Whether you’re seeking surf breaks or beachside attractions, the coastline has something for everyone.

The best beaches offer so much more than attractive shorelines.

Solana Beach

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Solana Beach is made for walking.

Aerial view of Solana Beach and cliff, California coastal beach with blue Pacific ocean

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Wade into the gentle waters full of swimmers, paddleboarders, and surfers.

With palm trees, a wide, flat beach, and whitecaps, this is classic California.

Along nearby Palm Avenue, the Outdoor Surfboard Museum is an art installation inspired by vintage surfboards.

A surfer at Cardiff State Beach

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The party continues into the night when the beach bars and live venues are crawling with revelers.

Tuck into an egg burrito atKono’s Cafeat the pier before the day is through.

If you prefer burgers and shakes, visitHodad’son Newport Avenue.

Beach of Coronado Island

The beach of Coronado, the resort city on a peninsula in San Diego Bay.Yiming Chen/Getty Images

Experience classic SoCal by watching skaters on the pier.

The beach gradually shelves into bright blue water that attracts swimmers and anglers.

Grandview Beach

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This narrow spit backed by high bluffs is the northernmost beach in Encinitas.

The pier and Pacific Ocean at sunset, in Imperial Beach, near San Diego, California

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It’s typically uncrowded and the local surfers are easygoing and friendly.

Descend a switchbacked cliffside trail down to this small strip of sand.

Like Grandview, Beacons Beach attracts surfers looking to ride its gentle swells.

Surfers heading out into the ocean at La Jolla Beach

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Just note that dogs must be under voice control and wear a license on their collars.

The shallow waters of theSan Dieguito River Lagoonare a refreshing place to cool off.

Mission Beach San Diego Aerial

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A photographer on the beach at Pacific Beach

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Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego

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Ocean Beach Pier and Tide Pools

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Sunset on Torrey Pines State Beach

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Lifeguard Tower on Moonlight Beach in Encinitas

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Grandview Beach

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North County San Diego Coastal Aerial

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Del Mar Dog Beach, San Diego, CA

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San Onofre State Beach, San Diego County, California

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