BoulderCO

We usually go to Florida for a beach vacation but can't go this year until July. Since Florida weather is hardly ideal at that time of year we thought we should consider California. Where should we go where we can find an experience similar to Florida - warm sunny weather, nice sand, beachfront lodging, good local restaurants and bars, relaxed low key atmosphere, great pool. Basically all the qualities we normally find in Clearwater Beach or Naples, Florida.

TedTurner

Simple answer is: nowhere.
There are no beaches in southern California with soft white sand, warm water, clear water.
On the other hand, there are many options for nice beach lodging, great food, unlimited activities, etc...overall even better than what's available in Florida.
Just don't expect a premium Gulf Coast type beach.
Check into Laguna Beach and Santa Barbara among others.

J_Correa

Pismo Beach is a nice town for a beach vacation. The beaches are pretty nice and the water is shallow for awhile so you get some calm water.

Santa Cruz and Capitola are also good beach towns.

Remember though, this is California - not Florida.

janis

The Pacific is COLD, much of the coast gets fog in the summertime (at least in the mornings), many surfers wear wet suits. Liitle kids who are still brave and don't yet hate cold water do wade or swim in the surf. The California coast is gorgeous - but you won't find hot water/warm temps most of the summer.

But one thing for sure - you won't find rain either.

bigtyke

If you plan on swimming, then go no farther north than LA unless you are very hardy

turn_it_on

What everyone said is true--no clear, warm water, no soft powdery white sand beaches, and the possibility of "June Gloom" type fog.

That said, there's a million places where a good beach vacation can be had. San Diego would be awesome, maybe top on my list for this type of thing. All of Southern California has fun beaches with great places to stay, but be aware that as you move farther north toward central/northern CA, the coastline gets very cold and rocky (Carmel, Big Sur)--beautiful, but not really what you're looking for it seems.

Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz are all good beach towns, but I just really think you're going to be shocked by how cold the water is, unless you're not planning on going in, and how pretty average the sand is.

Are Hawaii or Mexico out of the picture?

love
roxy

clarkgriswold

Laguna, Del Mar or Santa Barbara. The Biltmore in Montecito if you want to splurge.

Tandoori_Girl

In Florida in July, it doesn't rain but maybe an hour, although everyday. The rain is really the nicest part of the day because the humidity has almost taken its toll by late in the afternoon when the skies break open.

Brasil_Nut

If you want to come to California, but don't like the idea of our cold ocean, try one of California's many lakes where the waters are perfect for swimming and boating/sailing! While the beaches may not be white sand, they are still pretty nice beaches. Swimming is a bit safer, as well - no rip tides or large fish - did I mention warm water?

A resort from my area here in No. Calif (Lake County)that I would recommend to start off: Konocti Harbor Inn, situated on Calif.'s largest natural lake - Clear Lake. The resort is huge and includes cottages, apartments, vip suite, motel units, and even camping huts. They have dining, bar, dance floor, and big name concerts in a small venue at the resort. They also have boat and seadoo rentals, paddle-wheel boat tours and dining, golf and tennis, & fishing. Also a spa, large swimming pool, mini golf for the kids. Nearby are casinos, mountains, quaint towns, wineries, etc. The resort is named after our inactive volcano, which creates a dramatic backdrop to this resort.

There are a lot of resorts around this lake, but the one I recommended is the largest - hundreds of rooms. (Apartments have jacuzzis on their decks, overlooking the lake) The resort is about a 2 1/2 hour drive north from San Francisco, through the wine country areas of this region.

Just had to add my two-cents...more to Calif. than the sprawling metropolis areas!

Paul

Two years ago I went to FL during the month of July (The Palm Beaches - Singer Island) - we had a great time and had terrific weather too. It was fun to watch the turtles hatch on the beaches during that time too. I wouldn't have wanted to have been on the Gulf side of the state during that time, but the Atlantic side was wonderful. {The Gulf side can be a bit stifiling at that time of year.} We found great off-season lodging, small lines in restaurants, and the same great weather along the Atlantic coast you might find up and down the Eastern shore.

...At least that was my experience, and I'm thinking of returning to the area this year again during the same time.

Trigold

In the San Diego area, Coronado and La Jolla are terrific. You'll enjoy nice beaches, splendid hotels and walkable shops/restaurants. I also love Laguna. I lived in LA for 11 years and had a great time visiting the beaches to the south.

tledford

I like Newport Beach, Balboa, or Balboa Island. You can rent a house there for a week through one of the local realtors. There is a wide expanse of sand and beach. Avoid 15th street as it's a big teenage hangout.
If you rented a house on Balboa Island,
stay near the ferry. It is a cute place to stay but quite a walk to the beach.
San Clemente is a cute town, too.

sludick

Just to add to what you have already heard --I grew up in California and learned to swim in the Pacific. When I was in my mid-20's, I visited the Atlantic for the first time, in Cape Hatteras. I was surprised by how warm the ocean water was, relative to the Pacific. Also, the Pacific (ironically), has larger waves. Then, I moved to Florida and met the Gulf. You will not find the same type of clear, warm water plus that sand and shells anywhere else. So, if you find Florida too rainy in July (we don't), then consider other areas that border the Gulf or the Caribbean.

bigtyke

Why is it ironic that the Pacific has bigger waves?

Surfergirl

Two places come to mind: the Surf 'N Sand hotel in Laguna, and the Del in San Diego.

sludick

bigtyke - because of the word "pacific," meaning "peaceful." Growing up in California, I always pictured the Atlantic as cold and stormy, large waves, hardy fishermen and lobsterboats (yeah, it's kinda like thinking all California is like the beach on Bay Watch). I guess Ferdinand Magellan just picked the name before he saw the whole thing.

cheryldina

California beaches are great! Yes, it is colder water, but they are very scenic beaches and the waves are great for boogie boarding, body surfing or just plain jumping around.

July is a very good time to go - it is sunny, but yes sometimes June gloom lingers into July. Try to book later July and you should be fine. Morning fog burns off by the afternoon.

fyi..The further south you go in California, the water will be a bit warmer.

I'm a native SoCal person..currently live in Laguna Beach which is one of the prettiest places around. Great beaches with cliffs - very scenic. Surf and Sand is a nice hotel right on the water with a great pool. Walking distance to restaurants, shops, art galleries. Also - Sawdust Art festival and Pageant of the Masters is on in July which is a lot of fun. (get tix before you go to Pageant.)

San Diego is also fabulous. Lots to do down there - beaches, zoo's, sea world. It's truly one of the best family vacations you can do, but great for just couples as well. Hotel Del Coronado is really nice. The Gaslamp district is cute too. Great restaurants (think New Orleans in San Diego). For more scenic, agree the La Jolla is beautiful. (La Valencia? is a very nice hotel.)

Somebody else also suggested Santa Barbara. It is beautiful there as well, but further north. Similar to Laguna.

With those 3 choices you can't go wrong. Hope you enjoy.