Travel company Lonely Planet names several beaches in California made a list of best beaches in the country, joining popular destinations in Hawaii, Florida and Washington.
Lonely Planet drew lines in the sand to come up with the 23 best beaches in the United States, recognizing locations for their “people watching,” “secluded beauty” and “sugar-fine sands.”
Here’s what to know.
California beaches ranked among best in the nation
Lonely Planet named the following California beaches as some of the best seashores in the nation:
Venice Beach, Los Angeles – Fourth overall in nation: “Palm trees frame the sandy beach and the Pacific, with views interrupted by bodybuilders pumping iron at Muscle Beach, basketball players shooting hoops on busy courts and skateboarders gliding skyward at the shiny skateboard park,” Lonely Planet wrote.
El Matador State Beach, Malibu – Fifth overall in nation: A dirt path drops down the rugged cliffside to a set of stairs that descend to the soft sands of the beach, where the real visual feast begins. A cluster of rocks and sea stacks extends from the cliffs edging the cove into the sea. The largest formations hide arches and caves, which are prime candidates for exploring and photography – as are the tide pools filled with sea life. The setting sun illuminates the rocks with a golden glow, casting shadows and revealing new treasures. On a quiet afternoon the effect borders on the sublime.
Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur – Sixth overall in nation: The beach is “a spectacular ode to nature’s other-worldly gifts. And the spectacle becomes sublime when a wave crashes within the arch, its spray aglow with the ethereal light. Due to dangerous waves, Pfeiffer Beach isn’t recommended for swimming, and it can get windy – but walking, beachcombing and admiring the sunset are superb ways to pass the time.”
Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach – Fifteenth overall in nation: “If you fancy a dip in the (admittedly cool) Pacific Ocean water, head to Goff Island Cove at the north end of Treasure Island Beach for calmer water that’s great for swimming and snorkeling.”
What is the best beach in the US?
Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island in Georgia is the best beach in the U.S. and the “best for eerie photo opportunities,” according to Lonely Planet.
“The spider-like branches of gnarled oaks draping the golden sands of Jekyll Island off the coast of Georgia are eerily haunting,” Lonely Planet wrote. “The trees pull you in for a closer look, whispering of mysteries from centuries past.”
USA TODAY ranked Driftwood Beach as one of the best beaches in the South in 2023, noting its “striking” features and “surreal atmosphere.”
“Visitors can enjoy romantic nature walks and quiet contemplation, with the driftwood providing a stunning backdrop for memorable experiences and photo opportunities,” USA TODAY reported.
The best beaches in the US
Here’s a full list of the 23 best beaches, according to Lonely Planet.
Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia
Venice Beach, Los Angeles
El Matador State Beach, Malibu
Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
Hanalei Bay, Kaua’i, Hawaii
Oneloa Beach/Big Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington
Playa Tortuga, Isla Culabrita, Puerto Rico
Trunk Bay, Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach
Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine
Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
Henderson Beach State Park, Destin, Florida
Edisto Beach State Park, South Carolina
Siesta Key, Sarasota, Florida
Oval Beach, Saugatuck, Michigan
Contributing: Margie Cullen, USA TODAY Network
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Four California beaches make list of 23 best beaches in the U.S.