🏖️ Best Beach Towns in California
Updated Mar 14, 2026 · 7 towns ranked by data
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1
Monterey County · Pop. 3,800
$1,400,000
Home Value
0.8/1k
Crime Rate
65
Walk Score
$95,000
Income
80
2
CoronadoCA
San Diego County · Pop. 24,697
$1,450,000
Home Value
0.8/1k
Crime Rate
62
Walk Score
$105,000
Income
76
3
Orange County · Pop. 22,723
$1,500,000
Home Value
1.2/1k
Crime Rate
58
Walk Score
$110,000
Income
73
4
53
5
Santa Cruz County · Pop. 65,011
$1,050,000
Home Value
4.5/1k
Crime Rate
55
Walk Score
$68,000
Income
40
7
San Luis Obispo County · Pop. 32,000
$580,000
Home Value
3.0/1k
Crime Rate
42
Walk Score
$58,000
Income
28
How We Scored This
The most livable beach communities in America, scored on coastal access, affordability, safety, and quality of life.
Beach Access
Weight: 20% · Higher is better
Affordability
Weight: 15% · Lower is better
Walkability
Weight: 15% · Higher is better
Safety
Weight: 15% · Lower is better
Schools
Weight: 10% · Higher is better
Dining
Weight: 10% · Higher is better
Income
Weight: 15% · Higher is better