Leo Carrillo State Park, California

Nestled against the SoCal coast in the Santa Monica Mountains, this is the perfect place to soak up so rays and relax. 

Let’s assume you aren’t going to just melt into that SoCal sun and actually do something active. There is excellent windsurfing, hiking, and beachcombing here. Don’t miss the awesome sea caves and tide pools. Of course, we won’t judge if you just want to lounge on the beach and read a book.

Across the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll find backcountry trails perfect for backpacking. If that isn’t your speed there is also a large campground with 135 campsites for tents and RVs. Beautiful giant sycamores provide a welcome relief if you’d like to get out of the sun. There is a walking path that connects the campground to the beach for easy access. The exterior sites offer the best privacy, while the center sites have open space that makes them easy to combine for large groups. Eight people per individual site.

This beach is a movie star. It is SoCal after all. You might recognize it from The Usual Suspects, 50 First Dates, or Furious 7. It was also mentioned by name at the end of the eulogy scene in The Big Lebowski. You’ll be the star of your own movie when you stay at this beach.