A quick san diego beach guide

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Headed to Southern California? Craving time at the beach? San Diego is the perfect choice with its ideal climate. From Encinitas north of San Diego to Imperial Beach twenty miles south, the San Diego beaches have much to offer.

Before getting specific, here are a few pointers:

First, dont expect nice, warm water. This is the Pacific Ocean, not the Atlantic. The water temperature ranges in the fifty to sixty degree Fahrenheit range. Brrrr. Youll see many surfers in wetsuits for this very reason.

Aint no sunshine!!! Horrors, you get ready and get to the beach by mid-morning only to find that its cold! Newsflash. The beaches of the San Diego area are late risers, so you might as well be too. The Marine Layer - the new-fangled name for old-fangled fog - will hang around till late morning or early afternoon. No sun, likely no warm, even in July and August. So, relax, take your time. If you just cant stay in bed in the morning, though, check out Coronado beach. If youre lucky youll get to see the Baby SEALS. (See below.)

The rip currents, mistakenly called riptides and undertows, are an ever present danger on the Pacific coast. A rip current is a seaward moving current that circulates water back out to sea. They tend to pull the unsuspecting swimmer away from shore. The Lifeguard association states that approximately 80% of all rescues involve rip currents. The best advice is to avoid swimming where rip currents are present. However, if you get caught in one, swim parallel to shore until the pull stops. Lifeguards are up to speed on rip currents and will gladly give you information if you simply ask.

SAFETY TIPS:

Be sure you know how to swim.

Never swim alone.

Its best to swim where there is a lifeguard on duty.

Pay attention - not only to the kiddos, but keep your eyes and ears open.

No alcohol.

Dont dive into water that youve not explored before. The rule is feet first, first time.

If you get into trouble, holler and wave for help.

Follow the rules. Theyre there for your protection.

That said, lets get on with the tour. Well start in the North and work our way down the coast.

First stop: ENCINITAS

Beacon's Beach: From the access point, an austere trail leads down the steep cliffs - ten stories high - to the narrow beach. Small beach, not great for the kiddos. Free parking.

Stone Steps: As the name implies, stone steps lead down to the rocky beach. Popular with surfers and swimmers alike. No sand for stretching out. In fact, at high tide, no beach whatsoever. But the views are amazing. Some street parking.

Moonlight Beach: Great beach for families. Lots of sand for building sand castles or just stretching out on a blanket. Volleyball nets and fire rings are available. So bring your marshmallows for Smores. Handicapped access available. Amenities - food, restrooms, showers available as well as free parking. Many lifeguards on duty.

Swami's Beach: Great for surfers with giant waves. Not for those looking to walk in the sand. Not much of it. But, the overlook from the cliff is worth the trip. Restrooms, picnic areas, free parking.

Next Stop: CARDIFF

San Elijo State Beach: A State beach, with a day-access fee starting at $4.00. Camping available (reservations recommended). Nearby reef for snorkelers and divers. Good fishing spots.

On to SOLANA BEACH (a city, not a beach in itself)

Tide Beach Park: Tide pools and large reef are the attractions here. Great surfing - San Elijo is one of the best breaks in California - and good snorkeling. Free street parking. Lifeguard on duty daily.

Fletcher Cove: Free parking and lots to do. Surfing to Basketball. Be warned, not much sand here. Restrooms, showers, picnic areas. Lifeguard in the summer only.

Del Mar Shores Beach: Reputed to be the nicest of the Solana Beaches. Plenty of free parking, no restrooms, showers only. Lifeguard in the summer only.

A stop at LA JOLLA (Pronounced Lah-hoya)

Torrey Pines State Beach: Another State beach. No charge for visitors on foot. Auto fees vary. Four and a half miles of sandy beach at the base of sandstone cliffs. Good picnic area. Super place for surfing and fishing. The Torrey Pines Reserve also boasts a wide variety of hiking trails.

La Jolla Shores: Great for families - long, sandy beach. Surfers welcome. Gentle waves. Lifeguard on duty daily.

La Jolla Cove: Another small cliff-side beach - great for strolls. Also offers a "sheltered" cove for swimming and lovely picnic spots. Lifeguard on duty daily. No public parking. Street parking often difficult.

Children's Pool: A small beach, protected by a seawall. Wonderful views, great swimming area. Seals and sea lions often show up. Remember that marine wildlife is protected by law. This beach is great for scuba divers since the reef is just offshore. Public restrooms and showers available. Lifeguards on duty daily.

Dont miss CORONADO

The beach at Coronado is pretty unremarkable in and of itself. However, it does boast some novel sights.

The Hotel Del Coronado is a National Historic Landmark. The Dels colorful history includes such names as Marilyn Monroe and Charles Lindbergh. Rumor has it that parts of the original Wizard of Oz were written in one of the restaurants here. And what would a picturesque Victorian hotel be without a ghost story? The Del will take your breath away. Dont forget to have a truffle while youre there.

Coronado is also home to the Coronado Naval Station. That means that you can regularly see Navy ships galore, men in dress whites and, if youre early enough, Baby Seals. That would be the Navy SEALs variety.

Last stop: IMPERIAL BEACH

Imperial Beach is the most south western of all the San Diego Beaches. Its a very sandy beach, great for swimming, surfing, volleyball, sunbathing or just relaxing away from the crowds. Just a few miles short of the Mexico boarder. Best sand in Southern California. Home to the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition.

Thats the whirlwind trip down the coast. Southern California at its finest. Sand, surf and sunshine. So grab the sunscreen and beach gear. Throw the surfboard on top of the Woody and put the Beach Boys in the CD player. All in the name of fun, fun, fun.