Last updated 2026-07-10 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Endless coastline, year-round sun, and a beach town for every vibe and budget.
1. Santa Barbara: Best overall
2. Santa Cruz: Best surf town
3. Carlsbad: Best for families
4. Huntington Beach: Best surf scene
5. Long Beach: Best big-city beach
6. San Luis Obispo: Best Central Coast pick
7. Encinitas: Best laid-back surf
8. Monterey: Best scenic coast
9. Ventura: Best value beach town
California has the most iconic coastline in the country, and living in a beach town means sunshine, surf, and an outdoor lifestyle year-round. Prices run high near the water, so weigh the dream against the budget. Here are the 9 best beach towns in California to call home, ranked.