Get ready to party at the top beaches in California! From Santa Monica to Manhattan Beach, we’ve got the best spots for beach parties and events. Plus, find the top beach bars and clubs to keep the fun going all night long. Don’t forget to stay safe with our partygoer tips and find the perfect vacation rental for your California beach getaway.
Top Party Beaches in California
California is known for its beautiful beaches, and some of these beaches are perfect for partying. Whether you are looking for a lively atmosphere or a place to relax with friends, there is a beach for you. Here are five of the top party beaches in California.
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It offers a wide range of activities, including surfing, beach volleyball, and bike rentals. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, making it easy to enjoy a day at the beach and then head out for a night on the town. The Santa Monica Pier is also a must-visit attraction, with its amusement park rides and games.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach is known for its eclectic and bohemian vibe. The boardwalk is lined with street performers, artists, and vendors selling all sorts of wares. The beach itself is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, but it’s the people-watching that really makes Venice Beach special. After a day at the beach, head to one of the many bars or restaurants in the area for a night out.
Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA, is a popular spot for surfers and beachgoers. The beach is wide and flat, making it perfect for playing beach volleyball or just soaking up the sun. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, many of which offer live music and entertainment. If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, head to the Main Street area, which is lined with bars and clubs.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach is a great destination for those who want to combine a day at the beach with some upscale shopping and dining. The beach itself is beautiful, with white sand and clear water. But it’s the nearby Fashion Island shopping center that really sets Newport Beach apart. After a day at the beach, head to one of the many restaurants or bars in the area for some cocktails and people-watching.
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is a laid-back beach community that is popular with locals. The beach is clean and well-maintained, and there are plenty of volleyball nets for those who want to get active. The nearby downtown area is home to a variety of bars and restaurants, many of which offer live music and entertainment. If you’re looking for a more relaxed party scene, Manhattan Beach is the place to be.
- Looking for a lively atmosphere? Head to Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, or Huntington Beach.
- Want to combine beach time with upscale shopping and dining? Newport Beach is the spot for you.
- Looking for a more laid-back party scene? Check out Manhattan Beach.
Beach Parties and Events in California
California is known for its vibrant beach parties and events that attract thousands of people every year. From music festivals to surf competitions, the state has it all. Here are some of the most popular beach parties and events in California:
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Coachella is one of the biggest music festivals in the world and is held annually in April. The festival takes place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, and features multiple stages with performances by popular artists from various genres. The festival attracts nearly 250,000 people every year and is known for its fashion, art installations, and food vendors.
Electric Daisy Carnival
The Electric Daisy Carnival, also known as EDC, is an electronic dance music festival that began in Los Angeles and has since expanded to various locations across the globe. The festival takes place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and features multiple stages with performances by popular DJs and producers. The festival attracts over 400,000 people every year and is known for its elaborate stage designs, carnival rides, and art installations.
Beachfront Cinema
Beachfront Cinema is an outdoor movie experience that takes place on the beach in Huntington Beach, California. The event features a massive inflatable screen, food vendors, and live music before the movie begins. Guests can bring their own blankets and chairs or rent them on-site. The event is family-friendly and attracts people of all ages.
US Open of Surfing
The US Open of Surfing is a professional surfing competition held annually in Huntington Beach, California. The competition attracts some of the best surfers from around the world and includes both men’s and women’s divisions. The event also features a festival with live music, food vendors, and various activities.
Sunset Sessions
Sunset Sessions is a music festival held annually in San Francisco, California. The festival takes place at the historic Sunset Sound System and features a lineup of popular indie and electronic artists. The festival is known for its intimate setting and is limited to only a few thousand attendees.
Best Beach Bars and Clubs in California
California is known for its stunning beaches, and there’s no better way to enjoy them than by sipping a cocktail while watching the sunset. Whether you’re looking for a trendy bar or a laid-back beach shack, California has it all. Here are some of the best beach bars and clubs in the state.
The Bungalow Santa Monica
The Bungalow Santa Monica is a beachfront bar that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The bar has a relaxed atmosphere and a chic decor that creates the perfect ambiance for a night out. The bar features an outdoor patio with fire pits and cozy seating, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day at the beach. The Bungalow also serves delicious cocktails and has a food menu that includes small bites and shareable plates.
The Waterfront
The Waterfront is a historic bar that has been serving patrons since 1933. The bar has a rustic interior that gives it a cozy and inviting vibe. The Waterfront is located just steps away from the beach, and it’s the perfect place to grab a drink after a day in the sun. The bar serves classic cocktails as well as local beers and wines. The Waterfront also has a food menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, and seafood dishes.
The Saloon
The Saloon is a legendary bar located in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood. The bar has been around for over 150 years and has a rich history. The Saloon is known for its live music and friendly atmosphere. The bar features an impressive selection of beers, wines, and spirits, and it’s the perfect place to grab a drink with friends.
