If Prohibition taught us anything, it’s that we really like to drink in America. A lot. And that doesn’t always mean getting crazy drunk. Sometimes it’s nice to just lay back and relax with an ice cold beer, glass of wine or bubbly champagne. Especially with a stunning view! Granted, alcohol is not allowed on most California beaches – but there are still a few where those 21-and-up can enjoy their booze by the surf (under a few conditions). So, if you’re of age, grab a cooler, and a 6-pack or bottle of Pinot Noir, and head out for happy hour at any of these alcohol-friendly locations.
On the Central Coast, Carmel’s white sandy beach is paradise for surfing, volleyball, and seaside drinks as late as 10pm. Propane fire devices are permitted on the beach south of 10th Avenue, as well as letting your dog run off-leash if they are under voice control. Bring a cooler full of Pale Ales, or a bottle of champagne – but kegs are specifically not allowed. The beach parking lot is located at the west end of Ocean Avenue (Scenic Rd & Ocean Ave. Carmel, CA 93923)
Keeping it classy, Paradise Cove in Malibu only allows beer, wine, and champagne on the surf – no hard liquor. The beach opens every morning by 8, and visitors can drink and be merry all day until it closes later on at sunset.
And because we all know drinking on an empty stomach never ends well – grab a bite to eat from the Paradise Cove Beach Café (located right at the beach) when you get hungry. They’re open right on the sand, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner – varying from eggs and waffles to juicy burgers, fresh seafood, soups, salads, and other appetizers.
Away from the crowds, Kehoe Beach is a hidden place to enjoy a cool drink and breeze on the western end of Point Reyes. It can be reached by walking about 0.6-of-a-mile along a trail through marshes and sand dunes. Those 21-and-up can lay back with a nice brew or glass of Chardonnay here, but keep in mind, no kegs are allowed, and all visitors need to leave no later than 11pm.
Similar to Paradise Cove, the beach at Descanso Beach Club is privately owned (above the mean high tide level) and they allow paying visitors to enjoy a drink in one of their lounge chairs or directly on the sand. Descanso is just a leisurely walk from the main part of Avalon on Catalina Island (address: 1 St Catherine Way, Avalon, CA 90704). The Catalina Expressferries take you to this port city daily from three spots on the mainland in Southern California.
Other Options
Almost every public beach bans alcohol for obvious reasons, including minimizing unruly behavior and keeping the public safe from dangerous ocean conditions, but there are other ways to have a relaxing drink near the sand. Most campgrounds in California allow alcoholic drinks at the campsite and many of them are just steps from the beach. See our list of the California beach campgrounds and reserve a spot today!
A. It is unlawful for any person to consume any alcoholic beverages, as defined in the California Business and Professions Code, upon any public place.
A. It is unlawful for any person to consume any alcoholic beverages, as defined in the California Business and Professions Code, upon any public place.
There is no alcohol allowed on our beaches. Even if you're 21. There is no smoking in any public area of Laguna Beach, including our beaches. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year, but the times of day they are permitted depends on the time of year.
It is generally illegal to drink in public in California outside of a licensed venue such as a bar, restaurant or tavern. State and local laws make it an infraction to possess an open container of alcohol in public and a misdemeanor for a minor to possess any alcohol in public.
Alcohol on the Beach – Balboa Island. ALL alcohol is strictly on ANY beach in Newport Beach and Balboa Island. You may not carry an open container while walking on any public sidewalk or street. On Balboa Island specifically, no alcohol is permitted on bay front walls, bay front walkways or any public sidewalk.
Please note that even though some places sell off site beer & wine, it's illegal to consume them on the beaches. Don't drink and drive! Take a safe ride or rent a limo or better yet why not just stay the night in Avila Beach!
Remember to leave only footprints. Consumption of Alcohol or Smoking - It is unlawful for any person to consume or drink any alcoholic beverage while on any part of the municipal pier or beach.
No tents or camping on the beach. No alcohol is permitted on the beach. Sport fishing licenses are not required when fishing from the Santa Monica Pier. No glass is permitted on the beach.
Beaches and bays - Alcohol is prohibited on San Diego's beaches and Mission Bay Park. Alcohol is also prohibited in parking lots adjacent to beaches and beach parks. Posted signs provide rules regarding alcohol policies.
However, in order to keep the beaches clean and safe for public use, California State Parks has several regulations governing alcohol, glass bottles, and beach fires. Alcohol in NOT ALLOWED on the beach at any time. Glass bottles or other glass containers are not allowed on any State Beach at any time.
Carmel Beach is one of the few California beaches that allow alcohol and dogs off-leash, so pack up the cooler and the pups and stay the day. When the sun goes down, Carmel Beach lights up with smoky bonfires along the sand. Gather with friends and enjoy a perfect sunset right on California's coast.
Drinking alcohol is allowed on the beach but glass containers are strictly prohibited. 7. Is fishing allowed on the beach? Fishing is allowed on the beach but chumming and/or shark fishing is prohibited.
Alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots. Glass containers are NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots. Smoking is NOT allowed on the beach, cliffs, walkways, park areas or adjacent parking lots.
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