With summertime and high temperatures approaching, we all need something to help cool us down and keep us entertained. The best place to kick back and relax is the beach, where you can lie down in the soft sand and feel the ocean breeze. After all, California is known for its sandy coastline. But the question is: which beaches are truly the best summer hangout spots?
Santa Cruz Beach + Boardwalk: 4.5/5
The Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk might be the most popular beach in Northern California. The best part about this beach is that you can walk by the water or just find a space to lounge and watch the sunset after hitting the rides and games along the boardwalk.
The beach is perfect for recreational sports; you can play Frisbee, or hang out at the permanent volleyball courts built into the sand.
Santa Cruz Beach also offers plenty of amenities. Bathrooms are conveniently located near every main beach entrance, and in the city, there is a wide variety of unique restaurants and cafes to choose from. Not to mention that Santa Cruz has some of the best ice cream shops in the area. My personal favorite restaurant is Betty’s Burgers, which offers all sorts of unique burger combos. And for ice cream, I love heading over to Cruz Creamery.
One main downside to Santa Cruz Beach is that it is a long drive from Milpitas. Oftentimes, you encounter traffic on the way there and back, and you have to travel through winding Route 17. Plus, Santa Cruz can get very busy. It’s best to avoid the beach on holidays or weekends, especially in the late afternoon. Overall, Santa Cruz Beach is an excellent beach, with lots of places to visit in the area, but you just have to be mindful of when you visit.
Sunset Beach: 3.5/5
Sunset Beach is an excellent beach for those who just want to relax in the sand or walk along the water. It is far less crowded than many of the more well-known beaches in California, and as the name implies, the view is excellent, especially to watch the sunset.
The drive to get here is a little longer than to get to Santa Cruz beach, being closer to an hour and a half as opposed to Santa Cruz’s one-hour drive. But it is easier as most of the drive is via highways, and the road is far less winding. However, parking can be a bit of a hassle. You may need to park a little way away and walk the rest of the distance to the beach.
One major downside to Sunset Beach is that there is very little to do in the area. There are few restaurants close to the beach, and the vast majority of the surrounding area is farmland. The lack of restroom facilities near the beach is also a problem. The only restroom is next to the parking, which makes it a long walk to use the restroom. However, there is an outdoor showering area, so you can easily rinse off any sand before heading home. Sunset Beach is mainly for beach lovers; if you get bored very quickly or are looking for something more thrilling than lounging on the beach, this beach might not be for you.
Tennessee (Rodeo) Beach: 5/5
Tennessee Beach is a wonderful hidden gem along the Marin coastline. The beach is small and secluded, and it offers an excellent place to enjoy the waves. To get to the beach, you need to follow a short hiking trail. This short, 15-minute walk has little elevation and takes you through the rolling hills along the beach.
The drive is a little long at one and a half hours, but it is by far the most scenic. To get to Marin County, you need to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Being able to pass through San Francisco also offers an excellent opportunity to stop at some tourist attractions or grab a quick bite to eat.
The only noticeable downside to Tennessee Beach is the fact that the beach isn’t as sandy as other beaches. Instead, Tennessee Beach has small pebbles mixed with the sand. These pebbles don’t hurt your feet, and if you put down a towel, you can still relax along the beach and enjoy the view.
If you’re someone who easily gets bored with staying in the same place, Tennessee Beach also offers different hiking trails. All of these are moderate, relatively easy trails that take you through the beach’s surrounding hills. During the spring, these hills come alive with wildflowers and green grass that slowly give way to golden grass and new, hardier flowers and shrubs in the summer. Just be sure to plan ahead, bring enough water, and wear proper footwear.