Romantic Ocean Beaches in California - Travel Guide

What if you try to propose to your girlfriend on a beach but it's so loud that she can't even hear you, or worse than that, a mysterious volleyball lands on your head and strikes you unconscious? A crowded beach can utterly ruin your romantic time. If you are trying to find a secluded beach in California for a romantic getaway or peaceful summer vacation, the following ocean beaches are the places to be.

Moonstone Beach is a long marvellous coastline of moonstone agates, where you can search for colorful stones, watch sea lions sunbathing on the rocks, or have a relaxing stroll among a shady wood of cypress trees. The flat walking paths along the coastline also make it very easy for a jog. Due to its exceptional beauty, Moonstone Beach is said to be a true artists' retreat.

Recommended Hotels

• Best Western Fireside Inn
• Blue Dolphin Inn
• The Blue Whale Inn
• Cambria Landing Inn
• Captain's Cove Inn
• Fog Catcher Inn
• Mariner's Inn By The Sea
• Moonstone Cottages by the Sea
• Pelican Suites
• Sea Otter Inn

At McClures Beach, the surf is usually wild, and the coastline is quite rocky. The sand is flecked with driftwood and starfish. Along the inner paths of the beach, you will find a profusion of wildflowers and sometimes may be able to hear an elk bugle its sweet lonesome sound.

Recommended Hotels

• Lingonberry Farm Bed and Breakfast Inn
• A Neon Rose
• Gray's Retreat
• Jasmine Cottage

Although Enderts Beach is not very far off Highway 101, it is surprisingly quiet and peaceful. Here you will find the greatness of solitude that allows you to leave all your worries behind. Enderts Beach is an awesome place for a picnic, stroll, whale-watching and bird-watching.

Recommended Hotels

• Best Western Northwoods Inn
• Crescent Beach Motel
• Comfort Inn & Suites Redwood Coast

Goat Rock Beach is a famous travel site, located near the mouth of the Russian River. It is not totally secluded, but you should be able to find several isolated spots. Picnic tables and restrooms are available. Dogs are NOT allowed on this beach due to the protected status of the harbor seals that regularly occupy this beach as their resting ground.

Recommended Hotels

• Sonoma Coast Villa Inn and Spa
• Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa
• Russian River Vacation Homes

Pinnacle Gulch Beach is a very popular place for hikers. The narrow trail to the beach has low wooden fences on both sides, which conveniently guide hikers downhills. Along the trail, you will hear wild birds flit and sing among the dense thickets of willows. In spring, you will find rare wildflowers such as sticky monkeyflowers, red Paintbrushes, cow parsnips and pink buckwheat, blooming in profusion.

Recommended Hotels

• Sonoma Coast Villa Inn and Spa
• Inn at the Tides
• Bodega Bay Lodge
• Bodega Bay Inn
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
• Dawn Ranch