4 California Beaches Among 25 Best In The Country

CALIFORNIA — Four California beaches were named among the 25 best in the country, according to a new ranking from Travel + Leisure.

The magazine cast a wide net to complete its best-beach roundup, selecting lakeside and coastal beaches with varying levels of amenities and scenery.

"Different criteria define the perfect beach for different people, such as the quality of the sand, the waves (or lack thereof), level of seclusion, public transportation and accessible parking, whether there's a boardwalk, activities, and even the amount of shade," Travel + Leisure wrote.

The list includes beaches in Hawaii, Florida, South Carolina, and these four in California:

Coronado Beach

Located across from San Diego on Coronado Island, Coronado Beach offers 1.75 miles of golden, sparkling sand with impressive views of the Pacific Ocean and Point Loma.

"Swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers flock to the coast of Coronado Island, staying until evening to witness the gorgeous sunsets. While you're there, visit the storied Hotel del Coronado for a bite and a tipple en plein air," Travel + Leisure wrote.

Pope Beach

Lake Tahoe visitors flock to this beach located on National Forest land on the south side of the alpine lake.

"Pope Beach is a nearly mile-long stretch of sand bordered by towering pine trees. The beach offers excellent swimming, picnicking, and views of the mountains. Make the most of your day with the kayak rentals, picnic tables, and barbecue grills on-site," Travel + Leisure wrote.

Santa Monica Beach

Famous for its pier, which includes a Ferris wheel and amusement park, Santa Monica Beach is one of the top attractions for tourists visiting Los Angeles.

"This vibrant stretch along the Pacific is also a prime spot for partaking in all the usual beach activities: sunbathing, swimming, surfing, volleyball, and sunset viewing. You can also bike, jog, or walk along the paved path to iconic Venice Beach down the way," Travel + Leisure wrote.

Carmel Beach

Televised regularly as the picturesque backdrop to PGA Tour golf events at Pebble Beach, Travel + Leisure writes that Carmel-by-the-Sea "might be one of the most beautiful places in the U.S." thanks to its "lapis-colored waters and rocky shoreline."

"Pack a picnic and a bottle of local wine (also permitted), and savor a magnificent California sunset in this seaside paradise," Travel + Leisure wrote.

Check out Travel + Leisure for the complete list of the 25 Best Beaches in the USA.