Venice Beach
This is not really the place to go for just relaxing and sunbathing, there's to much to do and see. The sidewalks and boardwalks are filled with art work, break dancers, and musicians, not to mention plenty of tanned body builders. Also, take in the sights of local surfers hitting the waves as you sunbathe. If you want to join in the fun there are plenty of places to rent skates and bikes, shop or have a tarot card reading by one of the many psychics along the way. If nothing else at least check out the really cool murals painted by local artists. There are restrooms but keep your eye on the kids, this place is fun and interesting but can get kinda crowded and busy. Life guards are on duty during the day but parking can be difficult, try the Venice Pier parking lot but get there early in the summer. Sorry no dogs allowed. Visit: www.laparks.org/venice/venice.htm for more information.
Malibu
Known as a great place to “catch the waves” Malibu is well known by surfers as the place to go with some of the best waves in Southern California. It’s a beautiful beach and where you will find the beautiful people, such as many movie and TV stars. The rocky coastline offers an incredible view for those that make Malibu beach their residence. Admission is free and the parking lot is not too far from the pier. Not really popular for families because of the rocky area but great for die hard surfers. Bring snacks, there’s not many places close by to eat. Life guards are on duty until sunset. Visit: www.ci.malibu.ca.us for more information.
Laguna Beach Area
Try Thousand Steps beach, it' an interesting way to get some exercise being there's a big trek back up from the beach. It may be a hike but it's definitely not a thousand steps. Besides the hiking attraction, there's great surfing and diving if you are up to carrying the equipment. There are beautiful tide pools to explore on this rocky, un-crowded beach. If you want seclusion and quiet this is a great place to visit but be aware some parts of the beach are roped off for residence privacy. Metered parking, restrooms & showers available, no lifeguards and no dogs allowed. This beach is somewhat secluded so you may run into an occasional nude sunbather. Visit: www.lagunabeachinfo.org for more information.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach with it's beautiful views, great dining and lots of recreation is the best of the OC all rolled into one. With it's long smooth boardwalk many visitors enjoy, rollerblading, jogging, biking or just taking a leisurely stroll. Catch views of million dollar mansions and the beach while enjoying the boardwalk that starts at 36th Street and stretches to Balboa Pier. Newport Beach attracts a lot of surfers hoping to catch a wave and tons of surf shops to buy gear. If you bring the family you can go southward on the boardwalk, where the kids can ride the ferris wheel, play in the arcade or cross Newport Harbor for a trip to Balboa Island. Picnic tables, restrooms and showers are available. Lifeguards are on duty year round during daylight hours and no dogs allowed. Visit: www.newportbeach.com for more information.
San Diego Area
Two great beaches in San Diego area are Dog Beach for animal lovers and Windansea which small but nice place to spend the day. Dog beach allows dogs to run free without a leash but you are responsible for clean up after the frisky pooch. There are lifeguards, restrooms and a parking lot is available. Windansea is a really small cozy beach so get there early because there are only a few parking spots available. Great place to surf and boogie board but be careful, there are lots of hard breaking waves. Fortunately the lifeguards are especially nice here and come to the rescue when needed. Visit: www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors for more information
San Francisco Area
Our favorite beach in the San Francisco area is Baker Beach, it’s clean, has great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s absolutely beautiful but beware of the rough surf. They have a picnic area set up which is great because there are no food vendors or restaurants near by. One of the areas most well known nude beaches are near by, just head north while on the beach. There are no life guards on duty and parking is tight so get there early. Dogs are welcome but be sure to have a leash available. http://onlysf.sfvisitor.org for more information.
Find out more about California at: http://www.city-data.com/city/California.html
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