking Stove :  If you want to cook your own food, either because you’re sick of takeout or want to save money, then you’ll need a cooking stove. Some campgrounds have fire pits with grills but I find these very inefficient. Campfires also may be outright banned as well if the fire season has been particularly bad that year, in which case you’ll definitely need your own stove.

I like the MSR Pocketrocket because it’s affordable, reliable, and very convenient.

2. Sleeping Pad :  I really cannot sleep without some sort of camping pad. I’ve slept in some pretty rough campgrounds, full of rocks and roots, and my sleeping pad saved my life many times. The self-inflating sleeping mats, like the Thermarest Prolite, are my favorite, though people often settle for the foam ones.

3. Hammock :  Taking a tent and pad on a road trip are not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy, and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. Right now, I’m rocking an Eno parachute hammock – it’s light, colorful and tough.

4. Microfibre Towel :  It’s always worth packing a proper towel. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

5.  Headtorch : Every backpacker should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp – an awesome piece of kit! Because it’s USB chargeable I never have to buy earth polluting batteries.

6. Travel Water Bottle: Always travel with a water bottle – it’ll save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl geopress is a true behemoth amongst water bottles acting as a purifier AND temperature regulator – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are.

7. Toiletry Bag : I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super efficient way to organise your bathroom stuff. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in California

Now that you’ve seen the best beaches in California, you’ll probably have a better idea of how to plan your trip. Whether you want to catch some waves on Huntington, enjoy Santa Monica with the family, or just soak up the coolness of Venice, there’s a California beach for you.

Make sure you set some time aside in California to visit more than just the beaches, though. Cross San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge on your bike, see the wonders of Yosemite National Park, and be sure to take a drive along the coastline – perhaps you’ll stop off at some deserted beaches, too!

However you choose to spend your trip to California, we hope you have an amazing time. And remember to keep this post bookmarked so that you can find the best places to stay and things to do near your chosen California beach!

Art Patterson

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• 1 Browne’s Beach, Barbados
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• 3 Playa de la Tejita, Canary Islands, Spain
• 4 Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia
• 5 Yasawa Islands Beaches, Fiji
• 6 Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California
• 7 Isle of Palms Beach, South Carolina
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The 8 Best Beaches to Visit in October

In theory, a beach trip should always be an opportunity to escape everyday life—a relaxing, fun-filled, stress-free time. Unfortunately, what often happens during peak beach season is the opposite. If you’re tired of dealing with crowds, commotion, and the constant struggle to find a spot on the sand, we have an easy solution: rethink your timing. Skip May through September in favor of an October beach getaway, typically the best time of year for finding fewer tourists and still-sunny weather. Below, the 8 best beaches to hit this October.

P.S. Check out What to Pack for a Beach Vacation before your next seaside getaway!

Style + Travel Editor | Instagram @jackiehoman | jackiehoman.com

See recent posts by Jackie Homan

Browne’s Beach, Barbados

If you want a Caribbean vacation in October, opt for Barbados—its easternmost position makes it one of the least likely islands to experience a direct hit during hurricane season. Considered one of the best beaches on the island, Browne’s Beach boasts calm, warm, crystal-clear water that’s perfect for morning snorkeling with sea turtles—one of the area’s most popular activities. After your marine life encounter, you can wind down on the fluffy white sands or grab food and drink from any one of the local beachside restaurants. Speaking of good bites, don’t miss October’s Food and Rum Festival to see Barbados live up to its “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean” title, with an appearance by British celebrity chef Tom Aikens.

RELATED: Save BIG with these incredible deals on Beach Hotels going on right now >>>

Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, Seychelles

Often called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Anse Lazio is fantastic year-round, but an October visit means fewer crowds and milder weather. Enjoy views of the turquoise Indian Ocean waters and fine-grained, white sands from a villa at Raffles Seychelles on the island of Praslin. Framed by palms and indigenous Takamaka trees, the beach feels like true tropical paradise.

RELATED: 9 Secret Islands You Need to Know About

Playa de la Tejita, Canary Islands, Spain

With average highs of 79 degrees in October, the Canary Islands are ideal for a fall beach getaway. Playa de la Tejita is a gorgeous, large, natural beach with views of the Montaña Roja and strong winds perfect for kite- and windsurfing. While the sea tends to be too choppy for swimmers, the beach is excellent for sunbathing, surfer-watching, and long scenic walks, especially for those looking for something secluded and totally crowd-free.

RELATED:   The Most Underrated Places in Spain

Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia

Photographers (and everyone on Instagram), gather round: Driftwood Beach is a must-see this month. Famous for its sandy strip piled high with pieces of—you guessed it—driftwood, this picturesque Georgia locale is jaw-droppingly pretty. While summer months can be stifling hot here, October kicks off the pleasant weather season. Grab your cameras, Jetsetters!

Photos courtesy of Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Fiji

Yasawa Islands Beaches, Fiji

October is the perfect time to visit Fiji before its cyclone season starts in November. Looking for the ultimate relaxation spot? The unspoiled beaches at Yasawa Islands are extra serene compared to Fiji’s more popular Mamanucas. One caveat: this getaway is best for someone wanting to really disconnect, since there aren’t many shops or restaurants on the island—here, it’s all about natural beauty. With clear blue waters and uncharted reefs, the Yasawas are especially great for scuba diving and snorkeling. You also can’t miss swimming in the hidden chambers of the Blue Lagoon Caves . We recommend staying at Yasawa Island Resort for access to 11 of the most amazing private beaches and the opportunity to stay in a traditionally thatched, beachfront bure suite.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Yasawa Islands, Fiji hotels

Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California

Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is famous for its spots of purple—yes, purple—sand, a result of  concentrated garnet minerals mixed in with the quartz. Majestic, right? The beach’s towering rock formations create an additional sense of awe, as does the adventure of getting there. (The beach is notoriously tricky to find, but that makes the incredible sights even more rewarding.)  Though October temps are a little cooler—lows of 45 degrees and highs of 69—the crowds are much smaller than in summer months. Plus, fall in Big Sur is prime time for wildlife lovers, since hundreds of monarch butterflies in the area’s Andrew Molera State Park begin migrating come October.

RELATED:  10 Incredible Places to Visit in California

Isle of Palms Beach, South Carolina

For a calm, clean, can’t-go-wrong spot in the U.S., pay a visit to Isle of Palms in South Carolina. The beach is huge, which means people can spread out to find a quiet section for peaceful sunbathing, and the waves are mild and relaxing. Prepare for balmy, high of 77 degree weather in October, one of the most comfortable (read: not muggy) times of the year.

Taharu'u Beach, Papara, Tahiti

For something a little different than the white or gold sands most people are used to, check out the Beach of Taharu’u in Papara, Tahiti. Here, you’ll find a change of scenery with a stunning black-sand beach complete with mountain views. The spot is known for its huge surfer-friendly waves, and there are picnic tables along the soft sand for beachgoers to eat, relax, and soak up the sun and sights before Tahiti’s humid, rainy season begins in November.

RELATED: 10 Romantic Getaways for Couples That Won’t Break the Bank

What to Pack

Women’s pant cover-up for a vacation, shop the look.

Waterproof Mascara

Corduroy Tote

Split Leg Pants

Espadrilles

Men’s shirtless swimwear for july.

Facial Sunscreen

Swim Trunks

Waterproof Watch

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17 Local Things To Do In California In October

From mountains and beaches to forests and deserts, California has it all and then some. October is the perfect time to plan your trip!

As our summer season begins to wane and temperatures begin to cool, you can take advantage of all of the autumn activities that California has to offer. Read on for fun things to do in California in October.

Table Of Contents

Things To Do In Northern California In October

1. San Francisco Fleet Week 

When the lights go down in the city, and the sun shines on the bay, how I want to be there for… San Francisco Fleet Week !

Journey references aside, Fleet Week is San Francisco’s annual Navy Airshow. This year, events run from October 3-11. The entire SF community comes together to partake in the free events!

SFFW offers ship tours, neighborhood concerts and parades throughout the week, where you can get a first-hand look at the different Navy ships. 

However, the main events are the SFFW Airshows! Grab a spot at Marina Green and take in the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as they fly in choreographed formations across the sky.

Taken with the views of the Golden Gate and Alcatraz island in the distance, this is a breathtaking event that you don’t want to miss! 

Interested in flying above San Francisco? Check out this scenic helicopter tour that soars above Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf and more!

2. Sonoma County Harvest Fair

La Dolce Vita is here in California. If you like wine, there is no better time to visit than during our harvest season in October.

While you can be sure to find wine tastings and festivals throughout the state (hey, we like our grapes), there is perhaps nowhere better to enjoy than in the famed Sonoma and Napa Valley regions. 

Though different vineyards tend to offer their own private wine-tasting events, there are certainly some larger festivals to participate in. For example, enjoy the Sonoma County Harvest Fair on October 14 -15.

This festival will feature over 150 wineries for tastings, food pairings and demonstrations. There will also be celebrations with local community businesses and farms, making it a fun way to spend the weekend.

Visit 3 Sonoma County wineries in one day on this small-group wine tasting tour !

3. Blended Festival

Wanting to try some varietals in Southern California? The SoCal region offers many vineyard options as well. Consider attending similar events in Temecula or San Diego.

This year, America’s Finest City will offer the Blended Festival on October 8-9, complete with live music, culinary stages, wellness events and other activities.

3. Fall Foliage Camping in Yosemite National Park

Fall is definitely the best season to go camping in California. The temperature has finally become bearable and the leaves are beginning to change color. Finally, we have the ability to go out on longer outdoor adventures.

Yosemite National Park is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places to visit in California. Set in the center of the state in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the park is famous for old-growth sequoia forests, waterfalls and the enormous granite cliffs called El Capitan and Half Dome.

Outdoor adventurists and tourists alike are in awe when they see the magnificent Bridalveil Falls and wander around Mirror Lake in the center of Yosemite Valley.

While the park has adopted a reservation system where you schedule your visit months in advance, it is definitely worth the planning to secure a slot!

If you’re not able to get a reservation in time, consider doing a Full Day Tour of the Park’s highlights. 

Things To Do In Central California In October

4. Drive along the Central Coast

Drive the PCH to the center of the state, and you’ll find the rugged cliffs of the California coast. These lesser known beach towns are great getaway destinations that offer many fun and exciting things to do!

5. Experience sand dunes, butterflies and more in Pismo Beach

Try taking an ATV on the coastal sand dunes or visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach.

Outdoors aren’t your thing? Take full advantage of the nearby beach boardwalks where you can promenade and stop in for local treats like Tomasko’s Salt Water Taffy or Red Bee Coffee in Grover Beach.

Explore the larger town of San Luis Obispo nearby too. In addition to being a college town with ample art galleries and shopping, the area is also known for its spa resorts.

6. Relax in a thermal bath

Stop by Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa for a relaxing afternoon. You can rent a private thermal bath for a couple hours and relax in the sweet surrounding sounds of nature. 

7. Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival

If you plan your October visit just right, you’ll be happy as a clam. Literally! Catch the 76th Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival on October 15-16. This large community festival will highlight local restaurants, vendors and businesses.

Younger family members can enjoy the Kids Zone in between sampling local clam chowders and other delicious dishes. 

Head to the best places to eat in San Luis Obispo on this all-inclusive food walking tour .

8. Step into a fairytale in Solvang

Solvang is a quaint town in California’s central coast. Near to Santa Barbara, Solvang is known Danish influences and heritage. 

Tour the sweet town center and check out local Danish restaurants and bakeries. If you have time for breakfast, be sure to stop in Solvang Restaurant , where you can try the Danish pancake balls, Aeblskiver .

Part donut-hole part pancake, these dough balls are topped with your choice of jam and/or powdered sugar.

It’s a perfect way to start your day as you enjoy the shops, wineries and attractions in Solvang. Keeping with the Danish theme, check out the nearby Hans Christian Andersen Museum and Park, named for the Danish author that wrote many of the fairytales we know today. 

9. Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch

When you’re ready, step further into the real-life fairytale and head over to the Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch . Throughout the month of October, you can go to the farm and pick your pumpkins (before you’re turned into one!).

This family-friendly attraction offers kids of all ages the chance to pick out their personal pumpkins! You can also keep in the autumn spirit and enjoy a massive 10 acre corn maze enjoy a corn maze. Everyone will have a jolly gourd time!

Experience the tastiest food and scenic landmarks at this Danish town through this Food and Photo Tour .

Things To Do In Southern California In October

10. descanso gardens .

Staying in character for #spookyseason? Try out the “ Carved ” exhibition at Descanso Gardens between October 7-31. 

Descanso Gardens is famous year-round for its beautiful gardens and park setting, but in October the “Carved” exhibit is a fun additional installation.

Count on seeing hundreds of carved jack-o-lanterns and light installations, along with other seasonal favorites like hay-rides and mazes. This year will even include a Dia de los Muertos exhibit.

Whether you decide to visit Descanso Gardens for their traditional gardens or go during the “Carved” event, it’s sure to be a fun time for everyone!

Before heading to the Carved exhibition, take a 11-mile drive to Burbank to check out the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood .

11. Joshua Tree National Park 

Embrace the desert digs as the hot California temperatures finally begin to cool in October. Visiting Joshua National Park in October is the best time of year for your trip. 

Camp, hike or boulder around the stark landscapes. The park is famous as the home of the Joshua Tree – this is the only place on the planet where these trees grow.

A stronghold of native plant and wildlife species, Joshua Tree National Park remains one of the most delicate but persevering desert ecosystems in the world. 

12. Joshua Tree Music Festival

While you’re here, enjoy the Joshua Tree Music Festival that happens during the first week of October.

13. Try the World Famous Date Shake

After you’ve completed your outdoor adventures, enjoy the neighboring Palm Desert and Palm Springs locales. In Palm Springs, there are many shops, art galleries local eateries to enjoy.

However the best treat from the region can be found just outside the city limits. Hadley’s Fruit Orchards offers the best dessert in the desert: their World Famous Date Shake. Try the original – simple, sweet and delicious – the shake alone makes the desert drive worth it.

Enjoy the rocky and desert landscape on this driving tour around Joshua Tree National Park .

