Anonymous
06/18/2026 08:41
Subject: California in August
OP, I get why you don’t want to do the DE beaches (and I say this as someone who vacations there every year), but what about New England? If a beach vacation is important and you have 12 days, you could stay in a beach town for 5-7 days then hit a city or two for a few days.
Anonymous
06/18/2026 07:12
Subject: Re:California in August
Anonymous wrote:If you have 12 days and are craving a great beach, why not fly a few more hours and go to Hawaii (Big Island + Kauai, or sub in Maui for one of the two if you want more shopping/boutiques)?
Alternatively, do you need a beach or will heat + a great pool suffice? Consider flying into LA, spend a few days there, drive to and spend 3 days in Palm Springs (hiking, great food, shops, architecture, pools, 🚡), then fly up to SFO and cool down with Karl, see an art exhibit, visit banana slugs at Muir Woods, warm up again in Napa or Sonoma.
In all cases, think about how much time you want to spend driving and the classic scenic vs ease of drive trade-off…the Californians skit exists for a reason.
Yeah this. People generally don’t go to CA for a traditional beach vacation.
Anonymous
06/18/2026 03:10
Subject: Re:California in August
If you have 12 days and are craving a great beach, why not fly a few more hours and go to Hawaii (Big Island + Kauai, or sub in Maui for one of the two if you want more shopping/boutiques)?
Alternatively, do you need a beach or will heat + a great pool suffice? Consider flying into LA, spend a few days there, drive to and spend 3 days in Palm Springs (hiking, great food, shops, architecture, pools, 🚡), then fly up to SFO and cool down with Karl, see an art exhibit, visit banana slugs at Muir Woods, warm up again in Napa or Sonoma.
In all cases, think about how much time you want to spend driving and the classic scenic vs ease of drive trade-off…the Californians skit exists for a reason.
Alternatively, do you need a beach or will heat + a great pool suffice? Consider flying into LA, spend a few days there, drive to and spend 3 days in Palm Springs (hiking, great food, shops, architecture, pools, 🚡), then fly up to SFO and cool down with Karl, see an art exhibit, visit banana slugs at Muir Woods, warm up again in Napa or Sonoma.
In all cases, think about how much time you want to spend driving and the classic scenic vs ease of drive trade-off…the Californians skit exists for a reason.
Anonymous
06/17/2026 21:41
Subject: California in August
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:The coastal areas can be really overcast that time of year and you might be disappointed. It's not typically raining, just cloudy and chilly. The sun typically comes out in the afternoon though.
No, they are not overcast in so Cal in August! That is in May, June and maybe until July 4. It's like an 8-hur drive from San Diego to San Diego to San Francisco. I would choose one region or the other. If you want a beach vacation, go to San Diego, to La Jolla or north SD county, like Del Mar. Or to someplace like Laguna Beach or Newport Beach in Orange County. These areas are much nicer than LA if you want the beach experience. Or go to Santa Barbara. There are plenty of side trips from any of these as locales. If you aren't interested in Hollywood, etc., you don't need to go to LA. Also, it is hot in LA in August. Going to San Francisco and northern CA is a different trip altogether. But it's not beachy like it sounds like you want.
This. It's called May gray and June gloom for a reason. There is always a chance of morning overcast on the coast, but August is generally fine. The water will likely feel brisk but tolerable, and on the plus side the lower humidity means you can hang out on the beach without melting like you do on the east coast. I think people saying that people don't hang out on the beach all day is because there are lots of other things to do, unlike many of the east coast beaches where the beach is the main attraction, but you can certainly hang out on the beach all day if you want to.
If you like easy scenic hiking don't miss Torrey Pines State Reserve.
Anonymous
06/17/2026 19:27
Subject: California in August
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Thanks for all the suggestions. I think at least 5 days on one beach is probably nonnegotiable from DH’s POV. He’s British and is more than happy to beach himself like a whale on the beach to bake his lily white flesh. He’s also exhausted from work so needs to recharge.
