| When it comes to fun in the sun, southern | | | | Lagoon, which boasts great bird watching; and the |
| California has it all. With its year-round tropical | | | | Seaside Market where you can purchase a wide |
| climate, year-round average water temperature | | | | variety of healthy foods and snacks. |
| of 78 degrees, perfect waves, excellent dining, | | | | 4. La Jolla. If your preference is sheltered coves |
| and numerous oceanfront resorts, this earthly | | | | and unique landscapes, then visiting these beaches |
| paradise also boasts picturesque harbors and a | | | | in San Diego County should definitely be listed on |
| shimmering coastline filled with sand, surf and sun. | | | | your itinerary. The versatility of La Jolla's beaches |
| Not only is it home to millions of people but it | | | | makes for intriguing and enchanting getaways or |
| beckons millions more each year from all over the | | | | they can be loads of fun for the entire family. |
| globe. Whether you are a California resident | | | | Investigate the underwater marine life while |
| headed to the beach to soak up the sun for a | | | | snorkeling or simply walk the shoreline barefoot. |
| day, or you are planning a family vacation that | | | | Nearby attractions include The Scripps Institute of |
| your kids will remember for a long time to come, | | | | Oceanography and The Stephen Birch Aquarium |
| you'll find some beaches to add to your itinerary | | | | Museum. |
| here. | | | | 5. Oceanside City Beach. Tropical palm trees |
| Here are six of the top beaches in California, | | | | stretch along the shores of this tranquil and |
| including nice, quiet beaches as well as a few | | | | eloquent beach located in northern San Diego |
| beaches that are particularly nice for visiting | | | | County. Take a leisurely walk, ride your bicycle or |
| families. | | | | roller-blade down what is called "The Strand" (the |
| 1. Santa Monica Beach. The West Coast's answer | | | | main street alongside the beach) or spend some |
| to Coney Island, this magnificent stretch of wide, | | | | time fishing off the pier at Oceanside. Nearby |
| sandy beach located in the seat of Los Angeles | | | | Cape Cod Village offers lots of great restaurants |
| County features the famous Santa Monica Pier | | | | and the beach has lifeguards and restrooms. |
| which houses its own amusement park atop one | | | | 6. Coronado Beach. If you're in San Diego, you'll |
| of the oldest wooden piers on the west coast. | | | | love the wide expanse of Coronado Beach with |
| The site has also appeared in dozens of movies | | | | plenty of room for the family to spread out. While |
| and television shows. Take a ride at sunset on the | | | | the kids are playing volleyball, soccer or tag, or |
| Ferris wheel for a spectacular ocean view. Enjoy | | | | tossing Frisbees, flying kites or building sand |
| lunch or dinner at the many different eateries in | | | | castles, you and your spouse can kick back and |
| the area and be sure to check out the nearby | | | | enjoy the surf, the sand and the seagulls. |
| attractions, which include Venice Beach and | | | | This enchanting locale is home to the famous |
| Palisades Park. This is one place that's sure to | | | | Hotel Del Coronado and is just a short ferry ride |
| make a splash with the entire family. | | | | away from San Diego Bay. Or you can opt to |
| 2. Newport Beach. A fascinating and trendy bit of | | | | pack everything you'll need for a day at the |
| real estate located in Orange County, Newport | | | | beach and drive across the Bay Bridge. No food is |
| Beach offers locals and tourists a variety of | | | | sold at the beach so be sure to bring along |
| activities. Stroll on a scenic walkway, embark on a | | | | sandwiches, soft drinks and other snacks. There is |
| refreshing harbor cruise, or go boating, scuba | | | | free parking on Ocean Avenue but it gets |
| diving, or bodysurfing Dining at most restaurants | | | | crowded quickly so try to get there early. |
| includes panoramic views of the harbors. Make | | | | It's interesting to note that the entire California |
| sure to check out the Fun Zone and Balboa | | | | coastline is constantly changing due to tides, |
| Pavilion. | | | | currents and weather conditions. Beaches erode |
| 3. Cardiff State Beach. Located in San Diego | | | | and new ones form when sediment washes in |
| County, this recreational facility features | | | | from the Pacific Ocean. |
| lifeguards, restrooms and a smoothly sloping | | | | With all its coves, cliffs and inlets, islands and |
| beach for sunbathing, fishing, swimming, surfing | | | | harbors, jetties and piers, it would take eons to |
| and kayaking. People love Cardiff State Beach for | | | | fully explore this magnificent geographical location. |
| its quiet beach, casual atmosphere, fewer crowds | | | | That's why many people return year after year |
| and excellent restaurants. Nearby points of | | | | to experience its magic and appreciate its |
| interest include Restaurant Row, which features | | | | treasures. |
| savory seafood and Mexican fare; San Elijo | | | | |