Summer is less than a month away, and this is expected to be a hot one. As families head to the sand, they might want to keep this list of the best “hidden” beaches in mind. 

Family Destination Guide surveyed 3,000 families across the U.S. to determine the winners. Awahua Beach, Hawaii took the #1 spot nationally followed by Shell Key Preserve, Florida and Lanikai Beach, Hawaii.

Fortunately, here in the Golden State, we don’t need to hop on a plane to find magnificent beaches. Eight California gems made the list, with two in the top 10 nationwide.

California’s Best ‘Hidden’ Beaches

1. Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, Orange County (#7 nationally)
2. Wildcat Beach in Marin County (#8 nationally)
3. Hollywood Beach in Oxnard, Ventura County (#12 nationally)
4. Enderts Beach in Crescent City, Del Norte (#21 nationally)
5. Bowling Ball Beach in Mendocino County (#22 nationally)
6. Gray Whale Cove State Beach in San Mateo County (#25)
7. Montaña de Oro State Park in Los Osos, San Luis Obispo County (#33)
8. Haskell's Beach in Goleta, Santa Barbara County (#35)

See the full list and methodology here.  

List and data were compiled by Family Destination Guide.