California beaches with "warm" water
#1
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California beaches with "warm" water
We're interested in a family-oriented beach location somewhere between the central coast of California south to the San Diego area where the water temps are warm enough to swim comfortably. In the past, we've gone to Cayucos, which is a great sleepy little beach town, but the water is rather chilly. Any suggestions? Any thoughts about Santa Barbara, Carlsbad, San Clemente, Solana Beach, Cardiff-by-the-Sea?
#2
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Not sure where you are traveling from, but I grew up in Florida and lived in Southern CA for 2 years. I never ONCE went in the water-always too cold for me! If you are used to the Atlantic, the Pacific is much colder, even in SoCal! Of course, Hawaii has warm water....
#4
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The water off San Diego during the weather phenomena "El Nino" was unusually warm. One summer I swimmed there and found the water temp more than bearable. They say "El Nino" is picking up again. You should hope so because thats the only way Southern California water will ever be warm enough to really enjoy swimming in.
#8
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Mike,
I've lived in So. Cal all my life and while the water isn't ever what I would consider warm, if you come between about July - September, the water is comfortable enough to swim in. I've been living in San Diego for 15 years and there are always tons of people swimming at that time. During the rest of the year, you will definitely see only the surfers in wetsuits along with the occasional tourist with chattering teeth. Good luck with your search.
Sandy
I've lived in So. Cal all my life and while the water isn't ever what I would consider warm, if you come between about July - September, the water is comfortable enough to swim in. I've been living in San Diego for 15 years and there are always tons of people swimming at that time. During the rest of the year, you will definitely see only the surfers in wetsuits along with the occasional tourist with chattering teeth. Good luck with your search.
Sandy
#11
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spent 12 years in san diego and only swam in the water maybe 20 times. however, there are always tons of kids in the water during the summer months. it's comfortable to go up to your waste and cool off but most adults don't go "swimming". all the towns you mentioned are nice although i wouldn't choose solana beach.
#12
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Lisa,
The Humboldt Current runs up the west coast of South America from Antarctica, and keeps the water quite cold (approx. 50 degrees F when I was there). I sdon't think this current affects California.
Mike,
In my experience, the San Diego area was the only place that I found "warm" water in California, although I still went swimming in the L.A. area many times, and it was OK (just not warm).
The Humboldt Current runs up the west coast of South America from Antarctica, and keeps the water quite cold (approx. 50 degrees F when I was there). I sdon't think this current affects California.
Mike,
In my experience, the San Diego area was the only place that I found "warm" water in California, although I still went swimming in the L.A. area many times, and it was OK (just not warm).
#14
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I've lived in Southern Cal all my life and swim in the ocean all summer long. my kids surf w/out a wetsuit during the summer. The ocean in Santa Barbara is a little colder than south.I live in San Clemente and the ocean is fantastic right now. You can't go wrong with the other beaches you mentioned. They are all great beach towns that give you the so. cal surf feeling.
#19
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Agree with the above two posters. I haven't swam in the ocean since I was a teenager (about 15 years) but when I did, I just jumped in. It was always a loud scream, followed by "oh, this isn't bad..."
Manhattan Beach in the South Bay is where I did my swimming. The sand is soft there, which is nice. Be sure to swim in between the two neon orange flags posted by the lifeguard stand, in case you need help!
Manhattan Beach in the South Bay is where I did my swimming. The sand is soft there, which is nice. Be sure to swim in between the two neon orange flags posted by the lifeguard stand, in case you need help!
#20
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I grew up in Pensacola Florida, lived in Huntington Beach Cal. for 6 years and now live right by the beach in Chicago (Lake Michigan). Maybe its because I'm a Florida girl at heart but I could never bring myself to swim in the Pacific when I lived in California. My limit was sticking my toes in to cool off, but many people DID swim in it in the height of summer. Same phenom here in Chicago. The beaches of LAke Michigan are way too cold for me but there are literally thousands of people who do swim in it every weekend. Just look at Oak Street Beach on a Saturday afternoon. Some people can jsut tolerate the cooler water better. I personally like my water at least 70 degrees snf usually warmer and I doubt you will find that kind of temp in Southern Cal.