What is the best beach in California? Soak up the sun at this stunning spot, USA Today says

Love sun, sand and crashing ocean waves? Head to Southern California, according to USA Today.

‘Olol’koy Beach Park in Oxnard landed at the top of the publication’s list of the top 10 beaches in California in 2024, published Thursday.

The Ventura County spot features a “stunning stretch of golden sands and rolling lawns,” USA Today said, providing the “perfect blend of relaxation and recreation.”

Originally known as Oxnard Beach Park, the beach was renamed in 2023 to honor the land’s original inhabitants. ‘Olol’koy is the Chumash word for dolphin.

Here are the other top spots in the Golden State for soaking in the sunshine, according to USA Today voters.

What are the top 10 beaches in California?

These are the best 10 beaches in California, according to USA Today:

1. ‘Olol’koy Beach Park in Oxnard
2. Pismo Beach on the Central Coast
3. Harbor Beach in Oceanside
4. Huntington State Beach in Huntington Beach
5. Coronado Beach in Coronado
6. Santa Monica State Beach in Santa Monica
7. Butterfly Beach in Montecito
8. La Jolla Shores Beach in La Jolla
9. Main Beach in Laguna Beach
10. Crissy Beach in San Francisco

How did USA Today come up with rankings?

To come up with USA Today’s Best 10 Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024, a panel of experts selected nominees across a number of categories.

The publication’s readers then voted for their favorites.

So far, USA Today has ranked the nation’s best campgrounds for recreational vehicles, national park lodges, vintage trailer hotels, glamping spots and other options for travelers.

The publication also announced its top picks for things to do and places to go this summer, including hiking trails, drive-in movie theaters and scenic train rides.

This story was originally published May 31, 2024 at 12:00 AM with the headline "What is the best beach in California? Soak up the sun at this stunning spot, USA Today says."

Sarah Linn

The Tribune

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Sarah Linn is an editor and reporter on the West Service Journalism Team, working with journalists in Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, Merced and San Luis Obispo in California and Bellingham, Olympia and Tri-Cities in Washington, as well as Boise, Idaho. She previously served as the Local/Entertainment Editor of The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, working there for nearly two decades. A graduate of Oregon State University, she has earned multiple California journalism awards.