CA beaches- how's the water? Where to go?

[Ashlotte]

We are talking about taking a road trip from Portland to Disneyland this August. We are trying to figure out good stopping points and things to see. How is the water at the California beaches? We live in Oregon, so going we go to the beach several times a year, but the water is FREEZING, so we just play in the sand and enjoy the view. Is the water warm enough for swimming in California? Also, any suggestions for an especially pretty beach stop (perhaps over night)along the way? Thanks!

 

[rms123]

Hmmm. Yes, you can swim but, it's no where near places like the Caribbean. In northern CA, its quite cold most of the year. Ok to cool of on a hot day, but for very long you need a wet suit. There are very nice places to stay along the way - Half Moon Bay, Pacific Grove/Monterey come to mind.

 

[sonnyjane]

I'm in San Diego and find the water too cold for my blood. I've been spoiled after living in Florida. For example, current surf temp is 59. No way, no how! In August you may get up to 68 near LA but that's still too cold for me to do anything other than wet my feet. Coming from up north, you may find it more tolerable.

 

[PrincessInOz]

The water in Half Moon Bay will seem cold in August; but it is a beautiful beach. You will need to pay $10 for parking but it will allow you entry into all the state beaches down the Cabrillo on the same day.

The beaches around Monterey Bay are also nice and it can be quieter in Santa Cruz than in Monterey/Carmel. I like Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz. It is quite a picturesque beach with the natural bridge right out from the beach.

If you're driving down the Pacific Coast highway, Pismo Beach is another beach worth considering. It has one of those wooden piers typical of the SoCal coastline.

I personally like Seal Beach in SoCal; which is probably not one of the more popular beaches others would mention.

The water should be warmer in SoCal than around San Francisco. If nothing else, the weather should be warmer!

Have a great trip.

 

[Ashlotte]

Thanks for the replies! Sounds like we'll be doing the same thing we do up here then- just wading in a bit, but not getting submurged. I do have another question, though. In Oregon all of the beaches are public. This is not the case in California, right? Are there rules about where we can go?

 

[Plaid Princess]

Thanks for the replies! Sounds like we'll be doing the same thing we do up here then- just wading in a bit, but not getting submurged. I do have another question, though. In Oregon all of the beaches are public. This is not the case in California, right? Are there rules about where we can go?

Nope, all beaches in CA are public as well. The only thing you have to worry about is where to park. ;-)

 

[summerw]

I thought this might help. Yes, it's cold, but I swam and LOVED it every year of my childhood. Definitely it's more of a refreshing on a hot day, but it's always not as bad as you think once you get used to it.

http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/spac.html

 

[ludari]

Southern California beaches are not as cold as Portland but still cold. I'm local scuba diver and I have to wear my 8mm wetsuit year round. Obviously I am going deeper than beach swimmers but I still think it's cold. Nevertheless if your August visit happens to hit on a warm day the cool water is not so bad.

 

[Adventurelawyer]

Hi! I lived in San Diego forever! Yes, you can swim on So Cal beaches. August is a nice time of year. The June Gloom should be gone and the water may have warmed up to the high 60's or even the low 70's. If you head all the way to San Diego, I suggest Coronado City Beach. Its a nice south facing beach so you wont get hammered by surf. The Navy Seals run by and its super clean. The dolphins swim in close and give an afternoon show. Farther north, Delmar and Encinitas "Moonlight Beach," are nice as well. In Orange County, San Clemente is a great swim beach. I've done a lot of swimming off of that beach, way out beyond the breakers. Its clean and safe as well. In August, they hold their Annual Neptune Festival. Great Sandcastle competition. The resturaunt on the peir has an oyster bar that sits out over the water and is delicious! I don't swim beaches north of San Clemente anymore, although I did as a child. Too cold, to dirty, to shady.

I hope this helps and I hope you enjoy your trip! Please feel free to hit me up if you need San Diego recommendations should your travels take you that way!