Did you know that it is illegal to drink alcoholic beverages on a California Beach? But, surprise…there are actually 5 beaches where it is legal! Let’s face it…for those of us who enjoy a glass of wine or champagne, it is truly pleasurable to sit on a beach and enjoy a glass of your favorite wine or bubbly. A moment of pure bliss is gazing at the water and listening to the sound of the waves crashing gently on the sand while sipping your wine.
List of 5 beaches in California to Enjoy Wine & Champagne
Below is my 5StarTips🌟 list of 5 beaches in California where you can legally enjoy your wine and champagne! Cheers my friends!
Special Note: After enjoying these wonderful suggestions, please see below for all my 5StarTips🌟 to make this an extra special experience!
1. Carmel Beach, Carmel
Carmel Beach is one of the most popular spots on the Central Coast of California. Because of its iconic nature and beauty, it is known as “One of America’s Best Beach Towns.” If you haven’t been yet, this is to be put on your travel bucket list. It is also close to Monterey beaches and the famous drive on 101 to see the spectacular views of Big Sur.
Beach Rules (City Of Carmel By The Sea)
- No alcohol on the scenic pathway. Consumption of alcohol is allowed on the beach.
- No fuel-based lanterns such as Tiki torches.
- No temporary structures such as tents, canopies or similar enclosures.
- No smoking on the beach or scenic pathway.
- No littering. Use trash carts at top of the staircases along the pathway or the Del Mar parking lot
- No accessing the beach via the protected beach bluffs. Use stairways and designated pathways.
- Dogs must be on a leash or under voice command control on the beach and must be on a leash on the scenic pathway.
Location:
5StarTip🌟: If you are enjoying champagne, bring a champagne topper with you so that your bubbles stay bubbly.
2. Doheny State Beach, Dana Point
Located in Dana Point, California, Doheny State Beach is one of the most popular state beaches in California. This beach offers wonderful surf for surfing, lawns for picnics and volleyball courts. The southern end of the state beach has campgrounds as well.
Rules:
Alcohol: Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on the beaches or within the day-use areas of Doheny State Beach. Alcohol is permitted inside the campsites as long as all drinkers are at least 21 years of age and have valid identification. Alcohol may be consumed at Day Use sites A and B, and Day Use sites 1 through 4 with the completion of the Alcohol Waiver Form 18. For any questions, contact the Picnic Information Line at Doheny State Beach by phone [(949) 496-3617] or email to: doheny.events@parks.ca.gov.
– doheny.events@parks.ca.gov.
Important to note on this beach a waiver and fee are required, and you must be off the beach by 11 pm.
Location:
5StarTip🌟: For day-use at this beach, bring comfortable beach chairs that are light and easy to carry to the perfect spot.
3. Descanso Beach Club, Catalina Island
Descanso Beach Club is not on the California coastline but is located a few miles off the coast on Catalina Island. You can get to the island by either boat, plane, helicopter (for more information visit my website article). After arriving in the main town of Avalon, it is a short walk from the town center. It is a beautiful private beach where you can rent a day VIP experience such as a fabulous cabana or lounge chairs, and order food and beverages during their on-season.
During the winter months (off-season), they are opened only for a few hours on the weekend so be sure and check the Visit Catalina Website for hours and days they are open.
“Stroll along the waterfront past the iconic Casino to Descanso Beach Club. It’s home to Catalina’s only beachside restaurant and bar and one of the last private beaches in California open to the public. It’s also one of the few places where you can legally have a drink in your hand and your feet in the sand…at the same time. “
Visit Catalina
Rules:
Descanso is a private beach. As a private beach, you can enjoy an alcoholic beverage. Though you can bring your own alcohol on certain parts of the beach, they do offer bar service and a restaurant for your convenience too at certain times – please check their website for days and times they are open: Descanso Beach Club.
Location:
5StarTip🌟: Bring a warm blanket to make sure that if the temperature turns cold you can cuddle together under the blanket. This is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine during the off-season. My hubby and I had the beach to ourselves in the month of January and it was very romantic!
4. Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County
Point Reyes National Seashore is a haven for countless species of plants and animals and the human spirit. A place for exploration, inspiration, solitude, and recreation. This area is dedicated and serves as a reminder of the human connection to our land. The preserve is located just a little over an hour’s drive from the San Franciso area. Great for tide pools and enjoying the park’s dedication to preserving this gorgeous natural environment.
Rules:
Alcoholic beverages
“The consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages by persons 21 years or older is permitted within Point Reyes National Seashore. However, all public use areas within the park are closed to the possession of receptacles with a capacity of five fluid gallons or more which contain an alcoholic beverage. The behavior induced by the consumption of excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages may adversely affect the park experience of other visitors. Parties with alcohol in large containers (i.e., kegs) have consistently caused problems in the past, including rowdy behavior and vandalism.”
Courtesy of: Point Reyes National Park Service
Location:
5StarTip🌟: Bring a cooler with ice to keep that champagne cold and ready to pour!
5. Paradise Cove, Malibu
Paradise Cove is a private beach owned by a company that offers a restaurant, beach rentals, and different experiences. It is a stunning location and is famous for many beach scenes in Hollywood movies, including “Beach Blanket Bingo”!
Rules:
Alcohol
“You are allowed to bring your own alcohol to Paradise Cove, however, you can only bring beer, wine, and champagne. These alcohols are allowed on the beach. Hard alcohol, mixed drinks, and kegs are prohibited. There is a bar at paradise cove that serves hard alcohol and mixed drinks, however, those drinks are not allowed on the beach, only beer, wine, and champagne.”
All Things Malibu
Location:
5StarTip🌟: Bring plastic champagne/wine glasses and take them with you when you are done to reuse them again! You do not want to use glass and there are several nice plastic glasses you can buy online to enjoy your bubbles or wine in!
Final Thoughts:
I consider this a privilege to be able to enjoy your favorite wine or champagne at these beaches. With this in mind, please observe my 5StarTipsRules🌟:
Drink responsibly:
- One drink is best! Know your limits! It is about celebrating these moments with a lovely glass of your favorite wine or champagne. Treat this opportunity with respect, and please do not overindulge.
- Never ever drink and drive! – There are several methods for getting you to your favorite beach – Designated Driver, taxi, Uber/Lyft, shuttle, bus, and walking.
- Make sure your containers will not affect the environment. Leave without a trace that you have been there. What you bring – take back with you.
- Never, ever, ever, offer a drink to anyone, not of legal drinking age!
Be safe, be responsible and have fun! Enjoy this special opportunity. I wish you cheers and love my friends to your 5 California beach moments!
About Pamela Rossi
I am passionate about travel and taking each moment and making it a five star experience. My goal is to create those experiences for YOU!
Thank you for sharing a list of beautiful beaches. I will choose a beach from your list when I get to CA. It would be great to drive a boat and drink some wine on those beaches.
Wishing you that opportunity! Cheers!