The Best Weed Friendly Beaches In California

Craving some weed by the water? Whether it’s blunts on the beach, pipes at the playa, or bongs by the bay, there’s nothing quite like getting baked with ocean views.

But let’s be real—finding California beaches where you can light up without risking a run-in with the police isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best spots where the vibe is relaxed, and enforcement tends to look the other way.

Here’s our list of favorite blazin’ beaches for a worry-free sesh.

A white sand beach to match your frosted nugs? Sign me up, please. You’ll think you’ve smoked yourself straight to paradise at Carmel Beach, where you can admire the crystal clear waters and adventurous surfers as you toke up.   

The wonderful thing about a lot of the beaches along the state’s northern coast is that they often feature beautiful trees and foliage that one might not typically find near populated areas. The live oak trees showcase trunks and branches that are bent as if they are dancing in the wind.

There’s also a variety of nearby paths that lead to other trails, stairways, and gardens, making this beach ideal for exploring. 

Okay, so this beach isn’t at an ocean, but Lake Tahoe is such a treasure and where else can you get forest, beach, and mountains all in one place.  Just north of the state line in South Lake Tahoe, this beach is dog-friendly so your best buds can join you in smoking your other best buds.

Your panoramic view of the immaculate Lake Tahoe, which is the second deepest lake in the U.S., and alpine peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains will leave you flabbergasted at the beauty this world has to offer.   

With lots of tables and benches for smoking sessions or family barbecues, this less populated beach is great for a laid-back day on the water. With the amazing view of mountains directly ahead and forested areas behind you, this Tahoe delight is a truly unique atmosphere for any smoke session. Afterward, you and your crew can get active by renting paddle boards or kayaks to explore the lake even more.

Much like Michelle, this is a true babe of a beach! Located about 30 miles south of Monterrey, in the gorgeous town of Big Sur, this beach is a hidden gem that takes a drive off the main highway to access. With clear, light blue water near the sand and rocks, and a gradual darkening as the water fades away from shore, you’ll be in awe of this monochromatic spectacle that will stay with you forever. 

 Big Sur in general is such a naturally exquisite wonderland of the central coast that should be on all of our bucket lists. Only a couple miles from McWay Falls, a fellow worthy location on another top list of smoke spots, this pristine Pfeiffer Beach features huge rock formations protruding from the beautiful, crisp blue water. Numerous campgrounds and state parks surround the area, making it ideal for an extended stay.

Located in the illustrious neighborhood of Belmont Shore in Long Beach, this dog beach offers stoners plenty of entertainment. If you’re lucky enough to go on ‘Corgi Day’ then you are in for a treat! Dozens of corgis frolicking up and down the beach, with no business being as cute as they are.   

Whether it’s a group yoga class or beach volleyball tournament, this beach is always buzzing with activity.   Speaking of activity, this coastal canine corner is within walking distance from the famous 2nd street, known for its nightlife scene, where you can stroll along lots of shops, bars, and restaurants.

If that’s not your cup of hard tea, you can travel north from Rosie’s to the aquarium or shoreline marina, which is definitely worth a gander if you’ve never been. Take a tour of the Queen Mary and make sure to not take a ghost with you.

Right off of the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu lies a rocky utopia that displays one of the most beautiful convergence zones of land and ocean. El Matador Beach’s parking lot doesn’t have many spots, so you’ll want to get there fairly early to ensure you’ll be able to park. If you have to resort to parking along PCH, you’ll have to make a descent down to the water, but rest assured that the trip will be well worth it.   

Any opportunity to smoke in a cave near a beach should be met with enthusiasm and a plethora of ganja.   While you can’t hotbox the cave, it will provide you with a sheltered nook to spark up. Walking along the sand, through archways implanted in ginormous rocks, and admiring the scattered mansions that overlook it all, will be as therapeutic as a day at the spa.   

Visiting this beach during low tide gives you the best opportunity to explore the caves and arches that also provide excellent photoshoot opportunities.

Generally, you can’t smoke weed on public beaches in California. Some beaches (like the ones on our list) will still have tons of people lighting up, regardless of public consumption laws stating cannabis is a strict no-go on beaches.

If you’re caught, you could face fines or other penalties, depending on local enforcement. But, violators only face fines up to $25 on average, and some beaches are known to be more lenient than others (hence our list).