Since most of the California coastline is protected year round under conservancy laws or as part of wildlife preserves, you cannot just go camping at any seaside you feel like pitching a tent on. You can get fined and/or arrested so don't do it properly. On the other hand you can find several stunning beaches where backpacking is permitted and encouraged and where you are able to enjoy some on the ideal beach backpacking and outdoor activities that Mother Nature has to provide.
California has a reputation for its rugged coastline with scenic qualities and natural grandeur of sunsets. The famous Highway 1 courses from North all the way to the South and vice versa. Camping out in Southern California is best from mid June throughout December when the climate is usually at its finest every day.
San Clemente State Beach has been one of the most popular beaches in California. The area is about fifty miles south of Los Angeles off of Interstate 5 and is located on the south end of the city of San Clemente. The long beach is a stretch of beautiful white sand and renowned for its exceptional waves. Dining, shopping, and entertainment are some of the many activities you can do in its numerous picturesque seaside towns. San Clemente State Beach is perfect for family camping trips and RV trailer hook ups are very much available as well. Camping reservations must be done in advance, for more information you can visit the state park website at http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=646
McGrath State Seaside is home to bird watching and clean beaches. It is found in close proximity to the Santa Clara River. There are many different hiking and bird watching nature trails that you can find that will lead you directly to the estuary. If you are interested you can obtain more details from their online brochure at http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/607/files/McGrathSBCmpGrdMap.pdf.
Just south of Santa Barbara you will uncover great seaside hiking at Carpinteria State Beachfront. These protected bluffs and marshlands come right up towards the gorgeous dunes to create a pristine habitat for birds and other animals. Carpinteria has a reputation as the "safest" seaside in California even though the surf is outstanding, the undertow does not begin until way out past the surf line. There is a small visitor's center with wildlife exhibits near the beach itself. You can get a lot more info on the beach front hiking at this website http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25116.
Anyone will surely enjoy their backpacking trip in Southern California as there is neither shortage of attractions nor lack of outdoor recreational opportunities. The diverse and breathtaking areas will definitely make you want to stay and never leave.