Best Beach for Day-tripping families (Santa Cruz, Monterey: nicest, lifeguard, family friendly)

[Wintermomma]

Okay, I know I'm a bit ahead of myself, but I need a summer beach. I need a beach with nice sand, parking, toilets that flush (preferably not a 10 min. walk away for the smaller people) a lifeguard and enough waves for a child to boogie board.

There is very little I miss of S. Cal, but Malibu is it. I've tried several around here...but still haven't found the one with the "it" factor.

Any suggestions?

[imcurious]

I would tell you but won't due to fear of tourist overrun.

[Wintermomma]

LOL. You could message me.

[humboldtrat]

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Mobile - but you will have to wait about 2 more months for warmer weather. Open on the weekends now, everyday in April or May. The kid will love the boardwalk

[kdog]

I may be mistaken but I don't think there are lifeguards at any of the beaches along the norcal coast. Natural Bridges State Park would be another good beach for you otherwise. Keep in mind the water is very cold here. Kids will most likely need wetsuits to boogie board.

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[StandingRoomOnly]

Some of the nicest looking sand I've seen is the Carmel beach just down the street from downtown Carmel-by-the-sea... No lifeguards and probably waves too large for the average person to swim in, but beautiful nonetheless.

[nmnita]

I think you are going to have a tough time. Yes, So Ca has the best beaches west of the east coast and nothern or central Ca has the prettiest but not the family frindliest.

[jaijai]

Originally Posted by nmnita

I think you are going to have a tough time. Yes, So Ca has the best beaches west of the east coast and nothern or central Ca has the prettiest but not the family frindliest.

How do you define family friendly?
I sent a message to the o.p. recommending one of the nicest beaches on the Monterey bay (maybe one of the best beaches on the central coast).
It's a beautiful beach, it's very family friendly, there are lifeguards from memorial day through labor day, one can walk for miles when the tide is out, it's very clean, it's well patrolled, no thugs hanging out, no crime, dogs on leash only (my dog and i don't like that but oh well), many families, lots of children, nice fire-pits, often really good surfing, and on sunny days when the tide is out (and sometimes even when it's not) the water is totally warm enough to play and swim in.
What more could someone want from a beach? If it isn't a good enough one then i dunno.

[blueslily]

Originally Posted by jaijai

How do you define family friendly?
I sent a message to the o.p. recommending one of the nicest beaches on the Monterey bay (maybe one of the best beaches on the central coast).
It's a beautiful beach, it's very family friendly, there are lifeguards from memorial day through labor day, one can walk for miles when the tide is out, it's very clean, it's well patrolled, no thugs hanging out, no crime, dogs on leash only (my dog and i don't like that but oh well), many families, lots of children, nice fire-pits, often really good surfing, and on sunny days when the tide is out (and sometimes even when it's not) the water is totally warm enough to play and swim in.
What more could someone want from a beach? If it isn't a good enough one then i dunno.

Can you send the name to me in a private message as well.

Thanks!

[jaijai]

Originally Posted by blueslily

Can you send the name to me in a private message as well.

Thanks!