California boasts an impressive 900 miles of coastline, featuring a variety of unique beaches. However, it’s important to remember that the cleanliness of the water can differ significantly from one location to another the next time you decide to take a swim.
Recently, Heal the Bay, a nonprofit focused on maintaining California’s beach health, published a “Beach Report Card” that evaluates water quality at various beaches.
This report utilizes a grading system based on the testing of water samples for harmful bacteria, including key fecal indicator species: total coliforms, fecal coliforms (like E. coli), and enterococci. As stated on Heal the Bay’s website, “Elevated levels of these bacteria signify harmful pathogens that could pose risks to beach visitors.”
For the report, water quality was assessed at 500 different beaches.
“Honor Roll”:
The 2025 “Honor Roll,” showcasing the cleanest beaches, includes only 62 out of the 500 tested. Beaches on this list were found to have the highest water quality. Notable beaches that made the Honor Roll are:
Orange County: This area has 34 beaches recognized, including spots like Balboa Beach Pier, Crystal Cove, and El Morro Beach.
San Diego County: Contains 12 beaches, such as Mission Beach, Belmont Park, and Point Loma Lighthouse.
Ventura County: Recognized for five beaches, including County Line Beach and Silver Strand.
Los Angeles County: This list includes seven beaches, such as Dockweiler State Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa Beach.
Interestingly, Los Angeles County had not made the Honor Roll the past two years, but the excellent conditions of Malibu and Palos Verdes Peninsula beaches contributed to its recognition this year.
Moreover, the Guadalupe Dunes in Santa Barbara also earned an A+ for the first time since 2021, reflecting significant improvements in water quality. Heal the Bay evaluates beaches based on data from various public and nonprofit agencies, with testing typically happening every one to two weeks in counties like Los Angeles and Orange.
Even for beaches on the Honor Roll, water quality can change drastically from week to week. For instance, although Manhattan Beach enjoyed an A+ rating for much of last year, it surprisingly dropped to an F in November, likely due to heavy rains in the area. Since then, it has fluctuated between D and C grades, landing on a C in the latest inspection from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
In contrast, Dockweiler State Beach near LAX, which was rated poorly in the previous year, has consistently achieved high grades and currently holds an A+ as per last Friday’s test.
“Beach Bum”:
Santa Monica Pier keeps receiving criticism for its “terrible” water quality, maintaining an F grade all year, which marks it as the worst beach in California.
According to Heal the Bay, the numerous amusement rides and games at the pier draw many seabirds, whose droppings contaminate the water with bacteria.
Further south, issues also arise with towns near the border that often dump untreated sewage into the Tijuana River, impacting nearby San Diego beaches.
Beach areas such as Chicken Ranch Beach, located north of San Francisco, are also problematic due to urban runoff.
Recently, during a visit to Santa Monica Pier, it was noted that some beachgoers were enjoying the water, which is unfortunately polluted with E. coli and other harmful bacteria that could cause infections and skin rashes.
Yet, one surfer named Aiden appeared to take the situation lightly, stating, “It’s just water. Then I’ll take a shower.”
Despite this, it’s advisable not to completely skip Santa Monica. Beaches located north of the pier show consistently excellent results in water quality testing.
Mara Diaz, a water quality specialist with the Surfrider Foundation, points out that while people often check the weather before heading to the beach, it’s equally important to consider the water quality.
The Surfrider Foundation offers an online map that tracks the conditions of beaches across the country. Water quality can shift daily due to various natural and human-induced factors.
Experts advise against swimming after rain, particularly in Los Angeles, due to potential contamination from storm drains.
Certain coastal areas with poor circulation, like Pillar Point Harbor near San Francisco, are especially susceptible to bacterial growth.
The most significant challenges often come from storm drains, streams, and rivers that introduce pollutants from inland.
It can be quite tricky to identify contaminated water just by looking at it.
Diaz emphasizes that just because a beach looks nice doesn’t mean the water is safe; it may be rife with harmful bacteria.
On a positive note, once debris enters the ocean, it tends not to move, so surfers riding waves a distance away might not encounter the same contaminated conditions found at the pier.
Experts encourage beachgoers to do thorough research before spending time in the sun, as well as to take steps to protect the integrity of cleaner waterfronts.
