We’ve never been to California. I’m thinking about staying at a hotel near Disneyland. Possible the Hyatt Regency Orange County. The closest beaches are Newport and Huntington. Which is better for new timer vacationers who’ve never seen the ocean. We just want to see it walk around take pictures and enjoy the experience. Also are there any good hotels in the area?
Newport or Huntington?
does anyone know what kind of wood they use to make the paths of steps on the beaches
i know its cured wood but what type is it.
Redwood?
thanks for the info
yeah i don’t mind how it looks just as long its low maintenance
another question not sure if i can do this here but what type of anchor bolts or anchor should i use
to hold down the wooden steps to the sand the hill side has quite a slope
I live in redwood city and my group of friends want to spend the day at the beach and pitch a tent and preferably sleep there. Any suggestions for nice beaches??
Best Beaches of Santa Cruz County
The stretch for the best beaches of Santa Cruz County spreads out over roughly sixty miles of coastline of which twenty-nine miles are designated for beaches. Many of the beaches have two or three different names, so locating them may be slightly confusing. Locals can help dispel the mystery. Each one has differing qualities that are unique to each one.
The “Main Beach” near the boardwalk claims amusements for visitors to its shores. Cowell Beach starts at the opposite end of the pier. There is no admission charged and parking is cost free as well. There are outdoor shower facilities and bathrooms available along the shore.
Alcohol, glass bottles, and pets are prohibited throughout the area. Summer brings concerts along the boardwalk that are open to everyone. Watersports such as: kayaking, surfing, and fishing are available at the Main. Cowell is supposed to be known for being a decent place to learn to surf. They can appear foggy during the summer months and be subject to overcrowding.
Capitola is a sandy playground with scenic areas and bright colored cottages along the coastline. Monterey Bay can be seen from here with its many sailboats. It’s almost always busy. There is no charge for admission and parking is either at the visitior’s lot located on Monterey Ave. or at a meter in the downtown area.
Parking can be very hard to come by. Alcohol, glass containers, fires, and pets are all prohibited in the area. Swimming, surfing, volleyball, fishing, boogy boarding and wetsuits are up for rental.
Seacliff extends out between the cliffs and ocean, and many fishermen are in the area. The wharf has a cement ship as a landmark nearby, which was built around World War I. It is one of three that was constructed during the era in Oakland, CA. Since Seacliff is considered a state park, admission is charged which includes admission and parking together. Alcohol, fires, and glass containers are prohibited, but pets are allowed if they’re on a leash. Camping, fishing, swimming, and a visitor center containing wildlife information are common activities.
Sunset has light colored sand that contains a lot of dunes. Admission is charged and parking is included in the price. Parking becomes packed early in the day. There are restrooms and sheltered areas to have picnics, but the water cannot be viewed from here due to the dunes. Bonfires are permitted in fire rings. A permit is required to catch perch and sardines.
Lighthouse Field is along the area of West Cliff Drive. The Surfing Museum is set here within the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. Both admission and parking are free of charge. Walking along the cliffside, kayaking, and surfing are common activities. Many times noone is surfing because the waves are relatively calm throughout this area. Restrooms are available and pets are permitted along the cliffside area.
Waddell State is located in Davenport, CA. The area is home to several kite surfers. There are redwood forests nearby. Whales can be viewed in the water at various times. Admission and parking are both free.
Seb Frey is a Capitola, California Real Estate Broker specializing in Santa Cruz Real Estate. He is fluent in Spanish and enjoys helping people find their piece of the American Dream in Santa Cruz. You can find Seb’s blog at SantaCruzHomeBroker.com/blog.
Article from articlesbase.com
In 1964, Twin Cedars Cottage of Olson Cottages in Jacksonport, Door County, Wisconsin was moved down a hill, across the beach and up into the great location that it currently resides at.
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Beaches Best in Walking
In the US, there are a lot of beaches that are for people who love to stroll and make long walks as a form of exercise. Depending on the beach’s location and the facilities surrounding it, you can have a great time taking leisurely walks along the beach.
There are five best beaches for walking. This includes Gay Head, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts; Hammocks Beach State Park, North Carolina; Crescent Beach, Siesta Key, Florida; Carmel Beach, California and Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii.
