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New Yorkers 1st Choice
California's best

Beaches with parking

A beach where you can actually park your car without spending an hour circling for a spot.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated June 2026
01
Burnout Beach image 1
Burnout Beach image 2
Burnout Beach image 3
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Beach offers calm, quiet atmosphere with free street parking and clean surroundings. It serves as a starting point for pedestrian and bike paths connecting to nearby beach towns. The area remains uncrowded and out of the way.

Clean and calm waters make this beach a quiet spot away from crowds. It offers free parking and serves as a starting point for walking and biking trails along the coast.

Free parking exists at Burnout Beach, including free street parking options. Parking availability is straightforward and convenient.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be nice and calm."

"I found free parking available here."

Good to know

1

There is free street parking available near the beach.

2

The beach is clean and well-maintained.

3

The beach is not crowded, making it a peaceful spot.

02
Sharp Park Beach image 1

Black sand and coarse grains cover the beach, bordered by a well-maintained golf course and mountain views. Walking trails and a pier offer access to coastal scenery and fishing spots, while picnic tables provide spots to enjoy the surroundings. The atmosphere stays peaceful with open spaces, frequent seagulls, and large waves adding to the natural setting.

A black sand beach with a long paved path perfect for walking dogs or pushing strollers. The beach offers beautiful coastal views and a pier good for fishing crabs, with easy parking close by.

Free parking lot sits right next to the beach. Parking stays easy and close to the shore.

People are saying

"The beach here has beautiful dark sand and coastal views."

"I found a peaceful retreat near the shoreline."

"Parking was easy and available right next to the beach."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and close to the beach.

2

The beach has a long paved path suitable for strollers.

3

The park is well-maintained with clean and accessible facilities.

03
North Star Beach image 1
Public beach

Calm bay with no waves offers a safe, kid-friendly environment for paddling and swimming. Free, abundant parking sits close to the water, supporting easy access. Quiet and peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts.

Calm water and no waves make it safe for kids to swim and play. The beach is clean and organized with free parking and easy kayak access.

Free and abundant parking sits close to the water. Spots are easy to find, especially on weekdays.

People are saying

"There was lots of free parking available."

"This beach is a great spot for kayaking and launching boats."

"It's really kid friendly because there are no waves here."

Good to know

1

Parking at North Star Beach is free and abundant, especially during weekdays.

2

The beach is family-friendly and safe for kids to swim.

3

Entry to North Star Beach is free.

04
Dana Strands Beach image 1

Beach features soft sand and spacious layout with beautiful ocean views and a paved boardwalk. Atmosphere stays relaxed and peaceful, attracting mostly locals and families. Steep access limits crowds, keeping the area clean and well-maintained.

Soft sand and spacious beach create a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of room to relax or be active. Clean bathrooms and a paved boardwalk offer convenience, while the area teems with wildlife and offers great views of the rocky coastline.

Free parking spots are easy to find with the lot about 40% full on busy mornings. The lot offers a great ocean view and a park on the west side for extra space.

People are saying

"The beach here has beautiful views of the ocean and coastline."

"I found plenty of free parking available."

"The bathrooms here were super clean."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available at Dana Strands Beach.

2

Restrooms are available in the parking lot.

3

Dogs are not allowed on Dana Strands Beach.

05
North Ponto Beach image 1
Public beach

Long sandy beach offers frequent waves and gorgeous views with peaceful, quiet atmosphere. It attracts surfers and families seeking chill, clean, and uncrowded space for swimming and relaxing. Parking is generally free but limited, and access is easy.

A long, sandy beach with frequent waves offers a great spot for body surfing and boogie boarding. Parking is convenient and close, with bathrooms available, making it easy to bring kids for shallow water and shell hunting without the crowd.

Free parking exists on the street and in a small lot. Parking spots are ample and convenient, with a 1-minute walk to the beach.

People are saying

"This beach is super clean and beautiful."

"I watched an amazing sunset here."

"I found free parking available nearby."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available, but it can be limited.

2

Dogs aren't allowed at North Ponto Beach.

3

Restroom facilities are basic, resembling porta potties.

06
Pacific Villas image 1

Oceanfront condos from the 1940s offer spectacular views and beach access with cozy, clean interiors. Evenings bring a serene atmosphere with waves crashing and classic cars cruising nearby. Amenities include free laundry and outdoor seating that enhance long stays.

Easy, walking access to the beach stands out here. The spot sits right on the beach, making it ideal for beach vacations and strolls.

Finding a parking spot is straightforward with spaces located right in front of the building. The parking area below the unit adds extra convenience.

People are saying

"The ocean view from the deck was spectacular."

"It's the perfect spot for date nights, just steps from the ocean waves."

"The ocean waves and sunsets from the balcony were incredible."

Good to know

1

The property is clean and well maintained, providing a comfortable stay.

2

Access to the beach is excellent, just a short walk away.

3

The location is perfect, within walking distance to restaurants and shops.

07
Newport Aquatic Center image 1

Spacious aquatic center offers peaceful back bay views and clean, calm waters ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. Rental process is quick and hassle-free, with a family- and pet-friendly atmosphere. Free parking and well-maintained facilities support a relaxed, beginner-friendly environment.

Free parking and access make it easy to get to the clean beach. Water activity rentals like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding add fun options, and a small swim beach offers a nice bonus. Weekends get crowded, so early visits work best.

Free parking makes access simple and stress-free. Plenty of spots are available, making parking easy and convenient.

People are saying

"I found kayaking here to be a lot of fun."

"The parking here is free and plentiful."

"It's a great beach for paddling and water activities."

