SPOTLIGHT ON CALIFORNIA

GOODBYE June Gloom! Things are heating up again out here in California. We’re incredibly lucky to have so many awesome beaches to choose from when it comes to our 4th of July destinations. Honestly, we can’t really complain about California living - the golden coast boasts a unique array of beaches and waterfront towns, so we thought we’d pay a little tribute to some of our favorite close-to-home beaches. These coastal gems are all worth paying a visit to any time of year, but we definitely recommend that California natives and visitors hit these hot spots this year.

Let’s dive into some fresh water first...

California shares one of its most treasured destinations with her neighbors in Nevada. Lake Tahoe is the ideal destination for a ski trip in the winter or a weekend of boating and outdoor exploration in the warm, sunny summers. Hike or bike your way up the Sierra Nevada mountains and reward yourself with 180 degree views the deep blue lake below. Take advantage of the 191 square miles of clear water on a speedboat, sailboat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, or hop on some crazier toys like jet skis, waterskis, wakeboards and inner tubes, which are all easy to rent all around the lake. Relax along the peaceful sandy, pebble-studded shores, and even swim out to bigger rocks for barefoot climbing excursions. Visitors love embracing Tahoe’s charming, small town feel, natural beauty and geographic diversity.

Headed down Pacific Coast Highway…

About an hour and a half south of San Francisco, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a tiny seaside town tucked behind grand, rocky bluffs and amazingly soft white sand, perfect for leisurely walks, doggy playdates, sunbathing, and picnicking. The water is on the chillier side, but the small surf is great for kids to swim and skimboard. Carmel is home to the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Course and Resort, and to one of the most scenic oceanside roads in California, 17-Mile-Drive. This small beach town draws visitors from all over the world, attracted by its private-feeling, antique atmosphere, created by its many cottage-style inns, boutique stores, sophisticated dining spots and hidden coffee shops.

A little further south of Carmel is Big Sur, a relatively unpopulated destination appealing to more adventurous sightseers. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia mountains, Big Sur is one of California’s best places for camping, hiking and mountain climbing, offering views of pristine beaches and rushing waterfalls below.

Don’t forget to join us on the sand in La La Land! Los Angeles is home to a number of classic southern Californian beaches, offering tons of great spots to swim and surf, play a game of volleyball, or just to get a golden glow. The Santa Monica Pier is a definite must-see, especially when it’s lit up in neon at night. By day, the beach is bustling with tourists and locals - its expansive shores are great for big groups to set up umbrellas and games and stay all day! A big plus: there are always new bars and restaurants popping up along Ocean Avenue and throughout Santa Monica just a short walk up from the beach. Or, visit the eclectic and eccentric Venice Beach and its many trendy dining spots (Salt and Straw on Abbot Kinney Blvd. has the best ice cream scoops in LA).

Heading down to the South Bay, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach are both small towns home to big waves and cool nightlife. These long stretches of sand are famous for their many volleyball courts and games of spikeball going on everywhere. Walk, rollerblade, or cruise on bicycles along the boardwalk, known as The Strand, where you’ll discover all kinds of local eateries and crowd-drawing bars.

Now you’re gonna take Olympic Boulevard all the way to the 10 going east, then get onto the 405 south and… Kidding.

But seriously, we’re leaving LA for the OC. Orange County’s beaches are known for their chilled out, surfer vibes (you won’t miss all the sandy-haired dudes in wetsuits). Yes, it’s true you’ll find strong swells at the OC’s quintessential beaches, like Huntington, Dana Point, and San Clemente, but much more awaits. Hike, bike, paddleboard, or kayak your way along the OC’s 42 miles of wide, golden beaches…

Laguna Beach is dotted with many secluded coves, perfect for exploring tide pools, scuba diving, and even discover the giant sea caves at Thousand Steps Beach!

Balboa Island, famous for their delicious chocolate-covered frozen bananas (YUMMM), is a quaint place to shop, snack, and watch sailboats and duffies float around Newport Harbor. It’s only a quick ride on the Balboa ferry to the expansive beach on Newport’s peninsula, and the family-friendly Fun Zone, featuring a ferris wheel and aquarium.

22 miles off the coast, Catalina Island is a pretty sweet escape. Reminiscent of Capri, an island off of one of Italy’s most breathtaking coasts, this tiny island has it all, from art galleries, tennis and golf, to horseback riding, snorkeling and jet skiing - even treat yourself to the spas and some classic California wines in this little slice of Italy.

California is calling! Let it take you out to sea.