Best Socal beaches??

Having lived in socal for nearly 10 years now, I feel I am not taking advantage of (and spending enough time) at the local beaches.

What are some of socal's best beaches? (Orange County, LA Country, Ventura County)

(I have had one too many bad experiences at Santa Monica beach. Not going there anymore.)

Here is the criteria:
1 - Clean water / quality of the water
2 - Clean beach (not too many rocks/pebbles in the sand. No trash/cigar butts/or glass everywhere)
3 - Location of good clean restrooms nearby for the general public
4 - Ample parking (free or paid)
5 - Good people (no gangs, homeless people, roudy teenagers).

Thanks,
UZY

 

Personal favorite is Laguna... clean water, nice geography, rel. peaceful, and not too many punks

 

El Matador Beach is a nice place that not too many know about.... Not that far either. (Near Trancas)
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Newport. Always have the best time going there.

 

Well ....with respect to NewPort Beach, where is the best place to park (closest to the beach).
and where is the best place to be? (closest to the pier?)

What are the best food places there?

Thanks,
UZY

 

The last time I was in Newport, we parked on Balboa, and walked the he beach from there(about a 10 minute walk from where we were). There are some pretty good places to eat on Balboa Island. As for the pier, I really don't know, just stay at the beach.

 

crystal cove state beach

 

Head South.....WAY South

Best
Rick(LAgated360)

 

I'd have to say Silver strand State beach (including Coronado). Pure white sand, hundreds of yards wide, 9 mi long, and few people on it. Doesn't get better for CA beaches.





Darrell.

 

Uzy-
lived in simi for 24 yrs, then moved to County line in Malibu. Check out "north Beach". This is the beach between Leo and County Line. You are 45 min away with a great drive. 118 to the 23 go south on the ventura freeway to Kanin and head to the beach. You go rt on PCH past zuma beach and Trancus, (5min). When you come down the hill to Leo, go rt into the state park beach parking- pay the 4 to 6 unless you have the annual pass. Now go staight- go under the bridge (pch). You end up at a uncrowded beach- parking is steps from the sand- and clean--

This time of year you see the channel islands to the right, and catalina to the left. We kitesurf there as offen as possible (need wind) so the on the water activty is great.

The best part is that you can sit in your beach chair (that you bring) in front of your car-

The insolvent state of Ca just finished the bathrooms with showers.

Dave

 

+1 Laguna is the one that meets your criteria.

 

Salt Creek Beach Park in Dana Point is gorgeous, but no shopping areas, or eateries closeby.
I agree... Laguna Beach is a great area for everything.
I do like that photo of El Matador beach... Where is that exactly? So pretty!

 

As a Native Californian born in Santa Monica.

The further South you go. The better the water Quality. Personally Laguna Beach is my favorite.
Lots of small coves and excellent water quality. Acceptable parking and very nice people.

If you feel like going to San Diego county. Even better. Encinitas, Solana Beach.

Like I said. The further south you go the bettter. The water gets warmer too.

 

Solana Beach, Torrey Pines State Park (although they are in San Diego county). Enough said.

 

main beach in laguna beach. family friendly and close to downtown laguna beach. many good restaurants/shops.
ed

 

Zuma hands down is my favorite.

Lots of rip currents, but you get used to it.

 

+1 That is one of the best beaches, especially near the Dell or the Lowe's excellent sand and very few people, great for kayaking as well!

 

As much as this pains me to say, the Oceanside Harbor Beach is very clean as it's combed every other day by the City. Virtually zero riff-raff during the week also. Pay to park and decent restaurants within walking distance (1/2 block.)

 

just north of malibu, zuma beach has clean water and on nice days the water is so blue that you'll think your in hawaii lol..big waves for surfing too..the sand is also clean (lots of creatures living in the sand)