What is special about the Hollywood Hills? I’m not particularly interested in Hollywood or celebrities but I do like hiking - is this some of the best there is along our route?
If you like hiking and your DH's main interest in the beach is just laying on the sand, you could consider a few days near Lake Tahoe. It's a unique place in the world, IMHO, and it has the virtue of beach (on the lake), mountains, and lots of outdoor activities.
Another relaxing alternative with beach + hiking is to spend a few days in the Central Coast, e.g. Avila Beach/Pismo Beach. Good hiking nearby, rental houses, those beaches tend to be sunnier than others in August. Away from the traffic and busyness of LA/San Diego. San Luis Obispo is good for restaurants and galleries for a day or so.
This. And check out Santa Barbara too if you go there. You're near Hearst Castle too and wine tasting inland. The coast is quite spectacular in this area. It's really beautiful but also laid back.
Anonymous
06/17/2026 19:22
Subject: California in August
Anonymous wrote:The coastal areas can be really overcast that time of year and you might be disappointed. It's not typically raining, just cloudy and chilly. The sun typically comes out in the afternoon though.
No, they are not overcast in so Cal in August! That is in May, June and maybe until July 4. It's like an 8-hur drive from San Diego to San Diego to San Francisco. I would choose one region or the other. If you want a beach vacation, go to San Diego, to La Jolla or north SD county, like Del Mar. Or to someplace like Laguna Beach or Newport Beach in Orange County. These areas are much nicer than LA if you want the beach experience. Or go to Santa Barbara. There are plenty of side trips from any of these as locales. If you aren't interested in Hollywood, etc., you don't need to go to LA. Also, it is hot in LA in August. Going to San Francisco and northern CA is a different trip altogether. But it's not beachy like it sounds like you want.
Anonymous
06/17/2026 18:26
Subject: Re:California in August
Our family has spent many summer vacations in Southern California.
If your DH wants five days on the beach, I would stick to Los Angeles-San Diego. It's a very long drive to San Francisco. My DH also loves the beach and loves to boogie board in San Diego. Ignore the haters; it's plenty warm enough in August for teens and husbands who want to get in (not me, mind you).
We love Disneyland but the kids have been going since they were little so there is a bit of nostalgia involved for us. Though, if you have kids who loved Cars and/or Star Wars it still may be worth it - their Cars land and Star Wars land are truly amazing. If you have more roller coaster fans, I'd recommend Universal Studios where you can also do a studio tour.
If you have 12 days, here is what I would do -- splitting up the 4-5 beach days into two different locations.
Fly into LA. Some of my LA recommendations:
- Check out the Magic Castle (you have to stay in the Magic Castle hotel to get an invitation, or get one directly from a magician). We did the brunch and it was really fun and cool. No one in my family is a big magic fan, but it was something different and entertaining and we all loved it.
- See what's playing at the Hollywood Bowl - iconic venue and fun.
- Hollywood Hills hiking if that's your thing
- Rent bikes and bike from Santa Monica as far south as you want.
- Pick a beach and do a beach day or two.
Possibly make a stop in an Orange County town like Laguna Niguel. Possibly do Disneyland, unless you do Universal Studios instead.
Go to San Diego. I second the recommendation to stay in Mission Beach. Go to the beach. there's like an old town San Diego that is fun for an evening. Belmont Park, in Mission Beach, can be a fun night. La Jolla is the fanciest part of San Diego and has shops, etc.
If your DH wants five days on the beach, I would stick to Los Angeles-San Diego. It's a very long drive to San Francisco. My DH also loves the beach and loves to boogie board in San Diego. Ignore the haters; it's plenty warm enough in August for teens and husbands who want to get in (not me, mind you).
We love Disneyland but the kids have been going since they were little so there is a bit of nostalgia involved for us. Though, if you have kids who loved Cars and/or Star Wars it still may be worth it - their Cars land and Star Wars land are truly amazing. If you have more roller coaster fans, I'd recommend Universal Studios where you can also do a studio tour.
