California Beaches

[TinkSassy]

We're doing a girl's trip and want to spend some time exploring the beaches. It will be March so not expecting to lay in the sun or play in the water. Looking for nice places to walk, interesting shops or museums, great restaurants (anyone tried Duke's?). We have a car so are looking at driving the coastline.

We are on a small budget for this day - spending all our cash at DL

 

[StageTek]

Te beach that seems to best fit your criteria ( nice places
to walk, interesting shops or museums, great restaurants)
is Santa Barbara.

 

[PHXscuba]

If you are talking about Duke's in Huntington Beach, it has a great menu but is rather pricey. We also like Spark, across PCH from Duke's. A favorite local (inexpensive) place for breakfast or lunch is the Sugar Shack, partway up Main Street from the beach.

I grew up in the area and love driving the coastline along Huntington Beach, especially because there are no houses blocking your view the whole way. You could start in Long Beach and work your way down to Newport and Balboa Peninsula, or go all the way down Pacific Coast Highway to Laguna Beach. Balboa and Laguna have some great shops.

Santa Barbara is gorgeous but would have more driving time to get there.

PHXscuba

 

[kristindavis]

I agree - Huntington Beach is a great place to spend the day. There are plenty of shop and outdoor restaurants/bars. Its beautiful and the people are pretty nice (for LA) lol.

 

[momrek06]

I grew up in the area and love driving the coastline along Huntington Beach, especially because there are no houses blocking your view the whole way. You could start in Long Beach and work your way down to Newport and Balboa Peninsula, or go all the way down Pacific Coast Highway to Laguna Beach. Balboa and Laguna have some great shops.

ITA, I just love driving along PCH and seeing the coast line.

I actually love Corona Del Mar for a beach.