For an Instagram-worthy spot in northern California, one of the most intriguing is Black Sands in Shelter Cove, 90 miles south of Eureka. (Note: There are several ‘Black Sand’ beaches in California, but this is the one you’ll want to go out of your way to see.) True to its name, this Humboldt County beach (way off-the-beaten-path) boasts a stretch of black sand running more than 20 miles. Getting there is a trek—from Highway 101 in the town of Garberville, it’s an hour’s drive west on windy back roads. It isn’t safe to swim at Black Sands Beach, but once you arrive, you can access the Lost Coast Trail, a rugged, undeveloped coastal wilderness zone popular with hikers, campers, and backpackers. If you visit during April or May, you just might get lucky with whale sightings, too.
La Jolla Beach, San Diego
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Minutes from San Diego proper, La Jolla is truly an “only-in-California” beach experience complete with rugged cliffs, sweeping hillsides, and an abundance of sea lions—yes, sea lions!—lounging about and living their best lives in the warm California sun. Snorkeling and diving in La Jolla Cove is a popular activity during the summer months, as the water is clear enough to view underwater rock formations, harmless leopard shark,s and fish species like the garibaldi and shovelnose guitarfish. For surfing, Windansea Beach has you covered, while nearby Torrey Pines Golf Course offers majestic views of the Pacific Ocean from its cliff-top perch. For more jaw-dropping views, head over to Torrey Pines Gliderport for tandem and solo clifftop paragliding. If you visit between November and March, you just might catch a glimpse of migrating whales as they make their way down the coast from Alaska to Baja, California. Equally stunning is nearby Black’s Beach in Torrey Pines State Park, an if-you-know-you-know spot surrounded by sweeping cliffs and lined with sand that glitters with golden flecks.
Pismo Beach, San Louis Obispo
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