Whether you’re browsing Bay Area real estate or shopping for a new luxury home in San Juan Capistrano, it’s no secret that a big part of the California dream is wanting to live next to the beach. And with 800+ miles of coastline to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect stretch of Pacific sand & surf to suit your unique needs.
At Taylor Morrison, we understand that building new homes is more than just throwing up a frame and filling it in with walls and a ceiling. Quality of life is just as important as the quality of your home.
Discover your California with this guide to her most beautiful slices of paradise. Find your beach, then find your home.
The Spanish Village by the Sea
Known for its iconic pier, San Clemente is a beach goers paradise, offering nearly a dozen gorgeous locations with activities ranging from camping to big wave surf. Plan a picnic or bring your snorkel gear to San Clemente State Beach at 225 West Calafia Avenue (949.492.3156) and visit one of California’s Golden Parks, San Onofre State Beach. To visit the famed Trestles surf break, take the Basilone Road exit off I-5 south of San Clemente (949.492.4872).
Sea Summit – Azure
125 Via San Sebastian, San Clemente, CA 92672 | 949.269.2213
Land of 101 Beaches
Life in Irvine, California comes with its advantages. Offering a superb central location in inland Orange County, residents can access coastline destinations from Long Beach to Dana Point with ease.
Get your nature fix at Crystal Cove State Park where you’ll find 3+ miles of beach, underwater sea life and 2,000+ acres of backcountry wilderness to explore. It’s located at 8741 North Coast Highway, 949.494.3539. Corona del Mar State Beach is another excellent option in this area.
A true California original and a go-to spot for whatever your beach heart desires, Laguna Beach fits the bill for any occasion. Explore the tide pools at Treasure Island or take part in a pick-up game of volleyball at Thousand Steps. Bring your board or simply watch the surfers at Rockpile, Thalia or Brooks Street.
For sun, glamor and fine dining in your beach clothes, mosey on down to Newport Beach. It’s one of California’s most luxurious beachside destinations and a place to see and be seen.
Muse at Cadence Park
703 Benchmark, Irvine, CA 92618 | 949.341.1221
More Southern California Fun in the Sun
One million visitors per year come to Doheny State Beach (949.496.6171) and for good reason, the park located at 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive features acres of recreational facilities and excellent fishing for surf casters. Home to fun events like 4th of July fireworks, art festivals, barbecues, car shows and whale watching, you can virtually plan your summer around the happenings at Doheny State Beach.
Just down the road you’ll find Baby Beach – the perfect place to introduce little ones to a love of the sea.
Capistrano Beach (949.923.2280) at 35005 Beach Road in Capo Beach is an excellent choice for watching the sun set over the waves or diving into the breakers for a cool off.
Pacifica San Juan – The Cove
33387 Paseo El Lazo, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
A Place to Enjoy ‘el Sol y el Mar’
Residents of Taylor Morrison’s popular Southern California 55+ lifestyle community have access to three fantastic beaches – especially if they’re up for a bit of adventure!
Abalone Cove Ecological Reserve is a natural wonderland once you get to the end of a ¼-mile maintained dirt trail. Don’t worry, it’s worth the hike. 5970 Palos Verdes Drive South, 310.377.1222.
White Point and Royal Palms at 1799 Paseo del Mar in San Pedro is the perfect destination for a charming walk along a fascinating rocky shoreline. It’s not great for swimming, but an excellent dive spot if you’re into scuba.
And a secret beach for quiet getaways? Check out RAT Beach – and don’t be put off by the name!
Sol y Mar in Rancho Palos Verdes
5601 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 | 949.543.9930
Riverside Fun in Sacramento, California
Proving that not all beach days require salt water and surf, Paradise Beach on the American River Parkway delivers. Perfect for an afternoon picnic or a quick dip on a hot day. Find Paradise Beach at the intersection of Carlson and Sandburg Drives, over the levee from Glen Hall Park.
A hidden gem in Sacramento, Sand Cove Park Beach (916.808.5200) at 2005 Garden Highway offer a tranquil respite from a busy week.
Caselman Ranch
7835 Messara Way GPS: 8891 Caselman Road, Sacramento, CA 95828 | 916.478.0100
Lake lovers at Vintage 38 and Folsom Ranch Dakota are in for a treat at the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (916.988.0205) as there’s no better place in the area to launch your boat for a day on the water.
Wading in the river or waterfront bird watching can be done at Ancil Hoffman Park on Tarshes Drive. Take the Watt Avenue exit off US-50.
Folsom Lake Adventures in Rocklin & Roseville
Granite Bay and Beal’s Point are two idyllic spots on Lake Folsom for swimming on a sandy beach or planning a fun barbecue and get together with the family. With shaded cover and plenty of grassy areas, it’s easy to plan all sorts of summertime fun. Call 916.653.6995 for information.
The Preserve at Secret Ravine
4205 Silver Lupine Lane For GPS: Corner of Schriber Way and Lakepointe Drive Rocklin, CA 95677 | 916.933.8094
Bristol at Whitney Ranch
813 Lazy Creek Drive, Rocklin, CA 95765 | 916.246.0792
Solaire – Treo
5098 Summerfaire Drive, Roseville, CA 95747 | 916.526.0813
Fantastic Beaches in the Bay Area
Shoreline Park at 1000 Tug Boat Lane in Hercules, California is a beautiful place to set up a picnic bayside. Pack your charcoal and get ready to grill up good times by the water.
Muir Pointe
1952 John Muir Parkway, Hercules, CA 94547 | 510.210.8908
Residents of Nova at The Vale in Sunnyvale and 6Sixty in Mountain View can get their water fix nearby along the wetland trails of Baylands Park. 70 acres of park joins 100+ acres of natural preserve for a fascinating array of flora & fauna. 999 East Caribbean Drive, 408.730.7506.
When you’re up for a day trip, these three sandy beaches are located about an hour’s drive from the community down Highway 1:
- Pescadero State Beach – 14.5 miles south of Half Moon Bay.
- San Gregorio State Beach – 10.5 miles south of Half Moon Bay.
- Pomponio State Beach – 12 miles south of Half Moon Bay.
Additional Helpful Information
- Beach Day Checklist
- Western Divisions Beach Guide
- Central Divisions Beach Guide
- Eastern Divisions Beach Guide
