California Beach Guide

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California has over 1100 miles of coast with hundreds of beaches. Northern California, the coast is rocky and remote. Southern California the beaches are wide and sandy and easily accessible. Even during the summer the water never gets more than seventy degrees and the rest of the year its downright cold. Most of the Southern California beaches have been developed and its not unusual to see high rise hotels and resorts overlooking the sand. To escape to a more private beach you will need to travel to central or northern California. California beaches offer swimming, surfing, fishing, sun bathing and people watching. There is only one beach where you can drive you vehicle on the beach and that's in central California. Up and down the coast the state of California has campgrounds. Many of these campgrounds offer beach camping. If you on a budget and can not afford a beach front hotel beach camping is a good choice. On you next trip make sure you include one of these beach destinations.

		Half Moon Bay - Four miles of sandy beaches stretch out around Half Moon Bay. This picturesque setting is ideal for sunbathing and fishing .Seasonal fog and cool breezes off the ocean are common.
		Stinson Beach - Located on Highway one north of San Francisco. From sun bathing to hang-gliding, surfing to hiking - there is never a shortage of activities. A snack bar is open April through September. The park is open until sunset. San Francisco day trip.
		New Brighton State Beach - This 95 acre park and campgrounds is very family oriented place for camping or day use. New Brighton beach is located in Capitola California. Book summer.campsites early
	Pacifica - Just a 20 minute drive from San Francisco. scenic beaches and breathtaking coastal bluffs and world famous fishing spots. Surf casting, pier fishing, and crabbing are specialties at Pacifica. "everyday is a day in paradise".	Manchester State Beach - Mendocino County. 760 acres of beach, sand dunes, and flat grasslands, with nearly 18,000 feet of ocean frontage. The weather is typical north Coast where temperatures seldom rise above 72 or dip below 50.
	Pebble Beach - Area attractions are the 17-Mile Drive, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium. Daytime temperatures on the Monterey Peninsula range from 50-75 degrees year-round and vary throughout the day.	Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of sun-drenched, fun-filled beaches offer the perfect setting for nearly every type of activity. The Boardwalk at Santa Cruz Beach has a coaster, bumper cars, merry-go-round and casino arcade.
	Santa Barbara - Santa Barbara is sometimes referred to as the American Riviera. Hiking, fine-dining, water sports, lazing on the beach, or night-life. More than 100 wineries are close by in Santa Barbara Wine. Pleasant year-round climate.	Pismo Beach - One of the few places where you can drive beach. You can enjoy miles of beautiful and clean beaches, exploring tide pools and coves. It's a short drive to Morro Bay or Hearst Castle from this classic California beach town.
	Venice Beach - Home of the world famous Venice Boardwalk with artists and street performers. This is where residents and tourists come to check out the local scene and people watch.	Santa Monica - 3.5 miles of broad sandy coastline and more than 340 days of sunshine per year. Home of the world-famous Muscle Beach. Santa Monica is the perfect base for vacationers to Los Angeles.
	Laguna Beach - A full-fledged resort town. Its newest addition is the Montage Resort & Spa, which draws its own Hollywood crowd. Explore tide pools, dine at world class restaurants and enjoy the sunsets.	Cardiff-by-the-Sea - Located north of San Diego Cardiff has 2 miles of pristine ocean beaches. Surfers come from all over to enjoy the world class surf. A fifteen minute drive to all of San Diego's attractions.
	Huntington Beach - Also called Surf city it has over eight miles of wide sandy beach. This beach is located 40 miles south of Los Angeles. An excellent place to stay for travelers visiting Orange County.	La Jolla - La Jolla in Spanish means "The Jewel". Fine restaurants, beautiful beaches, hotels and art galleries and the Stephen Birch Aquarium & Museum. Home of the world famous La Jolla Cove.
	Coronado - Coronado is the perfect place to swim, sail, surf, bike, run, walk, rollerblade, or play golf. Attractions of San Diego are just a short drive away. Home of Hotel Del Coronado a Historic Landmark.	Pacific Beach - San Diego's most popular beach and boardwalk. Surf, swim, kayak, or body board or enjoy miles of paved bike paths. The beach rests snugly between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay Park.