The 30 Best Parking by the ocean in California

Pomponio State Beach is a popular tourist attraction located at 19369 Cabrillo Highway South, San Gregorio, California, United States. This beautiful beach is situated 12 miles south of Half Moon Bay along the San Mateo coastline, offering miles of gently sloping, sandy beaches at the base of high sandstone bluffs. Visitors can enjoy the small lagoon and roaring surf, as well as facilities such as picnic tables and pit toilets. Please note that camping is not available at this park, and online reservations are not accepted. However, California State Parks Backpacking Adventures offers naturalist-led backpacking trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains each summer, including a new "Cars-BA" Family Camp at Big Basin. Online registration is currently open for these adventures.

Bean Hollow State Beach is a beautiful park located on New Years Creek Road in Pescadero, California. This park offers a one mile stretch of San Mateo Coast shoreline with two parking lots: Pebble Beach and Bean Hollow Beach. Pebble Beach is known for its rounded, ocean-polished rocks, while Bean Hollow Beach features a small sandy cove and rocky tide pools. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, picnicking, and beachcombing, but collecting of any kind is prohibited. The park also offers the Arroyo de los Frijoles Trail, which connects the two beaches and features interpretive panels for a self-guided tour. Swimming is not recommended at this beach due to cold water, rip currents, and heavy surf. Dogs are allowed on leashes, but beach fires, collecting, fireworks, and drones are not permitted. Camping is not available at this park, but nearby state park campgrounds include Half Moon Bay State Beach and Butano State Park.

Scott Creek County Beach is a picturesque tourist attraction located in Davenport, California, United States. This beautiful beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a popular destination for beachgoers looking to relax and unwind. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing on the sandy shores, exploring the tide pools, and even catching a glimpse of the local wildlife. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled day by the water, Scott Creek County Beach is the perfect place to escape and enjoy the natural beauty of the California coast.

Natural Bridges State Beach, located at 2531 West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, California, is a beautiful park and beach that offers stunning views of shore birds, migrating whales, seals, and otters. The park features public access tide pools where visitors can see sea stars, shore crabs, and other colorful ocean life during low tides. The park also includes a Monarch Grove where thousands of Monarch Butterflies overwinter, creating a "city in the trees" from late fall to winter. In addition to the natural beauty of the park, visitors can participate in guided hikes, backpacking adventures, and other public programs offered by California State Parks. The park also has a picnic area with tables, barbecues, and restroom facilities for day-use visitors. Please note that there is a $10 vehicle day-use fee to enter the park.

Sand Plant Beach is a picturesque park located in Santa Cruz, California, United States. This beautiful sandy beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy surfing or simply relax and unwind by the water. With its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty, Sand Plant Beach is the perfect destination for a day of outdoor fun and relaxation.

Santa Maria Beach is a beautiful park located at 80 23rd Avenue in Santa Cruz, California, United States. This institution offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and sandy shores for visitors to enjoy. Whether you want to relax on the beach, go for a swim in the ocean, or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, Santa Maria Beach is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun. With its picturesque location and serene atmosphere, this park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Come and experience the natural beauty of Santa Maria Beach for yourself.

Houghton M. Roberts Beach is a picturesque park located at 2600 Sand Dunes Drive in Monterey, California, United States. This beautiful beachfront park offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is the perfect spot for a relaxing day by the water. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, sunbathing, beachcombing, and even surfing at this popular destination. With its sandy shores and gentle waves, Houghton M. Roberts Beach is a great place to unwind and soak up the natural beauty of the California coast.

Sunset Beach is a picturesque tourist attraction located in Pacific Grove, California, United States. This stunning beach offers visitors a serene and tranquil environment to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as the sun sets over the horizon. With its golden sands, gentle waves, and stunning coastal scenery, Sunset Beach is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a romantic picnic, or simply basking in the natural beauty of the California coast. Whether you're looking to unwind, take in the sunset, or explore the surrounding area, Sunset Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful escape by the sea.

Malpaso Creek Beach is a picturesque and secluded stretch of coastline located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. With its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged cliffs, this beach offers a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, beachcombing, and exploring the tide pools along the shore. The beach is also a popular spot for surfers looking to catch some waves. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the ocean or an adventurous outdoor experience, Malpaso Creek Beach has something for everyone.