Gay Head Beach in Massachusetts is hard to find and cannot be easy to get into. Although this place is somewhat secluded, once you reach it, it is definitely worth it. Unless you made reservations months before the trip, never bring your car over.
Using a motorcycle can do the trick, running about through an 18 mile road in order to get into the beach. It is even advisable that you make use of the beach’s bus transportation, costing you only $ 5.00. Tickets will be sold at the station. It will take you about an hour to arrive at Gay Head from Vineyard Haven. You need to take another bus at West Tisbury.
The beach and water conditions can vary. On other days, the walk beside the beach can be rock free. People on the beach are generally friendly. In addition, you can do your sun bathing even when you do not have anything on. This is called “nude bathing”. They have a section of the beach only for nude sun bathing. The results are as amazing as having no tan lines.
The Hammocks Beach State in North Carolina is located specifically on Bear Island. The area is well known for its three miles of beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. A ferry to this island runs hourly for about 25 minutes, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, mostly from May up to October. For an adult, the cost is around , for senior citizens, and children aged 6 to 12.
Campsites also have an additional fee. They practice a first come, first serve basis. Today, people can enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, swimming and shelling. Bear Island is also important in nesting loggerhead sea turtles. Female turtles will come at summer nights to deposit their eggs in the warm sands and then return to the sea. Thus, this part cannot be disturbed since it is protected by the Endangered Species Act.
Crescent Beach in Florida is famous all over the world. It is noted because of its crescent shape and powdery white sand. This extends from the Northern tip of siesta Key up to the South Passing the Siesta Beach and up to the Point of Rocks. Resort owners and guess have direct access to this beach. You have various options in getting vacation rentals. Rental condominiums, villas, cottages and apartments are available.
The Siesta Beach is a public beach that is named by Florida Trend Magazine as “The Best Beach in the State of Florida”. They have several beach facilities like volleyball courts, softball field, tennis court, lifeguards, tree shaded play grounds and fitness trail. There are showcase one thousand fishes in their Gulf, lakes, bays and streams.
At further south, along the Point of Rocks, this is where snorkelling is encouraged. You will be dazzled by the colourful sea life amongst limestone rock formations. Siesta Key is not only for tourists, it also offers residential areas for those seeking a retirement home.
Carmel Beach in California is a curving, long sandy beach that is situated near the end of beautiful Ocean Street. It is just some blocks away from Old downtown Carmel. This is a nice and well known beach because it is easily accessible to everyone.
The beach is by the end of Ocean Avenue, West of California Highway 1. There is no entrance fee and no parking fee. You can do your bonfires, sun bathing, walking and alcohol on the beach but not on the nearby streets or in the parking lot.
Hawaii’s Kailua Beach is rated as the best beach in the world. This is a place generally noted for swimming and beach recreational activities. There are no hazardous ocean or beach conditions. It is also a world class wind surfing destination for sports buff, amateurs and professionals alike. Surf kayaking can also be performed here. However, remember to wear a personal flotation device when doing any kind of water sports in the area.
For more information on Great Beach Properties please visit our website.
6 Great San Diego Beaches
There are hundreds of miles of beach along the California coast, and some of the best beaches for surfing, swimming, sunbathing, family outings, and beauty are located in San Diego County. If you are new to the area, or merely visiting, here is a guide to some of the best beaches in the area.
Blacks Beach is known for it’s great surf break, and is often considered the best surf in the country. Located in the northern part of La Jolla, this short strip of land is a favorite among locals, and traveling surfers. Access isn’t easy though, which deters many tourists. A cliff separates the street from the shore, and makes for difficult traversing with typical beach-gear such as chairs and coolers. Additionally, if you head north too far, you will be greeted by nude-beachgoers, so be aware when traveling with children!
For college-aged kids, teens, and families, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach are very similar. These three areas have flatter, longer, beaches, and less surf breaks than the rest of the county. Without the reefs and rocks to catch the seaweed, much of it washes up on the shore, so you have to set up camp a little further back from the water. Each of these beaches has a typical touristy feel, and Mission Beach even has a Ferris Wheel with a few other park attractions. For directions and surf information, visit the city’s lifeguard services’ site.
