Hi Fodorites,

I posted last year and got some great advice for our San Francisco trip last year. The only thing that threw us was the weather. We were there the first week of August and found it to be very cold some days (50's). We really enjoyed it other than that.

This year we'd like to take mainly a beach vacation and are hoping for warmer weather. We'd like to go earlier this year, in June. Our kids will be 1 and 4. We like the idea of San Diego because it has things to do other than the beach (Legoland, Sea World) in case we get "beached out." However we've read that June can be cold and foggy?

The other option we're thinking about is Florida, but don't know exactly what part of Florida would be ideal in June, and with young kids. I don't think the kids are quite ready for Disney yet.

So, would you go to San Diego or Florida in June with young kids? If Florida, where in Florida?

Thanks!

"So, would you go to San Diego or Florida in June with young kids? If Florida, where in Florida?"

I am a native Californian now living in Florida. Having said that, Florida definitely has better beaches that San Diego. Check out this beach guide <http://tinyurl.com/dkosuy> from the Orlando Sentinel.

Where in Florida? I am most familiar with the Atlantic Ocean Beaches, so my choices would be Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach and even Crescent Beach near St. Augustine. For personal reasons, I just don't like Daytona and New Smyrna Beaches, although others do. All three of the beaches I mentioned would be good for families and small kids.

"I don't think the kids are quite ready for Disney yet."

Orlando is a lot more than Disney! I think your kids would enjoy SeaWorld, Animal Kingdom at WDW and Brevard Zoo in Melbourne near Cocoa Beach.

Yes, SF is chilly compared to just about everywhere else in the summertime - it has a very narrow climate band.

San Diego is great and will have warmer weather than you saw in SF in August. That said, it is the California coast and is subject to coastal fog, so you can't count on the sun shining all day every day or super warm deperatures. Southern California in particular has a phenomenon called "June Gloom" which is basically high fog making the sky overcast. It doesn't happen everyday or all day, but it happens enough that is has a name.

There is also the consideration of water temperature - are you interested in swimming in the ocean or just hanging out by the water, wading around a bit, and venturing into the water for short stints? The Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico are much warmer than the Pacific. The water at southern beaches is warmer than in the north, but it is still chilly.

I think the deciding factor is what you want from a beach vacation.

I think I would probably pick San Diego weather in June over Florida weather in June. I've been to Florida in June several times and it has been hot, humid and rained most every afternoon or evening. We were usually grateful for the rain because it gave you some relief from the heat.

June? Thats easy.... June gloom in San diego and possible heat/humidity in S Florida

Take the silky white beaches of the Florida panhandle

Definitely the panhandle area of Florida! Seaside, Destin, or Panama City are all good options! Nothing compares to the sugar white beaches of the panhandle of Florida!

If I were looking for a "beach vacation", I would choose Florida, too (and I live in California). I consider San Diego more of a "sightseeing destination with beaches" than a place for a true "beach vacation".

Native SD and coming in June could get our infamous June Gloom..
If you can come out in July-October, that is when you get our gorgeous beaches and the water is lovely to swim and snorkel and its warm.
Loved to have you here in our city but I would do Florida..just hope there isn't a hurricane a brewing.
Best to you!

Another San Diego local who would pick the warm Gulf waters - Florida ... but for surf it would be San Diego

Yes, another san diego local and June is not one of the better times to be here. If you don't mind heat and humidity, go for Florida.

Thank you all for the helpful replies!

Ignore the June gloom and doom prophesies from locals. I've been going to San Diego every June right after school gets out for 10-15 years. Maybe a native would notice a slight difference in weather during June, but I have NEVER experienced extended cold or fog in San Diego in June. Maybe some days or parts of days of cloudy weather but even that is the exception. But that's weather everywhere. It seems like a reflex reaction from locals whenever someone posts about coming to So. Cal in June and it is borderline silly to me. Florida is hot, sticky and humid. San Diego (Sea World, LegoLand, beaches, Zoo, etc) has so much to do in comfortable 70's weather, especially for kids. June is also not nearly as crowded as the few July/August times I've been there.

^^^ I still prefer the warmer ocean water of the gulf. And ... yes the overcast "gloom" does tend to pass in the afternoon ...

I would also recommend Florida over San Diego in June. However, my caveat is that it must be the Panhandle of Florida and not South Florida. The Panhandle of Florida (Destin area) is plenty warm with lots of sunshine in June and the water is great. The beaches are perfect white sand that crunches like snow.

IMHO it's not worth risking it and getting June gloom in SD. Even if you get a passing thunderstorm in Florida, the rest of the day is clear and sunny and definitely beach weather whereas the fog along the California coast can last all day or at least half the day. Also, by avoiding South Florida and staying in the Panhandle, you'll be getting slightly drier conditions than really humid South Florida.

There's a reason the "high season" for the Panhandle of Florida is in the summer whereas the high season in South Florida is the winter. They have totally different climates.

Ocean water of the gulf?

knute,

Gulf is far better, and really the Panhandle is the only option in the summer.

knute.....lol! yes, perhaps we are a bit sensitive to imperfect weather. We feel apologetic if tourists/visitors come to San Diego and we have a few overcast days. We do have so many glorious days year round....and the "gloom" generally does not last all day.

we are a bit sensitive to imperfect weather

Well, when perfect weather is what you're known for, you SHOULD be sensitive to little imperfections (my dad's phone is still out since the storm Thursday night)!