If there’s one thing that California does exceptionally well, it’s beautiful, scenic, sandy beaches. The sun shows up as a constant companion at least 300 days of the year, so beaches from Southern California up to the northern coastline are known world-wide for incredible, sun kissed Cali beach appeal. Great aptitude in surfing, boogie boarding, jet skiing, boating, frisbee tossing, volleyball, or caught being sun soaked fab, are key Cali beach distinctions. Although Pacific waters tend to be a little cooler than the Atlantic, it offers a welcomed relief and cool down from the brilliant California sunshine and balmy weather. The California coast generously offers easy access to beaches from Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Santa Monica, Malibu, Zuma, Santa Barbara, upwards to San Luis Obispo, Carmel, and Pebble Beach. Although all the coastal beaches of California are worth visiting, we will share six of our favorites for a multigenerational beach vacation. Visit these beaches year round, although the summer months, May through September, are the ideal visiting months for the ultimate warm California beach experience.
California Beach Spots Perfect for a Multigenerational Trip!
1. Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach, with its long, wide expanse, is set apart from other Southern California shorelines by the array of activities to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. That’s why it rings loud as the perfect multigenerational beach destination. It offers stellar views and makes for top-notch beachcombing, swimming, surfing, and even beach volleyball. Santa Monica Beach has 3.5 miles of coastal shore to stroll and pass the time exchanging stories about how quickly the kids are growing up and the exceptional job they are doing in school. Lifeguards are visibly positioned and on guard during beach hours from sunrise to sunset. Fun rides at Pacific Park, an aquarium, and dining at local beach restaurants are other activities that can enhance the time spent. Anglers can often be seen fishing from the Santa Monica Pier as a popular pastime. Santa Monica Beach is an ideal choice for a multigenerational vacation spot.
2. Monterey Bay
Beautiful Monterey Bay is visually stimulating and crawling with marine life and natural beauty for the entire family to take in. Relax on the soft sand beach, surf, enjoy scuba diving, whale-watching, boating and kayaking in the bay. Home of the world’s third-largest marine sanctuary which houses whales, cormorants, otters and other must see underwater creatures. Play a round or two of golf on the most spectacular and well-manicured courses California has to offer. Museums and a nearby play yard will keep the youngsters occupied for hours. The family will enjoy a stroll through the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Peak season months from May through September.
3. New Port Beach
Newport Beach has Mediterranean-like weather with 10 miles of pristine coastal sandy beach primed for surfing, swimming, or sunbathing. It easily ranks at the top of California beaches. Kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and body surfing are some of the year-round activities that are sure to keep everyone busy. Families enjoy the sand, ocean waters, pier and boardwalk for an ideal way to spend time together. Newport Beach offers several nearby parks with play equipment for youngsters, baseball and softball diamonds, and basketball courts for all to enjoy. Memorable whale watching adventures at Newport Beach will be shared by all. The Balboa Fun Zone with a Ferris wheel, arcade games, and ExplorOcean, offers fun for the whole family.
4. Pismo Beach
Spectacular white, sandy beaches outline the central coast of California between LA. and San Francisco known as Pismo Beach. At Pismo Beach, males and females of all ages can be seen maneuvering their four-wheeled ATV’s up and down the rugged sandy dune trails for an incredibly exhilarating ride. Pismo Beach offers an array of water activities for every age, from swimming, surfing, jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing, fishing and boating to land activities like, kite boarding, and horseback riding on the beach and nearby world-class golf courses. Skydiving air adventures will offer thrill seekers spectacular views of the ocean, dunes and the California landscape. Even dog friendly activities, restaurants and internet is available for the family canine, of course on a leash. Spectacular wineries are in the area for your wine tasting pleasures. No one has to miss out on this great Pismo Beach vacation. Temperatures range year round from the high 50’s to the high 70’s.
5. Doheny State Beach
Doheny State Beach, located at the southern tip of Dana Point, is a top surfing destination. This sandy beach, officially California’s first state beach, provides a lot more to do than surf or surf watch. This is the famous beach mentioned in the Beach Boys popular song “Surfin’ USA”. Its surfing tag is known throughout the state. There is marine life to explore in the five indoor tanks devoted to wildlife preservation. The pier provides walking opportunities to delectable food stands and shops. There are even angling options for reeling in your own fish. Volleyball courts are set for sports activity so bring your own ball. Bike rentals are available for a family cruise along the pier. Lots of watersports activities in which to indulge, namely sailing, boating and stand up paddle boarding. Early March celebrates the Festival of Whales which signals the passing of the gray whale migration, an incredible sight to see. A visit to Doheny State Beach will be a learning adventure and fun time for the whole family.
6. Redondo Beach
This incredibly scenic sandy beach location will provide the best of both worlds for a multigenerational beach destination. It offers spectacular beach going days and close proximity to L.A.’s popular attractions, for an all-inclusive fun packed stay for the entire brood. The kids will appreciate that it’s within a 45 minute range of Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. It has excellent walking and bike paths to extension beaches. Whale watching, harbor cruises, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing and other water activities are sure to keep you and the entire family occupied. Join local sea life in an underwater tour in the yellow submarine, an experience sure to win brownie points.
This article was written by Sharon Cleveland Blount.