California may be known for miles of amazing beaches, but just two made the top 10 of Family Destinations Guide of the top hidden beaches in the U.S. Though not surpassingly, the SoCal and NorCal locations are both in residential real estate hot spots.
Salt Creek Beach in Orange County came in at no. 7 on the list. Known as a popular surfing location, the beach’s small, offshore reef creates some of the best left swells along the entire coastline. Swimming, body surfing, sunbathing and tidepool exploration are also popular activities.
At no. 8 on the list is Marin County’s Wildcat Beach. A long west-facing beach backed by steep bluffs along the Point Reyes National Seashore, getting to Wildcat does require a hike, but a campground affords for overnight stays. A favorite among NorCal locals and visitors alike, walking south on the beach leads to Alamere Falls which pours out onto the beach from the bluffs near Double Point.
Ventura County’s Hollywood Beach, located in Oxnard, was just edged out of the top 10, landing at no. 12.
Hawaii and Florida dominated the list, with Awahua Beach on Molokai taking the top spot, followed by Shell Key Preserve in Florida and Lanikai Beach on Oahu.
To see the full list, click here.