a few of my favorite would have to include:

-Stinson Beach. Large, open, inviting beach in a charming little town. Please visit the other local attractions nearby- Muir Woods, Tomales Bay (Hog Island Oysters!), Point Reyes and Inverness. So sceninc and peaceful- you’d hardly believe that you were just a few minutes away from SF.

-the small beaches along the CA coast down in San Mateo. There are too many to mention along this strip that runs from Half Moon Bay down to Santa Cruz alongside highway 1. San Gregorio beach, Bonny Dune, and perhaps my very favorite- Bean Hollow. They’re smaller beaches, very secluded and natural. Please check out charming downtown half moon bay as well as the exciting santa cruz beach boardwalk if you have the chance.

Good luck, and enjoy your trip to CA.

I also say Bodega Bay and my favorite beach is Doran Beach. You have rv and campgrounds in the middle with the ocean on one side and the bay on the other. You can surf, wind sail or sailboard, fish and go crabing and clam digging all at the same place. I go there often.