I hate crowded beaches because it is hard to enjoy the beach without being jostled around as people walk past me. On a crowded beach, I can’t spread out my towel or bask in the sun without someone getting in my way.
In this post, I’ll share with you some of my favorite private beaches that are less crowded in Southern California and why those beaches are better for someone like me.
You can walk a long distance along the shoreline without encountering another person. You will not be interrupted when you take a bath or a shower. The water is clear and calm. The sand is a soft white powder, and it feels so good under your feet.
There are no “rocks” (actually small pebbles) to irritate your feet. The waves are gentle and never crash on the shore. These are the kind of beaches where you can truly relax and restore your body and mind. Remember to check out our list of the best beaches in the U.S. for more options!
The 11 little-known least crowded beaches in SoCal
1. Seal Beach
Seal Beach is one of the least crowded beaches in California. It is located near San Clemente in the southern part of Los Angeles. Seal Beach has clean sand, calm waters, and beautiful sunsets.
That is a great place to take a romantic stroll. There are no shops or restaurants here, but there is an excellent public library.
And if you are serious, you can bring your computer and do some work. Seal Beach is a great place to go if you are looking for a peaceful, low-key beach to visit.
2. Crystal Cove
Crystal Cove State Park is another hidden and excellent choice for a secluded, uncrowded beach. It is located near Santa Ana, southeast of Los Angeles. That is a great place to take a weekend camping trip with your family.
You will find a few campsites here in the dunes next to the ocean. The other sites are located on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Each site has a picnic table, an outdoor grill, and a fire pit.
If you are looking for a place where you can truly get away from it all, Crystal Cove State Park is a great choice.
3. Emerald Bay
Emerald Bay Laguna is another uncrowded, quiet beach in southern California. It is located near San Diego, about 90 miles north of Los Angeles.
That is a favorite beach for joggers and people who like to walk. There are a few cottages here, but they are for rent and not purchased.
There is an excellent public library here, and the water is clear and calm. You can walk a long distance along the shoreline without encountering another person.
4. Ponto State Beach
Ponto Beach is another excellent beach for a quiet romantic stroll or for taking a family vacation. It is located near San Diego, about 90 miles north of Los Angeles.
There are no restaurants or stores here, but there are some nearby Del Mar, which is only a few miles away. You can walk a long distance along the shoreline without encountering another person.
The waves are gentle and never crash on the shore. There are a few cottages here for rent, and they are very inexpensive.
5. Imperial Beach
Imperial Beach is an excellent beach for families and people who want to enjoy the sunset. It is located near San Diego, about 90 miles north of Los Angeles.
There are a few small shops here, but nothing like you will find in Coronado or other tourist areas. Imperial Beach is great if you are looking for a “real” beach with no shops or restaurants.
You won’t find any lifeguards here either, but some nearby Chico State Beach are a few meters away.
6. Fletcher Beach
Fletcher Beach is located near Peoria in the southeast of Boston. It is an excellent beach if you are looking for peace. There are no buildings or cars here whatsoever.
That is truly a “bare” beach. It has clean white sand, calm waters, and a charming atmosphere.
You can walk a long distance along the shoreline without encountering another person. That is a favoutite beach for birdwatchers.
7. El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is located near Santa Barbara, southeast of Los Angeles. That is another excellent choice for a quiet romantic stroll or for taking a family vacation.
Unfortunately, there are no cottages here, but some are at nearby Carpentaria.
8. Leo Carrillo State Beach
Leo Carrillo State Beach is located near Santa Ana, southeast of Los Angeles. That is another excellent beach for families and people who want to enjoy the sunset.
There are a few small shops here, but nothing like you will find in Coronado or other tourist areas. Leo Carrillo is great if you look for a “real” beach with no shops or restaurants.
You won’t find any lifeguards here either, but there are some nearby Santa Catalina Island which is only 30 minutes away by boat.
9. Abalone Cove
State beach Abalone Cove State Beach is located near Half Moon Bay in the southeast of San Francisco. That is another excellent choice for a quiet romantic stroll or for taking a family vacation.
10. Butterfly beach
Butterfly beach is a little-known state beach near Dana Point, southeast of Los Angeles. There are no shops or restaurants here whatsoever. That is genuinely a “bare” beach.
It has clean white sand, calm waters, and an enjoyable atmosphere. You can walk a long distance along the shoreline without meeting another person.
11. Crystal Cove State Park
Lastly, Crystal Cove State Park is the other uncrowded beach in California near Los Angeles, southeast of San Francisco.
There are a few small shops here, but nothing like you will find in Coronado or other tourist areas. Crystal Cove is great if you are looking for a “real” beach with no shops or restaurants.
In Summary
South California is well known due to its amazing beaches. Going to the beach helps in reducing stress and improving overall body health. There are several uncrowded beaches in southern California.
This article shall discuss the 11 least crowded beaches in southern California. The beaches discussed below are the best in southern California for the person who wants to have some peace and quiet when at the beach.
Hi, I’m Ryan Nelson! I live in the Hamptons, out on Long Island, near Ponquogue Beach. The beach is a place where I can find peace and serenity. It’s a place where I can sit and clear my head. The waves crashing on the shore somehow helps me to relax, while also reminding me that I am far from the stressors of daily life.