If you are just looking for a day out with the family, you might want to check out Mission Bay. This beach area also has parks and playgrounds for children, picnic tables and barbeque pits for a Sunday afternoon get-together. There aren’t as many sand areas here as other beaches, but you can cross a short land bridge onto Fiesta Island for some relaxing fishing.
Another great beach for families is on Coronado Island. By crossing an amazing bridge, and passing through the small town of Coronado you will find b Municipal Beach. It is just 5-10 miles above the border to Mexico, and you can even see the Tijuana skyline from the shore. The famous and luxurious Hotel del Coronado resort abuts the sand, and is filled with shops and restaurants to keep the family entertained.
If you are staying at a vacation rental in California, make you visit a few of these great San Diego’s beaches!
Ryan Frank is an avid writer and blogger living in San Diego, CA.
Beaches, Redwood Forests — Santa Cruz Has it All
Want to sample the best that California has to offer? Santa Cruz offers a surprising combination of some of the state’s best attractions — beaches, redwood forests and a big city just an hour away.
Give up? Try Santa Cruz. Built along some of the Golden State’s most scenic coastline, this city gives you many of the state’s famous attractions in one easy-to-drive area.
We were amazed, for example, when we topped off a morning of beach sightseeing with a little seven-mile drive up to the sleepy town of Felton. Almost instantly we were taken from a bustling beach town to a forest so thick you could hardly see through the trees. It’s no wonder that the famed “Bigfoot” was spotted in the Redwoods not too far from here, and that today there is a Bigfoot Museum beckoning both the curious and the amused.
Fifteen minutes later we were back in Santa Cruz, enjoying the sweeping coastal views and watching as visitors and locals basked in the winter sun while enjoying lunch at one of the city’s many outdoor cafes. Most likely their menu choices included lots of fresh produce ‘ apples, berries, spinach, squash, tomatoes, etc. ‘ as these and other fruits and vegetables are all grown close to Santa Cruz. In fact, there does seem to be a lot of attention paid in Santa Cruz to diet and exercise. It’s hard to be unhealthy in a place where you can easily jog along spectacular ocean cliffs or hike the trails of a half-dozen area state parks.
If we were so inclined ‘ and we weren’t on this particular trip ‘ it would be a reasonable day trip from Santa Cruz into the San Francisco Bay area. And that’s why you’ll want to allow plenty of time for your visit: there is something new every direction you turn.
If you have the opportunity, we’d suggest a midweek visit to Santa Cruz. That’s what we did and, while it’s not exactly a ghost town during the work week, there do seem to be plenty of wide-open spaces to explore with little or no concern about traffic. Santa Cruz motels and inns had big empty parking lots during this January visit, and we’re told all of that changes on weekends.
Our base of operations was the Hilton Scotts Valley, a good choice for travelers who want their lodging a little ways away from the bustle of the beach. Scotts Valley is only a 10-minute drive to Santa Cruz, so it’s really not at all remote. Yet this hotel features huge luxury rooms — just as you would expect from a Hilton — and, we should add, some of the most courteous employees you’ll find anywhere.
Driving into Santa Cruz, you first wind your way through the downtown area where it soon becomes apparent that this is a beach city in every sense of the term. Like many other coastal cities, Santa Cruz does attract down-to-earth non-conformists who, for example, don’t have any hesitation using hair colors that looked like they were chosen from a box of crayons. Think about your worst fashion nightmare for your teenage kids, and that’s what you sometimes see on the streets of Santa Cruz ‘ which, of course is part of the charm. You don’t travel just to see places exactly like home.
Out on West Cliff Drive, where the views from these coastal bluffs are painting-perfect, you encounter the surf crowd. On any given day, dozens of free-spirited surfers are paddling out to ride some of Northern California’s most challenging waves. Long, narrow concrete stairways give the surfers easy access to the water not far from where the waves break. On the bright, sunny day we visited, maybe half of the pedestrians along West Cliff Drive were carrying surfboards.
