We will be visiting California for the first time this June. My daughter wants to go swimming in the ocean for the first time. Any suggestions on a good warm beach area?

There is no such thing as a warm beach area in California with regards to water temperature. Water temperatures seldom rise above 70-72. Expect water temperaures to be 66-68 in June. There will probably be a heavy marine layer as June is the worst month of the year for fog ( marine layer ) along the coast. We call it "June Gloom".

San Clemente is often a few degrees warmer than the beaches in San Diego. Other than that, the water temps are fairly close from Santa Barbara south.

I have reserved a beach-side condo in Oceanside for the first 2 weeks of June. Having read about "June Gloom", I am now wondering if I should change my dates. The condo has 2 beautiful pools and lovely grounds, and we want warm sunny weather to enjoy this. Do you recommend changing the dates?

I would definitely change the dates if you can. June can be very depressing along the coast. There are usually several days that the sun may not break through all day or a couple of hours at best. It varies from year to year and you could luck out but I wouldn't take the chance. It will sometimes run from late May to early July. Oceanside in particular is one of the worst areas for June Gloom. August - October are the best months for the coast. I personally prefer October though the water temperature will be pretty cool as it will in June.

Dean,
Sam is right. June gloom hangs around until at least late in the afternoon and sometimes never lifts. October is a beautiful month in Southern California, but the Pacific never warms-up ( and I am from New England) and the water is usually rough.If your vacation is primarily a beach one, I'd suggest Florida or Hawaii.

Dean:

Another born & raised New Englander, who can verify that the only "swimming" you can do in the Pacific Ocean is mad dash in & out.
If it's a beach experience, also consider heading further south to Mexico.

I agree, for all day swimming the Pacific coast just isn't warm enough. My family and I were in the Newport/Laguna Beach area last June and the water was COLD. I would consider the Gulf Coast,Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip of Baja, California, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Acapulco, Mexico, Hawaii, or the Bahamas. Sorry to disappoint you.

For a beach vacation in San Diego, I certainly suggest coming in August or September. June can be gloomy, like the others have said, along the coast.

The water will not be as warm as you'd find in the Caribbean or in Hawaii Because the Pacific Ocean's currents move from north to south, our ocean water comes from Alaska. But you'll still find plenty of people playing in it. It's pretty easy to warm up to.

However, if you're looking for a tropical experience, San Diego isn't a tropical town. It's a beautiful, fun town with plenty to do and see, but it's not like Hawaii or the Caribbean as far as the weather and beaches are concerned.