I live in California, and these are my favorite beach towns in the Golden State.
The state is brimming with vacation-worthy communities maintaining local seaside traditions and that coveted slow pace of life.
It’s situated on a hillside that gently descends into crescent-shaped Carmel Beach.
Credit:Jon Bilous/Getty Images
In fact, Carmels walkability is part of its allure, since every step packs an enchanting punch.
Or at least home for the weekend.
Guerneville
Steve Proehl/Getty Images
Who says beaches have to be coastal?
Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure
Chef-owner Crista Luedtke is also the proprietor of theBoon Hotel + Spa, which offers mid-century-style fireplace suites.
Further south along this bluff-protected stretch is the popular Fletcher Cove, a.k.a.
Or get the best of land and sea with a low-tide, sand-dollar-speckled hike onMorro Strand.
kyolshin/Getty Images
As everyone knows, a beach hamlet is only as reputable as its seafood.
Or head toDuckies Chowder Housefor Nolan-style chowder topped with bacon and croutonsbest devoured with a side of onion rings.
After dinner, relax for the night in your retro-chic room atThe Pacific.
Steve Proehl/Getty Images
But its most recognized view is of the colorful and historic Italianate cottages overlooking Capitola State Beach.
For award-winning refreshments, seek out the tucked-away oasis of mixed-fermentation saisons known asSante Adairius Rustic Ales.
Pair the pours with inauthentic Detroit-style pizza fromBookies, located inside the brewery.
Thomas De Wever/Getty Images
For big-wave surfers, it’s the place to conquer 50-foot swells at the infamous Mavericks surf break.
For all of your panoramic views and ocean-spray needs, theres the 11.5-mile Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail.
Montecito Country Martis another community hub anchored byBettina, the place for wood-fired Neapolitan pizza.
Matthew Micah Wright/Getty Images
Just off the sand, the old-fashionedParkside Snack Barserves epicurean-level smash burgers, shakes, and smoothies.
Ed-Ni-Photo/Getty Images
Catherine_Elizabeth/Getty Images
Lucien Mann / 500px/Getty Images
Geri Lavrov/Getty Images
