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HomeTopics...Us Vacation SpotsCalifornia Beaches
California Beaches: Enjoying Sunny California's BeachesMillions of people flock to sunny California beaches every year to enjoy the sun, sand and surf. Mild temperatures are a common feature of most California beaches. These seaside communities are as diverse as the people who live in them. Some California beaches are known for their quiet, beautiful views, some for their great surfing and others for their affluent and artistic communities. Still others roll with activity and verve. Before visiting sunny California beaches, take the time to find one that suits you or try them all and sunbathe in their diversity.
Surfing in Sunny CaliforniaIf it's surfing you love (or if you've always wanted to learn), California beaches are a great place to go. For some, California is synonymous with surfing. Water temperatures rarely exceed 65 degrees and swells are consistent year-round.
Try Huntington Beach, one of Orange County's largest cities, where surfing is taken seriously. Also known as "Surf City, U.S.A." Huntington Beach has its own International Surfing Museum and hosts the U.S. Surf Open. Other California beaches known for optimal surfing conditions include Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Newport Beach, San Clemente and La Jolla. These California beaches rate high with surfers for waveform and water temperature. Sunny days are common fare for these southern California beaches, so every day is a good day to go surfing.
California Beaches: Walk, Shop and Enjoy ArtFor those less interested in surfing and more interested in fine shopping, dining and art galleries, a few California beaches truly stand out. Carmel-by-the-Sea, one of northern California's premier beaches, offers visitors a variety of specialty shops and quaint restaurants and cafes. Once considered a retreat for writers and artists, the small beachside community still has an array of studios in which to browse and buy art.
Laguna Beach is southern California's beachside art gallery. Art galleries, workshops and the famous Pageant of the Masters reside in this beachside museum. In its early days, Laguna Beach was home to celebrities such as Bette Davis, Rudolph Valentino and Mickey Rooney. Today, Laguna Beach is a great place for surfing, relaxing in the sun and enjoying art. For shopping, aquatic activities, and fine beaches, consider a trip to sunny Catalina Island. The island is located twenty-two miles from mainland California and can be reached by boat or air. Catalina's atmosphere is lively especially in the summer when tourists flock to the island's best hotels and restaurants. Early reservations are required or you'll be left out in the water.
Visiting Boardwalk BeachesFor a more eclectic view of arts, crafts and street performers don't miss Venice Beach, one of the great boardwalk beaches. Enjoy rollerblading, cycling, and people watching in the latest swimwear fashions. If the energy of boardwalk beaches appeals to you, try San Diego's Mission Beach. Mission Beach's Belmont Park is full of fun things to do like renting bikes, riding the Big Dipper roller coaster or learning board sports at the first simulated wave park known as the Flowrider.
For more adventurous spirits, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers a beachside amusement park with its own roller coaster and carnival rides. Enjoy a mile of rides adjacent to the white beaches of Santa Cruz. Perhaps your idea for a vacation is just sitting on the beach, fishing, bird watching, hiking or swimming. Regardless, California beaches offer something for everyone.
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