The best beaches can be found along the Atlantic and Pacific Coast. Here are a few ideas you may wish to consider for your next family beach vacation.

Florida. From Ft. Lauderdale to Miami Beach, Florida is a prime resort area for family vacations. With perfect weather and miles and miles of beaches, this area is affordable, diverse, and has a wide variety of water-sports, restaurants, and a myriad of activities for children. Cocoa Beach is only an hour away from the Kennedy Space Center and Disney World. In addition, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is considered one of the best in Florida.

Myrtle Beach. Among the many favorite activities for children include: Ripley’s Aquarium, Le Grande Cirque, a show quite famous for its acrobatics and other circus performers; and Myrtle Waves Water Park. For older children, a definite must-see is the NASCAR Speed Park.

With a myriad of dining options, shopping, and other historic sites; Myrtle Beach has been named the number one choice for beach family vacations in the U.S.

Hampton. One of the most affordable vacations for beach-loving families is East Hampton, New York. The best place to stay is at the East Hampton House. The rooms are available in one and two bedroom units that contain fully-equipped kitchens and/or kitchenettes. Moreover, you have guest privileges at the nearby beach.

Although this vacation spot does not offer food, it does have an indoor gym and offers morning coffee there as well. But, across the street is a deli that has an array of items on their breakfast menu and is very affordable. In addition, there is a Chinese restaurant across the street as well as a take-out barbeque, and deli.

The grounds are impeccable and there is a very large pool (one for the kiddies, too) where you can lounge in the sun. A tennis court is also on the premises. Every room has its own balcony with lounge chairs and a table.

If you live in the New York area, it is a 90-minute trip by car. The East Hampton Inn is centrally located – five minutes from town, restaurants, shopping, and a movie house. You can even take a short trip to Montauk and visit the historic lighthouse or spend time at the beach there.

Hawaii. Of course, nothing can compare to the beaches that are in Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. No matter what island you choose, Hawaii has the most pristine beaches anywhere in the U.S. Moreover, there are black-sand beaches on the island of Maui as well as a myriad of activities for the entire family.

San Diego. Shifting to the west Coast, your family might enjoy a stay at the Beach Cottages. This site offers numerous amenities such as water sports, biking, as well as an amusement park. For the kids, San Diego Zoo and Sea World are not far from the Beach Cottages.

Centrally located to restaurants and shopping, Beach Cottages is an affordable vacation spot where the family can enjoy the sun, the surf, and other amenities available. In fact, you can book a studio that offers a fully equipped kitchen.

Redondo Beach. Located on Santa Monica Bay, this report haven is perfect for family beach vacations. Here you can enjoy water sports, fishing bicycling, kayaking, as well as fine restaurants shops located not far from the Santa Monica Pier. There are many hotels that are situated across the street from the beach or within walking distance. Each has its own set of amenities that are geared towards families.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Past all of La Jolla’s ritzy homes, hotels, and well known restaurants, lies Windansea Beach. Down the hill, this beach is flanked by surfers and sunbathers on hot summer days. With sandstone cliffs, a sandy beach, and amazing surf breaks, Windansea Beach has been a popular surfing haunt as far back as the 1940s and a gathering spot of the Windansea Surf Club since the 1960s.

The shack on the beach that was built by surfers during World War 2 is now a San Diego Historic site. The beach is also great for body surfing and snorkeling. The north end of Windansea is fairly rocky, with the south being sandier, great for walking along the edge of the water. You can also enjoy a picnic in the grass next to the beach and bask in the splendid views of the Pacific Ocean.

At Windansea Beach, there are no restrooms. During the summer months, lifeguards are stationed all along the beach, even in some weekends of fall and spring. There are separate swim and surf zones at the beach, with no wheelchair access. When you visit, you can park on the street or try the tiny single lot near the beach.

Getting to the beach
You can find Windansea around 6800 Neptune Place. From the north, follow I-5 south to the Genesee Avenue exit then head west. Turn left on Torrey Pines Road and follow the road into downtown La Jolla. Turn left on Girad Avenue then take a right on Pearl Street. Take a left onto La Jolla Boulevard then make the right on Nautilus Street and your there.

From the south, follow I-5 north to the Ardath Road exit, Ardath Road will become Torrey Pines Road. Take a left from Torrey Pines Road onto Girad Avenue. Make a right onto Pearl Street then take a left onto La Jolla Boulevard. Take the next right on Nautilus Street and your there.

