Southern California is known for its laid-back atmosphere, the friendly people, and, most importantly, the beaches. From the surf breaks to the beautiful white sand, Southern California beaches have a lot to offer.
Family
The best family beaches are found in safe areas, with bathrooms for the kids, as well as snack options if they get cranky. Coronado's Municipal Beach, located on the charming Coronado Island just a few miles from the international border is a favorite among tourists and families alike. This beautiful stretch of white sand is flat and welcoming. There are no restrictions on surfing and swimming, but it does not offer too much for the surfers in the area, so the kids will be safe. There are plenty of shops and restaurants in the area, with a great little diner and a small community park.
Surf
For wave aficionados, Southern California has some of the best surf breaks in the country. Black's Beach is located in La Jolla, and many say it has the best surf in all of California. You have to trek down a steep cliff in order to access it, but that's a small price to pay for what lies below. The beach isn't great for sunbathing, as the cliffs have falling rocks on a regular basis, but if you head north up the beach for a while you will actually enter into a nude beach area. Windansea is another famous surf beach in Southern California. It spurred the sixties surf revolution and is known for having some of the most colorful and progressive characters in California surf history.
Sun & Swim
If you are more interested in soaking up some rays and cooling off in the water, Mission Beach is probably what you are looking for. This beach is full of college-aged kids playing volleyball, Frisbee, and just laying around in the sun. There is a full strip of restaurants and bars, complete with a touristy shopping area and a Ferris Wheel. During the season the tourists flock to this hot spot day and night. The music cranking from the bars extends onto the beaches for that spring-break feel, and the nightlife is just as colorful.
For more information about what beautiful Mission Beach has to offer, visit http://www.missionbeach.com.