Indeed, this part of Santa Cruz is Surf Central. And be sure and check out the tiny but informative Surfing Museum, just above the rocky shores, that features exhibits showing how the sport came about. Housed in a former lighthouse, the Surfing Museum includes lots of memorabilia and examples of different types of surfboards ‘ some so big and heavy that one wonders how the original surfers ever managed to get these things to and from the beach.
About a five-minute drive and we were back in downtown Santa Cruz. Just another few blocks out to the beach and we had arrived at the famed Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The roller coaster, thrill rides and buildings of the Boardwalk are an indelible part of the Santa Cruz skyline and visitors enjoy the nostalgia of visiting the West Coast’s only seaside boardwalk. The 75-year-old roller coaster is said to be just as thrilling as any of the newer ones, and that has been augmented by a host of other, more modern rides. Of course there are the bumper cars, the carousel, the huge arcade and, uniquely, a broad and beautiful beach where you can sun yourself and, in summer, enjoy a dip in the ocean.
The Boardwalk area is only one of the many beaches and coastal vantage points in the Santa Cruz area. Just south of Santa Cruz, there are some scenic state beaches near Capitola and at La Selva Beach. You can carve out a few hours and take a scenic drive on north on the Coastal Highway wher eyou’ll find many more beaches including Waddell State Beach. You’ll also want to check out the Roaring Camps Railroad, just a short distance north on Highway 9, where you can ride a historic steam train.
Our own drive north on Highway 9 was short but productive. Not only did we get a look at Henry Cowell State Park with its towering redwoods, trickling streams and recreation trails, but we also had a chance to stop by the small, inconspicuous wood building that now houses the Bigfoot Museum. Most days, proprietor Mike Rugg is watching the store all by himself and, no doubt, will be more than willing to share with you his many Bigfoot stories — as he did with us.
Understand that Mike has never actually seen a Bigfoot ‘ at least not that he can say with any degree of certainty. But he became convinced about the creature’s authenticity when he did a college term paper on the subject. While the professor gave him only a “C” on the report and dismissed his research as having as much ‘ or little ‘ validity as a UFO sighting, Rugg was undeterred.
Bigfoot is supposed to be a creature perhaps eight feet tall that resembles a gorilla and is said to roam remote mountain regions of the Pacific Northwest, Northern California and other locations. While little scientific evidence supports the claim, there are hundreds of sightings reported and one grainy home movie that Rugg is convinced is the real deal. Inside the Bigfoot Museum you’ll find a six-foot blowup of a picture taken from that movie, and there are also several footprint casts and other evidence of Bigfoot’s existence. Since the museum opened in July, visitors have added many more sightings to his wall-size pin map showing just where Bigfoot has been spotted.
Whether it’s Sasquatch or modern-day hippies, Santa Cruz has plenty to keep your vacation interesting and unique.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: Santa Cruz is on the California coastline between San Francisco and Monterey.
WHAT: A particularly scenic area that offers many miles of scenic beaches, coast drives, state parks and several access points to Redwood forests and parks. The city itself offers the West Coast’s only beachfront boardwalk.
WHEN: Year-round, as temperatures are typically moderate. In winter, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is open only on weekends. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, it is open all week.
WHY: Santa Cruz offers many different getaway experiences and visitor attractions in an area that is easy to navigate.
HOW: For more information on Santa Cruz, contact the Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitor’s Council at (800) 833-3494 or visit www.santacruz.org. For more information on the Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley, phone (831)-440-1000 or visit www.santacruzscottsvalley.hilton.com.
Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among the sites offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com featuring California beach vacations and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com covering Northwest travel.
Best Beaches in California: Six Sweet Shorelines for a Dream Vacation
When it comes to fun in the sun, southern California has it all. With its year round tropical climate, average water temperature of 78 degrees, perfect waves, excellent dining, and numerous oceanfront resorts, this earthly paradise also boasts picturesque harbors and a shimmering coastline filled with sand, surf and sun.
Not only is it home to millions of people, but it beckons millions more each year from all over the globe. Whether you are a California resident looking for the best beach to soak up the sun for a day or two, or you are planning a family vacation that your kids will remember for a long time to come, you will find some beaches to add to your itinerary here.
Here are six of the best beaches in California, including nice, quiet beaches as well as a few beaches that are particularly nice for visiting families.