Windansea is possibly one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California – and a great place for romantic strolls at sunset. Parents should use caution with small children at the beach, as the surf often breaks directly onto the shore with a lot of intimidating power.

If you plan to visit the Windansea Beach, you should make sure you get there early. As with most beaches in San Diego, getting there early will help you get the best parking and more privacy when the crowds start to arrive. Windansea is a very amazing beach, and worth your time on hot summer days. Windansea is possibly one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Translated, La Jolla means “the jewel”, which is an apt name for a splendid and beautiful town full of blue water. One of California’s best oceanside towns, La Jolla is also home to many of the best beaches in the state.

When you visit, you’ll notice that there are many things to do. If you’re looking for something to do, here are 5 great things to occupy your time:
1. Beaches – When you hear that San Diego has great beaches, it’s the truth. La Jolla Cave, La Jolla Shores, and Windansea are the best in San Diego, and possibly even the state.
2. Birch Aquarium – Although it’s a small aquarium, it’s packed with a lot of interesting stuff and best of all – it won’t wear you out.
3. La Jolla Playhouse – This theater company is highly known around the world.
4. Walking tour – Hike Bike Kayak will offer you a splendid one hour tour that focuses on the beauty and splendor of the La Jolla Coast and the history of the city.
5. Kayaking – The Hike Bike Kayak company also offers a tour of the La Jolla sea caves, with no experience required.

A weekend trip to La Jolla is an excellent time to enjoy a leisurely brunch. The Cottage serves great cuisine in a beach bungalow atmosphere, while the Marine Room at the Sea Lodge was voted the best Sunday brunch in the area several times in a row. If you’re looking for a simple breakfast, with great views and few tourists, follow Coast Blvd. to the Goldfish Point Cafe.

For a getaway for the weekend, La Jolla is a hard place to beat. There’s plenty to do here, with the beaches in the summer. If you visit on hot days, you’ll spend a majority of your time on the beaches – and loving every minute of it. For a getaway for the weekend, La Jolla is a hard place to beat.

Popularity: 4% [?]

For over 75 years, the Gliderport in Torrey Pines has been the learning place for aviation greats such as the Lindbergh’s, Boyles, and many other greats. First established as a soaring site in 1928, the Gliderport has defined the world of motor less flight. Today, the Gliderport is home to hang gliding, paragliding, scale models, and even sailplane flight.

The Gliderport also provides quality, instruction, certification, tandem flights, equipment sales, adventure tours, repair services, and even year round flying conditions. From the first day of instruction to master pilot and instructor certifications, the Torrey Pines Gliderport can support all of your needs with flying.

If you’ve ever wanted to pursue a career in flying, the Torrey Pines Gliderport can help you achieve that very goal. You can learn everything you’ve ever wanted to learn about flying, as well as get your license or certificate. There are many types of flying you can learn, even if you have no prior experience.

The Gliderport also operates the most successful paragliding school in North America. Their team of highly trained instructors and support staff ensure that their students receive the highest level of flight training available.

Depending on your skills, they offer classes from beginner to advanced. They also offer a wide range of special clinics and classes for pilots of all levels to upgrade their knowledge and skills.

With plenty to do nearby, the Gliderport is a great place for your learning. If you plan to travel to La Jolla for the Gliderport, you can rest assured that there will be plenty to do with your free time.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to fly, the Torrey Pines Gliderport is where you need to be. The costs are very reasonable and the Gliderport is in an excellent location. All you need to do is check them out – and let your journey begin. The Gliderport has defined the world of motor less flight.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Smaller and more intimate than other aquariums, the Birch Aquarium is one place where you can get close to all of the animals, and still take your time to simply enjoy being there.

Due to its intimacy, adults and children alike are energized by the aquarium. You can watch an octopus flow up and down the glass, or watch a jellyfish move slowly through the water. This is an excellent thrill, for everyone in your family.

The most popular exhibit at the Birch Aquarium is the sea horse exhibit. It offers many different species, from the tiny miniature sea horses that are under an inch tall, to the taller and more amazing sea dragons.

The many interactive exhibits at the aquarium will help you lean the history of oceanography. By taking a simulated trip in a deep water submersible, you’ll learn the wonders and oddities of the deep ocean, even though it may move a bit too slow for smaller children. Children of all ages enjoy the exhibits that illustrate how the ocean products appear in every day items.

