California Beaches

Beaches in California are famous for their variety, in the north they are rocky and windy dotted with characteristic lighthouses while southern Californian beaches are sandy, tropical and hot all year round, the Orange County’s beaches have the warmest water in California. All of them offer a variety of activities from fishing and surfing to hiking, volleyball and plenty more. Almost all beaches have strict rules including no alcohol, no fire, no glass containers and no dogs, those allowing dogs usually have an area dedicated to them; rules are listed at the beach entrance and it is strongly recommended to take note of them as they are enforced with fines for the offenders.
Orange County’s beaches are very good for surfing, check out Laguna Beach, Divers Cove Beach, Aliso Creek Beach, Sleepy Hollow Beach, Crescent Bay, 1000 steps County Beach and Crystal cove.
Half Moon Bay in northern California includes a variety of beaches among which Francis Beach, Pelicano Point Beach, Dunes Beach, Pescadero State Beach and Gray Whale Cove. Most of them have trails for walking, hiking and cycling, bird watching and fishing spots. Rodeo Beach, situated at the far west end of Marin Headlands, is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is popular  with surfers, hikers and people in search for some down time away from the busy city life. The spot, which has full picnic facilities, is actually quite small fitting just about 50 people with the risk of overcrowding in the summer months.
In Los Angeles County beaches are fun based with plenty of outdoor facilities, volleyball is a favourite around there as are cycling, roller-skating and jogging along the trails that run along the beach. Long Beach has clean white sand that runs for miles and a long bike trail. Santa Monica Beach, situated in between Venice Beach to the south and Malibu Beach to the north, is a 3.5 mile long sandy stretch offering plenty of fun activities including the Fun Fair on the famous pier, which is the focus of the place. Manhattan Beach, located south of LA airport has a pier, a usual feature among beaches of this area, with a free aquarium at the bottom, volleyball courts and a bike trail continuing to the neighbouring beaches.
Good for families and friends, Zuma Beach is the perfect place for picnics and beach parties. It is quiet on weekdays, but can get crowded on weekends; facilities include playground, volleyball courts and a snack-bar that caters mainly for children.
Those looking for a beautiful secluded sandy beach should go to Nicholas Canyon County Beach, which is said to be the best secret beach in LA County and good for surfing. Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a good surfing spot although with an average of 20 surfers it can get very crowded. Another popular surf spot in the region is Topanga Beach, which is very spacious and secluded with no facilities close by.

San Diego has some of the best beaches in the South of California, which thanks to the permanent good weather are fun all year round. One of the best spots for surfing is the area of Pacific Beach, although the not so experienced surfers might prefer Sunset Cliffs. The great scenery including grassy parks, crystal waters and sandstone cliffs make of La Jolla Cove one of the most photographed beaches in San Diego; it is also a good place for snorkeling and diving. The Children’s Pool, sitting south of La Jolla Cove, is a great spot to admire the community of sea lions and seals basking in the sun. The place to go for the buzz and the nightlife is Mission Beach, although not as beautiful as other beaches in the area it offers plenty of attractions including shops, bars and restaurants. Families might like to check out the beautiful palm tree lined La Jolla Shores Beach, which is a great spot for picnics and picture taking. Finally Imperial Beach is a little out of the way and a good place to escape the intense summer crowds. It offers great waves for surfers of various experience levels, mellow waters for swimming and a pier for fishing as well as volleyball courts, a picnic area and a childrens playground.