The Coast Guard Pier in Monterey, California is a popular tourist attraction located at 100 Lighthouse Avenue. This historic pier offers stunning views of the coastline and is a great spot for fishing, sightseeing, and enjoying the fresh ocean air. Visitors can watch as Coast Guard vessels come and go, adding to the excitement of the experience. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or learn more about the important work of the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Pier is a must-visit destination in Monterey.

Partington Cove is a stunning tourist attraction located at 51700 California 1 in Big Sur, California. This hidden gem offers visitors a chance to explore a beautiful cove surrounded by towering cliffs and crashing waves. Visitors can hike along the rugged coastline, marvel at the natural beauty of the area, and discover the rich history of the cove. Partington Cove is the perfect destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience the breathtaking beauty of the California coast.

Pico Creek Beach is a stunning park and tourist attraction located in San Simeon, California, United States. This picturesque beach offers visitors a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, with its sandy shores and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun, take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, or simply enjoy a day by the water, Pico Creek Beach is the perfect destination. With its convenient location and natural beauty, this beach is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Central Coast of California.

Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, located on Moonstone Beach Drive in Cambria, California, is a popular park known for its stunning views and unique beachcombing opportunities. The beach gets its name from the smooth stones that cover the shoreline, creating intricate patterns that wow visitors. The boardwalk offers a 2-mile scenic hike along the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with benches for resting and enjoying the views. The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible, ADA compliant, and stroller friendly, making it suitable for all visitors. Visitors can explore the rocky seashore and tidepools along the boardwalk, where they can discover a variety of sea life such as crabs, sea anemones, urchins, and more. The beach is also a great spot for whale watching, with gray whales, white-sided dolphins, and other marine animals commonly seen from the shore. Locals enjoy surfing at Moonstone Beach, while anglers can try their luck at rock fishing and surf fishing.

STP Beach is a beautiful park located in the picturesque coastal town of Pismo Beach, California, United States. This institution offers visitors a stunning beachfront location with soft sandy shores and crashing waves, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. STP Beach is a popular spot for picnics, beach volleyball, and relaxing walks along the shoreline. With its stunning ocean views and serene atmosphere, STP Beach is the ideal destination for those looking to enjoy a day by the sea in a tranquil and scenic setting.

Sands Beach is a popular tourist attraction located in Isla Vista, California, United States. This beautiful sandy beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day by the water, take a leisurely stroll along the shore, or even try their hand at surfing or boogie boarding. With its picturesque setting and tranquil atmosphere, Sands Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to unwind and soak up the sun in Southern California.

Leadbetter Beach is a popular tourist attraction located at 801 Shoreline Drive in Santa Barbara, California, United States. This large beach and park is situated next to the Santa Barbara Harbor and Shoreline Park, making it a picturesque and convenient spot for visitors to enjoy. The beach is a favorite amongst catamaran sailors and wind surfers, who can often be seen out on the water. Visitors can also take advantage of the reservable grassy picnic and barbecue sites, perfect for enjoying a meal with family and friends while taking in the beautiful ocean views. It's important to note that dogs are not allowed on the sand at Leadbetter Beach, so be sure to plan accordingly if you're bringing a furry friend along. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, try out some water sports, or have a picnic by the sea, Leadbetter Beach has something for everyone to enjoy.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, located at 12600 North Torrey Pines Road in California, is a stunning park and tourist attraction known for its unique natural beauty. The reserve is home to the rare Pinus torreyana pine tree, found only in this area and on Santa Rosa Island. Visitors can explore trails through wind-sculpted pines, high cliffs, and deep ravines overlooking the ocean. The reserve also boasts one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California. The picturesque visitor center, housed in a pueblo-style building, offers interpretive displays for guests to learn more about the park's rich plant community and wildlife. Picnicking and camping are not allowed in the reserve, but visitors can enjoy the nearby Torrey Pines State Beach accessible by trail. The park's popularity means that parking can be a challenge, especially during peak hours, so it is recommended to plan visits accordingly. Admission fees range from $12-$25 per vehicle, and camping is not permitted. Gates open at 7:15 am and close at sunset, with the visitor center opening daily at 9:00 am. With its breathtaking scenery and diverse plant and animal life, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Treasure Island Beach is a serene and picturesque park located at 30799 Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, California, United States. This hidden gem offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing day by the water. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing on the sandy shores, exploring tide pools, and taking in the natural beauty of the area. With its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery, Treasure Island Beach is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.

