Plan a trip this summer to California's most underrated beaches

Sun’s out, guns out – but where to take that beach vacation this year?

At Fodors Travel, hot suggestions fly in a new guide to “The 10 Most Underrated Beaches in California.” The picks range from rough and secluded to locally popular with all the expected facilities, from sunny San Diego all the way up to the redwood coast of Humboldt County. The Bay Area is represented, as well, with picks near Pescadero and in Sonoma County.

“With 840 miles of coastline, California is synonymous with beaches in many people’s minds,” the travel site writes. “Beaches like Venice and Santa Monica are world famous, but with over 420 beaches in the Golden State, many more underrated beaches offer scenic views, soft sand or unique geological features you can explore without the large crowds.”

1 South Leucadia State Beach, Encinitas, San Diego County

2 Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo County

3 Jalama Beach, Santa Barbara County

4 Schooner Gulch State Beach, Mendocino County

5 Shaw’s Cove, Orange County

6 San Buenaventura State Beach, Ventura County

7 Big River Beach, Mendocino County

8 Gold Bluffs Beach, Humboldt County

9 Bean Hollow State Beach, San Mateo County

10 Gualala Point Regional Park, Sonoma County

Source: fodors.com

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