Best California Beaches Include Santa Monica, Lonely Planet Says

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica State Beach is known as a great place to spend a day in the sun, surf and sand, and travel brand Lonely Planet just named it one of California's top 10 beaches.

Santa Monica State Beach includes a 3.5-mile stretch perfect for surfing and swimming, along with volleyball, tennis, Rollerblading and even chess at one of the tables at the International Chess Park.

Cyclists can hit the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which connects Santa Monica to nearby Pacific Palisades and Malibu to the north and Venice and Marina del Rey to the south. You might even see dolphins in the waves, too.

Check out other beaches that made the list of Lonely Planet's top California beaches.