Crescent Bay Beach is a stunning natural feature located in California, United States. With its crescent-shaped shoreline and crystal-clear waters, this beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing on the sandy shores, swimming in the refreshing ocean, or taking a leisurely stroll along the picturesque coastline. Crescent Bay Beach offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and is the perfect spot to relax and unwind in the beauty of nature.

Dana Strands Beach is a picturesque park located in Dana Point, California, United States. This serene beachfront destination offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a popular spot for picnics, sunbathing, and leisurely walks along the sandy shore. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball at Dana Strands Beach. With its convenient location and beautiful surroundings, this park is the perfect place to relax and unwind by the sea.

Stan's Beach is a picturesque park located in Coronado, California, United States. This charming beachfront institution offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is the perfect spot for a relaxing day by the water. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, sunbathing, and swimming in the clear blue waters. With its sandy shores and gentle waves, Stan's Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Come and unwind in this serene oasis on the beautiful California coast.

Pinnacle Beach is a stunning institution located at 943 Sea Eagle Loop in Bodega Bay, California. Situated on the picturesque coastline of the United States, Pinnacle Beach offers breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. This exclusive beachfront property provides a tranquil and luxurious retreat for visitors looking to relax and unwind in a serene environment. With its pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, Pinnacle Beach is the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating escape by the sea.

Shell Beach is a stunning natural feature located in Bodega Bay, California, United States. This beautiful beach is known for its unique shoreline covered in countless tiny shells, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the sandy shore, collecting shells and enjoying the peaceful sounds of the ocean. Shell Beach is a popular spot for beachcombing, birdwatching, and simply relaxing by the water. With its breathtaking views and tranquil surroundings, Shell Beach is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike.

Tunitas Creek Beach is a picturesque and secluded stretch of coastline located at 23000 Cabrillo Highway South in Half Moon Bay, California. This pristine beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a popular spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, picnicking, beachcombing, and exploring the tide pools. The beach is also a great spot for surfing and fishing. With its serene atmosphere and natural beauty, Tunitas Creek Beach is the perfect destination for a relaxing day by the ocean.

The Public Art "Tide Pool Paddleboard" is a stunning outdoor installation located at 375 Cliff Drive in Laguna Beach, California. This unique piece of art captures the beauty and tranquility of the tide pools found along the California coast. Visitors can admire the intricate details of the paddleboard as it sits gracefully against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The artwork serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural environment and the delicate ecosystems that thrive in our oceans. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this captivating public art piece in person.

Cleo Street Beach is a picturesque natural feature located in California, United States. This stunning beach offers pristine sandy shores, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim in the refreshing ocean, or explore the nearby coastal trails. Cleo Street Beach is the perfect destination for a peaceful day by the sea, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Carlsbad City Beach is a picturesque stretch of coastline located at 3001 Ocean Street in Carlsbad, California, United States. This popular beach destination offers pristine sandy shores, sparkling blue waters, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and picnicking. The beach is also equipped with amenities such as restrooms, showers, and fire pits, making it the perfect spot for a day of relaxation and fun in the sun. Whether you're looking to catch some waves, explore tide pools, or simply unwind by the water, Carlsbad City Beach is the ideal place to soak up the beauty of the California coast.

Lechuza Beach is a stunning tourist attraction located on Sea Level Drive in Malibu, California. This beautiful beach offers visitors a tranquil and picturesque setting to relax and unwind by the ocean. With its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, Lechuza Beach is the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a leisurely day by the sea. Whether you're looking to catch some waves or simply soak up the sun, Lechuza Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating beach experience in the United States.

Zuma Beach, located at 30000 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, is a stunning beach destination known for its wide sandy shores and beautiful ocean views. This popular spot offers a range of activities including swimming, surfing, volleyball, and picnicking. With ample parking and facilities such as restrooms and showers, Zuma Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Whether you want to relax in the sun, catch some waves, or simply enjoy a peaceful day by the water, Zuma Beach is the perfect place to unwind and take in the natural beauty of the California coast.

Latigo Beach Access is a stunning park located in Malibu, California, United States. This beautiful beach access point offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf of the iconic California coastline. With its convenient location and breathtaking views, Latigo Beach Access is the perfect spot for a relaxing day by the ocean. Whether you're looking to swim, sunbathe, or simply take in the natural beauty of the area, this park has something for everyone. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the magic of Latigo Beach Access during your next visit to Malibu.