Sharkeez
Sharkeez is a beachfront bar located in Manhattan Beach. The bar has a fun and lively atmosphere, and it’s popular with locals and tourists alike. Sharkeez serves a variety of cocktails, beers, and wines, and it’s the perfect place to grab a drink after a day at the beach. The bar also has a food menu that includes tacos, quesadillas, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
The Beachcomber
The Beachcomber is a beachfront restaurant and bar located in Crystal Cove State Park. The bar has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset. The Beachcomber serves a variety of cocktails, beers, and wines, and it’s known for its seafood dishes. The bar also has a breakfast and brunch menu that includes dishes like pancakes, omelets, and French toast.
Safety Tips for Partygoers at California Beaches
When it comes to partying at California beaches, safety should always be a top priority. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s important to take precautions to ensure a fun and memorable experience. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:
Stay Hydrated
With the hot California sun beating down on you, it’s easy to become dehydrated quickly. This is especially true when you’re drinking alcohol or engaging in other activities that cause you to sweat. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages that can dehydrate you even more. Consider bringing a refillable water bottle with you to the beach to ensure you have access to hydration throughout the day.
Protect Your Skin from Sunburn
Sunburn can be painful and uncomfortable, and can even lead to long-term skin damage. To protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before heading to the beach. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes, and consider seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Avoid Swimming Under the Influence
While it may be tempting to jump into the water after a few drinks, swimming under the influence can be incredibly dangerous. Alcohol impairs your judgment and your ability to swim, making it much more likely that you’ll get into trouble in the water. If you’re planning on drinking, make sure to designate a sober friend to watch over you and keep you out of the water.
Stay in a Group
There’s safety in numbers, especially when you’re partying at the beach. Make sure to stay with your group of friends throughout the day, and avoid wandering off alone. If you’re planning on leaving the beach at any point, make sure to let your friends know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
Keep Valuables Safe
Beach parties can be a prime target for thieves, so it’s important to keep your valuables safe. Consider leaving any non-essential items at home, or locking them in the trunk of your car. If you must bring valuables with you to the beach, keep them in a secure bag or container that you can keep with you at all times. Don’t leave your belongings unattended, and try to keep them within sight whenever possible.
By following these safety tips, you can enjoy all that California beaches have to offer without putting yourself or others at risk. Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re planning a beach party, and have a safe and enjoyable time!
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30
- Avoid swimming under the influence
- Stay with your group of friends
- Keep valuables safe
California Beach Vacation Rentals
California is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning vacation rentals. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun family vacation, California has something to offer. In this section, we’ll explore some of the best vacation rentals in California, including Airbnb Rentals, VRBO Rentals, Flipkey Rentals, HomeAway Rentals, and Booking.com Rentals.
Airbnb Rentals
Airbnb is a popular vacation rental platform that connects travelers with local hosts. With over 100,000 vacation rental properties in California, Airbnb has something for everyone. From beachfront villas to cozy cottages, Airbnb has a variety of vacation rentals to choose from.
One of the benefits of using Airbnb is that you can often find unique and off-the-beaten-path vacation rentals. For example, you can stay in a treehouse in Santa Cruz, a yurt in Joshua Tree, or a vintage Airstream trailer in Malibu. With Airbnb, you can have a one-of-a-kind vacation experience.
VRBO Rentals
VRBO, which stands for Vacation Rentals by Owner, is another popular vacation rental platform. With over 10,000 vacation rental properties in California, VRBO is a great option for those looking for a more traditional vacation rental experience.
VRBO offers a wide range of vacation rentals, from beachfront condos to mountain cabins. One of the benefits of using VRBO is that you can often find larger vacation rentals that can accommodate big groups or families. For example, you can rent a spacious beach house in Newport Beach or a luxurious villa in Palm Springs.
Flipkey Rentals
Flipkey is a vacation rental platform owned by TripAdvisor. With over 5,000 vacation rental properties in California, Flipkey is a great option for those looking for a trusted and reliable vacation rental experience.
Flipkey offers a variety of vacation rentals, from cozy cottages to luxury villas. One of the benefits of using Flipkey is that you can read reviews from previous guests to get an idea of what to expect. You can also use Flipkey’s search filters to find the perfect vacation rental for your needs, such as a pet-friendly rental or a rental with a pool.
HomeAway Rentals
HomeAway is a vacation rental platform owned by Expedia. With over 20,000 vacation rental properties in California, HomeAway is one of the largest vacation rental platforms.
HomeAway offers a variety of vacation rentals, from beachfront condos to mountain chalets. One of the benefits of using HomeAway is that you can often find vacation rentals that are more affordable than other platforms. For example, you can rent a cozy cabin in Big Bear Lake or a beach bungalow in San Diego for a fraction of the cost of a hotel.
Booking.com Rentals
Booking.com is a popular travel booking platform that also offers vacation rentals. With over 10,000 vacation rental properties in California, Booking.com is a great option for those looking for a wide variety of vacation rentals.
Booking.com offers a range of vacation rentals, from budget-friendly apartments to luxury villas. One of the benefits of using Booking.com is that you can often find vacation rentals that offer free cancellation or no prepayment required. This can give you peace of mind when booking your vacation rental.
In conclusion, California has no shortage of amazing vacation rentals to choose from. Whether you prefer the unique experience of Airbnb, the traditional vacation rental experience of VRBO, the trusted reviews of Flipkey, the affordability of HomeAway, or the variety of Booking.com, there’s a vacation rental platform for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable California vacation.
