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June 5, 2009 - By Jackie Giordano
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Laguna Beach
Out of all Southern California beaches, Laguna Beach is one of the best because of its beautiful coves and clear blue waters. As freshman Tessa Makshanoff said, “I went to Laguna Beach a couple of weekends ago and I went snorkeling at a cove. I really liked how there were so many different types of animals in the water and how clear the water was.”
This picturesque little seaside village began as an art colony in the early 1900s. Now a century later art festivals, galleries and the art museum still draw visitors from all over the world. Where Laguna Canyon Road meets Pacific Coast Highway is a very busy T shaped intersection. This faces Main Beach, complete with waves; volleyball and basketball courts; a historical lifeguard tower; a playground and restrooms.
Unfortunately there is not much parking to speak of. Most people find parking on the streets at a meter or walk further from the neighborhoods where they can park for free, if they find a place.
Huntington City Beach
Another favorite beach is Huntington City Beach, which is similar to but smaller than Huntington State Beach and includes the Huntington Beach Pier where people fish, roller blade and relax. The pier also hosts a variety of events such as a farmer’s market, art festival and even an annual rubber duck race. The city beach is also where international surfing championships are usually held.
Just off the pier on Main Street are a few blocks of surf shops, cafes and eateries. Around the corner at 411 Olive Street is the International Surfing Museum, an Art Deco building. Sophomore Julian Hartzell said, “Huntington Beach is a really great beach for surfing. The waves are really good. I’d recommend renting a surf board and taking surfing lessons there.”
Newport Beach
While Huntington Beach has great surfing and Laguna has its beautiful coves and art galleries, Newport Beach in Orange County is a boater’s haven with its charming harbor. It has lovely ocean beaches along the peninsula where there are many cottages and vacation rentals.
The Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach extends for about six miles, consisting mostly of wide sandy beaches and two large piers. A boardwalk stretches along the length of it, great for biking, skating, jogging or strolling. You can rent bicycles and surreys near either of the piers. Both the Newport Pier and Balboa Pier are areas with several places to eat and shop. “Ruby’s Diner is the best place to eat at the end of Balboa Pier. It has really great views,” said junior Justin Funderburgh.
Long Beach
Long Beach is another one of Southern California’s amazing beaches, home to a wide variety of ocean related sights and activities both on the beach and in the harbors. Major Long Beach attractions include the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary and Naples Island, where you can paddle a kayak or ride a gondola along mini canals.
However no Long Beach trip is complete without a visit to the beaches. Long Beach City Beach is about five and a half miles long. The water is flat so there is no surfing but you can swim and there is plenty of white sand to play or relax on.
Dana Point
Dana Point’s Harbor is one of the most romantic areas in California. It has one-of-a-kind boutiques with a lot of unexpected treasures to offer. Its other shopping delights include special cards, art collectibles, designer perfumes, clothing, artisan chocolates and specialty teas and coffees from around the world.
Dana Point has one of the few harbors along the Orange Country coast. It is a popular local destination for surfing and was a home to the legendary surf break called Killer Dana.
The area offers numerous year-round events which attract thousands of visitors and spectators every year. The Festival of Whales and its associated activities last for three weeks. Other events during the year include the Classic Wooden Boat Festival, offshore powerboat races in June, the beautiful fireworks show on July 4, the Tallship Festival in September, the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Race and the annual Christmas Boat Parade.
Venice Beach
A day at Venice Beach is never just a day at the beach. It is more diverse than any other place on Earth. It is known for its artists, street performers and funky atmosphere. The carnival runs year round with free admission. If you get a chance to walk along the beautiful Ocean Front Walk you will have the opportunity to see a broad variety of artists, musicians, tarot card readers and street performers. Many residents and tourists alike come and check out Venice Beach’s local color.
Venice Beach has been a favorite spot for surfers. “I really enjoy the beach; it is always a nice place for me to have fun with my family or friends and to just relax. I always enjoy going there after testing or once school is over. The beach is one of my most favorite places to go whether it is the summer or winter,” said sophomore Annmarie Ballesteros.
The Boardwalk is a fun sidewalk circus. There are different shops where you can buy unusual souvenirs or T-shirts. There are sports: basketball, handball, shuffleboard and paddle tennis. Venice Beach is also known as “Muscle Beach” because there are special areas where fanatic body builders pump iron in public.
Whether you want to check out the coves at Laguna, the surf at Huntington, Newport’s beautiful harbors or relax at Long Beach all you have to do is put on your swim suit, pack a cooler, grab your towel and head out to one of Southern California’s great beaches ... and don’t forget your sunscreen!
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