The California coast is a bastion of outdoor activities, suitable for the health-conscious traveler to enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities in a generally temperate climate. From the far south just above the border of Mexico, camping is available along commonly soft sand beaches. As you make your way north, the terrain becomes more rugged with coastal cliffs and offshore rocks a common characteristic. Don't forget your surfboards, hiking shoes and bikes when visiting this region.
San Diego
Beginning at the southern end of the state, San Diego County has several beach-side camping locations. Access to one of the premiere surfing areas in the United States--according to GoingtoCalifornia.com--is located here at Trestles Beach, which lies within the San Onofre State Beach area. In addition to the surf break, San Onofre State Beach also includes hiking trails, surf fishing and a 3.5 mile long soft sand beach where runners, swimmers and beach-combers can appreciate the surroundings. Make reservations early as the park has a tendency to fill up fast.
Los Angeles
Despite having several options, Point Mugu State Park just north of Malibu is perhaps your best option in the Los Angeles area with its varied terrain and a plethora of outdoor activities. Recreational opportunities here include over 70 miles of hiking trails into the Malibu Mountains, surf fishing, body surfing and swimming all along five miles of varied coastline. As of 2009, the state park even offers Wi-Fi service for those of you who also need to get work done while on the road.
Santa Barbara
Further north once you pass Ventura County and venture into the Santa Barbara area, lays El Capitan State Beach. Located along Highway 101 just 17 miles west of the city of Santa Barbara, the beach can accommodate tent campers as well as RVs and trailers that do not exceed 42 feet. El Capitan has a long gradual beach suitable for swimming and surfing as well as hiking and biking trails which connect with Refugio State Beach, approximately 2.5 miles down the coast from El Capitan.
Central Coast
The Central Coast region is where California's coast truly becomes rugged. The cliffs and rocky points of Big Sur dominate the southern central coast, giving way to softer sand beaches once reaching the towns of Monterey, Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. Andrew Molera State Park, resting within the cliffs of Big Sur provides access to coastal hiking, biking and surfing. It is a first-come first-served campground, so arrive early in the morning if possible to ensure a spot to sleep. Further north is Half Moon Bay State Beach where you can relax on the beach, go fishing as well as hiking and biking. The best time of year to visit Half Moon Bay is during the spring and fall when the sun shines more frequently.
North Coast
For solitude, California's north coast is the place to go. In the Lost Coast region of the King Range National Conservation Area offers several camping options, many of which provide access to the demanding Lost Coast Trail---approximately 27 miles of backcountry hiking along coastal bluffs, through redwoods and occasionally, where black bears visit. The Mottole Campground off of Lighthouse Road provides access to the trailhead and accommodates tent and trailer campers. Mountains bikers may prefer the Tolkan Campground on King Peak Road, which is in close proximity to the Paradise Royale Mountain Bike Trail.
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