Which California Vacation Beach Will You Choose?

What kind of California vacation beach are you looking for? Whether you want to get away from it all, or to get in on the action, there's a place for you on the California coast. With over 1100 miles of coastline to choose from, how can you go wrong?

The California coast offers distinctly different climates and attractions. We'll go from north to south, so if you're interested in a particular area, just scroll down until you find it.

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North Coast
California Vacation Beaches

And trees - Acres and acres of big, beautiful trees.

Wild, rugged and beautiful, this area is known for its redwood forests, coastal bluffs and wildlife. You won't find amusement parks and sunny beaches, but you will find plenty of outdoor activities.

The North Coast is a great place to cool off. During the summer, daytime temperatures range in the 60s to low 70s (F). Expect morning fog, burning off before noon, then returning in the evening.

Even winter temperatures are mild, usually in the 40's and 50s. Winter is the rainy season, and unlike most other regions of California, here that actually means something. Crescent City gets 75" of rainfall annually, and parts of the Lost Coast area get 100"!

That's why you'll find the dreaded banana slug in the redwood forests here. Large, slimy and colored like an over-ripe banana, you won't soon forget them.

But fear not, the summers are still dry, with the sunniest weather coming in spring and fall.

In spite of its ruggedness, there's still plenty to do in this area, and you won't be lacking in creature comforts (unless, of course, you're camping!). You just won't find the big, flashy attractions you get on the South Coast.

You can choose to stay in a romantic Victorian bed & breakfast inn, or rough it at one of many available campgrounds.

Choose from hiking, horsebackriding, fishing, whale-watching, kayaking, surfing, beachcombing, clam digging, abalone diving, and more. There are launchiing facilities if you tow your own boat. Explore the tidepools and enjoy the abundant wildlife, including elephant seals, sea otters and numerous bird species.

For more information see Northern California Vacation Beach

San Francisco Bay Area
California Vacation Beaches

You'll find the Bay Area still refreshingly cool, but not as wild and rugged as the North Coast. Temperatures range between 40 - 70 degrees. Keep a light jacket or sweater handy.

As with the entire California coast, you'll find morning and evening fogs rolling in during the summer. Evenings tend to be cool.

Amazingly enough, you'll find plentiful wilderness experiences close to the City. Point Reyes, to the north in Marin County, offers hiking, swimming, camping, horseback riding, and more. This is one of the best California vacation beaches for whale-watching, and it abounds in all sorts of wildlife, including birds, sea lions and elk.

Get up close and personal with the San Andreas fault on the Earthquake Trail. Or visit the Point Reyes lighthouse.

You can enjoy breathtaking views of the bay, the ocean and the hills from nearby Mount Tamalpais (which rises to 2571') in the state park by the same name. You can also enjoy a great view of the Pacific Ocean from Cliff House, overlooking Ocean Beach at the west end of Golden Gate Park.

San Francisco is surrounded by parks and beaches. In fact, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is the largest urban park in the world - though it's not really one park, but a collection of parks totaling 75,000 acres and 28 miles of coastline.

There are a variety of tours you can take in the San Francisco Bay. Choose from a seaplane tour, an hour long bay cruise, or take a self-guided tour in your car.

You'll find plenty to do around Bay Area beaches. Go surfing, swimming, fishing, explore tide pools, rent a horse or watch the whales go by.

You'll find one of the most popular California vacation beaches at Santa Cruz. Enjoy the beachfront amusement park there, or take a ride on a vintage train through the redwoods.

And that's just for starters.

For more information, see San Francisco Bay Area Vacation Beaches

Central Coast
California Vacation Beaches

The Central Coast is all about variety. Whether you prefer your vacations elegant and comfortable or wild and adventurous, there will be something to please in this section of the California coast.

You'll find some of the most scenic California vacation beaches along this stretch of the coast. Enjoy such activities as shopping, sight-seeing, camping, biking, horseback riding, golfing, kayaking, diving, surfing, fishing... and the list goes on!

Wildlife is plentiful, from playful California sea otters, dolphins and elephant seals to the lovely and delicate Monarch butterflies who overwinter in this section of coastline.

You can visit such attractions as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Hearst Castle, and various Missions along the way.

And, of course, your trip won't be complete without at least a drive through the scenic rugged coastline of Big Sur.

For more information, see Central Coast Vacation Beaches

South Coast
California Vacation Beaches

The water is considerably warmer and more inviting, getting up to 70 degrees F in August. And the cool ocean breezes offer a welcome respite from the summer heat you'll find just a few miles inland.

What can you do at South Coast California vacation beaches? A better question would be what can't you do. You'll find hiking and wilderness parks, camping, biking, beach volleyball, diving, surfing, bird watching, whale watching, and much more.

There are art museums and art festivals right on the coast. You can enjoy beachside amusement parks, aquariums, a surfing museum, and numerous attractions.

And, although many South Coast beaches can get pretty crowded in the peak summer months, you can always find pocket beaches, coves, and hidden beaches where you can get away from it all.

For more information, see Southern California Vacation Beaches