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Old 05-15-2014, 04:43 PM
 
3 posts, read 4,096 times
Reputation: 10

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hi everyone. i'm from Florida & recently moved to the west coast. more specifically Nevada. i don't really know anything about southern Cali especially beaches. being homesick, i would like to take my family to the beach sometime this summer. it would be a bit of a drive so i would like for it to be worth it. my main concerns i guess are a beach that is clean, in a low crime area, family friendly but not too packed with tourists. (if that exists lol) one that is easy to get to, free parking would be nice. can anyone help me with that? so far i've had laguna beach & huntington beach recommended to me...do either fit that criteria? or someplace else? my husband is thinking about the santa cruz beach because of the rides but i'm sure they are crazy busy right? i'm from a small beach town so i would just like for that kind of feel, if possible. thanks in advance if anyone can help me.
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Old 05-15-2014, 05:26 PM
 
Location: Riverside Ca
22,146 posts, read 33,530,989 times
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Huntington, Newport, Newport coast, Laguna, Dana point. All great beaches but tourist'y. And its hot enough out here right now for Satan to be asking for ice water.
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Old 05-15-2014, 05:36 PM
 
Location: No VA
231 posts, read 575,652 times
Reputation: 286
my favorite is treasure island in south Laguna. It has beautiful coves and a nice walking path.
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Old 05-15-2014, 06:04 PM
 
Location: O.C.
2,821 posts, read 3,537,940 times
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Laguna, Dana Point or further south to La Jolla. Huntington and Newport are dirty and full of bros and hos, not families.
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Old 05-15-2014, 06:07 PM
 
Location: Corona the I.E.
10,137 posts, read 17,479,644 times
Reputation: 9140
NB,LB, and San Onofre
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Old 05-15-2014, 06:09 PM
 
Location: Corona the I.E.
10,137 posts, read 17,479,644 times
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Don't go to Santa Cruz. The water is damn cold, you need a 3mm wetsuit even in summer and it's Great White capital of the world.

La Jolla is awesome too, and Blacks Beach offers additional features and options.
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Old 05-15-2014, 10:47 PM
 
Location: East Bay, San Francisco Bay Area
23,532 posts, read 24,022,219 times
Reputation: 23956
Manhattan (The Strand) and Newport.
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Old 05-15-2014, 10:49 PM
 
Location: Laguna Niguel, Orange County CA
9,807 posts, read 11,140,888 times
Reputation: 7997
The best beach is the one you like best. This is a very subjective thing.
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Old 05-16-2014, 09:54 AM
 
Location: Dana Point
1,224 posts, read 1,824,471 times
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Best for what?

Surfing - Doheny Beach/Salt Creek Beach (Dana Point), Bolsa Chica (Huntington Beach), Seal Beach

Biking/Roller blading - Balboa Peninsula, Huntington

Tourist attractions (dining, cafes, etc) - Laguna Beach near 133/PCH and Balboa Peninsula near Main and Balboa.

For the kids, wading, splashing, safety - Baby Beach (Dana Point)

Hiking - Crystal Cove State Park (Newport Beach).

Exercise - Strand Vista Park (Dana Point). I used to do the stairs after a run on the beach. Killer. Like, about to pass out but feel good that you pushed yourself up that last flight of stairs Rocky moment type of killer.

Seclusion/Relaxation - San Clemente South of the Pier, past T-Street. Just take the pedestrian trail, keep walking South until you find your own secluded paradise. Bring a small cooler (like I do), a nice towel, umbrella and make it a peaceful day escape. The train will occasionally roll by, I don't mind it.
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Old 05-17-2014, 11:51 AM
 
567 posts, read 787,788 times
Reputation: 675
"Cali"? Ouch!

Hands down: Main Beach in Laguna. Yes, it's crowded in the summer, but what makes it special are decent bathrooms with doors and terrific food and shops within walking distance in downtown Laguna. You also can walk to more secluded beaches from there.

Nice second with a totally different vibe: Calafia Beach (San Clemente). You walk across the train track and down to the beach. Best place to see a sunset. Very family-oriented. Nothing to do around there, though.

I'd stay away from San Onofre unless you'd like to glow in the dark. <g>
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