When visiting the Southern California coast, you really can’t go wrong when it comes to finding somewhere amazing to stay. From Malibu to San Diego and everything in between, there are plenty of options to make the most of your next family beach vacation.
There is absolutely no doubt that you will fill up your Instagram feed with memories of sun-kissed faces, beach bonfires and incredible ocean sunsets. From hotels and timeshares, to private rentals and camping on the beach, Southern California has something for everyone’s budget.
Here are a handful of a few of my favorite stops situated along the coast:
Malibu: The ‘bu
Malibu is the real “boho-chic” deal. It’s the stretch of California sand that many daydream about during east coast winters. It’s where Barbie has lived her whole life, where hunky celebs surf every morning and where Sandy and Danny Zucko said what they thought would be their last good-bye before senior year of high school.
Dream getaway: Pull-up in a vintage Airstream and spend the night at the beach. Leo Carrillo State Park has back-country hiking, tide pools, coastal caves and reefs for exploring. The great outdoors not really your cup of java? The Malibu Beach Inn will tickle your fancy.
Tide Pools at Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu | Photo credit: National Park Service
Santa Monica: Route 66
Santa Monica is glitz and glam by the sand. Where the beautiful people live, work and play, while enjoying the vibe of a city only feet from the surf. With electric neon carnivals and concerts, amazing cafes and the iconic Santa Monica Pier, it’s a town where nothing beats a good morning bike to sunrise yoga.
Perfect location: When it comes to resting your pretty little messy beach waved head, you really cannot beat The Shore Hotel. Across the street from the Pier and a short walk from the Third Street Promenade. If you are looking for something a little different and out of the ordinary, the Venice Beach Boardwalk is always a trip.
Newport Beach: The Real OC
There are beach towns and then there is Newport Beach. With beautiful homes, dreamy neighborhoods, amazing shopping, and impressive restaurants, it’s no wonder why seasons of ‘Real Housewives’ have built and lived in homes here. Where to stay? The Balboa Bay Resort is a full-service waterfront property with short and long-term rentals, it’s the perfect place to learn how to stand-up paddle. While in the OC, be sure to also swing by Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach – for possible visits the next time you’re in town.
If you dare: It’s the home to The Wedge, a popular surfing and bodyboarding spot located on the Balboa Peninsula with waves up to 30 ft. high. But do yourself a favor, it’s better to spectate even on the calmest of days.
San Diego: Coronado Island
Coronado Island is truly a very special place for family beach vacations. In fact, it might be the place in Southern California. Clean and safe beaches, quaint town-vibe, it’s the summer vacation at the beach you remember fondly as a kid. After a day of boogie boarding and collecting shells, rent a bicycle and head for ice cream in Coronado Village or moonlit bike ride on the beach path at Silver Strand State Beach.
Book now or forever hold your peace: Loews Love Kids and we’ve heard the Loews Coronado Bay Resort has it all for families — even teens! For more info, make sure to contact their concierge for stress-free family travel planning.
Photo credit: Flickr / Jarrel Jimmerson and Santa Monica State Parks
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