If you are planning to take pictures of the exhibits, be aware of the glass and the reflections. If you can, move in close (around a foot away) and set your flash to a 45 degree angle. Make sure that you don’t get too wrapped up in taking photo’s inside the aquarium – as you may end up missing the show going on outside.

If you are visiting La Jolla as a vacation or if you live there, the Birch Aquarium is worth a visit. There are some amazing exhibits here, with something for everyone. You can spend hours and hours here, making it one place you shouldn’t hesitate to check out. The most popular exhibit at the Birch Aquarium is the sea horse exhibit.

Popularity: 5% [?]

You could easily spend a week in La Jolla, walking on the beach, puttering around town and enjoying meals in great restaurants; but if you only have one day, you can still enjoy some of the best La Jolla has to offer.

You’ll want to start off by going to the beach. La Jolla Shores is one of the best beaches in the state of California, with a gently sloping beach and panoramic views. A sunset or morning walk on the beach is enough to relax even the most stressed individual. The walk is better with the tide going out, as it leaves the beach with a mirror like water display.

La Jolla is home to some of the best restaurants, with many of them serving excellent cuisine at lunch, although a lower price at night. This way, you can live large on just the right budget.

Something else you’ll want to do is go tide pooling. The Tiny La Jolla Cove is a couple of blocks away from downtown, and accessible by a stairway. At low tides, the tide pools will have hundreds and hundreds of hermit crabs.

Walking around is also a great way to spend part of your day. You can go for a window shopping stroll along Prospect Avenue and the side streets there. With chain stores in sight, you’ll probably find something you must have.

If you have time to stay through the evening, the La Jolla Playhouse is worth your time, as it offers plenty of entertainment for the entire family.

For just a day to spend in La Jolla there is a lot that you can do. Once you spend a day in La Jolla, you’ll probably find yourself wanting to come back for more – the town is simply that good.

Popularity: 37% [?]

Mount Soledad in beautiful La Jolla gives you the chance to enjoy amazing, 360 degree views under the shadow of a towering cross. All along the summit, there are many veteran’s plaques. Mount Soledad is truly splendid to look at, as it is a well known fixture to the area of La Jolla.

On Mount Soledad, you stand more than 800 foot high underneath the shade of a 43 foot high cross, and enjoy the views and splendor the mount provides. You can enjoy a picnic here, the panoramic views, or just watch the sunset. Mount Soledad is also a great spot for photos, if you like to take photos.

Beauty – everywhere you look
Below Mount Soledad is the shimmering waters of La Jolla Shores and terra cotta roofs of those that are very lucky folks indeed. To the north you have the coastline that extends all the way up to Orange County.

To the south of Mount Soledad there are views of Mexico with city skyline and everything else the area has to offer. And off to the east, there are vistas as far as the eye can see.

The cross
You may be wondering just what the cross is and what it’s for. The story dates back to 1913, when Pacific Beach residents built a cross out of redwood and set it atop the mountain. Thieves removed it ten years later, and the replacement was created in 1934, which was taken out by high winds in 1952.

Soon after that, the Mount Soledad Memorial Association build the current cross to commemorate soldiers of the Korean and the two world wars.

The cross of Mount Soledad has been a subject of controversy, although the problem appeared to be solved in the late 1990s. The San Diego Council sold the cross and the half acre of land that surrounds it to the Memorial Association.

In 2002, mini walls were installed to honor the veterans that are underneath the cross, though they have fueled more controversy from those who feel that the towering symbol highlights Christian vets over others that are there.

For those that live in the area, Mount Soledad and the cross are a true beauty. For visitors and tourists, Mount Soledad provides amazing views and the cross seems to add to the detail.

If you ever visit La Jolla, make sure you check out Mount Soledad. It’s very close to the downtown area, and it’ll be one thing you’ll be glad you made time for. The cross is something you simply must see – as words can’t begin to describe it. The cross of Mount Soledad has been a subject of controversy.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Located near the upscale community of La Jolla, the Marine Street Beach is a small cluster of high end clothiers, hotels, shops, and galleries. The beach is also legendary to body surfers and body boarders due to its thunderous waves which always seem to crash the shoreline at the right time.

Keep in mind, this beach may not be ideal for families, as there are no public restrooms, picnic areas, and the rough surf conditions aren’t well suited for children. If you have a family, you may want to find another beach.

Even though it isn’t the best beach for families, Marine Street Beach offers plenty of privacy and gorgeous white sand that can make for a fun day of sunbathing with friends.