Good to know

1

Parking and access to the beach are free.

2

The rental process for paddle boards and kayaks is quick and simple.

3

Expect wait times of about 20 minutes for rentals on busy weekends.

08
Carlsbad State Beach image 1

Soft sand and clean water create a peaceful beach with a chill vibe. Plenty of free parking and volleyball nets support easy access and casual activities. Lifeguards monitor rocky areas, keeping the atmosphere safe and relaxed.

Soft sand and very clean surroundings create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Plenty of easy, free parking makes access simple, and the vibe stays chill with fewer crowds on weekdays.

Plenty of easy parking spots exist near the beach, including street parking on southbound lanes. Parking is mostly free, with some days charging $15 for the entire day.

People are saying

"The beach here is beautiful and the sand is so clean."

"I found parking easily and it was plentiful."

Good to know

1

Parking is free on most days near the beach.

2

The beach is clean and well-maintained.

3

Lifeguards monitor the area and keep people away from rocky sections.

09
Aliso Beach image 1
Public beach

Beach nestled between rugged cliffs and ocean offers gorgeous views and peaceful atmosphere with quiet mornings and stunning sunsets. Grass-covered park area includes playground and divided dog zones, while waves create a dynamic shoreline that demands strong swimming skills.

Beautiful beach with plenty of space for walking, sunbathing, and picnics. Lifeguards stay attentive and the spot offers close parking and views of Catalina.

Parking includes both free spots and paid options at $3.65 an hour. Plenty of spaces sit close to the beach, allowing easy access and even room to set chairs on the sidewalk with a whitewater view.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be beautiful."

"The sunset views here are simply beautiful."

"I found plenty of parking available near the beach."

Good to know

1

Parking at Aliso Beach costs $5 for 2 hours, cash or credit accepted.

2

Parking can be very limited, especially on weekends; arrive early.

3

The waves at Aliso Beach can be dangerous for children due to strong currents.

10
Mission Beach Park image 1

Boardwalk runs alongside a giant roller coaster and an amusement park with shops and eateries. Beach offers clean, relaxing atmosphere with sunny, peaceful views and opportunities for outdoor activities. Family-friendly vibe fills the area with friendly energy and live music.

Beautiful sandy beach offers a clean and less crowded experience toward the south. Plenty of activities and free parking right at the beach make it a great public spot with nearby restaurants.

Free parking exists right at the beach with plenty of spaces available, even for larger vehicles like motorhomes. Access to parking is generally easy to find and close to the boardwalk.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be beautiful and super clean."

"It's a fun place with a roller coaster and beach activities."

"I found plenty of parking available."

Good to know

1

Parking fills up quickly, so arrive early to avoid parking across the street.

2

Parking at Mission Beach Park is free.

3

Finding parking is difficult, especially with red curbs that could result in a ticket.

11
Tourmaline Beach image 1

Small beach combines rocky and sandy shoreline with peaceful vibes and beautiful views. Local families and surfers, including beginners, frequent the area, creating a calm but lively atmosphere. Parking is generally easy, supporting a steady but not overwhelming crowd.

A small, family friendly beach with both sandy and rocky areas offers options for visitors. Surfers, including beginners, enjoy the calm waves while easy parking and public restrooms add convenience.

Free parking exists with a good size lot for this type of beach. Parking is generally easy to find, especially by late afternoon or evening, though spots can be limited at times.

People are saying

"This surf spot is great for beginners looking to build confidence."

"Parking available here is pretty easy, even on busy weekends."

"Parking at the beach was usually easy to find."

Good to know

1

Parking at Tourmaline Beach is free and generally easy to find.

2

The parking lot can fill up quickly on nice weather days.

3

Public restrooms and showers are available at the beach.

12
Fletcher Cove Beach Park image 1

Small sandy beach meets family-friendly park with playground and basketball court. Calm, quiet atmosphere invites relaxation and sunset viewing. Nautical-themed paths and a hilltop lookout offer scenic ocean views.

A beautiful sandy beach with plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming. It offers family-friendly amenities like a playground, picnic areas, bathrooms, and outdoor showers, plus free parking and chances to see seals and sea lions nearby.

Free parking is available with off-street spaces near the entrance. A parking lot three blocks away offers bathrooms and cold showers. Arriving early helps secure a spot easily.

People are saying

"The beach here is really clean, with nice facilities for washing off sand."

"It's a really fun playground, great for kids of all ages."

"Parking available can be tough, but street parking nearby is usually open."

Good to know

1

Free outdoor concerts happen once a month during the summer.

2

A new children's playground opened on 6/28/23.

3

Parking costs $15 for self-parking, but free parking is available.

13
South Mission Beach, San Diego image 1

Spacious beach with a lengthy, pristine stretch of sand offers quiet mornings and a lively atmosphere as the day progresses. Volleyball and basketball courts attract an energetic, diverse crowd engaged in various activities. Fire pits and free parking add to the relaxed, welcoming environment suitable for families and solo visitors alike.

Expansive shoreline offers plenty of space for beach volleyball and long walks. Lifeguards keep watch while families enjoy kid-friendly areas and easy access to showers and bathrooms.

Free and easy parking is available during the week with a large lot near the beach. Weekends get crowded but spots open up near the lot entrance or as people leave, with additional lots nearby.

People are saying

"I found the beach here to be beautiful and large."

"I found parking available and it was easy."

"I loved watching the sunset here; it's a wonderful spot."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and generally easy to find during the week.

2

Expect larger crowds and trickier parking on weekends.

3

The beach has attentive lifeguards and facilities like bathrooms and rinse-off showers.

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