Spring Break is here and summer vacations are coming quick. As the weather warms up Southern California beaches become a tourist hot spot. So if you’re bringing your families to San Diego over the break it helps to know where some of the best family beaches are. These are some of our favorites.
Before hitting the beaches, a few things you should know.
When you come to San Diego, hitting the beach is a must, but knowing which beaches are family-friendly can be tough.
-Bring cash and a card for parking. Most beaches you’ll have to pay for parking and some take cash while others take only cards.
-Sunscreen! While many days in San Diego can be overcast and cool, you’ll still need to use plenty of Sunscreen.
-Practice the stingray shuffle. We do have wild life in our waters and while they’re not looking to hurt you if you surprise them you can get stung. Shuffle your feet rather than taking steps to let the sting rays know you’re coming.
- Make sure what ever you bring to the beaches goes home with you! Please pick up your trash.
- Watch out for the Jellyfish. If you do get stung just head to the nearest lifeguard towner.
Coronado Island – Whether you head to the golden sands of The Hotel Del or Coronado’s Silver Strand State Beach, you’ll find plenty of room to fly kites, play in the sand, swim in the waves or even just read a book. Silver Strand also boasts ten miles of bicycle trails.
La Jolla Shores – Though parking can be a bit rough on weekends and holidays, once there, you’ll love this beach. The waves tend to be a little gentler here, so it a great place for those who would like to take in a little surf lesson. There is also a play ground for the kids. If your family is a little more adventurous why not head on over to La Jolla Cove to take in a little snorkeling and kayaking. Of course there’s always theLa Jolla Children’s Pool. It’s a great spot for viewing local wild life like a few sea lions.
Del Mar 15th Street – Personally my favorite San Diego Beach. If you get there early enough, you can park in the lot right across the street. There’s a large grassy area prefect for picnics, a nice play ground for the kids, hiking trails, plenty of sand for sandcastles and of course there are those waves!
Cardiff State Beach – I shouldn’t be sharing this one with you. Cardiff is a local favorite. Parking is right next to the beach and most of the time you’ll get lucky with a free street spot. It’s also a perfect place to watch some of our local surfing celebrities!
Moonlight Beach – Though parking can be a bit hard to find, there is a turn about where you can load and unload your car. This is the spot if you’re look to play a little beach volleyball. There’s also a concession stand and a playground.
Tamarack Beach/Carlsbad State Beach – Parking is right next to the beach and at the beginning of the Carlsbad Seawall walking path along the coast. There is a charge for parking in the lot. There are showers, restrooms and with in walking distance of restaurants and shops.
If you’re Military or retired Military make sure you check out San Onofre and Del Mar Beach, both located on Camp Pendleton. Easy parking, playground, lifeguards, cabanas, and bath houses. I’m think I need to enlist just to get access to these two beaches!