14. Apple Picking in Julian

Enjoy the start of the apple harvest season by heading up to local farms in the San Diego region. Take your pick from the orchards directly; There are many varieties grown at each location.

Pay for a 5-gallon bag and fill it up as you wander the beautiful apple orchards that are nestled in the nearby mountains of the small town of Julian .

15. Enjoy A Fresh Slice of Apple Pie

Once you’ve completed your harvest, head over to poke around charming mercantile, boutique shops and bakeries in the town center. 

Mom’s Pie House and Julian Pie Company are two delicious and locally famous apple pie bakeries. Order a fresh-baked slice of pie served a la mode with their homemade cinnamon ice cream.

These two locally famous bakeries do not disappoint, and their pies are a treat you won’t soon forget.

Take a day trip to San Diego and enjoy the 11 top attractions on this tour .

16. Apple Cider Tasting

If you prefer to drink your apple a day, be sure to stop by a couple of cideries for a glass (or flight) of hard apple cider. Julian Hard Cider offers traditional seasonal sweet ciders along with taster flights.

Nearby, the newer Calico Cidery offers natural and “dry” tasting ciders. The two establishments differ drastically in approach and product, so why not give each a go and see how do you like them apples?

17. Annual Oktoberfest  in Big Bear Lake

No October would be complete without Oktoberfest, and California is no exception. Between September 10 – November 1, the mountain town Big Bear Lake near Los Angeles will host their 52nd Annual Oktoberfest .

Take a day trip to Los Angeles and get a grand intro to the city on this tour .

Oktoberfest will highlight local brewers and their libations. The weekends will also showcase local businesses, restaurants and German-American artists and bands. 

Expect a fun atmosphere with lively German music and performances, bratwursts and brews as you celebrate the Fall season in the lovely alpine forests of Big Bear Lake.

Once you’ve gotten your fill, take in the scenery of the lake and mountains. If you have enough time, you can even try to go on a peaceful nature walk or kayak on the lake.

Need a car to get around California? Here’s all you need to know about renting a car in California.

Best Tours In California In October

This post was written by guest writer, laurén green..

Bio : Laurén is the author of the blog,  Wander With Wren , where she highlights diverse travel stories. She is especially passionate about sharing resources for multicultural female travelers that are exploring the world solo. Laurén provides travel stories, tips and guides in the Wander With Wren podcast. In her spare time, you can find her hiking and beach-going in her native Southern California, or organizing her next adventure.

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, Shreeyeh Rajan is the founder of Bae Area and Beyond, a California blog with over 45,000 monthly readers and featured in more than 25 sites.

With a love for California that runs deep, Shreeyeh and her husband explore the Golden State every chance they get, from the beaches in Santa Cruz to the hiking trails of Yosemite.

Through her blog, Shreeyeh hopes to inspire readers to fall in love with California just like she did.

10 Things To Do in California in October & Top Places to Visit

California offers endless activities and unique destinations to visit throughout the year. This list of top things to do in California in October includes many must-see locations. Also, there are a lot of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations too . They may not be as well known but are absolutely worth a visit. And October is the perfect month to plan your trip!

I have lived in northern and southern California for the last six years. My husband and I have really taken advantage of road trips and discovering our new home on the west coast. Here is my list of the top things to do in California in October to add to your bucket list.

Is October a Good Time to Go to California?

If you are planning a visit to the Golden State and wondering if October is a good time to go to California. You are in luck. Many people do not know this, but October is a fantastic month to visit California. Also, October is a popular time of year for festivals and events!

The fall months are my favorite time of year to travel around California. You will typically have fewer crowds, especially compared to the summer, and it is the ideal weather for outdoor activities. If you are planning on camping, hiking, or even a trip to the beach, October is the best time to go. The temperatures are usually pleasant and not too hot.

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Things To Do in October in California: Southern California

1. see the iconic los angeles.

First up, among the top things to do in October in California is Los Angeles, one of the most iconic and well-known destinations around the globe.

There are so many incredible things to do and see in LA. Such as viewing Los Angeles from above at the Griffith Observatory , hiking Runyon Canyon, visiting the Santa Monica Pier, dancing the night away in West Hollywood, or going shopping (or window shopping) along Rodeo Drive.

I lived in LA for a year, and one of the first things I learned was how enormous and spread out the county of Los Angeles actually is. To visit the different cities or beach towns, you will need a car or an uber to get there. And the other thing LA is famous for is its insane amount of traffic.

October is the perfect time to visit Los Angeles because you will have the opportunity to experience many of the city’s biggest attractions and most popular destinations with fewer crowds and less traffic. Keep in mind there will still be traffic and other tourists. However, October is a way better time to visit than the summer months.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

If it is your first time visiting LA, I recommend staying in Santa Monica. I lived in Santa Monica for a year and absolutely loved it. It is on the touristy side. However, you will be footsteps away from the beach, shopping at the 3rd Street Promenade, and numerous fantastic restaurants.

One of our favorite things to do was to rent bikes and bike the beach path to Venice , where you can visit the famous Venice Beach and walk along the boardwalk. Venice is known for its bohemian and free-spirited vibes with its artistic shops and various street performers.

An amazing, option for a hotel in Santa Monica is the Viceroy Santa Monica . The hotel is l ocated in the main hub of Santa Monica , so you can easily walk to the beach, the promenade, or Santa Monica Pier.

The Viceroy also offers an updated outdoor pool with open-air cabanas, an onsite bar, and a restaurant. Other awesome perks of the hotel include access to bicycles, fitness and business centers, and beach yoga classes.

✅ Book your stay at Viceroy Santa Monica here

2. Get Some R&R in Palm Springs

Another top thing to do in California in October is to visit Palm Springs . For many years Palm Springs has been known as a popular resort destination for the rich and famous in southern California . However, this luxury desert oasis offers many other things to do. And Palm Springs is absolutely worth visiting !

Besides relaxing by the pool or enjoying one of the many 5-star spas, Palm Springs also has a variety of outdoor activities.  Glide above the cliffs of Chino Canyon in the largest aerial tramway in the world.  Or you can go hiking at one of the numerous nearby trails or enjoy a round of golf. Palm Springs is considered the golf capital of the world, with over 100 golf courses in the area.  

A visit to Palms Springs is not complete without a trip to Joshua Tree National Park. About an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, you can plan a day of hiking, horseback riding, biking, rock climbing, and exploring the national park by car.

One of our favorite things that we have done at Joshua Tree is to go stargazing at night.  On a clear and moonless night, the dark night sky sparkles with shooting stars, the big dipper, and if you plan accordingly, you could possibly see the milky way.

October is one of the best months to visit Palm Springs for pleasant weather and affordable accommodations . Palm Springs experiences scorching hot summers that easily reach triple digits throughout the summer. 

Tourist peak season in Palm Springs is between January to April.  During this time of year, you will find the best weather, but accommodations are more expensive, and you will see an influx of tourists. 

Where to Stay in Palm Springs

Treat yourself to a stay at the   Parker Palm Springs , a 5-star resort located only a 10-minute drive from Downtown Palm Springs.

The Parker Palm Springs Hotel has numerous incredible amenities including multiple pools, tennis, croquet, fitness center, yoga, bicycles to explore the area, and multiple top-notch restaurants. 

✅ Book your stay at Parker Palm Springs here

3. Explore & Hike Death Valley National Park

October is the perfect time of year to visit the one-of-a-kind location, Death Valley . It is known as the hottest place on earth. The sweltering summer heat starts early in Death Valley. By May, Death Valley is already reaching uncomfortable temperatures in the triple digits. 

In October, the valley has just started to cool off with average daily temperatures of a high of 82°F and a low of 54°F.

During October, you will also have your pick of the top accommodations as it is usually not crowded during this time of year. The spring months, especially in March and April, are usually packed, and reservations have to be made months in advance.

Besides being the hottest place on earth, Death Valley National Park features epic landscapes, including enormous salt flats, rolling dunes, massive craters, colorful mountains, and rugged canyons.

A trip to Death Valley feels like you are exploring a different planet! The otherworldly sights such as Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View, and Artist Palette are unlike any place on earth. A favorite location among many is Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in North America. Walk out to the salt flats and admire the unique honeycomb salt flats that stretch out for miles.

Where to Stay in Death Valley

When choosing a place to stay when visiting Death Valley , you need to decide if you would like to stay inside or outside of the national park. If you stay inside the park, it cuts down on your driving time each day to get to the park.

However, you will find cheaper accommodations in one of the towns outside of the national park, like Beatty, NV. The small town of Beatty is also known as the “Gateway to Death Valley” and is only 7 miles from the entrance of the national park. 

The Oasis at Death Valley offers two great options of hotels in the national park. The Inn at Death Valley   is the more luxurious option for lodging. This hotel is an oasis in the middle of the desert with amenities like a sauna, spa treatments, tennis courts, a gym, a swimming pool, and multiple restaurants.

✅ Book your stay at The Inn at Death Valley  here

The Ranch at Death Valley  is great for large groups or families. The Ranch offers a lot of family friendly activities such as a pool, playground, horseback rides, fire pits, horseshoe pits, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts.

✅ Book your stay at The Ranch at Death Valley  here

Things To Do in October in California: Central California

4. visit the purple sand beach in big sur.

Big Sur is California’s central coast at its finest. Located along the famous Pacific Coast Highway, the drive to big Big Sur alone will leave you in awe. With many vistas along the way, the stretch of road to Big Sur runs between the jagged tall mountainside and the rugged Pacific coast. It’s one of my favorite drives to do in California.

Big Sur is a popular location for hiking trails, camping, breathtaking views, and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. October has some of its best weather in Big Sur . You will experience long sunny days, and the summer coastal fog has vanished for the season.

It is also the perfect month to go camping. During the summer months, campsites book up many months in advance. In October, the Big Sur campgrounds are less crowded, and you will still have comfortable days and nights with an average temperature varying between 66.7°F and 54°F.

The true hidden gem of Big Sur is Pfeiffer Beach , a small sandy beach known for its one-of-a-kind purple sand. The swirls of violet-hued sand can be found after a recent rainstorm. The purple sand is created by manganese garnet that has trickled down from the nearby mountains.

Located in the heart of Big Sur, Pfeiffer Beach is one of California’s most beautiful beaches. The shoreline is scattered with stunning rock formations, including the epic keyhole arch. Watch as the waves rush through the keyhole of this unique massive rock formation.

Where to Stay in Big Sur

Big Sur Lodge is a 3-star hotel located in Big Sur, CA, and only 1.9 miles from Pfeiffer Beach. Big Sur Lodge is a great option for a family with amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, an onsite restaurant, and hiking trails.

✅ Book your stay at Big Sur Lodge

If you are looking for a more rustic stay and an adventure in nature, Big Sur Campgrounds & Cabins may be the perfect option for you. Their options for stay are an RV site, glamping cabins, tent sites, and cabins.

5. Wine Tasting in Paso Robles

One of California’s le sser-known wine regions, Paso Robles , is a magical location with acres of cascading hills of vineyards, olive groves, historic downtown, and hot springs. Keep Paso Robles on your radar because it is an up-and-coming destination in central California.

Located on the California Central Coast, Paso Robles is halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It may not be as well known as Napa Valley or Sonoma. However, don’t let that sway you. Paso Robles offers a world-class wine region, laid-back wine tasting experiences, and wineries with stunning vineyard views.

If you are looking for the perfect wine-tasting experience in Paso Robles, you can book a tour to visit some of Paso Robles’s top wineries. With the Paso Robles Wine Adventure , your guide will help you create your own personal wine tasting tour through Paso Robles that includes stops at four to six wineries.

Booking a small group tour is a great way to learn more about the wine region and get your own personal DD for the day. Trust me, after a couple of wine tastings, you will be so happy you have someone driving you to each winery.

🍷 Book the Paso Robles Wine Adventure here

The month of October is harvest season in Paso Robles. Wine harvest season is when the grapes have fully ripened and are ready to be harvested for production. During this time, you will find many exciting events, tours, winemaker dinners, grape stomps, and more scheduled throughout the month.

October also brings exceptional weather to Paso Robles with warm and sunny days ranging from a high of 80°F and a low of 55°F at night. The vines begin to change color from a bright green to a golden hue, and the grapes are perfectly matured.

Where to Stay in Paso Robles

We have visited Paso Robles a couple of times now, and so far my favorite hotel to stay at is the Allegretto Vineyard Resort .

The Allegretto Resort is Tuscan-inspired and surrounded by 20 acres of beautiful vineyards. You can book vineyard tours or spend some time on your own exploring the grounds of Allegretto. They produce delicious wine as well. Allegretto provides wine tastings that you can do either in their tasting room or in the beautiful gardens.

The hotel is also dog friendly, which was a huge perk for us because we had brought our Golden Retriever with us to go wine tasting. Paso Robles is actually a very dog-friendly location. Dogs are welcomed at most of the hotels , wineries, and restaurants.

✅  Book your stay at Allegretto Vineyard Resort here

Things To Do in October in California: Northern California

6. visit the city of san francisco.

The city of San Francisco is at the top of many bucket lists.  It is so unique and different from other California locations, and it is definitely a must-visit destination.  San Francisco is an iconic location that is famously known for its diverse culture, incredible cuisine, gorgeous scenery, and renowned landmarks. 

October is one of the best times to visit San Francisco! October offers some of the city’s warmest temperatures year-round, which makes it great for planning tours and other outdoor activities. Also, the summer crowds have disappeared. So you will have an easier time booking accommodations and city tours.

San Francisco offers many things to do , such as walking the Golden Gate Bridge , visiting Alcatraz Island , riding a cable car through the hilly city, exploring the majestic redwoods at Muir Woods , or taking a ferry to Sausalito . Booking a tour can be a great way to see as much of the city and the Bay Area as possible.

The One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz is a great option for a tour because you will visit a ton of incredible Bay Area locations in just one day. Your tour includes a day with your informative guide touring the top neighborhoods in San Francisco , a drive across the Golden Gate Bridge , lunch with a view in Sausalito , a visit to Muir Woods , and a trip to the historic prison at Alcatraz Island .

✅ Book the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz here

Where to Stay in San Francisco

There are numerous different neighborhoods in San Francisco to choose from for your stay. Some of the notable ones included North Beach, Nob Hill, SoMa, The Mission, Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, Marina, and Union Square.

