Where to swim in CA?

[tvdxer]

When and where are water temperatures near the shore warmer than 60-65F on the beaches near Highway 1? 60F is the cut-off for me (I live in Duluth, Minnesota and often swim in Lake Superior from late July to mid-September). I actually prefer the water temperature to be a bit cool as it is very refreshing, even when the air temperature is not hot.

I remember fondly my first time swimming in the Pacific Ocean (or any ocean) in Costa Rica in April 2005. The air was hot and humid (about 85F, dewpoint 75F), but the water was surprisingly cool - warmer than Lake Superior at its warmest, but not too warm (probably 75F). The sun was setting over the ocean and there were large but manageable waves - it was unforgettable! And then swimming in the Atlantic and Mediterranean in San Sebastian and Tarifa, Spain in late May 2008. If I remember correctly, in both locations the Atlantic was warm enough to swim in comfortably, but when I took a dip in the Mediterranean it was too cold.

[BRinSM]

are you an open water swimmer? if so, both LA and SD both have clubs with weekly group swims in the summer. you'll still probably want a wetsuit though, i don't think water temps got above 70 in southern CA this past summer.

[.highnlite]

Fellow swam 10K from Avila Beach to Pismo Beach yesterday, he found the water refreshing.

[MattClyde]

Originally Posted by .highnlite

Fellow swam 10K from Avila Beach to Pismo Beach yesterday, he found the water refreshing.

that person might be Canadian