The rough waves found at this beach have been known to seriously injure swimmers and body boarders in the past. If you aren’t that experienced with the water, you should always make sure that you respect both the water and the waves here.

During the summer months and on peak weekends during the fall and spring, there are lifeguards stationed on the beach. You should plan to park on the street at Marine Street Beach, as there are no public lots. You should try to get here early, as it can be very hard to find a parking space, especially during summer and on the weekends.

Getting there
If you are coming from the north, take I-5 south. Take the exit at Genessee Avenue, head west, and then make a left on Torrey Pines Road. Go down the hill into downtown La Jolla; turn left on Girad Avenue then right on Pearl Street. Turn left at La Jolla Boulevard then right on Marine Street.

From the south, take I-5 north to Torrey Pines Road. Once you arrive in La Jolla Downtown, simply follow the same directions from above. Marine Street Beach is legendary to body surfers and body boarders due to its thunderous waves.

Popularity: 34% [?]

A trip to sunny La Jolla isn’t complete with a tour of the city’s downtown area, known by locals as the village. With trendy shops, galleries, and nice places to eat, La Jolla Village is something you need to tour on foot to appreciate.

If you are traveling from a distance and must drive to the village, parking is not easy. The downtown streets offer two hour free parking, although your best bet will probably be one of the garages along Fay Avenue where a flat rate will ease your mind of parking worries for the entire day.

Once you have found a place to park, you should begin your tour at the corner of Fay Avenue and Prospect Street. Here, you’ll find some of the most famous restaurants in the downtown area, including Moondoggie’s and IL Forno.

As you pass by the restaurants, you’ll see the Arcade Building, which resembles an old hybrid style. The Arcade Building leads to an alleyway with many specialty shops.

After you explore the treasures of the Arcade Building alley, continue your tour North along Prospect Street and you’ll come to a stretch of art galleries. If you appreciate art, you’ll love everything the village has to offer you.

Just across the street from the art galleries, you’ll find The Grande Colonial Hotel. This hotel is famous and well known for its rate of $1 per day since the opening in 1913, has been renovated many times and now ranks as one of the best landmarks in La Jolla Village.

As you continue your walk down Prospect Street, you’ll encounter Girard Avenue, which offers you plenty of shops and eateries. La Jolla Village Tour.

Popularity: 2% [?]

The Village of La Jolla is the vacation showcase of La Jolla. The village offers postcard type beauty, with elegant homes, lush real estate, resorts, luxurious hotels, and even the best in intimate bed and breakfast lodging. The La Jolla Village is the gateway entrance to some of the most amazing beaches San Diego has to offer.

The village consists of a 30 block downtown La Jolla area that’s home to over 1,400 businesses that are fully committed to vacation pleasure to the over 7,000 people that visit the village each and every day.

In the village you’ll find all the conveniences that grace the shores, such as world class shopping and quaint boutique shops. Upscale restaurants, intimate cafes, museums, art galleries, and attractions such as the Birch Aquarium can be found here as well.

The La Jolla Playhouse is in the village as well. It has earned over 200 awards, including the 1993 Tony for outstanding regional theater. The Playhouse is a creative haven that attracts more then 150,000 theater enthusiasts each year.

Most visitors to the La Jolla Village like to walk the shoreline around Scripps Park and soak up the perfect weather and majestic views of the oceanfront panorama. If romantic tranquility is what you seek, late afternoon and early evening strolls are less crowded and at dusk you can catch some of the most stunning sunsets.

The beaches of La Jolla are the biggest tourist attractions here. All you need to do is choose your style of water recreation and relaxation. Swimming, surfing, bodysurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sun bathing, or just watching others swim. Make sure you arrive early to avoid the crowds, and then stay late to catch the beauty of the moonlit skies.

La Jolla Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle of La Jolla is an area that’s intersected by three major freeways – I-5, I-805, and State 52. The Triangle lies east of La Jolla Village and ten minutes north of downtown San Diego.

The established residential community blossomed into a financial triad of high rise office buildings, full service hotels, shopping, and plenty of restaurants.

The Golden Triangle also offers the business traveler and vacationer all they need within a self contained area of business, retail, shopping, hotels, dining, and boutiques. The Golden Triangle is also located close to the oceanfront beach area of the village and all the vacation attractions that San Diego has to offer.

Popularity: 6% [?]