Each neighborhood has its own unique personality and perks of staying there. I personally would recommend staying in Nob Hill. It is located in the heart of San Francisco, but not as touristy or expensive as neighborhoods like Fisherman’s Wharf.

An incredible hotel to stay in Nob Hill is the historic Fairmount San Francisco . Fairmount hotels are notoriously well known for their luxurious amenities and 5 star service. We stayed at the famous Fairmount San Francisco on a weekend getaway to city and it surely did not disappoint.

The beautiful property is centrally located and hotel rooms offer panoramic views of the city and bay. Other amenities include a rooftop garden, fitness center, spa, two onsite restaurants, and pet friendly rooms.

✅ Book your stay at the Fairmount San Francisco here

7. Enjoy a Pumpkin Festival in Half Moon Bay

Only 45 minutes south of San Francisco is where you can find the beautiful city of Half Moon Bay. Located along the California coast, Half Moon Bay is the perfect day trip or getaway from the city. Half Moon Bay is also extremely dog friendly .

The small charming town offers numerous activities for any traveler to enjoy. You can spend the afternoon walking or biking the scenic Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail or relaxing at one of the many white sandy beaches. Another popular thing to do is to take a stroll along the historic downtown. Downtown Half Moon Bay is a quaint area on Main Street with plenty of great restaurants, bakeries, boutiques, and history.

After you have worked up an appetite, it is time to eat some delicious and fresh seafood at Sam’s Chowder House. One of our personal favorite dishes is their famous lobster rolls. You have the option of ordering your lobster roll either cold and dressed in a lemon aioli or naked with butter served warm. Sitting outside is a must! Their deck has an outstanding view overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Pillar Point Harbor.

Besides wonderful weather this time of year, Half Moon Bay celebrates the fall and October with special events held throughout the month.

The most popular event is Half Moon Bay’s annual Pumpkin Festival. A fun-filled weekend of live music, pie eating contest, expert pumpkin carving, an enormous heavyweight pumpkin weigh-off, costume contests, and other fall activities. Also, you can enjoy lots of yummy pumpkin-inspired food, craft beer, and signature cocktails.

Where to Stay in Half Moon Bay

Sit back and relax at the waterfront Oceano Hotel and Spa in Half Moon Bay. The luxury hotel features gorgeous views of the coast and harbor and offers numerous lavish amenities. Such as their spa, fitness center, onsite restaurant, and ideal location.

Next to the Oceano Hotel is The Shoppes at Harbor Village, where you can spend time shopping at the unique stores or visit one of the nearby wineries and breweries.

✅ Book your stay at the Oceano Hotel and Spa here

8. Visit the Aquarium or Go On a Whale Tour in Monterey

Monterey is a gorgeous town located on California’s rugged Pacific coastline. It is the perfect stop to make when driving the Pacific Coast Highway or making a trip from San Francisco. There are so many wonderful things to do in Monterey. I suggest at least staying a night so you can experience all of the beauty this coastal town has to offer.

Monterey is famously known for its diverse marine life. It is home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is considered one of the best aquariums in the country! The aquarium features the marine habitats of Monterey Bay. Such as playful sea otters, translucent jellyfish, adorable penguins, sharks, and thousands of other sea creatures.

An adventurous and fun thing to do in Monterey is to book a Whale Watching Tour . October is one of the best months to see Humpback and Blue Whales in Monterey Bay. If you have never been on a whale watching tour, this is your time to book one. Seeing these enormous and incredible mammals up close is truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

✅ Book a Whale Watching Tour here

Another must thing to do in Monterey is the 17-Mile Drive. Hop in your car and spend the day driving the picturesque Pacific coast. The 17-Mile Drive is by far one of the most stunning and scenic drives in California.

Where to Stay in Monterey

Portola Hotel & Spa is a great option for your stay in Monetery. The hotel is in the perfect location; you will be within walking distance from Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, and other popular hot spots in Monterey. It’s a little more budget-friendly than some other hotels nearby. However, Portola offers the same incredible amenities.

Such as an award-winning spa, onsite dining, and rooms with private balconies. The Portola Hotel & Spa is also dog-friendly! We stayed here in the past and were very impressed by their dog-friendly rooms. Everything was white and clean, and we really enjoyed our stay here.

✅ Book your stay at Portola Hotel & Spa

9. Harvest Season in Napa Valley

When people think of California Wine Country, Napa Valley is the destination that comes to mind. Napa Valley is one of the world’s most well-known and prestigious wine-tasting regions. And it is 100% worth visiting.

Napa Valley is a destination in itself. Forget about San Francisco. Many people travel to the Bay Area to just spend time wine tasting in Napa Valley. If you are trying to decide how many days to spend in Napa Valley , I have a complete guide with tips here.

💰 Want to Save $$ Wine Tasting

The cost of wine tastings can easily add up when you visit multiple wineries in a weekend. If you want to save money on wine tasting and use it elsewhere like towards accommodations, restaurants, and tours- Priority Wine Pass can cut your tasting fees in half! Literally. They offer 2 for 1 tastings at participating wineries. So you would only need one pass per couple! It’s a pretty incredible deal! * My readers get the Wine Pass at a discounted rate . Make sure to use the coupon code TTWT to get the best deal!

If you don’t have a lot of travel time in northern California, Napa Valley can be visited on a day trip. It is about an hour to an hour and a half drive from San Francisco. You can either rent a car. Or a simpler and safer option would be to book a tour. A tour that I suggest to Napa Valley from San Francisco is the Small Group Napa Valley Tour for Wine Lovers .

This tour does all of the planning for you. Don’t worry about the hassle of driving or deciding on a designated driver. This company will provide you with a private driver/guide that will pick you up from your hotel or residence in San Francisco.

They have a custom itinerary of 3 wineries that are already chosen for you and a designated location for lunch. Your knowledgeable guide is a wine-enthusiast guide that will be with you at each winery. You basically just get to sit back and enjoy the views and delicious wine.

✅ You can book the Small Group Napa Valley Tour for Wine Lovers here

One of the ultimate things to do in California in October is to go wine tasting in Napa Valley. October is a fantastic month to visit Napa Valley because it is the region’s harvest season.

October brings warm autumn weather, changing leaves, and the excitement of the harvest season. During this time of year, expect lots of events at the wineries and food events, including Napa Valley restaurant week.

However, if you plan on visiting Napa Valley in October , I recommend booking your accommodations and wine tastings as soon as possible . October is considered Napa’s peak season.

First time to Napa Valley? Check out my guide that provides all of the tips you will need for visiting Napa Valley.

⭐ And don’t forget. If you want to save money on your wine tastings get your Priority Wine Pass here

Where to Stay in Napa Valley

You will quickly discover that accommodations in Napa Valley can get very pricey! If you want the best of the best in Napa Valley without paying an arm and a leg, The Meritage Resort and Spa is a great option. The grounds at The Meritage Resort and Spa are breathtaking. The resort is surrounded by rolling hills of 9 acres of gorgeous vineyards.

We recently stayed here with a group of friends and really enjoyed our time. After a day of wine tasting, we loved heading back to the Meritage for some pool time. The hotel is also in a great location. It is only a 10 minute drive from all of the action in downtown Napa Valley.

The Meritage Resort and Spa offers a number of luxurious amenities including, a spa in an underground estate cave, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, a bowling alley, wellness classes, an onsite tasting room, and multiple onsite restaurants.

✅ Book your stay at the beautiful Meritage Resort and Spa here

10. Explore the One of a Kind Mono Lake

Mono Lake is probably one of the most underrated and least well-known locations on this list of things to do in October in California. Personally, I stumbled upon it when we were creating our road trip from Death Valley, and I am shocked that I didn’t know this place existed before then.

You can find Mono Lake in eastern California in the small rural town of Lee Vining, near the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Located at the eastern gateway to Yosemite National Park, it is often referred to as the “Gateway to Yosemite National Park.”

Mono Lake formed over 1 million years ago and is one of the oldest lakes in North America. What makes this lake so special is the high levels of salt that cause the water to be alkaline. Over many years this has created the unique tufa columns along Mono Lake. The ghost-like structures are formed by the carbonate-rich saltwater that has created the limestone.

After visiting Mono Lake, you should discover the other diverse and epic landscapes in Mono County. Black Point Fissures is a unique hike in Mono Lake with gaping slot canyons, volcanic rock, and panoramic views of the ancient lake. Or take a dip a Travertine Hot Springs, a natural hot spring that showcases stunning views of the Sierra Mountains.

Mono Lake in October is one of the few places in California where you can experience fall colors . Between mid-September and mid-October, the leaves will start to change in Mono Lake to beautiful shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown.

Where to Stay in Mono Lake

Accommodations near Mono Lake are very limited, I suggest staying in one of the nearby towns like Bridgeport or June Lake.

Double Eagle Resort and Spa is a great option for accommodation in June Lake. J une Lake is often referred to as “The Switzerland Of California,” for its beautiful landscapes . It is located south of Mono Lake towards Mammoth. The area is also great for hiking, kayaking, and taking scenic drives.

The Double Eagles Resort offers large cozy cabins, an onsite restaurant and saloon, pet-friendly accommodations, and a spa including a fitness center, pool, and hot tubs.

✅ Book your stay at the Double Eagle Resort and Spa here

Weather In California In October

California traditionally has exceptional weather in October. There is a small chance of rain in October, so most days are warm and sunny. October is the perfect month to visit California for planning hiking trips, camping, sightseeing, beach days, and other outdoor activities.

California has a Mediterranean climate, which means   warm dry summers and cool, mild winters. Depending on what part of the state you are visiting, the highs range from the 70s to the low 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the lows rarely dip below the 60s or mid-50 degrees Fahrenheit.

What To Pack For California In October

When packing for a trip to California in October, it is important to bring lots of layers. Layers are key when traveling to any location in California throughout the year. You will want light layers that you can easily take on and off throughout the day. Especially, if you are staying on the coast, like San Francisco. Even on sunny days, it can get chilly from the bay breeze.

You are going to want to pack a warm jacket for the nighttime. Once the sun goes down, the temperatures will immediately drop. Usually, in October, you will experience nights in the ’50s.

Other items you will want to pack are comfortable walking shoes, we do a lot of walking and hiking in California. Flats or booties and jeans for dressing up for dinner. Light sweaters or pullovers for the daytime. And don’t forget your sunscreen.

In Conclusion: Things To Do in California in October

There are loads of fun and amazing things to do in California in October! As a person who has lived in California for the last six years, I think October is one of the best months to visit this gorgeous and diverse state.

Want more California? For all of my California content, you can check out my California Travel Page which has guides to many more top California destinations. Do you know someone who lives in California or is obsessed with visiting California? Find my 21 California Themed Gift Ideas .

Alisha Rose is the founder of TTWT and has lived in California since 2016. She is a Registered Nurse, but loves exploring her beautiful home of California every chance she gets with her family and two Golden Retrievers. Also a world traveler, she has traveled to over 21 countries, a total of 5 continents, and 27 states in the US.

California in October: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Chase Dekker Wild-Life Images/Getty Images 

In spite of all those cliches about California in the summer, October is actually one of the best times of year to visit. Weather is good almost anywhere, there's unlikely to be fog at the coast, and you can expect dry conditions and sunny skies al month.

While the state may not be the best-known in the country for fall foliage,  the golden-yellow aspen trees of the Eastern Sierras  are an autumn highlight and typically at their peak in October. October may also be your last chance to  travel over Tioga Pass from Yosemite  before it closes due to winter snow build-up.

Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos in California

You can find dozens of ways to celebrate the spooky season in California. Every theme park in the state (and many of the smaller attractions) host seasonal parties and events. You can go to festivals in most towns, or dig a little deeper to check out ghost tours and haunted place around the state. They're all in the guide to Halloween in California .

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort : The so-called Happiest Place on Earth gets to be even more fun when they celebrate Halloween. You'll find rides transformed into holiday themes, seasonal foods, and cute decorations. Even better is the annual after-hours Halloween Party, which is the only time that adults can wear a costume at Disneyland.

It looks a little like Halloween, but Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time to honor your lost loved ones. It's a colorful celebration that lets you culturally immerse yourself in traditional and authentic Mexican traditions. You can celebrate in many parts of the state, but you will find many Dia de Los Muertos celebrations in San Diego and lots of ways to explore the Day of the Dead in Los Angeles .

California Weather in October

The weather in California varies depending on what part of the state you're visiting. In general, the entire state is pleasant in October — highs range from the 70s to the low 90s, and lows across California seldom dip below the low 60s or mid-50s.

Lake Tahoe, on the other hand, starts getting cold with lowest temperatures dipping to near freezing (although highs stay in the 50s).

You can get details of the highs and lows around the state in October (and all year round) by consulting these guides to some average highs, lows, and more weather considerations in some popular tourist destinations, such as  San Diego ,  Los Angeles ,  Disneyland ,  Death Valley ,  Palm Springs ,  San Francisco ,  Yosemite , and  Lake Tahoe .

What to Pack

Things to do in California during October happen everywhere from the desert to the mountains. Your packing list will vary depending on what you're doing. These are a few things to keep in mind.

Water and air temperatures at the beach are still good for oceanside strolls and quick barefoot dips in the surf. But you should know that the beach areas are always colder than inland and they get even chillier when the sun goes down.

If you plan on spending time outdoors camping or hiking, pack light layers to stay warm and covered (but ones that you can quickly shed if it gets too hot), and bring appropriate footwear.

No matter where your plans take you, pack plenty of sunscreen, as the sun shines almost every day in October.

October Events in California

• JazzTrax Festival   on Catalina Island sells out every year. Make plans a few months in advance to get your fill of "cool jazz."
• Fleet Week , San Francisco:  It's a celebration of the military fleet, featuring some impressive ships and an eye-popping air show.
• Pumpkin Festival , Half Moon Bay:  It's that giant pumpkin contest you see every year in the media, with lots of fall fun.
• Oktoberfest , Big Bear Lake:  You know what Oktoberfest is all about - beer and more beer - and they've got it.
• Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival , San Francisco:  This free event is held in Golden Gate Park and features tons of really excellent bluegrass-style performers.
• Cambria Scarecrow Festival:  More than 350 of the cutest, most creative scarecrows you can imagine line the town's streets.
• Outstanding in the Field:  Bringing the dinner table to the farm, this traveling event invites diners to enjoy and celebrate food, with the people who produce it, right at the source.
• Western Film Festival , Lone Pine:  More cowboy-filled western movies were filmed around Lone Pine than you can count and this festival celebrates them all.

