14 California Seaside Escapes Offering Sunshine And Surf In Winter
Winter doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to beach days and ocean breezes.
California’s stunning coastline stays warm and welcoming even when other places are buried in snow.
From sandy stretches perfect for building castles to surf spots that challenge even experienced riders, these coastal towns offer the perfect escape when you need sunshine.
Pack your board shorts and sunscreen because we’re heading to the best seaside spots that shine brightest during the cooler months.
1. Newport Beach
Luxury meets the ocean in ways that feel both fancy and totally relaxed.
Newport Beach sits along the Orange County coast where the weather refuses to follow winter rules.
You’ll find this jewel at various spots around 1000 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660, where waterfront views steal the show.
The ‘Après Sea’ campaign turns cold-weather getaways into something special with cozy accommodations and five-star meals.
Harbor excursions let you explore by boat while staying warm in the California sun.
Spa treatments help you unwind after a morning catching waves or strolling the pier.
Temperatures hover around a pleasant range that makes jackets optional most days.
Shopping and dining options line the streets, offering everything from casual bites to elegant experiences.
2. Oceanside
Surf culture runs deep through every corner of this vibrant coastal city.
Oceanside celebrates its wave-riding heritage with the ‘Season of Swellness’ throughout the cooler months.
Local restaurants near 300 N Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054, participate in the ‘Swell Plates Series’ showcasing signature dishes.
The Oceanside International Film Festival features a Surf Film track that honors the town’s beach lifestyle.
Miles of sandy beaches invite you to spread out a towel and soak up rays that feel impossibly warm for January.
The historic pier stretches far into the ocean, perfect for fishing or simply watching dolphins play.
Art galleries and craft breweries dot the downtown area, giving you plenty to explore between beach sessions.
Friendly locals make newcomers feel welcome from the moment they arrive.
3. Huntington Beach
Bold letters proclaim this town as Surf City USA, and the reputation is well-earned.
Huntington Beach delivers consistent waves and endless sunshine around 21601 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
January temperatures average a mild 63 degrees, which feels downright balmy compared to most winter destinations.
Clean, clear beaches stretch for miles, offering plenty of room to run, play, or practice your surfboard skills.
The annual Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day brings brave souls into the water for a refreshing start to the year.
Beach volleyball courts stay active year-round, with pickup games happening most sunny afternoons.
The downtown area features surf shops where you can rent gear or take lessons from patient instructors.
Bonfires dot the beach at sunset, creating cozy gathering spots as the day winds down.
4. Laguna Beach
Art and nature blend together in this fashionable seaside town that feels like a painting come to life.
Laguna Beach charms visitors with its cultural scene and scenic beauty around 381 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.
December and January bring temperatures ranging from 65 to 70 degrees, making beach walks absolutely delightful.
Fewer crowds mean you can actually find parking and enjoy the sand without fighting for space.
Local events pop up throughout the winter, from art shows to outdoor concerts that celebrate the community spirit.
Tide pools reveal colorful sea stars and tiny crabs when the ocean pulls back during low tides.
Cliffside pathways offer stunning views where you can watch the sunset paint the sky in brilliant colors.
Boutique shops and galleries invite browsing when you need a break from the beach.
5. Santa Cruz
Redwood trees meet ocean waves in a combination that shouldn’t work but somehow feels perfectly natural.
Santa Cruz serves as the beating heart of California surf culture, especially around 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Steamer Lane attracts surfers from around the world who come to test their skills on internationally famous breaks.
The historic Beach Boardwalk stands as the only one of its kind remaining on the West Coast.
Vintage rides and modern thrills share space on the wooden planks that creak with character and history.
Winter swells bring bigger waves that create spectacular shows even if you’re just watching from shore.
The downtown area features quirky shops and eateries that reflect the town’s independent, creative spirit.
Seals lounge on the rocks near the wharf, barking conversations that echo across the water.
6. Malibu
Twenty-one miles of coastline spell pure oceanfront luxury in every direction you look.
Malibu stretches along the Pacific Coast Highway near 23000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, where beaches have distinct personalities.
Zuma Beach offers wide-open sand perfect for families and groups spreading out beach blankets.
Surfrider Beach attracts dedicated wave riders who appreciate the consistent right-hand point break.
El Matador features dramatic rock formations that create natural sculptures and hidden coves for exploring.
Winter brings clearer water and less fog, making it ideal for spotting dolphins and occasional whales passing by.
Hiking trails wind through nearby canyons, offering a different perspective on this famous coastal area.
Fresh seafood restaurants serve catches that were swimming just hours before reaching your plate.
7. La Jolla
Secluded coves hide treasures that make you feel like you’ve discovered a secret paradise.
La Jolla earns its nickname ‘The Jewel’ with sparkling waters near 1100 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, CA 92037, where nature puts on daily shows.
Sea lions bask on the rocks at La Jolla Cove, barking and flopping in ways that make everyone smile.
Tide pools reveal entire miniature worlds filled with colorful creatures adapted to the rhythms of the ocean.
Kayak tours through the La Jolla Sea Caves offer close-up views of unique rock formations carved by centuries of waves.
Snorkeling here feels like swimming in an aquarium, with bright orange garibaldi fish darting between kelp forests.
Winter brings clearer visibility underwater, making it the best time for marine life encounters.
Upscale dining and shopping provide elegant options when you’re ready to trade your wetsuit for something dressier.
