What are the Good Beaches in California?

muscle96ss · Feb 13, 2004

My wife and I are looking to take a road trip in mid-May. We normally goto Vegas but we were just there for the Olympia and miss the beach(used to live by South Beach and grew up on the East Coast in Md). We went to Pacific Beach in San Diego a couple of years ago and wasn't real impressed. It seemed run down and was all teenagers and thugs.

Anyways, we are looking to find a beach in Southern California that has a party atmosphere but with a young professional crowd(late 20's-30's). Basically, we are looking for a place like Scottsdale, Az but with a beach. I have been told that Santa Monica is good but wanted to get some more feedback. Anybody have any suggestions.

powerhouse · Feb 13, 2004

Santa Monica is pretty thugged out too. though there is usually a strong police presence. Try huntington beach.

Swolecows · Feb 13, 2004

Laguna Beach. The cream of the crop for vacationing. Nice little artist town with tons of great restaurants and you can walk the whole downtown and see alot of nice things.

MDRThom · Feb 13, 2004

Hermosa Beach on Pier Ave. Used to drop serious $$ down there in my party days. Go to Paradise Sushi. Good sushi, cheap sake and it's always a huge party. The owner is usually passed out behind the register. Kim-san is the main chef. Have your wife arm wrestle him, he always looses!

young, professional crowd that like to drink, get naked and have fun. There are like 20 bars in walking distance.

crackerjack414 · Feb 13, 2004

screw santa monica, not my scene at all. Honestly for la manhatten beach is my fav atmosphere. young professionals cute girls and alot of fun, parking is a pain in the ass but hey its so cal.

joshbarnett · Feb 13, 2004

laguna beach area is nice. dana point is just south and huntington beach is just north. its a good area.

muscle96ss · Feb 13, 2004

joshbarnett said:
laguna beach area is nice. dana point is just south and huntington beach is just north. its a good area.

I had heard that Laguna is mostly gay and is not real good with the nightlife. Any feedback?

joshbarnett · Feb 14, 2004

probably no more gay than any other

Grape Ape · Feb 15, 2004

Check this out!

Good link with a listing of all the major beaches, complete with photos and extensive descriptions of each beach, attractions, hotels, resorts, even a listing of upcoming events that you may wanna catch during your vacation...etc....check it out:

http://www.beachcalifornia.com/cities3.html

Dave_19 · Feb 16, 2004

I was also at the vegas olympia this year, and went to san dieago for vacation for a week a few months before at la jolla, beaches were everywhere, Mission Beach was nice..

Swolecows · Feb 16, 2004

There is less nightlife in Laguna. It is very laid back, nice vacation spot the partying is light. A 10min drive north and you are in nightlife rich Newport. The is a good club in Laguna called club M. There are about 30 bars in North Newport though. Dennis Rodman lives in Newport, if there is enough nightlife for him, I am guessing you should be able to get by.