Things to Do in California in October

• Whale Watching in October :  Gray whales start their southward migration, and you may also see blue whales, fin whales, and Minke whales.
• October is an excellent time to get busy exploring more things to do in California in the fall  or to start thinking about that perfect California fall getaway .

Travel Tips for October

• Start making plans in August for the  Halloween Party at Disneyland . It may be the most fun time to go all year - and it's the best Disneyland bargain out there. Tickets go on sale early in August and the most popular days sell out fast.
• If you want to take a lantern tour of  Old City Cemetery in Sacramento, buy tickets early in September. By the end of the month, they'll all be sold out.
• If you want to go camping at a California state park in October, make your reservations six months ahead of time in April.  Everything you need to know is here .
• If you're planning to camp at Yosemite next September 15 through October 14, be ready at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time on May 15 to make your reservations online. For October 15 through November 14, mark your calendar for June 15. You can do that  online  or by phone at 877-444-6777 or 518-885-3639 from outside the US & Canada.  Get an overview and more options here .

November in California: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

December in California: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

August in California: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Summer in California: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

July in California: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Halloween in the USA

January in California: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

April in California: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

The Best Fall Getaways for Families

Where to Take the Kids in October

October in Los Angeles: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

October in Paris: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Best of the West: Top Tourist Destinations

September in California: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Fall in California: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

February in the United States: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

The Best Places to Travel in October

By Caitlin Morton

As much as we love beach lounging in summer and exploring snowy wonderlands in winter, there’s something extra special about traveling during the fall. Aside from fewer tourists and lower prices, October brings harvest festivals, Halloween parties, and the best foliage of the year. (And those warm beaches are still open, if you’re willing to fly for them.) Whether you’re looking to view some spectacular fall foliage or escape to the warm Caribbean this year, these are 10 of the best places to travel in October.

Note: Due to the Delta variant of coronavirus, it’s a good idea to consider extra precautions if traveling this fall. We recommend investing in “ cancel for any reason ” travel insurance and only booking changeable flights and accommodations. It’s also crucial to obtain medical insurance that will cover you abroad, and to research different countries’ case and vaccination rates when choosing your destination.

Salem, Massachusetts

It’s Halloween this month, so where better to book a trip than America’s unofficial witching capital? Snag a room at The Hotel Salem or The Merchant (they’re both owned by Lark Hotels, famed for its funky makeovers of countless New England inns) and then make your way into town. Salem celebrates its connection to the occult all month with a program of events, including horror film festivals, séances, and a fair with psychics on hand to read your future. (See complete calendar here .)

During the festivities, it’s worth pausing to consider the history of Salem’s witch trials at the 1692 Salem Witch Museum. The museum recreates the trials using actual documents as the basis for its life-size stage sets, and hosts an exploration of witchcraft in all its forms through the ages.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is one of the best places to travel in October, as the month signals the height of springtime in the southern hemisphere. That means you can plan on tons of outdoor activities, from walking among spring blooms in Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden to touring vineyards in Franschhoek. You could also spend an entire trip hopping between Cape Town’s best beaches. Camps Bay Beach is worth visiting for the views of Lion's Head and the Twelve Apostles alone, as is Windmill Beach (a 10-minute walk from Boulders Beach) for its warm water and boulders you can jump off.

Stay at Readers’ Choice Awards darling Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel , 15-room Georgian-era townhouse tucked away in a residential street in Gardens (a fashionable neighborhood known for its restaurants, bars, and interior shops). The street-level luxury suites come with their own spacious sun terraces and private pools, making you feel like you’re in an incredibly beautiful private home.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Known as “the most photographed event in the world,” the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October 2 to 10) does not disappoint, offering families and travelers the chance to get up close with hundreds of seven-story balloons ranging from cute animals to Darth Vader. You'll want to wake up before dawn to get a prime viewing spot for the Mass Ascension, when all the balloons rise together to the tune of "The Star Spangled Banner."

You can crash later that night at Hotel Chaco , a sleek, contemporary property with Native American–inspired art and architecture located in the heart of Old Town. That ideal location and perfect October weather means you can explore all the museums and markets downtown without breaking a sweat.

Loreto, Mexico

We’re big fans of the Baja California Sur peninsula in Mexico, with its beautiful scenery and luxury resorts. While most tourists flock to Los Cabos , set your sights on the underrated city of Loreto. Located about 230 miles north of Cabo, the town is best known for its secluded, unspoiled setting on the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For stress-free planning, book a stay at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at the Islands of Loreto , where guests can enjoy scuba diving tours, cultural city tours, whale watching excursions, kayaking, surfing, and ATV desert tours. After a day spent adventuring, head back and unwind at the 39,000-square-foot Sabila Spa or one of the resort’s five swimming pools.

Lindsey Tramuta

Lauren Burvill

Kristi Kellogg

Sarah James

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen may seem like a bit of an obvious choice (hello, mountains famously full of yellow leaves), but obvious isn’t always a bad thing. Hotel Jerome is a great place to set up camp, with a huge array of activities on tap for guests looking for an outdoor adventure—think horseback riding in the Rockies, riding a Jeep through alpine backcountry, and stand-up paddleboarding along the Colorado River. The hotel can also arrange day trips to the Maroon Bells, a pair of mountains that is one of the most photographed spots in the entire state. In fact, professionals are known to flock to the shores of Maroon Lake well before sunrise to nab that stunning fall shot.

The Bavarian Alps, Germany

An autumn trip to southern Germany is about so much more than Oktoberfest (which has been canceled for 2021 anyway). Fall may be the best season to visit the Bavarian Alps , when the weather is perfectly cool and the mountains transform into a technicolor dreamscape. The season is prime for outdoor enthusiasts as well, with areas like Berchtesgaden and Lake Tegernsee lending themselves to some epic scenic hikes. Shutterbugs are never disappointed by the Disney-esque Neuschwanstein Castle, whose white turrets look best against a backdrop of deep reds and oranges.

Spend at least a couple days tucked away in Hotel Bachmair Weissach , a modern alpine property located in the lake town of Tegernsee. With walls adorned with antlers, a cloistered courtyard, plaid carpets, and scalloped wood balconies off each of its 141 rooms, it will fulfill every romantic Bavarian fantasy you can think of.

Barbados made headlines in 2020 when it announced its Welcome Stamp visa for sun-seeking digital nomads. Valid for 12 months, the visa allows anyone earning over a certain salary to live and work remotely temporarily. If you’re not ready to commit to a year-long visit, it’s still worth flying down here in October. Book an oceanfront villa at The Crane , one of the country’s finest resorts, and spend a few days exploring the Bajan rum circuit.

Though it’s now ubiquitous across the Caribbean, rum was formally first distilled at the Mount Gay Rum headquarters in 1703. Head to its visitor center and you’ll be able to learn more of that history, as well as sample a range of great dark and white blends. Then head to Bathsheba Beach on the east coast—one of the best stretches of sand in the world—where you'll find big, surf-able waves and shallow pools carved by the coral reef right off the shore.

Asheville, North Carolina

Don't discount the South when it comes to fall foliage, especially the Blue Ridge Parkway and Carolina mountains. Make Asheville your home base for exploring the parkway in both directions: to the south, drive to Pisgah National Forest, filled with waterfalls and fall foliage–covered hills on view from Looking Glass Rock, and to the north, the curving Linn Cove Viaduct hugs Grandfather Mountain, offering some of the parkway’s most iconic views.

Get a dose of the funky lifestyle in downtown Asheville: sample the African-meets-Appalachian food at Benne on Eagle , browse fem theory and queer lit at Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe , and drink a Strawberry Milkshake IPA at Highland Brewing Company . Stay at Asheville's best boutique property, The Foundry Hotel, for comfortable rooms with exposed brick walls, a chic lobby bar, and a restaurants serving up modern spins on comfort food.

Santorini, Greece

More than two million people visit Santorini each year. To dodge those crowds—and to experience a more authentic side of the island—plan your trip during the off-season in ​​October and November. Visit Red Beach and take in the legendary sunsets in Oia, of course, but then search for some more under-the-radar spots. Only one in 20 travelers to Santorini goes to Akrotiri, an almost perfectly preserved ancient city and archaeological site. Visit some wineries at Vlychada, or hire a guide to take you around Akrotiri.

Then get some rest at Incognito Villa , located at the end of a dirt track on the beach near Monolithos and the airport. It has its own garden and a little pool, and you can walk in either direction along the beach to a taverna. Even in the height of summer, it is amazingly quiet.

Hudson Valley, New York

If you're looking to totally lean into the cider-sipping, sweater-wearing, pumpkin-picking vibe of fall, look no further than the Hudson Valley. Aside from offering primo leaf peeping opportunities, October is the best time to go apple picking or sample some hard cider made from local produce at Angry Orchard. Alternatively, take in a movie at the Four Brothers Drive-In Theater or celebrate Halloween with the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze in the grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor ( advance reservations required). More than 7,000 pumpkins are displayed there each night, including a 25-foot-tall Statue of Liberty, all of which are carved onsite by a team of 1,000 volunteers.

Look to Warren Street in the heart of town for accommodations: either at the retro Rivertown Lodge , complete with wood fire burners and bicycles to borrow, or the relatively new Maker Hotel , filled with one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture and a restaurant serving up ingredients sourced from local farms.

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The best holiday destinations in October 

By Sarah James

October can be many things. It can be the dreamy scent of bonfire smoke on restorative air; pumpkins on porches; blazing leaves. Or, Down Under, it might be the abundance of spring – and a fine time to explore new Aussie cooking . In much of Asia , rains and humidity are abating, so both riotous cities and off-grid escapes are at their best. And with the steamy, congested summer a distant memory, it’s the savvy traveller’s time for a classic California road trip , or an in-demand beach break. We’ve got October holiday ideas for sustainable touring, shopping, stays and getting around, too. For more, see our guide to where is hot in October .

Our choices for the best holiday destinations in October

Temperature: 27°C high; 16°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 4 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT+2

Perfect autumn beach destination: Europe, a Mediterranean island, but so far south-east it has the climate of the Middle East. Enter Cyprus. A rich history and eclectic culture, a blissful climate and fantastic beaches. Away from the dramatically beautiful coastline and the beachfront hotels is the lesser-explored interior, the Troodos mountains – the Cotswolds of Cyprus – with their vineyards and hillside villages and friendly tavernas.

Where to stay: Anassa is one of our favourite hotels in Europe, particularly for families. For a more adult stay, try the glossy beachside Amavi in Paphos. For more options, see our pick of the best hotels in Cyprus .

Los Cabos, Mexico

Temperature: 33°C high; 23°C low Season: dry Flight time from UK: 15 hours 20 minutes Time difference: GMT-7

Beachy Eden ‘Cabo’ is all about switching off in style. This sun-drenched spot is always hot hot hot: where smart hotels such as the One&Only have restaurants by elite chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and host birthday parties for starry guests including Jennifer Aniston. In winter, all and sundry come for the weather (it rains in summer). Praise be for October, then, when the mercury’s high but occupancy low. Los Cabos is actually two towns at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula – Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. The latter retains more traditional charm, and has the chicest hotels: mid-century fans will love Thompson’s The Cape. Don’t miss Puerto Raiz in San José del Cabo, an outdoor foodie hub with two restaurants and a distillery, set within 13 acres of orchards and gardens. All produce is sourced onsite – including for the distillery’s spirits and cocktails – while cheese, meat and seafood come from local purveyors in neighbouring Baja towns such as La Paz and Todos Santos.

Where to stay: One&Only Palmilla , an elegant retreat and one of the best hotels in Los Cabos .

Mauritius, Indian Ocean

Temperature: 25°C high; 20°C low Season: winter Flight time from UK: 12 hours Time difference: GMT+3

It's springtime in Mauritius in October; the weather is warming up after a long, warm winter. But it's not yet humid or rainy. Huge Indian Ocean-sized flowers are bursting in bloom and animal hoots and chattering come riffling out of the rainforest. There’s not a lot you can do about the carbon-belching flight to Mauritius, but, once you’re there, you can opt for a sustainable stay. Mauritius Conscious Travel offers solar-powered glamping with vegetarian meals sourced from an onsite garden, plus motor-free day trips by sea kayak, mountain bike and climbing rope. If anyone offers you a trip to Mauritius at any other time of year, we urge you not to turn it down. But October is definitely a goodie.

Where to stay: For a private stay, Maradiva is a smart all-villa resort. At Shangri-La Le Touessrok , guests can enjoy exclusive access to a private island. See more of the top hotels in Mauritius .

Provence, France

Temperature: 20°C high; 12°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours by plane; 6.5 hours by Eurostar Time difference: GMT+1

Everybody goes to Provence in summer. But for food, for tranquillity, for scenery, October is deeply delicious, its vineyards a vibrant ochre, morning mists shrouding the glades of the Luberon at dawn. Autumn is the season of wine and truffles and food festivals, when Provence’s slow-paced villages are uncrowded except for locals, markets heaped with harvest spoils. And the weather is still largely warm and dry – ideal T-shirt weather for country walks and bike rides.

Where to stay: Hôtel Crillon Le Brave is a classic favourite; while Coquillade has just reopened after a facelift, a restored Provençal village in the Luberon, with spoiling suites, a destination spa, and its own vineyards.

Málaga, Spain

Temperature: 24°C high; 15°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

On Spain ’s sunniest costa, Málaga’s exuberant young crowd has injected a fresh energy into this little seaside city, earning it a reputation for being a pocket-sized Barcelona , where you’ll find sizzling art and food scenes and late-summer heat. Its charming old town, though small, is packed with buzzy little restaurants and boutiques selling artisan-made fashion and homewares; there’s a museum dedicated to Picasso and a theatre run by Antonio Banderas, both Málaga natives. More modern kicks are found at the regenerated port with its Rubik’s-Cube-like Pompidou Centre. And why not explore Málaga carbon-free – Urban Bicycles rents out the most beautiful handmade mint-green bikes for cruising along the promenade, which runs from the city centre to the beach bars north of the city.

