The 15 beaches you need to visit in Southern California

Great for families and groups, this San Diego island is outfitted with everything you need for a day at the beach. The half-mile stretch is good for laying out and playing sports--from football to volleyball--while gentle waves invite sunbathers to take a swim. The biggest draw, however, is the sand that sparkles from a mineral called mica, which can be seen in the background of Billy Wilder's movie Some Like It Hot.

Dive into this snug, inviting cove with magical scenery. Along the shores of Orange County, you'll discover a coastline of colors, palm trees, and wild life. You don't need to book a flight to find paradise--this beach is right off the Pacific Coast Highway.  

The most iconic beach in California. Santa Monica might be more famous than all the celebrities in Los Angeles combined. This three-mile stretch is packed with cyclers, runners and bathers, along with tourists who want to check out the pier's amusement park. It's a prime hangout for anyone who wants to experience Los Angeles. 

Grab a boogie board, a swimsuit and a life preserver...cause this place is gnarly. The Wedge is home to the biggest surf in SoCal, which means the waves here can get up to 30 feet. When it's really big, you'll want to watch the surf from the comfort of your towel. When it's not, you'll want to get out there yourself. 

Pismo Beach is the only California State Park where vehicles can ride on the sand, so dune buggies are a frequent sight on this stretch of coastline. Make sure to go to the dunes themselves, where you can feel like Lawrence of Arabia wandering the desert...only there's an ocean five minutes away.

Experience seaside perfection in this quiet beach town. With something for everyone, it's no wonder La Jolla is a San Diego favorite. This town offers places to walk, hike and swim, along with activities for everyone in the family. Moms will love the shops along the promenade, while kids will love the famous Cave Store, which has a tunnel leading to a hidden cove. 

No one is here to experience the actual beach. No, everyone is here to experience one of the best surf spots in the world. Routinely ranked in the Top 10, Rincon may very well be the best point break on Earth, with waves that can span up to a mile long. On a good day, you can find surfers from around the world in its lineup. 

This was California's first state beach and it hasn't aged a day since its founding. It's still got the same tide pools, picnic areas and surf breaks that made the place a hotspot in 1931, and has even added a few things since. Now you can end your day with a margarita at Doho cafe or a sunset walk at San Juan trail. 

Pass the surf wax, brah, this is California's most iconic surf beach. Made famous by The Endless Summer and the endless amount of surfers, this beach offers a break (literally) right out the movies. The quintessential Malibu experience, come here for long rides, large crowds and one of the most gorgeous spots in California. 

Another iconic Malibu spot. This one's for you explorers out there, the kind who don't mind getting their feet dirty. Take a hike down to El Matador State Beach, where you will find a coastline that looks like Big Sur by way of Los Angeles. That means dramatic cliffs without the cold waters of Northern California. 

From street level, it's easy to walk right past Treasure Island Beach. Most people walk south to Aliso Beach, but stay north to enjoy one of the most scenic spots in SoCal. 

Pack a boogie board and the whole family for a fun day at the beach. Wide-open sands, quiet waters and kitschy shops make this a great family getaway. Whether you want to spend a day or a weekend, Avilla is one of those spots that has you covered. 

Clothing? Optional. Good times? Mandatory. This nudē beach is not great for people-watching (for obvious reasons), but the mix of cool surf, massive cliffs and miraculous views makes it a San Diego favorite. Come here for any number of reasons; just don't bring the kids. 

Make the drive past Pismo and Avilla and you will be rewarded with a clean patch of sand called Moro. Named after a rock in the ocean, the beach makes for a scenic backdrop while surfers ride waves against a volcanic mountain. There isn't another beach like it in SoCal, so it makes for a nice change of pace on our list. 

Get ready to pinch yourself. When you arrive at Butterfly Beach, you will be greeted with lines of palm trees, rows of plants and swaths of ethereal light. The beach is my favorite on our list, mainly because it doesn't come with the crowds of other places--or the noise, tourists or vendors. Instead, this Santa Barbara spot comes with a wave of good vibes.