California Beaches
With its long, meandering coast, California is blessed with a tremendous amount of variety in beaches. The farther North you travel, the cooler the summertime weather, so we’d suggest you explore California’s beaches which are south of Los Angeles if you are looking to spend time swimming or lying on the beach.
In general, Southern California beaches tend to be very warm during the summer, sandy, crowded and humid. Ocean waters are around the mid 50s during the winters and can exceed 71 degrees at the peak of summer, so swimming is very popular. Those who enjoy surfing, snorkeling, hiking and fishing will enjoy beaches such as Mission Beach in San Diego or Santa Monica Beach near L.A. In contrast, Northern California beaches such as the ones near San Francisco and the Oregon border tend to be cooler, rockier, windier and might even have picturesque lighthouses reminiscent of the East coast.
In short, Southern California beaches are about outdoor activities and fun in the sun, while Northern California beaches are more about beautiful vistas, camping and fishing. A final perk of California beaches are the stunning sunsets, something that those on the East coast, with the exception of the gulf coast of Florida, don’t have the opportunity to see.
California Family Beaches
No matter what type of family-friendly activity you’re looking for, California’s beaches have it. While the Northern waters are usually too cold for enjoyable swimming, San Franciso-area beaches are in close proximity to the city, which offers a host of enjoyable activities for the family. Picnics, campfires and ocean-life learning activities are just some of the family-friendly beach activities which can be enjoyed in Northern California.
Southern California beaches are famous for their wide expanses of sand perfect for sunbathing and people watching, and the warmer waters are great for swimming, snorkeling and surfing. Many of the beaches in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas have concrete or wooden boardwalks lined with shops and amusement park rides which are fun for kids and adults alike. Some of the most luxurious hotels can also be found here, most of which offer kid-friendly activities so that parents can enjoy an afternoon on their own. Find out California kid friendly beach hotels here.
Best Family Friendly Beaches in California
California Dog-Friendly Beaches
California (California beaches) is justifiably well-known for its large number of dog-friendly beaches. Year-round sunny weather in much of California means plenty of days can be spent frolicking in the surf, playing catch and socializing with other beach-loving pooches.
In San Diego and other parts of Southern California, many dog beaches permit pets to freely roam leash-free. There are also dog-friendly boat rentals available. Miles of jogging and hiking trails, mysterious beach coves and shallow waters allow dogs and their owners to fully enjoy a day at the beach. Dog-friendly lodges and hotels mean that pets can be taken on vacations as well.
In Northern California, the waters are usually a bit too chilly for dog paddling, but this also means less crowded expanses of sand, even in summer. Ocean Beach in San Francisco offers both leashed and unleashed areas for pets, and there’s an impressive panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Best Dog Friendly Beaches in California
California Romantic Beaches
California’s West coast location means that couples can enjoy a romantic evening watching the sun set over the ocean no matter which beach they choose. In Southern California, a romantic beach experience might mean staying in posh hotels with elaborate amenities situated directly on the beach such as San Diego’s Hotel Del Coronado. Or, for couples wanting more activity, the warm waters are perfect for swimming, boating and snorkeling.
In the North, beaches are often enveloped in mysterious fogs in the early morning and afternoon, and there are many beaches which offer long, secluded expanses of sand for private strolls. Cooler waters and weather often mean less crowded beaches, and quaint cottages and East-coast reminiscent architecture are well-suited to romantic weekends spent alone. Beaches close to San Francisco often have view of the Golden Gate Bridge and other landmarks. Nearby, Mendocino’s exhilarating coastlines and quaint seaside villages are perfect for romantic weekend getaways.