Where to stay: At the 18th-century Palacio Solecio , which opened in 2020 after a full overhaul to become the city’s most beautiful hotel, and the latest in Pablo Carrington’s stable (along with Formentera’s Gecko Hotel & Beach Club and Mallorca’s Cap Rocat).

The Greek islands, Greece

Temperature: 24°C high; 16°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 3 hours 40 minutes Time difference: GMT+2

The more southerly of the small Greek islands – the Dodecanese and the Cyclades – are still hot and sunny well into October – and there are some sensational beaches on which to enjoy it. Rhodes, with the lovely cobbled Lindos and parties in its ancient ruins. Milos , which has some of the best beaches in the Greek Islands. We love unspoilt Symi, Nisyros and Patmos ; while Santorini and Mykonos are eternal big-hitters. Pick any one, they're all lovely. Or go island-hopping around them all. Just remember: cruise ships are an issue on the Greek islands, disgorging thousands into small port towns and diverting visitors to just a small number of shops and restaurants. If you’re island-hopping, opt to do it by sailboat instead: this is not only more environmentally friendly, but smaller vessels can take you to more off-the-beaten-track beaches, coves and towns.

Where to stay: We have a long list of the best Greek island hotels to choose from. In terms of the newest openings to know about, Once in Mykonos Luxury Resort is a chilled hideaway for young families and dapper partygoers. Another name to note is Oku Kos , which effortlessly combines local culture with relaxation.

Japanese Alps, Japan

Temperature: 20°C high; 9°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 13 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT +9

The masses might go mad for cherry blossom season, but arguably Japan ’s most arresting sight is its Alps in autumn. Vibrant reds, oranges and yellows sprawl across the ranges, reflected in jade-green lakes and rivers. Hiking trails get very busy, but the outstanding vistas more than make up for it, and the ever-organised Japanese excel at high-altitude mountain huts, where you can get a private room and bento box-style dinner. Afterwards, the spa towns around Takayama are adept at soothing aching limbs. Upmarket ryokans, such as Fukuji Onsen’s Yumoto Choza, offer both outdoor and indoor hot-spring baths, fine-dining kaiseki dinners and gorgeous traditional rooms with tatami mats and sliding paper screens.

Ningaloo Reef

Temperature: 33°C high; 16°C low Season: spring Flight time from UK: 16 hours 45 minutes to Perth direct, then 1 hour 50 minutes to Learmonth for Ningaloo. Time difference: GMT+8

Off the coast of Western Australia , the country’s most pristine coral reef has become known as a marine superhighway. Diving and snorkelling trips are technicolour dreams, teeming with fish, turtles and sharks, and Ningaloo Reef is one of only a handful of places in the world where you can swim alongside whale sharks and humpback whales, when they journey alongside the reef on their on their way to feeding grounds in the Antarctic. Or take a boat out as they breach, dramatically, out of the water around you.

Where to stay: Guests can walk straight from their safari tent at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef – the only hotel in the Cape Range National Park – into the marine-rich waters of the reef. The tented camp’s local guides will unearth the wonders of sea and bush, and arrange experiences such as swimming with whales.

Olivia Morelli

Jessica Puckett

Lanie Goodman

Temperature: 14–26ºC Season: winter Flight time from UK: 13h 30m (one change) Time difference: GMT+2

Marking the turn of winter into spring, October is a wonderful month to visit this storied Indian Ocean island. The weather is dry and warm, the nights are cool, the jacarandas are in bloom, and it is egg-laying season for turtles and birthing season for lemurs – poster girls for Madagascar’s unique and diverse indigenous wildlife, which is found in abundance from the country’s ancient forests to its dreamy white-sand beaches.

Where to stay: On cast away fantasy Nosy Ankao off Madagascar’s north coast, Miavana is the best eco-lodge in the country: a five-star private-island resort dedicated to conservation, with expert guides to take guests lemur-and turtle-watching, fishing and diving. Abercrombie & Kent offers the 13-night Classic Madagascar trip from £5,960pp.

Darjeeling, India

Temperature: 17°C high; 10°C low Season: winter Flight time from UK: 13 hours 20 minutes Time difference: GMT +5.30

This month marks the end of monsoon season, and an excellent time to visit India’s most famous hill station as the rain and fog peel back to reveal extravagant Himalayan views. Top of the list should be a sunrise visit to Tiger Hill, to see the frosted peaks of the world’s third-highest mountain, Mount Kanchenjunga, bathed in a peachy glow. The effect is said to be best in mid-October; keep your eyes peeled and you’ll even spot Everest on the left. Other than that, it’s a relaxing time tasting the ‘Champagne of teas’ at local plantations, riding the UNESCO-listed steam railway (affectionately known as ‘the toy train’) and taking afternoon tea in Victorian-style heritage hotels.

Where to stay : Ging Tea House is among the oldest tea estates in the region, from which you can take lovely guided hikes. Or see more hotels across India for gorgeous monsoon views . Do remember that water scarcity is a huge problem in Darjeeling, so look for hotels with responsible practices around conservation (such as rainwater harvesting), and be mindful of how much you use.

Vienna, Austria

Temperature : 15°C high; 5°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2hrs 25 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

Though Austria’s capital is better known for grand imperial palaces and an even grander musical legacy (Mozart and Beethoven), one of the city’s finest assets is its urban vineyards. Forget a designated driver, just take the tram to the pretty outer suburbs, where rows of vines spread across grassy slopes, as skyline views and the Danube stretch out below. October marks the harvest, when the vineyards are at their greenest and winemakers open up their operations to enquiring minds (and mouths). There are several designated wine trails to follow, where vintners hand out samples from both cellar and kitchen, and autumn’s mild, sunny days are ideally suited to frolics in the fields. Where to stay: Park Hyatt Vienna , a magnificently grand stay – one of our favourite hotels in Vienna .

Austin, Texas

Temperature: 27°C high; 14°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 10 hours 25 minutes Time difference: GMT-6

Austin’s other festival happens in October: Austin City Limits , in Zilker Park – an altogether easier shebang to negotiate than SXSW if you’re not in the industry. And autumn brings glorious weather to Texas – blue skies, mild warm days, low humidity – which is just right for a road trip out of the USA’s coolest, weirdest state capital across the high Texan desert to find historical charm in San Antonio and more weirdness, along with knockout art and sensational food, in Marfa. Rent bikes at Lance Armstrong’s Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop , fired up by a farm-sourced, single-origin, Fair-Trade, shade-grown, home-roasted coffee from the shop’s Juan Pelota Cafe.

Where to stay: The Texas-based Bunkhouse group has places to stay in Austin and San Antonio, including Austin’s  Carpenter Hotel  in a former union hall near Zilker Park and beautiful  Hotel Havana  in a riverside house in San Antonio, while avant-garde hotelier Liz Lambert, a true original, is behind the out-there trailer park  El Cosmico  in Marfa.

Churchill, Canada

Temperature: 1°C high; -5°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 21 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT -6

Better to be a visitor than a resident in Arctic Churchill, which in autumn earns the dubious honour of becoming “polar bear capital of the world”. As the surrounding Hudson Bay freezes, these massive mammals – male polar bears can weigh as much as 10 men – invite themselves over, in search of seals. Great news for wildlife watchers, who can board specially reinforced tundra buggies to get up close to earth’s largest land carnivore; not so great for the people of Churchill, who are apt to find polar bears hanging around like delinquent youths at the local bus stop. The largest groups gather in October. Consider a tundra buggy safari with Frontiers North Adventures , respected locally for thoughtful initiatives including creating the town’s first recycling programme; employing staff and sourcing supplies from within the community; and investing in causes such as Churchill’s Canadian Junior Rangers and non-profit conservation outfit Polar Bears International .

Atacama Desert, Chile

Temperature: 25°C high; 5°C low Season: spring Flight time from UK: 21hrs Time difference: GMT -4

The world’s driest desert isn’t the hottest, but it is perhaps the most starkly beautiful – so Mars-like that actual Mars rovers are brought here for test drives. Red canyons and sand dunes, whooshing geyers and steaming volcanoes, salt flats and hot springs stretch out as far as the eye can see. It’s largely devoid of a drinking water supply or any natural shade, so there are few settlements, which means no pollution, explaining why it has also lately garnered buzz as a premier stargazing destination. The fabulously remote Explora Atacama, for example, has a private observatory as well as a spa and bespoke-bred horses. October, shoulder season, offers a holy trinity: empty vistas unspoiled by fellow visitors, lower room rates and temperate daytime conditions. Don’t ignore the highland hamlets and historic sites in the Atacama region – spending your tourist dollars here helps to sustain local and indigenous communities and preserve their heritage. Where to stay: Hotel Wara , a spacious and rambling escape in the desert. Explora Atacama , meanwhile, is a gorgeously rugged ranch turned spoiling escape, with a spa, an observatory and an exemplary restaurant.

Watch a video of a dramatic ride across the Atacama Desert

Rome, Italy

Temperature: 22°C high; 12°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

Tutti Italia is on holiday all month long in August. You might think that would make Rome relatively quiet, with every Roman gone to the beach, but it's not; it's unbearably busy and unbearably hot. July, too, is unbearably busy and hot; so is much of June. May and September used to be quieter, but lots of people realised that and now they are busy too. Winter can be a bit miserable, though Christmas is quite busy. So October, by default, becomes our month of choice to visit Rome , when it is less busy, still lovely and warm, and you can selfie at the Trevi Fountain in that magic late-summer sunlight without quite so many tourists ruining the view.

Where to stay: Hotel de' Ricci , a retro-cool hotel in an artsy neighbourhood and one of the best hotels in Rome .

The Lake District, UK

Temperature: 10°C high; 2°C low Season: autumn Travel time from UK: 3 hours by train from London Time difference: GMT+0

Even when it rains – and it does rain here, a lot – the Lake District must be one of the most wistfully beautiful places in the world. Never more (many would say) than in fiery autumn, when mist and woodsmoke mix in the morning and good days are pin-sharp, bright with red-gold trees and bracken covering the fells. If only someone could capture such beauty in words.

Where to stay: Foodies will love the Michelin-starred restaurant at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House . For a quant village stay, check in to The Black Bull Inn . For a private stay, we love the look of this cosy Airbnb near Ullswater . For more, check out our list of the best Airbnbs in the Lake District .

New England, USA

Temperature: 17°C high; 7°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 7 hours 15 minutes Time difference: GMT-5

As above, except with less rain, and leafpeepers (for that is what they call them here) tend to drive to look at the Fall foliage rather than put on walking boots. Combine the fiery Vermont countryside with a Boston city break.

Where to stay: Castle Hill Inn , the best places to watch the boats become silhouettes against the Atlantic Ocean, one of the best things to do on Rhode Island .

Temperature: 35°C high; 16°C low Season: dry Flight time from UK: 14 hours Time difference: GMT+1

You can make a convincing case for Botswana as the world’s greatest safari destination. The government’s “low impact, high experience” mandate makes for more intimate camps; Serengeti-like jeep scrums just aren’t a thing. Then there’s the Okavango Delta, an immaculate wetland wilderness teeming with life. (Conservation is so successful that South Africa relocates endangered rhino here.) Tourism tails off in October because of rising heat, but the flooded Okavango is water-cooled, while a lack of vegetation – munched over the dry winter – puts game-viewing at its peak. Prices drop towards the end of the month, and the new, solar-powered Qorokwe Camp by Wilderness Safaris, sitting on its own lagoon, is a slick pick. A bush walk with the San – the indigenous people of the Kalahari desert – conserves their culture in more ways than one, fostering both education for visitors and employment for the San. But do your research before booking: some tours can be less than respectful. Where to stay: Xigera Safari Lodge , a lodge putting a swish edge on sustainability, or read about the best Botswana safari holidays in the Okavango Delta .

Seville, Spain

Temperature: 26°C high; 14°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

A hot destination right now, the winds of change are finally blowing through old Seville – and October is the best time to visit for fresher air, when the winding streets are a little less sultry but no less romantic. Culturally there's a lot happening, from pop-up galleries and cafés to a gastronomic revolution.

Where to stay: For a taste of truly regal extravagance, book in to Hotel Alfonso XIII . For more, see our edit of the best hotels in Seville .

Temperature: 29°C high; 24°C low Season: summer Flight time from UK: 18 hours Time difference: GMT-11

With the summer crowds gone, low rainfall and mellowing prices before the winter holidays, what better time to head for Hawaii? Of course, there’s more to the archipelago than Big Island: Kauai for secret swimming holes and charming local bars; Oahu for top food and surf; and even Maui, with its ever-popular 30 miles of beach, has some hush-hush stuff up its sleeve – seek out the rural artists’ community at Makawao, or go on an agri-visit to Surfing Goat Dairy, a farm on the slopes of a volcanic crater. Given the amount of importing that goes on here – and that goes for hotels, restaurants and shopping chains as much as groceries – shopping local helps the Hawaiian people maintain an identity that is uniquely their own. Buying locally made fashion not only guarantees designs that are true to the culture, but supports master weavers and artisans: see the likes of Hana Hou (Big Island); Native Intelligence (Maui); Na Mea Hawaii (Oahu); and Ohana Shop (Kauai). Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Lana'i , an alluring escape.

Perugia, Italy

Temperature: 18°C high; 8°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK : 2 hours 35 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

It’s not difficult to get excited about a place that holds an annual 10-day festival celebrating the world’s favourite sweet treat. Every October, Umbria’s capital in central Italy hosts cooking classes, exhibitions and (most importantly) tasters to celebrate the town’s most famous export – chocolate. It’s a diabetic’s purgatory, a sweet lover’s dream and a local staple. The Belgians have their pralines, Oaxaca has its drinking chocolate and the Swiss have Lindt – but Perugia is home to baci. The word translates as “kisses”, and the story goes that a young chocolatier created a special sweet for her paramour, wrapped in a love letter and – naturally – sealed with a kiss. Today, baci somewhat seductively resemble a nipple, and still come wrapped in romantic proverbs and poems. Perugia is also a town rich in history and art, set on a hilltop peppered with medieval aqueducts, curious cobbled staircases and views that appear out of nowhere.

