Are you planning a late summer vacation for you and the kids in California? While you may have your itinerary planned out, you can’t forget to include a fun day at the beach. When considering what California beach to visit, you need to take several things into consideration, including what there is to do near the water and what activities the entire family will enjoy. Some beaches are more welcoming and accommodating to families than others. Here are a few of the top 5 family-friendly California beaches that you may want to visit when traveling through the area.
La Jolla Cove
If you’re looking for a family fun beach that has that tropical island feel, La Jolla Cove is a great choice. This is a protective beach that is nestled in the San Diego area. While this may seem like a remote island you would find somewhere in the Hawaiian islands, it’s easily accessible and affordable—right in the state of California. This is a great family-oriented beach because of the protective wildlife that reside there. Yellowtail, rays and leopard sharks are prevalent here, so you will have to observe the water safely from the rocks and shore. The beach is pristine and the perfect place to explore the rocks, curves and caves with the kids. Many visitors ask “What is the La Jolla cove water temperature?” It averages around 60 to 70 degrees almost year round, so you can enjoy some shoreline swimming or kayaking if desired.
Zuma Beach
One of the best surfing destinations for families is Zuma beach in Los Angeles County. If you have older teens or experienced surfers in the family, this is the perfect getaway beach for your vacation. A four-mile beach offers plenty of room for setting up your picnic and umbrella for a day of sunshine and frolicking fun. This is the perfect expansive beach to utilize activities such as:
- *Kite boarding
- *Beach volleyball
- *Paddle boarding
- *Sailing
Keep this beach in mind when you want to explore more in the water and utilize the surf that is often active enough for a variety of water sports.
Santa Monica Beach And Pier
If you’re looking for back-to-back fun activities for kids near the beach, Santa Monica Beach and Pier fill that bill. Like other popular boardwalks, Santa Monica has a boardwalk and pier as well. There is a variety of activities to do in this area and plenty of places to stay, too. The famous Santa Monica Pier has the Pacific Park amusement center that is full of yummy carnival food, tons of games and old-fashioned thrill rides, including a Ferris wheel and historic carousel. There is also a large rental centers that you and the kids can utilize. Here you can rent bikes, lounge chairs and boogie boards to enjoy for the entire day.
Venice City Beach And Pier
This beach is the perfect people watching beach—for everyone. There are a large cast of characters and entertainers around the clock at this location. The famous ocean front walk is packed full of roller bladers and skateboarders with a variety of skills. This is the perfect location to try out your roller blades before you head down to the beach to cool off. There is a large array of ice cream shops and diners that highlight some of the best desserts, gelato shops, smoothie stands and sinful treats in the state. The setting is carefree and fast-paced—perfect for the family who loves to stay active while on vacation.
Mother’s Beach Marina del Ray
This beach is a laid back arena and playground for families. With a huge array of kid-friendly attractions, the beach is mainly surf-free, making it a good beach choice for those with small children or for building sand castles on the beach as a family. This area is a main sports fishing hub as well, so if you and your family are into fishing and exploring the area more expansively, rent a nearby charter for the day.
There are many beaches and attractions for kids and families in California. Check out one or several, and make it a memorable vacation for everyone.
