If you are looking to spend the last extended weekend of Summer at a beach sipping a cocktail, but you cannot afford a quick getaway to the tropics, you do not have to worry. You can run in the sand, swim in the water, and lay back under the warm sun with a boozy drink in your hand at these California beaches! That is right, although the majority of California beaches do not allow alcohol, these ones do, and it is a secret that a smaller percentage of Californians know about, so they will not be as crowded as other beaches!
Doheny State Beach
This Orange County beach allows alcohol at its picnic sites and campground areas. Visitors will just need to fill out a waiver and pay a small fee before popping open their brew.
Kehoe Beach
After walking a half mile along picturesque marshes and dunes at the northern end of Great Beach in Point Reyes, visitors will find themselves at Kehoe Beach, an alcohol friendly stretch of sand and Pacific Ocean.
Malibu Paradise Cove
This public and alcohol-friendly beach will cost you a bit extra, unless you choose to park along PCH and walk a little ways. The parking lot is a bit steep, though if you dine at Paradise Beach Cafe which sits right on the beach, your parking ticket will be validated.
Carmel Beach
As if the beautiful, quaint town of Carmel-by-the-Sea could not get any better, its beach welcomes those who are 21 and over to open up a drink of their choice to enjoy, as long as it is not out of a keg. An extra plus is that the beach is also dog-friendly, meaning man’s best friend can run around leash-free!
Descanso Beach Club
Take a boat or a helicopter to reach Descanso Beach Club at Catalina Island, then enjoy all the margaritas and piña coladas you want. Visitors can get there and back to the mainland within a day, with plenty of time to spend on the beach, but if they can spare extra time and money, it is advisable to spend the night at Catalina Island. There is so much to do there!
Be mindful of other beach-goers and keep the drinking under control so as to not cause a scene and end up with your day cut short. Remember to also drink responsibly and plan ahead of time how you and your friends will get home safely, at the end of the day.