Where to stay: Find boutique hotels in Tuscany and Umbria, Italy

The Galapagos Islands

Temperature: 25°C high; 19°C low Season: dry Flight time from UK: 13 hours Time difference: GMT-7

Out of this world all year round – there is no other wildlife like this on earth. However for maximum nature shows, it's peak season for fish and birds from June until the end of October in the Galápagos Islands . It's also when there's least rain. Wait until October and most of the other tourists will have gone back to work; plus the sea should have warmed up a bit in case you were thinking of taking a dip (and you should) to get up close to the phenomenally varied marine life. And while most visitors explore the Galápagos via small cruise ships, it is possible to book land-based tours, where you’ll stay on several islands and take small- boat excursions by day. This means eating at locally run restaurants, visiting land-based businesses (such as farms), and exploring the human history of the islands, too.

Where to stay: Finch Bay , one of the island’s longest-standing hotels as recommended in our expert's guide to the Galapagos .

Taipei, Taiwan

Temperature: 27°C high; 22°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 13 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT+7

Yet to draw the trend-obsessed like Tokyo , or shoot to relevance like Seoul , the Taiwanese capital is a broadly undiscovered, just-as-thrilling blend of both. From Taoist temples to record-setting skyscrapers, flashy shopping malls to throbbing, neon-lit night markets, it’s a fascinating cultural smash: all cheap street-side beers and grilled cuttlefish on a stick one minute; a bonkers club with a waterfall on the dance floor the next. Towards the end of October the rain stops, humidity dials down and skies clear, so you can take in the glitzy cityscape, best viewed from the 230ft Miramar Ferris Wheel, or the 89th floor of once-world's-tallest tower, Taipei 101.

Where to stay: There’s more bling at the W , where room categories have names like Fabulous and Extreme Wow.

Temperature: 31°C high; 25°C low Season: summer Flight time from UK: 12 hours Time difference: GMT+6

October is the beginning of dry season in Vietnam’s north and south, where monumental natural spectacles and buzzing city scenes both abound. Up top, hill station Sapa is the gateway to misty treks; the capital Hanoi is all chaos, condensed-milk coffees on low plastic stools and some of the best food you’ll ever taste. Down at the bottom, the Mekong Delta is a whole world bobbing on canals and streams; and Ho Chi Minh City is where the bohos go – don’t miss The Café Apartment, a nine-storey block stuffed with fairy-lit mini-boutiques and craft coffee stores. High season creeps up in November, so it’s also the last chance for lower rates. In Sapa, the most popular activities are trekking the terraced slopes and staying with hill tribes, and the best way to do both is with Sapa O’Chau . This social enterprise, founded by a single mother from the Black Hmong tribe, is a nonprofit homestay and trekking service, which puts funds back into the community: improving village schools, providing English classes to Hmong guides and street vendors, distributing winter clothes to local children, and more. Where to stay: An Lam Retreats in Ninh Van Bay , one of the best hotels in Vietnam .

Adelaide, Australia

Temperature: 21°C high; 12°C low Season: spring Flight time from UK: 21 hours Time difference: GMT+8:30

Sydney and Melbourne – so yesterday. It’s Adelaide’s time to shine, and how. The wine-producing Adelaide Hills had long overshadowed South Australia’s coastal capital, but a vital new food scene is changing all that. And thank the Hills’ surrounding farms for fresh finds that Adelaide’s urban rivals can only covet. All that natural bounty is paired with October’s crisp air, as the beginnings of spring slough off winter’s edge. If you fancy getting off-grid, CABN has a number of tiny houses tucked into the South Australian wilderness, less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide’s CBD. These solar-powered minimalist escapes also have composting loos and rainwater catchment, and sit close to conservation parks, heritage bushland and wine country.

Read more about the best restaurants in Adelaide

Mendocino, California

Temperature: 14°C high; 12°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 11 hours Time difference: GMT-8

October is when Northern California finally gets its act together, dropping the fog and chilly winds that never fail to surprise under-dressed tourists, opting instead for more Cali-appropriate shimmering sunshine and bright, blue skies. It’s also the ideal time to make the road trip to one of the state’s best-kept secrets, Mendocino County: a thrilling coastal drive 160 miles north of San Francisco, with enough dramatic sea cliffs, lanky redwoods and crashing ocean to put Big Sur to shame. Mendocino town looks like a slice of New England picked up and dropped off on a California headland, and recalls its 1950s bohemian heyday with a surplus of art galleries and no chains. That hippie spirit also lives on in the Mendocino wine region, known for the country’s biggest haul of organic vines. Try a true taste of Mendocino at Harbor House Inn , where the 25-seat dining room hosts an ever-changing, hyper-local menu that has been awarded the county’s first-ever Michelin star. Everything you eat here has been sourced from within a 30-mile radius.

Where to stay: Half an hour up the coast, The Inn at Newport Ranch is a place of wild extremes. Or see more of the best hotels in California for more ideas.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Temperature: 35°C high; 24°C low Season: winter Flight time from UK: 7 hours Time difference: GMT+3

Summer is when Dubai hibernates: as the desert city heats up to 40 degrees Celsius and beyond, even skyscrapers seem to perspire, the al-fresco fun packs up and everyone bolts for the AC-cooled inside. But in October Dubai springs to new life: beach clubs reopen, restaurant terraces are jammed and a dip in the Arabian Gulf no longer feels like swimming in a scorching-hot spring. Temperatures in the high 20s also make a desert excursion less like an episode of Bear Grylls ’ Born Survivor. Enough of the world’s biggests and tallests? Poke into the boutiques, galleries and Foster + Partners-designed buildings of the freshly minted Dubai Design District. Where to stay: Al Maha , an exclusive desert haven set within a conservation reserve. See more of our favourite hotels in Dubai for more ideas.

Temperature: 19°C high; 8°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 10 hours Time difference: GMT+5

The remote Himalayan kingdom known for its Gross National Happiness Index, pristine peaks and precariously perched Tiger’s Nest Monastery, makes a point of exclusivity – foreign visitors face a hefty daily tariff for the privilege of stepping within its borders. The payoff, of course, is the rare purity of a nation largely untouched by the outside world. Given that much of Bhutan’s pleasures are found in hikes to sacred mountains and remote temples, the cool mountain air and clear skies of October make it a prime time to visit. The Six Senses Bhutan – comprising five different lodges – adds a touch of luxury to some of the country’s most scenic valleys and forests. The daily tariff ensures that Bhutan only deals in sustainable tourism – limiting visitors in this way protects the kingdom’s culture, land and traditions. But you can make sure the money you spend goes directly to the Bhutanese you meet by shopping in local markets, eating in neighbourhood restaurants and sleeping in heritage properties or homestays.

Where to stay: Read our spa review of COMO Uma Paro, Bhutan .

Temperature: 26°C high; 13°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 5 hours Time difference: GMT+2

Perhaps the most captivating country in the Middle East, Jordan has an embarrassment of spectacular things to see: ancient and awe-inspiring Petra, the Roman city of Jerash, the Dead Sea, the Red Sea, great desertscapes where you can stay overnight in a Bedouin camp. In October there are still bright sunny days that light the rock of Petra up rose-red; but it is cool enough to journey into the Valley of the Moon on camel or horseback by day, and warm enough to sleep out under the starry sky by night. Don’t miss the opportunity to camp out in Wadi Rum. A co-operative of Bedouin tribes runs the majority of trekking and camping trips, and they rely on tourism to hold onto their traditional way of life.

The Turkish Coast

Temperature: 26°C high; 13°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 4 hours Time difference: GMT+2

Turkey's beautiful Aegean and Bosphorus coasts are still hot in October, the beaches uncluttered by holidaymakers. There's a distinctly Greek feel to these regions, and between the coves you'll find dreamy boutique hotels that are good value for money out of season, and unexpectedly boho fishing villages. Alaçati is one of our favourites; and picturesque Selimiye, an hour from Dalaman, tipped (by us) as the new Kalkan. Likewise Istanbul – too prickly, too hot in summer – is more pleasant to explore out of season.

Where to stay: Mandarian Oriental in Bodrum , a glamorous, starry beach base. Alaçati is a good spot for small boutique hotels – a better bet for eco-friendliness than a sprawling coastal resort. The Stay Warehouse is a super-cool, adults-only converted brewery built from regionally sourced, recycled wood, bricks and glass, and the restaurant serves platters of local fruit, olives and cheese.

Temperature: 23°C high; 16°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 25 Time difference: GMT+1

Mallorca and Ibiza get the lion’s share of the Balearic spotlight. But little Menorca is just as beautiful. In the summer, this tiny island’s roads are largely closed to private vehicles to avoid congestion and protect the natural environment – especially around the most beautiful beaches. By October, things have calmed down, and most summer tourists have left. More fool them: Menorca is still warm and sunny well into the autumn, and the sea – warmed by the Mediterranean sun all summer – is still pleasant to swim in. In shoulder season, you can explore at your own pace.

Where to stay: at Menorca Experimental , a handsome, pared-back hideout from the Parisian Experimental Group, or at Christine Bedfor , a smart townhouse in Mahon.

Temperature: 21°C high; 14°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 3 hours 20 Time difference: GMT+1

Sicily’s long been drawing Italo-philes after something a little different to the mainland – more rugged, more fierce – but the White Lotus effect has really ramped up tourism to this little island over the past few years. See what all the fuss is about by planning a trip in October when the oppressive summer heat has finally died down, and the peak-season crowds have melted away. The landscape here is extraordinary; cities plonked at the bottom of smoking volcanoes, glossy islands cast away in the sea, and gently crumbling grandiose architecture that hints at a patchwork of influences from Moorish to Norman. You’ll also find some of Europe’s best food here; fat tubes of cannoli and refreshing granita that you won’t stop talking about even after you leave.

Where to stay: In Palermo, we love Villa Igea (which was featured on our 2023 Gold List ) or stay at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo , set against the backdrop of Mount Etna.

The 15 beaches you need to visit in Southern California

Posted: November 15, 2023 | Last updated: November 15, 2023

Boasting nearly 200 miles of shoreline, the beaches in SoCal are among the best in the world. The area is synonymous with palm trees, white sands, and blue waters, stretching from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. Along the way, you'll find a beach for everyone, whether you want to surf, swim or relax. Our list offers a variety of options, along with a few suggestions on how to soak up those sunny shores.

Coranado Beach

Great for families and groups, this San Diego island is outfitted with everything you need for a day at the beach. The half-mile stretch is good for laying out and playing sports--from football to volleyball--while gentle waves invite sunbathers to take a swim. The biggest draw, however, is the sand that sparkles from a mineral called mica, which can be seen in the background of Billy Wilder's movie Some Like It Hot .

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Crescent Bay Beach

Dive into this snug, inviting cove with magical scenery. Along the shores of Orange County, you'll discover a coastline of colors, palm trees, and wild life. You don't need to book a flight to find paradise--this beach is right off the Pacific Coast Highway.  

Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.

Santa Monica Beach

The most iconic beach in California. Santa Monica might be more famous than all the celebrities in Los Angeles combined. This three-mile stretch is packed with cyclers, runners and bathers, along with tourists who want to check out the pier's amusement park. It's a prime hangout for anyone who wants to experience Los Angeles. 

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Grab a boogie board, a swimsuit and a life preserver...cause this place is gnarly . The Wedge is home to the biggest surf in SoCal, which means the waves here can get up to 30 feet. When it's really big, you'll want to watch the surf from the comfort of your towel. When it's not, you'll want to get out there yourself. 

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is the only California State Park where vehicles can ride on the sand, so dune buggies are a frequent sight on this stretch of coastline. Make sure to go to the dunes themselves, where you can feel like Lawrence of Arabia wandering the desert...only there's an ocean five minutes away.

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La Jolla Beach

Experience seaside perfection in this quiet beach town. With something for everyone, it's no wonder La Jolla is a San Diego favorite. This town offers places to walk, hike and swim, along with activities for everyone in the family. Moms will love the shops along the promenade, while kids will love the famous Cave Store, which has a tunnel leading to a hidden cove. 

No one is here to experience the actual beach. No, everyone is here to experience one of the best surf spots in the world. Routinely ranked in the Top 10, Rincon may very well be the best point break on Earth, with waves that can span up to a mile long. On a good day, you can find surfers from around the world in its lineup. 

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Doheny State Beach

This was California's first state beach and it hasn't aged a day since its founding. It's still got the same tide pools, picnic areas and surf breaks that made the place a hotspot in 1931, and has even added a few things since. Now you can end your day with a margarita at Doho cafe or a sunset walk at San Juan trail. 

Malibu State Beach

Pass the surf wax, brah, this is California's most iconic surf beach. Made famous by  The Endless Summer and the endless amount of surfers, this beach offers a break ( literally ) right out the movies. The quintessential Malibu experience, come here for long rides, large crowds and one of the most gorgeous spots in California. 

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El Matador State Beach

Another iconic Malibu spot. This one's for you explorers out there, the kind who don't mind getting their feet dirty. Take a hike down to El Matador State Beach, where you will find a coastline that looks like Big Sur by way of Los Angeles. That means dramatic cliffs without the cold waters of Northern California. 

Treasure Island Beach

From street level, it's easy to walk right past Treasure Island Beach. Most people walk south to Aliso Beach, but stay north to enjoy one of the most scenic spots in SoCal. 

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Avilla Beach

Pack a boogie board and the whole family for a fun day at the beach. Wide-open sands, quiet waters and kitschy shops make this a great family getaway. Whether you want to spend a day or a weekend, Avilla is one of those spots that has you covered. 

Blacks Beach

Clothing? Optional. Good times? Mandatory. This nudē beach is not great for people-watching (for obvious reasons), but the mix of cool surf, massive cliffs and miraculous views makes it a San Diego favorite. Come here for any number of reasons; just don't bring the kids. 