If you have 12 days, here is what I would do -- splitting up the 4-5 beach days into two different locations.
Fly into LA. Some of my LA recommendations:
- Check out the Magic Castle (you have to stay in the Magic Castle hotel to get an invitation, or get one directly from a magician). We did the brunch and it was really fun and cool. No one in my family is a big magic fan, but it was something different and entertaining and we all loved it.
- See what's playing at the Hollywood Bowl - iconic venue and fun.
- Hollywood Hills hiking if that's your thing
- Rent bikes and bike from Santa Monica as far south as you want.
- Pick a beach and do a beach day or two.
Possibly make a stop in an Orange County town like Laguna Niguel. Possibly do Disneyland, unless you do Universal Studios instead.
Go to San Diego. I second the recommendation to stay in Mission Beach. Go to the beach. there's like an old town San Diego that is fun for an evening. Belmont Park, in Mission Beach, can be a fun night. La Jolla is the fanciest part of San Diego and has shops, etc.
Anonymous
06/17/2026 16:51
Subject: Re:California in August
FYI - SF (stop calling it San Fran.. cringe) can be gloomy and pretty cool in August. We used to live there for many years. But, it's certainly worth a visit. I also lived in Socal most of my life.
Dress for CA coastal, ie layers. The fog can roll in along the beach in the morning, then burn off by noon. Then in the evening, it will cool down. Also, the Pacific ocean is cold. I didn't go in the water unless it was like 90+ degrees outside.
If you're flying into LA, I would skip La Jolla, and just stay at a beach town in LA, like Hermosa, Malibu, Santa Monica. Traffic in CA is insane. Driving from La Jolla through OC and LA would take you 3+ hours.
In Socal,
- Griffith Park, and there are some hiking trails around it
- Universal Studios which is less crowded compared to Disneyland. Also your kids might enjoy Universal City walk
- La Brea tar pits, and museums - there are tons
- Venice beach, but be aware, it can be pretty sketchy, and you may not want your 17 yr old to be exposed to some of what goes on there. Santa Monica might be better for your 17 yr old
The drive up to SF from Socal on PCH 1 hwy would take longer than going up the 5 but it's more scenic, and you can stop in several towns.
- I would definitely stop in Santa Barbara for a day or two.
- Solvang, maybe Hears Castle
- Carmel
- Monterrey Bay Aquarium
But if you want don't want to spend that much time on the road, take the 5 directly up to SF.
In SF, definitely go up to Muir woods, Point Reyes (you might see whales).
Dress for CA coastal, ie layers. The fog can roll in along the beach in the morning, then burn off by noon. Then in the evening, it will cool down. Also, the Pacific ocean is cold. I didn't go in the water unless it was like 90+ degrees outside.
If you're flying into LA, I would skip La Jolla, and just stay at a beach town in LA, like Hermosa, Malibu, Santa Monica. Traffic in CA is insane. Driving from La Jolla through OC and LA would take you 3+ hours.
In Socal,
- Griffith Park, and there are some hiking trails around it
- Universal Studios which is less crowded compared to Disneyland. Also your kids might enjoy Universal City walk
- La Brea tar pits, and museums - there are tons
- Venice beach, but be aware, it can be pretty sketchy, and you may not want your 17 yr old to be exposed to some of what goes on there. Santa Monica might be better for your 17 yr old
The drive up to SF from Socal on PCH 1 hwy would take longer than going up the 5 but it's more scenic, and you can stop in several towns.
- I would definitely stop in Santa Barbara for a day or two.
- Solvang, maybe Hears Castle
- Carmel
- Monterrey Bay Aquarium
But if you want don't want to spend that much time on the road, take the 5 directly up to SF.
In SF, definitely go up to Muir woods, Point Reyes (you might see whales).
