my kids have never been to the beach

[bambii]

we would like to go on the 14 or the 15.. the temp will be about 60.. and they want to know can they swim in the ocean.. maybe just stick there feet in .. and were is a great place to find sand dollars..

 

[tommya60]

If you mean the Pacific Ocean, it's always cold, and this time of year, it's very cold. I suppose you could stick your feet in and walk around, but take towels and warm socks.
As for sand dollars, not so many around here....mostly seashells.
We like Laguna Beach for walking around, watching the waves, looking at tidepools, etc

HAVE FUN!

 

[HydroGuy]

This time of year? No way other than to walk around wading. Full body immersion? Maybe late May. And then it will still be quite chilly.

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

If you want to go in it, you will need a wetsuit....brrrr cold! It is always like that for me though, it is chilly!

 

[gethane]

As recent west coast transplants, and then clawing to survive in my 1L year of law school (I am a 2L now, though to be honest, it isn't really any better), we lived in the Bay area for 7 months before finally making the hour journey to see the ocean. It was March, it was chilly, but we were dressed for it and the kids LOVED it. I loved it. I had no idea I would enjoy the beach but I did.

So if you want to go, just bring extra towels, clothes, old long pants, etc. If they get cold, they'll let you know and you can get them warmed up. Wading, digging in the sand, and running from the (cold) waves coming in is the fun part anyway . (of course, it really isn't ever warm enough up here to swim for real in the ocean --imo).

If you've got a day to go to the beach, go. Even if its chilly. Unless its really windy. So windy that the sand keeps blowing in your face. That's just miserable.

(my 4 year old daughter just came in sad because her friend and family were leaving to head to the beach today and its only 57 degrees).

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

The water is too cold for me, however, I have seen people swimming in the Pacific in February (brrrr) In fact, I think I have pictures of it.

So, it all depends on what you want to do. If your kids want to wade in the water just take a change of clothes for them, especially extra socks & pants - just to make sure.

As for sand dollars. I know they're out there, and people have picked them up from the beach, but I've never seen them.

 

[nana50]

I've been here simce 62 and have swum in the ocean............in July, August and September. The warmest the water gets is about 74 degrees. Right now, it will be about 60 degrees in the water. Too cold.

 

[GinCar]

Since the responses are mostly from those that live there, may I ask your opinion of where to go?
Since we live in Colorado, we never miss an opportunity to see the beach, no matter what the weather.
We will be staying at HoJo's in March, so whatever is quicker and family friendly.

Thanks

 

[tommya60]

I like Laguna...it's a little further away, but has nice paths, tide pools, cliffs. If you want more of a boardwalk/pier try Newport (Balboa Island) or Huntington. You can walk along the shore at any of the above, look for shells and go in the water (if you want). You cannot remove things from a tidepool (nature preserve).

 

[GinCar]

I like Laguna...it's a little further away, but has nice paths, tide pools, cliffs. If you want more of a boardwalk/pier try Newport (Balboa Island) or Huntington. You can walk along the shore at any of the above, look for shells and go in the water (if you want). You cannot remove things from a tidepool (nature preserve).

Thanks! I am writing it all down.

 

[Leofoenget]

we would like to go on the 14 or the 15.. the temp will be about 60.. and they want to know can they swim in the ocean.. maybe just stick there feet in .. and were is a great place to find sand dollars..

I have found the ocean in LA warmer than the ocean in Monterey but it's still pretty cold. You can wade around if you want but I doubt you will actually swim. The best place to find sand dollars is in the sand

 

[MG3G]

We are from Canada - Vancouver - it's wet but not super cold here. We went to the beach in Feb '08 and swam in the ocean. The water was COLD but the beach was hot enough for us and our preschoolers to wear swim suits and hang out in the sun. MIND you the locals were all in winter coats with gloves