8 unique southern california beach towns to visit

MANHATTAN BEACH The Beach Boys grew up on the outskirts of Manhattan Beach. And even though only one of them actually surfed (Dennis Wilson), the town’s laid-back, surfs-up, cowabunga

attitude had an indelible impact on their music including “Surfin’ USA.” Test your surfing skills or take a lesson at the popular El Porto surfing spot on the north end of the beach. In

addition to surfing, the town is a mecca for beach volleyball. The Manhattan Beach Open in August draws top pros from around the globe. On weekends, players of every level spike, dink and

dig on the sandy courts beside the pier. For more relaxed beach activities, visitors can cast a line and fish off the Manhattan Beach Pier or look for shells along the shore. STAY: The Shade

Hotel, a designer savvy boutique spot, is located in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach and walking distance to the pier. The Belamar is about a 30-minute walk from the pier action, and

the Sea View Inn offers easy access to North Manhattan Beach.  INSIDER TIP: The city offers beginner beach volleyball lessons for residents and visitors. ​​Travelers can paint by the waves

in Laguna Beach, California. Douglas Pulsipher/Alamy LAGUNA BEACH This upscale art colony has long attracted painters, writers, musicians and actors to vacation and practice their respective

craft beside the sea. That tradition continues in annual events such as the Pageant of the Masters living art festival during the summer, the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational

in October and the Coast Film & Music Festival in November. The Laguna Playhouse has been a leading regional theater since the 1920s. And how many beach towns have their own poet

laureate? STAY: The restored beach bungalows at Crystal Cove State Park were built in the 1930s and ’40s, but reserve well ahead because they’re very popular. In town, the Art Hotel is a

block from the beach, and Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa is where you can score views of the ocean. INSIDER TIP: Hone your landscape painting skill during workshops and “paint parties” hosted

by the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association.  Boat enthusiasts can see many different vessels in Dana Point Harbor.​ Ron Niebrugge/Alamy DANA POINT Despite ongoing attempts to replicate

New England seaport architecture — and the fact it’s named for seafaring 19th-century author Richard Henry Dana Jr. — Dana Point is one of Southern California’s newest beach towns (founded

1989). Dana Point Harbor is the home to sport fishing charters and kayak/paddleboard rental outlets. On the west side of town are smaller, less crowded (and arguably more scenic) beaches

such as Strands, Salt Creek and Monarch Beach. STAY: The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa flaunts gull’s-eye views of the beach and harbor. The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel

Doheny Beach is walking distance to the shore and the Dana Point Marina Inn is a good spot for boating enthusiasts. INSIDER TIP: In Dana Point Harbor, the Ocean Institute offers touch tanks,

interactive exhibits and tide pool hikes as well as marine life cruises and sails on the historic tall ship _Spirit of Dana Point_.