Anonymous
06/17/2026 16:09
Subject: California in August
We went to CA in August a couple of years ago when kids were 15 & 10. I can’t help with the beach part, as we just stopped by the coast for a couple of hours. It was a 7-8 day trip. Flew into LA.
We did Disneyland for 1 day. It’s very doable, and everyone enjoyed it (kids had never been to any Disney). We spent all 16 hours the park was open there.
Then we spent 2 nights in Sequoia/Kings Canyon national parks. Hiking, big trees, a cave, etc. We then spent 3 nights in Yosemite and flew out of Fresno. Great trip, tons of natural beauty, swimming in a river/lake, hikes, waterfalls, etc.
We did Disneyland for 1 day. It’s very doable, and everyone enjoyed it (kids had never been to any Disney). We spent all 16 hours the park was open there.
Then we spent 2 nights in Sequoia/Kings Canyon national parks. Hiking, big trees, a cave, etc. We then spent 3 nights in Yosemite and flew out of Fresno. Great trip, tons of natural beauty, swimming in a river/lake, hikes, waterfalls, etc.
Anonymous
06/17/2026 13:22
Subject: California in August
My favorite part of California is the central coast, like Santa Barbara.
Agree that CA is not a beach destination. Unless all you like to do is lie on the beach. It's not a swimming in the ocean destination.
Beaches in SE and Caribbean are better for swimming, but August is hurricane season so that's a risky time to go to the beach there.
How much of a concern is money?
You could stay in one of hotels near the ocean in Santa Monica that has a pool. Some people could do art museums etc and some people could hang on the beach, depending on your preferences.
Then you could drive up to Santa Barbara for a few days. Pricey hotels, tho.
I have not been to San Diego so can't advise. TO me driving from San Diego to SF on a 12 day vacation does not sound relaxing. But maybe you guys like driving. You could fly into San Diego, drive up to Santa Barbara, and the fly out of LAX (with as much time in any of those places as you like).
SF is a cool city tho. You could also skip SD, fly into LAX, spend a couple days in LA, drive up to SB, spend a couple days in SB, then make your way up the rest of the coast and spend a few days in SFO before flying out. Be Forewarned that flying in and out of SFO can be a pain because of the fog. I would not round trip in and out of SF.
Agree that CA is not a beach destination. Unless all you like to do is lie on the beach. It's not a swimming in the ocean destination.
Beaches in SE and Caribbean are better for swimming, but August is hurricane season so that's a risky time to go to the beach there.
How much of a concern is money?
You could stay in one of hotels near the ocean in Santa Monica that has a pool. Some people could do art museums etc and some people could hang on the beach, depending on your preferences.
Then you could drive up to Santa Barbara for a few days. Pricey hotels, tho.
I have not been to San Diego so can't advise. TO me driving from San Diego to SF on a 12 day vacation does not sound relaxing. But maybe you guys like driving. You could fly into San Diego, drive up to Santa Barbara, and the fly out of LAX (with as much time in any of those places as you like).
SF is a cool city tho. You could also skip SD, fly into LAX, spend a couple days in LA, drive up to SB, spend a couple days in SB, then make your way up the rest of the coast and spend a few days in SFO before flying out. Be Forewarned that flying in and out of SFO can be a pain because of the fog. I would not round trip in and out of SF.
Anonymous
06/17/2026 13:07
Subject: Re:California in August
CA is full of great places to do and see, but it's def not a beach vacation. If you want a beach vacation, go to the Gulf Coast of Florida or to the Caribbean. CA has so much wonderful nature to explore, wineries to visit, towns and cities that are vibrant. I'm not an LA person, but I do love Santa Barbara and Napa/Sonoma. San Francisco is a bustling city with plenty to do (Alcatraz, the Wharf, Muir Woods not far out to see Redwoods, Golden Gate Bridge and Park). Just driving the coastline from San Diego to San Francisco is cool in itself - stop in Malibu for lunch, do a night in Big Sur and hike. So much to see and do and it's so different from the East Coast.