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Morro Strand

Make the drive past Pismo and Avilla and you will be rewarded with a clean patch of sand called Moro. Named after a rock in the ocean, the beach makes for a scenic backdrop while surfers ride waves against a volcanic mountain. There isn't another beach like it in SoCal, so it makes for a nice change of pace on our list. 

Butterfly Beach

Get ready to pinch yourself. When you arrive at Butterfly Beach, you will be greeted with lines of palm trees, rows of plants and swaths of ethereal light. The beach is my favorite on our list, mainly because it doesn't come with the crowds of other places--or the noise, tourists or vendors. Instead, this Santa Barbara spot comes with a wave of good vibes. 

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USA TODAY 10Best

Seaside delights: Best beaches in 7 coastal states

May 29, 2024 // By 10Best Editors

By 10Best Editors May 29, 2024

With thousands of miles of coastline to explore, visiting beaches in the United States is a great way to take in the natural beauty that this country has to offer. From the palm tree-lined beaches of California to the white sand shores of New Jersey, there are beaches out there for every interest and preference. You can enjoy some of the world's most beautiful shorelines on a family-friendly vacation, romantic getaway, or adventure-filled trip.

With so many beaches to visit, it can be difficult to decide where to go. So, we narrowed the field by having a panel of experts nominate their favorite beaches across seven states. Then, readers voted for their favorites to determine the winners.

Click on each category below to see the full winners list:

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Best Beach in California: 'Olol'koy Beach Park (Oxnard Beach Park) in Oxnard, California

Once known as Oxnard Beach Park, 'Olol'koy Beach Park offers a stunning stretch of golden sands and rolling lawns. With its palm tree-lined skating and jogging paths, grill areas, volleyball courts, and a children's play area, it provides a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation.

The park's renaming to 'Olol'koy, the Chumash word for dolphin, honors the land's original inhabitants and adds to the park's cultural significance.

Full list of winners: Best Beach in California »

Best Beach in Florida: Delray Beach in Delray Beach, Florida

Located within the sprawling Miami metropolitan area, Delray Beach's coastline spans roughly 2 miles on the edge of Palm Beach County. While visitors are welcome to lay out and soak in the sun all across the beach, Atlantic Dunes Park provides some added natural beauty thanks to its sloping sand hills.

Full list of winners: Best Beach in Florida »

Best Beach in Michigan: First Street Beach in Manistee, Michigan

First Street Beach in Manistee beckons with its wide, sandy expanse, mellow waves, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great destination for beachgoers of all ages. Whether you're making epic sandcastles with the kids, lobbing the beach volleyball with friends, or lounging in the sun while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Michigan, First Street Beach offers many opportunities for fun and relaxation by the water.

Full list of winners: Best Beach in Michigan »

Best Beach in New Jersey: The Wildwoods in Wildwood, New Jersey

Featuring the largest stretches of sand on the Jersey Shore (500 yards wide at points), The Wildwoods provide plenty of space for beachgoers to spread out. In fact, they offer a unique beach taxi service that brings visitors from the boardwalk to a spot closer to the ocean to set up their chairs and umbrellas.

On the beach, guests can play volleyball, surf, boogie board, or just play in the waves. Surrounded by iconic retro architecture, the legendary Wildwood Boardwalk is a big entertainment hub, offering an electric vibe day and night.

Full list of winners: Best Beach in New Jersey »

Best Beach in North Carolina: Ocean Isle Beach in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

Ocean Isle Beach offers soft, sandy shores and calm water that's perfect for swimming. Guests can spot dolphins and the occasional sea turtle from shore, while the Museum of Coastal Carolina offers ample insight into the biology of the region's native marine creatures.

Full list of winners: Best Beach in North Carolina »

Best Beach in South Carolina: Pawleys Island in Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Situated on South Carolina's Hammock Coast, beach access abounds across the shores of Pawleys Island, a tiny town located on the eastern edge of Georgetown County. While the community is home to just over 100 residents, the population swells in the warm months, when beachgoers arrive to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.

Full list of winners: Best Beach in South Carolina »

Best Beach in Texas: Isla Blanca Park in South Padre Island, Texas

Isla Blanca Park enchants visitors with its soft white sands, turquoise waters, and vibrant beach culture, offering both relaxation and excitement for beachgoers of all ages. From swimming and snorkeling in the warm Gulf waters to participating in beach volleyball, Isla Blanca Park offers an abundance of opportunities for fun, with beachfront pavilions, rentals, and amenities easily accessed.

Full list of winners: Best Beach in Texas »

Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in more Readers' Choice Awards.

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26 top things to do in orange county, ca.

From magical theme parks to beaches to museums, there's something for everyone in Southern California.

Top Things to Do in Orange County, CA

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The Orange County region of Southern California is home to some of the state's signature sights. Golden shores smothered in sunshine, along with a few of the country's top amusement parks, make this SoCal destination an obvious vacation choice. At times less obvious are Orange County's diverse roots, which can be experienced through historic cultural centers, art installations and incredible fusion cuisine.

Read on to explore the top things to do in Orange County on your next California vacation.

Disneyland Resort

David Nguyen | Courtesy of Disneyland Resort

The original Disney theme park, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim , is an obvious choice for a few days of play in Orange County. Beyond classic Disney attractions, the park's offerings include the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area along with Disney California Adventure Park's Avengers Campus, where kids can train to be the next generation of superheroes. Discover all kinds of innovative food and beverage options throughout Disneyland. In Galaxy's Edge, for example, you can seek out Luke Skywalker's blue milk or head to Ronto Roasters for a wrap "prepared" by droids.

Disneyland Resort comprises two theme parks: Disneyland Park is the main one, with areas like Galaxy's Edge and Tomorrowland, while Disneyland California Adventure Park houses Avengers Campus, Pixar Pier and more. To visit both, you'll need to purchase the Park Hopper ticket. For early (and easy) access to Disney California Adventure Park, book a stay at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa or Pixar Place Hotel. The best time to visit Disneyland is September through October, for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.

Address: 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802

Spend a day in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, which makes it the perfect stop for road-trippers cruising the world-famous California State Route 1, or Pacific Coast Highway. Parking can be difficult to find on busy evenings and weekends, so take advantage of the free trolley shuttle to get around town, with several stops along the coast.

Heisler Park is a scenic stop in Laguna Beach . Up along the bluffs on Cliff Drive, the postcard-worthy park offers spectacular views of the ocean with walking trails, gardens and grassy knolls perfect for picnicking. Stop by The Salt Horse, a farm-to-table specialty shop, to pick up provisions for an oceanside lunch. Heisler Park also grants access to four Laguna beaches, where visitors love perusing the tide pools. Other outdoor activities include hiking at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, kayaking the coves with La Vida Laguna, skimboarding at Victoria Beach, catching waves at Thalia Street Beach or mountain biking near Alta Laguna Park.

Laguna Beach is known as an artists' community, with a variety of art galleries and festivals. You can also experience the culture by seeing a show at the Laguna Playhouse and perusing the Laguna Art Museum. Or, take in a movie at the newly opened Rivian South Coast Theater – a renovated 1930s movie theater used for community screenings, lectures and events.

Dana Point Harbor

Dana Point in south Orange County is a city known for stellar dolphin and whale watching , boating, paddleboarding, and express ferries to nearby Catalina Island . Wintertime ushers in the gray whale migration, while spring and summer are a great time to see blue whales in the area. A variety of vendors offer whale watching cruises – you can even board a sailing schooner from 1926 with Curlew Charters. The harbor is also home to the Ocean Institute. Travelers love the atmosphere of Dana Point, saying you could easily spend the day just drifting along the waterfront, browsing the restaurants and shops.

For an overnight stay near the harbor, consider Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa . Or, for a major splurge, book a room (or spa treatment) at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel , located on a bluff in Dana Point overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Head to The Ritz-Carlton's 180blu restaurant for drinks, bites, unreal sunset views and even live music on weekends. For a boutique beach bungalow getaway, check out the newly reopened El Caminante Bar & Bungalows in nearby Capistrano Beach.

Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove is a gorgeous state park between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach that offers 3.2 miles of beach, 18 miles of hiking trails and an abundance of tide pools at low tide. While visitors must be extremely careful not to disturb the creatures that call them home, the four tide pool viewing areas at Crystal Cove State Park might reveal hermit crabs, starfish, anemones or even octopuses. Past visitors called the well-maintained park and its beautiful beaches a wonderful way to relax for a day.

The 12.3-acre Crystal Cove Historic District in the park comprises 46 seaside cottages from the early 1900s. About half are available for overnight rentals, but past guests warn that while they are affordable and uniquely vintage, they can be tricky to reserve. Even if you don't stay at one, take a self-guided walk along an arroyo down to the cottages on the beach, with an online guide providing historical details. Crystal Cove once served as the setting of many 20th-century movies, starting with silent films in the 1920s. Another accommodation option is camping at Moro Campground or primitive camping.

Knott's Berry Farm

Orange County may be best known as the home of Disneyland Resort, but Knott's Berry Farm has claimed the title of "California's original theme park" – and it's certainly one of the state's best amusement parks . A once-small family farm, it now houses a water park , roller coasters, an authentically styled ghost town from the 1800s and much more on its 160 acres. You can enjoy character meet-and-greets with beloved "Peanuts" characters in the Camp Snoopy section of the park. In 2024, Camp Snoopy is adding a new family roller coaster, an off-road adventure ride and a giant swing.

The park boasts plenty of rides and seasonal attractions, as well as the annual Knott's Boysenberry Festival to celebrate the berry that launched the farm. A family-recipe fried chicken dinner that has been served on the premises since 1934 is a signature dining experience at Knott's Berry Farm. Past park patrons do caution that without paying extra for a Fast Lane pass, you will likely spend much of your day waiting in line. If you are planning on visiting for more than one day or are traveling a long distance to get there, consider staying at the newly renovated Knott's Hotel.

Address: 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620

Stroll Casa Romantica in San Clemente

Courtesy of Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is, as the name suggests, a romantic estate and cultural institution in San Clemente, housed in a 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival historic landmark. Originally built as the home of Ole Hanson, the founder of San Clemente, Casa Romantica sits on 2.5 acres and features coastal flora from around the world – plus scenic ocean views. The center hosts a lecture series, live music, dance performances, art showings and more events throughout the year.

Visitors are able to enjoy historical exhibitions and an art gallery, as well as activity backpacks for children and access to any cultural events that occur during public hours. Self-guided or docent-led group tours (for a minimum of 10 people) are available. Travelers say the breathtaking views and informative displays make this site a must-see.

Address: 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA 92672

Hang ten at the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum

Courtesy of Visit Huntington Beach

From one of the country's first recognized surfers demonstrating his skills in the area in 1914 to the city adopting the name "Surf City" in 1994, Huntington Beach has plenty to recount in the International Surfing Museum . Surfboards, memorabilia and more can be found in this gallery space – as well as the largest surfboard in the world, which could hold 66 riders at once. The museum's Surfin' Sundays series provides free concerts at the Huntington Beach Pier. Past patrons say that, while small, this museum is still an interesting stop even for those who don't surf, and the guides have cool stories to tell about the sport.

After being inspired by the museum, head down the street to Huntington State Beach to catch some waves yourself or sign up for a surfing lesson. Fuel up for your surf session with casual coastal cuisine and cocktails at the newly opened beachfront Cabo Wabo Sand Bar. After the sun goes down, public fire pits are also available on a first-come, first-served basis at nearby beaches. Guests at some hotels, such as The Waterfront Beach Resort , will have access to a private fire pit with VIP service – perfect for making s'mores.

Address: 411 Olive Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Enjoy shopping and art in Costa Mesa

Courtesy of South Coast Plaza

If you want a taste of SoCal shopping, you'll find it at South Coast Plaza with the dozens of high-end retailers, including luxury brands like Cartier, Armani and Bvlgari. Gucci recently opened its new two-level boutique with two VIP lounges. Shoppers rave about the massive size and elegance of this upscale mall. Explore fine dining venues like Michelin-starred Knife Pleat, which serves French fare, or stop by a more casual eatery such as Tableau Kitchen and Bar, with its elevated New American cuisine. Even better, a percentage of the proceeds from every Tableau meal is donated to local charities.

Next, head to the nearby California Scenario sculpture garden for impressive inspiration by Los Angeles-born artist Isamu Noguchi. The site, which the community calls Noguchi Garden, consists of six principal sculptural elements symbolizing California's geography, such as "Forest Walk" and "Desert Land." Travelers can also check out the stunning new Orange County Museum of Art, designed by prize-winning architect Thom Mayne. The museum's collection features more than 4,500 objects.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Known as the birthplace of Orange County, Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded more than two centuries ago as the seventh of 21 missions across California. Established by Spanish missionaries in 1776 to convert Native Americans in the area to Christianity, today the mission is a historic landmark in San Juan Capistrano with a chapel, museum and gardens. In addition to rotating exhibits of artwork and artifacts, the mission has a permanent collection of several thousand historical objects, including an 1875 map of the mission, a Mexican coin from 1855, Native American tools and much more.

Mission San Juan Capistrano also hosts a number of events throughout the year. Such festivities include summer concerts under the stars, December holiday lights programming and the St. Joseph's Day celebration every year on March 19, which is a tradition held since the 1920s to mark the return of the swallows and usher in spring. Visitors praise the beautiful architecture and well-preserved historical artifacts and recommend the self-guided tour.

Address: 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Marconi Automotive Museum

Courtesy of Marconi Automotive Museum

The Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin goes well beyond a cool collection of cars. Founders Dick and John Marconi's personal car collection, amassed over decades due to their love of racing, launched the Marconi Automotive Museum when they donated it in 1994. Today this nonprofit museum raises funds for Orange County children's charities by donating a portion of its net proceeds from admission and special events.

There are more than 100 iconic automobiles luring car enthusiasts to see the collection, such as the 1996 Ferrari FX. The museum also has on display three iconic cars from film and TV: the Batmobile from the 1989 "Batman," the orange Dodge Charger known as General Lee from "The Dukes of Hazzard," and the cognizant car from "Knight Rider." Guests recommend a visit for the chance to lay eyes upon your dream car (or motorcycle) – whatever that is, the Marconi Automotive Museum might just have it.

