6 California Beach Towns to Visit This Fall

Many people only think about beaches as summer destinations, when the heat is heavy and the sun relentless. There is, however, something enchanting about beach towns in the fall. Crashing waves on the cliffs, morning walks in the sand, and the tranquility of the water can all be enjoyed as the clouds shroud the sky and the chill comes in. Here are six beach towns in California to escape to this fall. 

Carmel

Carmel is a calm and foggy beach town located on the Monterey Peninsula. According to visitors, Carmel has a climate all its own that varies from its warm neighboring beach areas. Carmel is a perfect destination for the fall, because more than likely, you’ll want to cuddle up inside with a great ocean view and forget about getting a tan in the sand.

La Jolla

La Jolla is just up the street from San Diego and provides a unique beach experience that can be enjoyed in any season. La Jolla Cove has beautiful cliff views as well as sea lions and seals galore! Also, La Jolla is home to the only sea cave in California that can be accessed by land—Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave.

Places to see: La Jolla 

Sonoma Coast

All along the Sonoma Coast, you can encounter the magic of the beach in the fall. Crashing waves, rock formations, tide pools, and seagulls roam this area. Foggy mornings are common and so are the smells and tastes of wine country. Whether visiting Bodega Bay or taking a winding road to a nearby winery, this Northern California coastline is perfect to visit in the calmer and chillier seasons.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach lies just a few hours north of San Diego and can be enjoyed year-round. Laguna is best in the fall because the crowd dies down and you can enjoy the best restaurants and activities with fewer people. Also, fall is when blue whales arrive on the coast and can occasionally be seen from shore. Laguna is a bustling hub, complete with an art museum, a theater, and many excellent restaurants, hotels, and spas.

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach on California’s central coast claims October as one of its warmest months of the year. However, kids are back in school and the tourists have all gone home. Fall is the perfect time to visit Pismo Beach, because it is warm, clear, and dry. Take a walk down the Pismo Pier or an ATV across the Oceano Dunes. There is also surfing, golfing, and wine drinking aplenty in and around the Pismo Beach area. As a bonus, every Saturday in October, they open the Shell Beach Farmers Market! 

Santa Cruz 

Santa Cruz is one of California’s oldest seaside resort towns, and it is filled with culture. With museums, fine art, wildlife, and an amazing beach, this town is the perfect getaway at any time of year. In early October, they have a firework show that can be enjoyed from the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. They also have many more quaint festivities, typical of a small town, including family Halloween activities and a film festival. 

Beach towns in the fall are a different kind of enchantment that can’t be found in the months of summer. Take our word for it and visit one of these great spots for your late-season getaway.