Family Beach Vacation Southern California
Southern California is known for it’s numerous beaches. If you are planning a family beach vacation, and there are many reasons to do so, here is the ultimate list of everything you need to know about finding and visiting the best beaches in Southern California.
Of the many places to take a family beach vacation, Southern California is one of the best. Everyone knows about California’s famous beaches, but there are plenty of equally good family beaches in the state’s southern region near San Diego and Los Angeles that offer something special beyond the sunny weather and surf.
Family beach vacations are a great way to spend time with family friends and kids. I remember my best family beach vacation was at La Jolla, California. It’s located in a coastal area of San Diego where the weather was clear most of the time. The waves were very big, but if you got a long enough board you could surf them! If you are traveling to the Southern California shore, there is no better place than Balboa Beach. Located in Newport Beach, California, it attracts families for miles around with its clean beaches and safe family environment.
Family Beach Vacation Southern California
Southern California is a vacation destination and fun place to visit in the United States. Prominent for its movie star culture, people often come for an image of and chance of getting to have a glimpse of Hollywood celebrities. Everyone who visits Laguna Beach would be excited and happy to find that famous artists – painters, sculptors, photographers, performers and writers – such as Jack London, Marc Chagall and Frank Lloyd Wright had each found inspiration in the place long before Laguna became a haven for tourism. Laguna Beach is also well known for its orange orchards which were once the life line of the city. From here, people will also be offered one of a kind experience and opportunity to taste some world-class seafoods, catch glimpses of dolphins frolicking in the open sea or watch whales swimming off their air tanks.
0 Best Family Beaches in California — Kid Friendly Beach Vacations!
- Tanner Wilkes
- MAY 22, 2022
California, nicknamed “the Golden State,” is a beautiful location filled with pristine beaches, redwood forests, and home to the Sierra Mountain Range.
When thinking of the perfect summer vacation, we can’t help but think of the sunny California beaches, where the waves never stop kissing the shores.
To help you plan the ultimate vacation with your loved ones, I’ve listed down the best family beaches in California.
1. Coronado Beach — Coronado
Ocean Blvd and Isabella Ave
Coronado, CA 92118
(800) 350-6205
Families adore Coronado Beach, covering 1.5 miles of beautiful shorelines, because of the soft sand, facilities, and spacious areas that are rarely crowded.
Why We Recommend This Beach
I highly recommend Coronado Beach for its beautiful pristine waters and great facilities.
This beach features picnic tables, a bonfire, restrooms, and tide pools.
10 Best Family Beaches in California
Your teenagers will love going surfing, paddle boarding, and boogie boarding.
Whereas your younger children will have a great time making sandcastles by the shore.
Coronado Beach is also the safest beach in California for swimming.
Towards the shore, the waves are very gentle, the waters are usually calm and clear that you can easily see what you’re stepping on.
It also features numerous lifeguard stations, making the area safer.
This beach is also ideally located nearby Hotel del Coronado, one of the best family resorts in California.
Expert Tip
Coronado Island is a gorgeous place so aside from going to the beach, you and your family should allot time to explore the island.
Watch live theater at Lambs Players Theater, or play golf at one of the best golf courses in the country, Coronado Golf Course, ranked number 5 by Golf Digest for Best Value.
You may also enjoy the bustling nightlife or simply have a fun day shopping.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel del Coronado
Related: Restaurants in Coronado
2. La Jolla Cove — San Diego
Coast Blvd
San Diego, CA 92037
(619) 221-8899
La Jolla Cove, a popular beach in California, is known as a haven for seals and sea lions.
Visitors particularly love the soft sand and cerulean waters.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Have one of the best family beach vacations in California as you do fun things together in La Jolla Cove.
Bond with your family by having a picnic, flying kites, watching the sea lions and seals, and swimming in the ocean.
For a more adventurous trip, you may also try snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and checking out the sea caves.
Expert Tip
Parking can be quite difficult to find so if you want to get the best spots, come at the earliest time possible.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Pantai Inn
Related: Top San Diego Eats
Related: Best Beaches in San Diego
Related: Best Beaches in California
3. Balboa Beach — Newport Beach
E Balboa Blvd and Palm St
Newport Beach, CA 92661
(855) 5639-7678
California beaches are known for being sun-kissed with many fun water activities.
Balboa Beach is no exception to this as it features numerous activities that people of all ages will love.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Balboa Beach is a mile-long beach that is nearby attractions your loved ones will appreciate.
Fun things to do in California with kids include going to the beach and going to amusement parks.
This kid-friendly beach destination is right next to Balboa Fun Zone, California’s oldest amusement park, where you and your youngsters can ride the waterfront Ferris wheel, enjoy playing arcade games, tour the nautical museum or rent bikes.
The beach itself is perfect for surfing, parasailing, and fishing. Its amenities include lifeguard stations, fire pits, a fishing pier, restrooms, and picnic tables.
Expert Tip
To experience the most scenic views and to go whale watching, rent a yacht or duff boat.
Duffy boats are easy to drive and gently coast the waters, making them ideal for families with kids.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Balboa Bay Resort
Related: Best Beaches in Newport Beach
4. South Carlsbad State Beach — Carlsbad
7106 Carlsbad Blvd
Carlsbad, CA 92011
(800) 444-7275
This peaceful and quiet beach is far away from city noise and has fewer tourists and vendors.
Why We Recommend This Beach
South Carlsbad State Beach is perfect for families who want to enjoy quiet time together.
Your children can build sandcastles on a wide and uncrowded beach, as you lay down with a book in hand or maybe listen to music as you watch the gentle waves.
This coastline also features a lifeguard station to make sure that all beachgoers are safe.
Expert Tip
South Carlsbad State Beach is a wonderful place for camping.
Rent a tent, or bring your own, and enjoy the campgrounds to the fullest.
You and your loved ones may even enjoy a warm and cozy bonfire at night and wake up early to watch the sunrise.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
5. Zuma Beach — Malibu
Pacific Coast Highway and Busch Dr
Malibu, CA 90265
(424) 526-7777
A Californian favorite, this coastline is a family-friendly beach and perfect for a chill and relaxing time as you lay on the soft sand and enjoy the fresh breeze.
Why We Recommend This Beach
If you’re in search of a peaceful seaside getaway with your family, consider Zuma Beach.
One of the top toddler-friendly beaches in the state, it features a soft sandy beach, a kids play area, snack bars, picnic tables, restrooms, and numerous lifeguard stations that cover the area well.
Having enjoyable family vacations in California also include exploring the areas you visit.
Zuma Beach is nearby Trancas Canyon Park, a spot great for picnics on the soft grass and has fun playgrounds for your children, and Zuma Canyon Trailhead, perfect for hiking.
Expert Tip
Be wary of rip currents that may appear from time to time, but don’t worry too much as there are many lifeguards on the lookout and ready for anything.