Our family of four is looking for a place to vacation at the end of July (for a week). We'll be driving from Utah and would like a nice beach destination. We've been to Newport Beach/Balboa Island in June and its been pretty cool (especially the water!). So, we're focusing more on Southern California.

In the past we've only done east coast/Caribbean beach vacations and know nothing about the west coast beaches.

Are there any good beach destination spots in Southern California in late July? What is the typical water temp at that time? What are the beaches like? Are there any good condos/rental homes to be had down there?

We're hoping to narrow down our choices by your suggestions. Please help!!!

Thanks!!

San Diego has excellent beaches, as does Coronado Island.

Er, Newport/Balboa are in southern CA, so what you're envisioning are points farther south. The water won't warm appreciably until you're into Baja-- this is still the northern Pacific, and the water stays cool. Still, you visited us precisely during June Gloom-- on-shore flow bringing low clouds and fog. June Gloom typically lifts in July, and the weather on the coast is beautiful and warm most years.

San Diego is wonderful-- but it won't be more than a degree or two warmer than the LA/OC coastal areas. Laguna Beach and Dana Point would be great destinations in OC. None of these is cheap-- but San Diego would be the most reasonably-priced.

Not that "reasonable" in San Diego is actually going to be reasonable. It'll be a little less than those more northern areas of Southern California, though.

water temp is 65-72. Last year in Carlsbad the water temp was about 72 the last week in July when I was there - it was great. But there have also been times when it has been as low as 65.

I think Carlsbad is the best place - I've gone every year since 1960. It's still has a small town atmosphere yet is freeway or train close to San Diego.

Generally, south of Santa Barbara is considered SoCal, so, you've already visited by going to Newport. The end of July (better than June?) is usually good for hot weather and to spend time at the beaches, but nobody can predict the weather. Elsewise, about the furthest south you can go in California is San Diego.


http://www.ci.huntington-beach.ca.us/

http://www.waterfrontbeachresort.hilton.com

http://huntingtonbeach.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml