A year-round tropical climate with an average water temperature
of 78 degrees... that's what Southern California's beaches have to
offer. Oh, and you can throw in perfect waves, superb dining, and
oceanfront resorts for every budget. These shorelines are paradise on
earth. You want more? How about picturesque harbors and hundreds of
miles of shimmering coastline with free coastal access to the world's
best white sand, surf and sun.
It's tough to pick the best of
these treasures, but here are six of the greatest beaches in California.
They include both nice quiet beaches and rip roaring beaches with
thousands of bathing beauties.
1. Oceanside City Beach. This
tropical beach lies in northern San Diego County. This tranquil and
eloquent beach is lined with palm trees and perfect for beach walkers.
You can take a leisurely walk or ride a rented bicycle along "The
Strand" (the main street alongside the beach). If you're adventurous,
you can even go rollerblading or spend some time fishing from the
Oceanside pier. The nearby village of Cape Cod boasts a rich assortment
of great restaurants. This beach has professional lifeguards and
restrooms.
2. Newport Beach. This piece of trendy
real estate is located between San Diego and Los Angeles in Orange
County. Newport Beach offers delightful harbor cruises, boating, scuba
diving, and bodysurfing. Most of local restaurants provide panoramic
views of the ocean. This beach is distinguished by its Fun Zone and the
Balboa Pavilion.
3. Cardiff State Beach. This San
Diego County recreational facility has professional lifeguards for water
goers and free public restrooms for all. The gently sloping beach is
ideal for sunbathing, fishing, swimming, surfing and kayaking. Cardiff
State Beach is a quieter, more casual beach with fewer crowds than most
California beaches. The area's Restaurant Row features several quality
seafood and Mexican restaurants. The San Elijo Lagoon is a bird
watcher's fantasy come true.
4. Santa Monica Beach. If
the East Coast has Coney Island, the West Coast has Santa Monica Beach.
Seated in the heart of Los Angeles County, this beach enjoys wide sandy
areas for beach front relaxation and the famous Santa Monica Pier
complete with its own amusement park on the top of an old wooden pier.
Dozens of movies and television shows have featured this beach and pier
over the years. A sunset Ferris wheel ride offers an unforgettable ocean
view. For good measure, you can easily visit the nearby Venice Beach
and Palisades Park. This is a beach for the entire family.
5. La Jolla. If
you prefer sheltered coves and unique landscapes, then La Jolla is just
what the doctor ordered. This beach, just north of the city of San
Diego, makes for a intriguing and enchanting getaway. La Jolla has an
incredible underwater park for viewing marine life. The world famous
Scripps Institute of Oceanography and Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum are
located nearby.
6. Coronado Beach. Across from San
Diego's bay on the ocean side of Coronado Island stands one of
California's grandest family destinations. Coronado Beach offers room
for a family to spread out. Let the kids play volleyball, soccer, or
Frisbees, while you and your significant other laze in the sun and enjoy
the sounds of the surf and the seagulls.
The internationally
renown Hotel Del Coronado with its legendary and storied past sits on
this beach. To get to Coronado, either take the ferry across the bay
from downtown San Diego or drive over the 1.9 mile long Coronado Bay
Bridge, but be warned. Parking is extremely limited.
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