1. Santa Monica Beach. The West Coast answer to Coney Island, this magnificent stretch of wide, sandy beach located in the seat of Los Angeles County features the famous Santa Monica Pier which houses its own amusement park atop one of the oldest wooden piers on the west coast. The site has also appeared in dozens of movies and television shows. Take a ride at sunset on the Ferris wheel for a spectacular ocean view. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the many different eateries in the area and be sure to check out the nearby attractions, which include Venice Beach and Palisades Park. This is one place that is sure to make a splash with the entire family.
2. Newport Beach. A fascinating and trendy bit of real estate located in Orange County, Newport Beach offers locals and tourists a variety of activities. Stroll on a scenic walkway, embark on a refreshing harbor cruise, or go boating, scuba diving, or bodysurfing Dining at most restaurants includes panoramic views of the harbors. Make sure to check out the Fun Zone and Balboa Pavilion.
3. Cardiff State Beach. Located in San Diego County, this recreational facility features lifeguards, restrooms and a smoothly sloping beach for sunbathing, fishing, swimming, surfing and kayaking. People love Cardiff State Beach for its quiet beach, casual atmosphere, fewer crowds and excellent restaurants. Nearby points of interest include Restaurant Row, which features savory seafood and Mexican fare; San Elijo Lagoon, which boasts great bird watching; and the Seaside Market where you can purchase a wide variety of healthy foods and snacks.
4. La Jolla. If your preference is sheltered coves and unique landscapes, then visiting these beaches in San Diego County should definitely be listed on your itinerary. The versatility of La Jolla beaches makes for intriguing and enchanting getaways or they can be loads of fun for the entire family. Investigate the underwater marine life while snorkeling or simply walk the shoreline barefoot. Nearby attractions include The Scripps Institute of Oceanography and The Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum.
5. Oceanside City Beach. Tropical palm trees stretch along the shores of this tranquil and eloquent beach located in northern San Diego County. Take a leisurely walk, ride your bicycle or rollerblade down what is called “The Strand” (the main street alongside the beach) or spend some time fishing off the pier at Oceanside. Nearby Cape Cod Village offers lots of great restaurants and the beach has lifeguards and restrooms.
6. Coronado Beach. If you are in San Diego, you will love the wide expanse of Coronado Beach with plenty of room for the family to spread out. While the kids are playing volleyball, soccer or tag, or tossing Frisbees, flying kites or building sand castles, you and your spouse can kick back and enjoy the surf, the sand and the seagulls.
This enchanting locale is home to the famous Hotel Del Coronado and is just a short ferry ride away from San Diego Bay. Or you can opt to pack everything you will need for a day at the beach and drive across the Bay Bridge. No food is sold at the beach so be sure to bring along sandwiches, soft drinks and other snacks. There is free parking on Ocean Avenue but it gets crowded quickly so try to get there early.
It is interesting to note that the entire California coastline is constantly changing due to tides, currents and weather conditions. Beaches erode and new ones form when sediment washes in from the Pacific Ocean.
With all its coves, cliffs and inlets, islands and harbors, jetties and piers, it would take eons to fully explore this magnificent geographical location. That is why many people return year after year to experience its magic and appreciate its treasures.
Jamie Jefferson is a frequent contributor to several popular websites, including BestSelfHelp.com, Susies-Coupons.com and Momscape.com, where you can register to win gift cards from top online merchants.
A drive from San Francisco North along highway 101 reveals the hidden beauty of California. A spectacular road and drive with postcard scenery at every turn. Music: Alex Yiannaras MySpace.com/Elixirion www.elixirion.com
Okay so I’m taking a 1-2 week vacation with my older sister all around California and I don’t know where to go. Please help me and be specific. For example, if you said Hollywood then say where in hollywood and what places. (ie: walk of fame, hollywood bowl) Oh and it can be anywhere in california that I can drive. Thanks!
I don’t only want to visit beaches I also want to visit real places that might be away from the coast too. thanks
Hey – I’m from northern Canada… one of my dream vacations has always been to rent a convertible and drive the California coast line and party on the beaches – watch the sunset – do some surfing…
What’s a good time of year to do this? How long would it take to drive the length of California? What are good places to stop at along the way?
