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The West Coast is famous for its many iconic beaches and Cheapism set out to find the best of them. To determine the best 20 beaches, their editorial team "looked to online reviews from beachgoers and local guides, took into account average water temperatures, sights to see, available activities, and overall beauty to bring you the top beaches along the West Coast that are worth a visit this summer."
These are the California beaches that made it to the top of the list and why Cheapism chose them:
- Coronado Beach - San Diego
- "Coronado Beach has legions of fans and accolades. Not only does this pristine beach stretch for miles, but the sand, which contains the mineral mica, really does sparkle. And then there's the location right in front of the historic Hotel del Coronado, where presidents have stayed and where Marilyn Monroe filmed scenes for "Some Like It Hot."
- Carmel Beach - Carmel-by-the-Sea
- "Pure white sands and welcoming coves are just some of the reasons to love Carmel Beach. This iconic stretch of beach was recognized by National Geographic as one of the best beaches in the world. This central California destination is dog-friendly and a stellar place for surfing. Be sure to take a walk along the scenic bluff."
- La Jolla Cove - La Jolla
- "Famous for its endearing and amusing colony of seals and sea lions, as well as sea caves that can be visited by kayak, La Jolla Cove draws crowds all year. A tiny beach tucked between sandstone cliffs, it is part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, which means sea life is abundant in the area."
- Butterfly Beach - Santa Barbara
- Salmon Creek Beach - Sonoma County
- Main Beach - Santa Cruz
- South State Beach - Carlsbad
- San Gregorio State Beach - San Gregorio
- Doheny State Beach - Dana Point
- Manhattan Beach - Los Angeles County
- Huntington City Beach
- Crystal Cove State Park - Laguna Beach
- El Matador State Beach - Malibu
- Little Corona Del Mar Beach