Garie Beach

Which beaches in southern California are the most family friendly for swimming and bodyboarding?

I've been from Huntington Beach to Ensanada. I'm looking for the best beach to take the kids to. We like to swim and bodyboard. Huntington was OK. We like Oceanside, the waves are good, the surfers are out pretty far so you can bodyboard between them and the coast, but it was kind of far (coming from the IE). We tried Doheny, but the rocks and sudden dip make it hard on the feet and to play along the coast. The waves at Aliso were too strong and I was afraid one of the kids would get pulled too far into the water. We are looking for: 1)a beach with sand, not rocks or pebbles, along the coast. 2)wave that aren't too strong so the kids can get in without worry of being pulled to Catalina and that we can bodyboard in without getting in the surfers way. 3)one that is clean. 4)one that is not too crowded. We are planning on trying San Clemente, Capo Beach, Laguna and Corona del Mar soon. We are looking in the OC or Northern San Diego County area. Any help would be appreciated.

Public Comments

1. Seal Beach!!!!!!
2. Big Corona (Corona del Mar) is very family friendly. 1. The breakwater for Newport Harbor shields the beach from the heaviest surf, but there are still enough waves to bodysurf. 2. Nicely sloped beach with an area protected from the boats for swimming. 3. Smaller beach area to lifeguard ratio than many of the larger beaches 4. Parking lot right next to the sand (but get there early) 5. Lots of firepits (relatively); I learned recently that also you can use freestanding BBQs if you behave safely. There are crowds (many of your 909er neighbors) on the weekend but I'm not sure how you avoid this on any of the beaches you mentioned. On second thought - better to try one of the others - leaves more beach for us locals! :) (kidding)
3. La Jolla Beach near Oceanside and San Diego was listed as one of California's best beaches by the Travel Channel. It is ideal for families. OIther great family beaches in So Cal include Newport Beach and Redondo. Have a great time!
4. In the Orange county area I suggest Newport Bch near the Newport and Balboa Piers.
5. Seal Beach or Sunset Beach (I believe it's just north of Seal Beach and not that well-known). Have fun!
6. I really like Oxnard, not crowded at all.
7. Second vote for Big Corona. Next to it (steps south), Little Corona, is even smaller, with tidepools and little surf - better for kids. Careful though, seashells are protected on Little Corona, you'll get fined for collecting. Plus, if you don't mind the walk, you can park on the residential streets for free and walk down to either.
8. I am not local but I think I can offer you some information that I think may help you. According your requirement, I recommend you Capistrano Beach Park . You see, Capistrano Beach Park is wide and sandy -- and great for swimming. Because it's less well known than others in the area, it tends not to be as crowded. The parking is decent, there are restrooms, showers, and beach equipment rentals are also available. For Beach Swings and Playgrounds - California Kids Beaches, I advise you to visite http://www.beachcalifornia.com/beach-swings-playgrounds.html and have a look, it may get you a lot of help. Kango(http://www.kango.com/beach_info_california_beaches_4.html) has also chosen Best California Family Beaches, and it has detail description. Another is FamilyFun's 20 Great Family Beaches that including so much California beaches which I think it can help you making your decision, their link address is: http://familyfun.go.com/family-travel/places/feature/famf57morebeach/ . Have a great time! -Jack
9. Corona del Mar in O.C. or Zuma in Malibu (LA county.)