Address: 1302 Industrial Drive, Tustin, CA 92780

Spend a day in Newport Beach

Newport Beach has a whopping 400-plus restaurants and wide variety of shops to explore scattered across 10 distinct neighborhoods. Among those communities are Balboa Island, which is known for waterfront dining and its famous Frozen Banana dessert, and Balboa Peninsula, home to the Balboa Fun Zone amusement park. Corona del Mar is a charming hamlet with cottages, gardens and tide pools at the Little Corona beach. To access the main beach – Corona del Mar State Beach, also known as Big Corona – take the Goldenrod Footbridge and set off to find the cliffs and caves of Pirate's Cove.

Head to the Newport Back Bay for a bike ride along the 10.5-mile Back Bay Loop Trail or visit the Newport Aquatic Center to rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to explore the pristine wetlands. Another fun way to hit the water is to cruise the Newport Harbor on a motorized Tiki bar through Getmyboat or in a pink Duffy Boat rental for a girls days out. If you book a whale watching cruise in Newport Beach on Viator , you may encounter a variety of whales, dolphins and seals.

Newport Beach also has a luxury outdoor mall, Fashion Island, where a new 80,000-square-foot RH store – complete with a rooftop restaurant – is set to open in fall 2024. Recently opened luxury hotels at Fashion Island include the Pendry Newport Beach and VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa . For waterfront shopping, head to Lido Marina Village with upscale boutiques and casual to fine dining. Stay for a weekend at the Lido House, Autograph Collection – an elegant boutique hotel with a coastal beach house vibe.

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Visit the museums of Santa Ana

Courtesy of Bowers Museum

Santa Ana, a famously windy California city, is also notable for its many museums. The Bowers Museum, for example, displays more than 91,000 objects and works of art in its permanent collection. Having grown exponentially since it first opened in 1936, this art museum hosts a wide range of exhibitions that explore masterpieces and historical artifacts from cultures all over the world, including Native American art that tells the story of the first Californians.

A mere half-mile north of the Bowers Museum is Discovery Cube Orange County, a children's science museum with interactive activities designed to inspire and educate. Young minds will be engaged by the more than 80 interactive science-based exhibits, such as the science center's Physics Lab with a laser maze, a race track and more. Recent visitors to Discovery Cube's Orange County campus say the museum is so hands-on that it's a good option for even the shortest attention spans.

Other Santa Ana museums worth checking out include the Heritage Museum of Orange County for some cultural and natural history or the Lyon Air Museum, which displays aircraft, rare vehicles and memorabilia mainly related to World War II.

Irvine Ranch Open Space

Courtesy of OC Parks

Protected wildlands with six nature preserves make up the Irvine Ranch Open Space in Silverado. Free parking and jaw-dropping views beckon visitors to explore 25,000 acres of biking, hiking and equestrian trails. The only caveat is that the park is so protected it's only accessible through regularly scheduled programming, including self-guided Wilderness Access Days every month, which you can peruse on the OC Parks website . Events are typically free and may include a guided hike or bike ride in one of the canyons, an opportunity to search for animal tracks, or a bug demo for kids.

Past visitors say that, while you'll have to plan ahead, the trail variety and wild beauty of the preserves make it all worth it, and you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for sightings of deer, coyotes and more.

Take on a taco tour

If you come to Southern California, you'll likely want to sample some of its renowned Mexican cuisine. A self-guided taco tour around Orange County is a great way to experience some of the top spots, especially if you take advantage of Taco Tuesday deals.

Oaxacan outfit Taqueros Mexican Restaurant in Mission Viejo is known for its authentic birria. Local family-run chain Avila's El Ranchito merits a stop at one of its 13 SoCal locations, all serving tacos galore and tasty flavored margaritas. Solita Tacos & Margaritas, with four locations in Orange and Los Angeles counties, is another hot spot for Mexican cuisine, famed for its wood-grilled tacos and more than 20 kinds of salsa. El Adobe de Capistrano, located in San Juan Capistrano, serves mesquite-grilled Mexican cuisine and is recognized as a California State Historical Landmark. For upscale Mexican food that was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, try Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen in Orange.

With so many other Mexican eateries to choose from in Orange County, you'll find endless options if you decide to embark on a taco tour.

Irvine Spectrum Center

Courtesy of Irvine Spectrum Center

The Irvine Spectrum Center, anchored by an eye-catching Ferris wheel, features a range of shopping and dining, as well as lots of family-friendly entertainment. This Irvine attraction is no ordinary shopping center; if kids get bored of browsing shops, they can choose from an escape room, movie theater, carousel, the Hello Kitty Cafe and more. Date night is also on the table here with tons of dining – and dessert – options and an improv comedy theater.

Weekends feature live music from local artists and morning fitness classes; weekly happenings include Toddlers & Tunes on the first Tuesday of each month, an event that's free and open to the public. Patrons enjoy the clean, open space and accessible parking at this lively outdoor mall.

Address: 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618

Old Towne Orange

The city of Orange boasts a historic downtown and a similarly citrusy name to the county it resides in. Old Towne Orange, as California's largest historic district featured on the National Register of Historic Places, is filled with antique shops, art galleries, restaurants and retail.

The Plaza has been a prime meeting spot for locals since its earliest days, with a fountain as the centerpiece and an abundance of trees. Designed in 1886 and still today the cultural heart of Orange, the plaza maintains its original elliptical layout and hosts community events throughout the year. The annual Orange International Street Fair is held nearby. The Starbucks in Plaza Square is one example of a repurposed historic building in Old Towne, with a unique facade designating it as the former home of The Orange Daily News in the 1900s.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

To experience more of Orange County's biodiversity, consider a visit to this 1,300-acre coastal estuary adjacent to Huntington Beach. The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, one of Southern California's largest saltwater marshes, is home to a variety of habitats and wildlife – including more than 200 avian species, making it popular for bird-watching.

Start with the Bolsa Chica Conservancy's Interpretive Center, where you can browse educational exhibits on conservation and the history of human interaction with the wetlands, featuring aquariums, live reptiles and model replicas. Visitors can then explore several miles of publicly accessible hiking trails and scenic overlooks, taking care to stay on the designated paths. Travelers recommend a visit for a beautiful escape into nature, with no shortage of birds and other animals to marvel at.

Take your pick at U-pick farms

Southern California's weather is ideal for growing produce year-round, which makes Orange County a great spot to seek out a farm to pick your own. Tanaka Farms in Costa Mesa, for example, offers U-pick wagon rides and guided tours all year long, with produce options varying by season and crop availability; you'll just need to reserve your spot online. The ever-popular strawberry season typically runs from March through May, but the farm also boasts a wide variety of vegetables you can pick if the berries aren't available when you go.

Another U-pick option for some sweet berries is at The Original Manassero Farms' Irvine Market location, where no reservation is required but you may want to call ahead at 949-554-5103 to check harvest availability. The Ecology Center, in San Juan Capistrano, has a U-pick strawberry field that is open on the weekends in the spring and early summer.

Catch an Angels baseball game

Courtesy of Visit Anaheim

Dress in your best red attire and get yourself to Angel Stadium in Anaheim – nicknamed the Big A – for some Major League Baseball fun. Catch a home game to cheer on the Los Angeles Angels, once portrayed in fictional form by the 1994 Disney film "Angels in the Outfield." Today these 2002 world champions are owned by Arte Moreno, who became the first Latino to own a major U.S. sports team when he purchased the Angels from the Walt Disney Company in 2003.

To save on seats at select ball games, sign up for a free Visit Anaheim savings pass and browse discount options. From April to September, Angel Stadium offers public tours during away games to take you behind the scenes to the dugout, press room and more; the venue also hosts community events like fun runs throughout the year. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff and parking ease in this historic stadium.

Address: 2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA 92806

Check out an industrial food hall in the Anaheim Packing District

Orange County did indeed gain its name from the money-making citrus fruit. Today, a warehouse from 1919 where Sunkist once readied produce to sell has found a second life as a food hall. The Packing House is part of the Anaheim Packing District, a downtown complex that spans three other landmarks as well. From diverse culinary mashups like Japanese crepes to staples like pizza, the Packing House market is a one-stop palate-pleaser for everyone in your party.

Two other buildings, once a car dealership and a marmalade factory, also make up the historic hub of the Anaheim Packing District, offering delectable tacos or some of that famous California wine among other food and drink options. The fourth landmark, Farmers Park, is home to two restaurants and community events. If you're up for a challenge, try to seek out the Blind Rabbit speakeasy, hidden behind a bookshelf somewhere in the complex; the reward will be a delicious drink and mysterious atmosphere.

Address: 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805

Irvine's Great Park

Courtesy of City of Irvine

With a wide array of family-friendly amenities and attractions, the 500-acre Great Park in Irvine more than lives up to its name. This public park, the repurposed site of a former air station, is centered on outdoor recreation, sustainable agriculture and the arts. Start your day at the Visitors Center to sign up for a free balloon ride 400 feet in the air (the wait can be quite long since it is first come, first served) or to rent sports equipment before checking out the latest exhibition at the Palm Court Arts Complex. The Kid Rock play area even teaches children about conservation ecology.

The Great Park's Farm + Food Lab is an interactive outdoor classroom that focuses on horticulture. Browse this nonprofit farm's themed planters and informational displays or consult the online park schedule to time your visit with a free gardening workshop (weather permitting). Past visitors say that while it's tucked away, the Farm + Food Lab is a great place to bring toddlers and small children to teach them about growing food.

The park also features the Great Park Ice & Five Point Arena, a public ice skating and ice hockey facility, as well as the newly redesigned Wild Rivers water park with around 20 rides and attractions, including a 800-gallon tipping bucket.

Address: 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, CA 92618

Pretend City Children's Museum

Courtesy of Pretend City and Destination Irvine

Children can take their games of make-believe to the next level at this replica city built just for them. Pretend City Children's Museum in Irvine provides a hands-on environment for kids to get curious and creative, with a variety of educational exhibits and activities designed to give them a taste of "real life." The bank, for example, lets children flex their math skills, while the cafe teaches about cultural diversity and the gas station encourages problem-solving. Youngsters can exercise their imagination to play an artist, construction worker, doctor or whatever else they choose, as well as experiencing exhibits like the grocery store.

The museum also hosts events such as the free monthly Neurodivergent Family Night, where children on the autism spectrum can play in a welcoming environment. Families who have experienced Pretend City say there's no shortage of stimulating interactive activities for young kids, but they recommend going during the week for a less crowded playtime.

Address: 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618

Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton

Courtesy of Fullerton Arboretum

California State University, Fullerton has an impressive arboretum with a number of different plant collections, where you can amble through the gardens and observe the wildlife. Accompanying the flora of the arboretum are pieces of Fullerton's history, including the gardens and outbuildings of a cottage built in 1894 by one of the area's pioneer doctors. The restored Victorian-style Heritage House is now a museum about life and medicine of the late 19th century.

Also on the Fullerton Arboretum grounds you can find the O.C. Agricultural and Nikkei Heritage Museum, which highlights the historical impact of agriculture, as well as the contributions of Japanese Americans and pioneer families to the area. Visitor reviews note that the arboretum is a serene place to spend an afternoon, with beautiful botanical offerings making it worth a visit in any of the four seasons. Self-guided and guided group tours are available.

Address: 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton, CA 92831

The LAB Anti-Mall

Courtesy of The LAB

The LAB Anti-Mall is a Costa Mesa retail center whose name stands for "Little American Business." Surrounded by the suburbia of Orange County, the founders of The LAB strived to create an unconventional space that would serve as a hangout, dining and shopping center, and hub for the creative community. The LAB hosts a clothing exchange where you can buy or even sell apparel, a refill station with eco-friendly hygiene products, a plant store, a record shop in an Airstream trailer and more. Food and drink options range from doughnuts and coffee to sushi and craft beer.

Events at this "anti-mall" include sample sales, art workshops and occasional pop-ups. Next door, you'll find The CAMP – an outdoor mall with a focus on eco-friendly products that support an active lifestyle. Grab a craft cocktail at Cowboy and Poodles, sink your teeth into some fresh Italian food at Vitaly Caffe, shop for sustainable outdoor gear at SEED Peoples Market, or pick up a unique gift at The Inconvenience Store.

Address: 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Admire the redwoods of Carbon Canyon Regional Park

California's redwood trees are famed for their vast size and majesty. While Northern California enjoys a reputation for its impressive redwoods, Orange County offers a taste of these arboreal wonders too. Head to Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea and take the approximately mile-long nature trail to Redwood Grove, which past travelers say is a pleasant and easy walk the whole family can partake in. The coastal redwoods spread across these 3 acres reach heights of 100 feet, and while they may not be as large as the ones further north, park visitors appreciate having access to such a sight in SoCal.

Elsewhere in the 124-acre Carbon Canyon Region Park are tennis courts, a lake with fishing piers, and plenty of picnic areas. Carbon Canyon is also a prime spot for bird-watching and occasionally holds events such as guided hikes or outdoor movies.

Address: 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA, 92823

Play golf with ocean or canyon views

Orange County has some of the most scenic golf courses around. At The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, you can choose from two 18-hole world-class courses with ocean views designed by Tom Fazio. Afterwards, unwind at the Coliseum Pool – one of the largest circular pools in the world.

Another golfing destination, the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, offers a challenging, traditional Scottish-style course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. You can watch the surf from the award-winning par-70 championship Monarch Beach Golf Links course as you drive between holes on a golf cart or motorized GolfBoard. Recover at the spa with "The Performance Massage" to relieve tense muscles.

Tee up at The Ranch at Laguna Beach for a laid-back 9-hole course set amid the lush Aliso and Wood Canyons. Between the fourth and fifth holes, you'll pass by the on-property farm with organic produce and a hen house. After your day on the greens, enjoy the fire pits, live music and farm-to-table bites at The Porch.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Sharael Kolberg is a U.S. News & World Report contributor who has lived in Orange County for 15 years. She takes advantage of the year-round warm weather by hiking and taking long walks on the beach. Kolberg used her personal experience and exceptional research skills to compile this list of the top things to do in Orange County.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Los Angeles Beaches
• The Top Things to Do in California
• The Top Lakes in California
• The Top Natural Hot Springs in California
• The Best Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles

Tags: Travel , California Vacations , US Vacations

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