La Jolla, California (Photo: Getty Images)Horseshoe Beach, La Jolla, California
For: A beautiful beach in a chic setting
California’s commitment to keeping every beach public ensures that even tony Horseshoe Beach, in the upscale seafront town of La Jolla, just north of San Diego, is available to every person seeking some sun and sand. That is, of course, if you can manage to find it. Travel+Leisure magazine “outed it,” and so will we, advising readers that this tucked-away treasure can be enjoyed only by locating the understated stairwell that leads down to the sand, just off Coast Boulevard near Prospect Street. Best of all, when you have finished your swimming-bodysurfing-sun tanning afternoon, this upscale suburb of San Diego offers great shopping and excellent restaurants. For some added romance, check into the posh La Valencia Hotel, favored by Hollywood names you would know, and book a couples massage fit for superstars.
