California coast houses endless summer fun
Campus Times
May 21, 1999
With the Huntington Beach Pier in the background, freshman Summer
Hammons scans the water for the slightest hint of a swell. Like Hammons,
many people enjoy learning to surf at Huntington Beach. The waves are easy
to learn on, people are friendly and the water is warmer than other beaches
in the area. In addition to surfing, there are numerous restaurants and
shops at Huntington. Southern California houses some of the most famous
and pleasant beaches in the world.
Birds chirping, green grass, a blazing sun, and, ahh, yes, smog. It
must be summer. As many dust off the Coppertone umbrellas and take their
swim suits out of the closets, the beaches of Southern California await
the migration of thousands to their shores. Many Southern Californians have
staked out their sandy hangouts and plan on taking root for the summer.
But wait one second, do you know what every beach has to offer?
Santa Monica, probably most famous for its pier, is an ideal spot for
any kind of beach bum. Whether you just want to enjoy an afternoon buffet
overlooking the water or shop in some of the countries most fashionable
stores, Santa Monica has it. The pier offers more of a family atmosphere.
Carnival rides and midway games cater to the children as restaurants should
satisfy the hunger of many. Surfing is not ideal here.
"This is kind of like the old days," said Malibu resident
Richard Mitchell. "There is good food and you can come and enjoy a
day at the beach."
Just in from its sandy shores, the Santa Monica Promenade offers shoppers
a plethora of stores. One can choose from Abercrombie and Fitch to the GAP.
"I spend way too much money when I come down here,"said Nancy
Butler. "There are too many stores too much good stuff."
Down the road from Santa Monica lies the circus that is Venice Beach.
The set of Baywatch and numerous sideshow-like acts make Venice an entertainment
breeding ground. The sidewalks are packed most of the week, which makes
Venice Beach an ideal place to mingle and meet new people.
"The shops carry a lot of interesting stuff," said Kelly McKay.
"The freaks are even more interesting."
The boardwalk at Venice Beach also features tons of boutiques where
one can find anything from jewelry to clothing. There are plenty of people
to entertain as performers line the sidewalk. There is water there if one
chooses to take a swim, but it is not advisable as the water is exceptionally
polluted. Venice Beach is a place to be social, not swim.
About a half hour down the road lies, Huntington Beach. Known world
wide for its surf or lack there of, Huntington Beach offers the best of
both worlds. There is world class surfing along side its pier and by its
cliffs, and there is a social scene that erupts every Friday through Sunday.
Main Street in Huntington Beach is home to more than five clubs and
bars. Places like Longboards fill to capacity almost every weekend.
"My friends and I come to Longboards every weekend," said
Eddie Duran. "This place has a lot of ladies."
Stores such as Jack's and Huntington Surf and Sport offer a plethora
of beach gear to choose from. The Cat Walk and the Leopard Lounge, also
off Main Street, carry some of the strangest and most vintage clothing around.
"I come all the way down from Chino to shop here," said Cat
Walk patron Michelle Carey. "I shop down here because most of the stores
carry unique stuff. The atmosphere is better. Would you rather shop in a
stuffy mall or down by a beach."
Both sides of the piers and the cliffs at Huntington Beach are home
to surf contests throughout the year. The Ocean Pacific Pro surf contest
is held in July every year and draws thousands of people. Huntington Beach
is also ideal for parties and bonfires as tons of fire rings are adequate
for barbeques.
Bordering Huntington Beach to the south is Newport Beach. The new home
to Dennis Rodman also offers a social scene that erupts weekly along side
descent surf spots.
"This is my home," said Trent Chase, a Newport Beach resident.
"What more could you ask for? There are beautiful women outside my
door each day, and the surf goes off every now and then."
Hooters Bar and Grill and Sharkeys are busy with people who want to
party and socialize. Lines to get inside both places seem to resemble Disneyland
on Fridays and Saturdays.
The spot to bodyboard is 40th Street, while 54th Street and the river
jetties offer great surf for long and shortboards alike.
You will not find great surf alongside the pier at Newport Beach but
there is a fish market that hustles and bustles everyday.
"People like to come around here and get their fish," said
Katie Hammond. "The fish are fresh and there is more selection. It
kind of gives you that New England fish market feel too."
San Clemente is about 15 minutes south of Newport Beach and little over
an hour away from La Verne. It is well worth the drive. San Clemente is
home to some of the best surf in California and is the epitome of Southern
California beach culture.
There are surf shops on almost every corner, numerous clubs, and the
beach has great breaks and friendly people.
If you are looking for food the pier and restaurants across the street
offer fine cuisine. But if you are a true beach bum you look for food that
is cheap and good. In that case, Pedro's Tacos just up from the beach has
some of the best and cheapest Mexican-American food around. What can beat
a huge burrito that is 79 cents?
"San Clemente is my favorite beach," said Ron Docks, Claremont
resident. "When I think of the beach, I think of San Clemente."
The best feature about San Clemente is its campground. One can come
and camp on a bluff and look over the ocean.
"You get the feel that you are camping in the mountains because
of the trees," said Marissa Foster. "But when you look over the
cliff and see the ocean, it is breathtaking."
The campground is strategically placed for all surfers. If you like
a break that is similar to Huntington pier, "T" Street is just
up the road.
If you enjoy a point break, world famous Trestles is just around the
corner, and if the longboard is your calling, Old Man's at San Onofre State
Beach is a five minute drive from your tent.
Every Southern California beach has its own personality, unique advantages
and each offers something different for everybody. Wherever your towel may
lie this summer, always wear sunscreen.