8. Half Moon Bay
Ancient redwood forests stand just minutes from sandy beaches in a geographic combination that feels almost magical.
Half Moon Bay sits thirty miles south of San Francisco near 520 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, where coastal charm meets small-town warmth.
Pristine beaches invite long walks where you can search for shells and watch shorebirds scurry along the waterline.
The historic downtown area showcases local artistry in galleries and shops that celebrate regional creativity.
The Beach House Hotel provides a cozy retreat with festive decorations during the holiday season.
Complimentary cider and cookies welcome guests who need warming up after a breezy beach adventure.
Harbor seals sometimes appear near the shore, poking their whiskered faces above the waves to investigate visitors.
Farm stands sell fresh produce grown in the fertile coastal valleys just inland from the ocean.
9. Pismo Beach
Wide sandy beaches stretch so far that finding your own perfect spot never poses a challenge.
Pismo Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere around 2 Pomeroy Avenue, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, where the iconic pier extends into calm waters.
The Inn at the Pier provides luxury accommodations just steps from the sand, making beach access incredibly convenient.
Winter getaways here feel peaceful and unhurried, with fewer tourists crowding the shoreline.
Clam digging remains a popular activity when tides and seasons align, though regulations change so check before you dig.
Beach bonfires create cozy evening gatherings where marshmallows get perfectly toasted under starry skies.
The downtown area features shops selling beach essentials and souvenirs that actually remind you of good times.
Monarch butterflies sometimes cluster in nearby eucalyptus groves during their winter migration, creating fluttering orange clouds in the trees.
10. Carmel-by-the-Sea
Fairytale cottages line streets without addresses in this storybook village where fantasy meets natural beauty.
Carmel-by-the-Sea enchants visitors around Ocean Avenue and San Antonio Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921, where European charm blends with California coastline.
Carmel Beach features powdery white sand perfect for leisurely walks with or without shoes.
Dogs romp freely on this beach, making it a paradise for four-legged friends and their humans.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve sits nearby, offering trails through ancient cypress groves with stunning coastal views.
Winter brings dramatic waves that crash against rocky outcrops, creating spectacular natural fountains of spray.
Art galleries showcase works from local and international artists in buildings that look like they belong in a painting themselves.
Afternoon tea and cozy fireplaces provide warm refuges when ocean breezes turn chilly at sunset.
11. Ventura
Channel Islands peek from the horizon like mysterious lands waiting to be explored from this mainland gateway.
Ventura spreads along the coast near 1600 Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, CA 93001, where the harbor bustles with activity year-round.
Winter temperatures stay comfortable enough for shorts and sandals most days, with occasional breezes keeping things interesting.
The pier extends into waters where fishing enthusiasts cast lines hoping for a fresh dinner catch.
Bike paths wind along the beachfront, connecting different neighborhoods and beach access points in a scenic route.
Historic downtown features preserved buildings housing modern restaurants and shops that honor the town’s past.
Boat tours depart regularly for the Channel Islands, where winter brings clearer views and calmer seas.
Sunset views paint the sky in colors that photographers dream about, with the islands creating dramatic silhouettes against the fading light.
12. Capitola
Brightly colored houses cluster along the beach like a Mediterranean village transported to the California coast.
Capitola charms visitors with its compact beauty near 200 Monterey Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010, where the wharf extends over gentle waves.
This small cove creates protected waters perfect for beginning surfers and families with young children.
Winter storms occasionally bring dramatic waves, but sunny days return quickly to restore the peaceful atmosphere.
Restaurants line the Esplanade, offering outdoor seating where you can enjoy meals while watching the ocean.
The historic Capitola Hotel overlooks the beach, maintaining its vintage charm while providing modern comforts.
Art and music festivals happen throughout the year, with winter bringing more intimate gatherings of creative locals.
Begonia Festival preparations begin in winter, though the actual event happens later when flowers bloom in spectacular displays.
13. Cayucos
Time seems to move slower in this small coastal town where old-fashioned charm never went out of style.
Cayucos maintains its unpretentious character around 1 Cayucos Drive, Cayucos, CA 93430, where the historic pier serves as the town’s gathering spot.
Antique shops line the main street, filled with treasures that tell stories of decades past.
The beach stretches wide and welcoming, with plenty of space for everyone without feeling crowded even on nice weekends.
Surfers appreciate the consistent waves that work for various skill levels from beginners to experienced riders.
Local cafes serve hearty breakfasts that fuel beach days and leisurely mornings spent watching the waves.
Brown pelicans glide in formation along the shoreline, their prehistoric profiles creating living sculptures against the sky.
Winter brings peaceful vibes perfect for those seeking a quiet escape from busier tourist destinations.
14. Avila Beach
Sheltered geography creates a microclimate that makes this beach town warmer than its neighbors year-round.
Avila Beach basks in extra sunshine near 6 Front Street, Avila Beach, CA 93424, where the promenade invites strolling and people-watching.
Palm trees sway gently along the beachfront, reinforcing the tropical feeling that seems almost too good for winter.
Colorful umbrellas dot the sand as visitors soak up rays that feel stronger here than just a few miles away.
Bob Jones Trail offers a scenic walk or bike ride through a wooded canyon connecting to nearby beaches.
Hot springs exist in the area, though most are on private property, adding to the region’s geothermal mystique.
Fishing from the pier produces catches of perch, rockfish, and occasional surprises that make the day memorable.
Farmers markets bring fresh local produce to town, where you can sample the bounty of California’s agricultural regions.
