7 CA Beaches Named Among Nation's Best 'Hidden Gems'

CALIFORNIA — California has some of the best sandy secrets in the country, according to a new survey.

Frugal Flyer surveyed more than 3,000 travelers to discover the top "hidden gem" beaches. Seven beaches in the Golden State were voted among the best in the U.S. and three of those beaches ranked among the top 10.

"As flight prices rise and popular beach spots get more crowded, travelers are turning to the kind of hidden gems that locals have cherished for years," said Josh Bandura co-founder of Frugal Flyer. "These aren't your typical sun-and-surf destinations — they're quiet, awe-inspiring pockets of nature where the signal fades and the views take over. Our survey shows a growing appetite for places that feel discovered, not designed."

Wildcat Beach ranked seventh. A 5.5-mile hike from Point Reyes' Bear Valley Trailhead is required to reach the hidden gem. The shoreline is backed by wildflower-covered bluffs.

Carmel Meadows Beach ranked eighth. Located south of Carmel River State Beach, the hidden gem offers soft sand, scenic cliffside trails and expansive views of Point Lobos and the Pacific.

Gray Whale Cove Beach ranked ninth. The beach is located below the Devil's Slide cliffs between San Francisco and Half Moon Bay.

California had four other locations on the list of the best hidden beaches in the country:

• No. 19: Bowling Ball Beach, located along the Mendocino coast near Point Arena
• No. 26: Enderts Beach, located just outside Crescent City and nestled in the Redwood National and State Parks
• No. 51: Haskell's Beach, located in the coastal bluffs of Goleta just west of Santa Barbara
• No. 57: Montaña de Oro State Park, a Central Coast state park located near San Luis Obispo

Hawaiian beaches topped the rankings, with Awahua Beach, ranking as the best hidden gem. Pa'ako Cove, Hawaii, landed as the second-best spot, followed by Gray's Beach, Hawaii, in third.

Read the full report on Frugal Flyer.