I have RT FFlyer miles to SF. Would like to spend a few days at the beach, but want the northernmost warm water beach. Water too cold and rough near SF, I hear. Any suggestions? Santa Barbara seems too far (327 miles)

There is no warm water pretty much anywhere in California, but Santa Cruz will at least be sunny enough in the summer so you can thaw out after you go for a dip.

Just north of Santa Barbara is just about the end of the swimming beaches unless you wear a wet suit. However, I have seen people swim in the bay in Santa Cruz, right next to the boardwalk. I think that this is done when a heat wave has warmed up the shallow waters. Under such circumstances you can also try Stinson Beach.

The locals go to Alameda. Haven't been there for a while, but from what I remember it's AC transit, it goes through the tunnel and around the island. Nice place to visit, by the way, and there is a winery with tasting.

Northern CA really isn't swimming beach territory. It is more sit on the beach around a fire pit bundled up and w/ hot chocolate territory.

Oh sure - when I was a kid I used to swim at Santa Cruz and Aptos. Well, not swim exactly. More like run into the surf, freeze my tail off, squeal, splash my brother and run like the dikens to get back to the beach and wrap up in a blanket.

Go and enjoy coastal walks, whale watching, lighthouses, amazing scenery - and very little swimming.

janisj..you sure brought back beautiful memories. I too would run into the ocean at Santa Cruz, splash my younger brother, stay in for a moment and than run back to my parents and get all warm and cozy. Restless spirit, my DH swam in the ocean in N CA but personally not many people do. He loved to go to the beaches pass Bodego Bay and would go swimming..September is usually the best month.

brrrr....