Anonymous
06/17/2026 12:52
Subject: California in August
Anonymous wrote:Trying to plan a vacation for me, DH, DS19 and DD17. I haven’t been to the west coast (I’m not American) so it’s exciting but daunting as I’m trying to plan something that will keep everyone happy
Ideally it would be about 12 days not including travel days. DH is exhausted from work and both kids are working full-time summer jobs. So some beach time for them to decompress is needed. I can’t lie on the beach for hours on end but can amuse myself. We all like nature and some hiking. DD and I like poking around galleries and boutiques. Not particularly interested in Hollywood, but maybe there’s a tour the kids would enjoy? Similarly, not personally interested in Disneyland but I suppose kids could go for a day. Is it good for older teens and could one day work?
I thought we could do 5 or 6 days at a beach like La Jolla then drive north for 6 or 7 days to San Francisco with a couple of stops on the way.
I would love some suggestions from people who know the area.
Is it too ambitious for 12 days? Would it be better to fly into LA and go to a beach nearby so our starting point is a bit further north? If so, which beach would be good for teens but not too crowded or overwhelming plus warm enough to swim?
Go to the LA beaches: Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan are amazing beach towns. The strand is a great place to bike and walk and the weather is perfect. Universal Studios in LA is fun for everyone - and less overwhelming than Disneyland.
Is 6 or 7 days enough time to enjoy driving north to San Francisco? Where would you recommend stopping?
Love some suggestions.
Anonymous
06/17/2026 12:52
Subject: California in August
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Thanks for all the suggestions. I think at least 5 days on one beach is probably nonnegotiable from DH’s POV. He’s British and is more than happy to beach himself like a whale on the beach to bake his lily white flesh. He’s also exhausted from work so needs to recharge.
What is special about the Hollywood Hills? I’m not particularly interested in Hollywood or celebrities but I do like hiking - is this some of the best there is along our route?
If you like hiking and your DH's main interest in the beach is just laying on the sand, you could consider a few days near Lake Tahoe. It's a unique place in the world, IMHO, and it has the virtue of beach (on the lake), mountains, and lots of outdoor activities.
Another relaxing alternative with beach + hiking is to spend a few days in the Central Coast, e.g. Avila Beach/Pismo Beach. Good hiking nearby, rental houses, those beaches tend to be sunnier than others in August. Away from the traffic and busyness of LA/San Diego. San Luis Obispo is good for restaurants and galleries for a day or so.
Thanks. I will have a look at that area.
Anonymous
06/17/2026 12:51
Subject: California in August
Anonymous wrote:The coastal areas can be really overcast that time of year and you might be disappointed. It's not typically raining, just cloudy and chilly. The sun typically comes out in the afternoon though.
Ugh! Are there any beaches right in the south of California which are warmer and sunnier? Maybe I’m trying to check too many boxes in one trip. I don’t really want to go to the Delaware beaches. They are okay, but I am Australian and my standards are high 😁. Guess I’m trying to combine my desire to explore the US and see the West Coast with everyone else else’s desire to chillax a little.
I just looked at the location of Lake Tahoe. It’s quite far north – would it be cloudy and the water quite cold too?
Anonymous
06/17/2026 12:05
Subject: California in August
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Thanks for all the suggestions. I think at least 5 days on one beach is probably nonnegotiable from DH’s POV. He’s British and is more than happy to beach himself like a whale on the beach to bake his lily white flesh. He’s also exhausted from work so needs to recharge.
What is special about the Hollywood Hills? I’m not particularly interested in Hollywood or celebrities but I do like hiking - is this some of the best there is along our route?
If you like hiking and your DH's main interest in the beach is just laying on the sand, you could consider a few days near Lake Tahoe. It's a unique place in the world, IMHO, and it has the virtue of beach (on the lake), mountains, and lots of outdoor activities.
Another relaxing alternative with beach + hiking is to spend a few days in the Central Coast, e.g. Avila Beach/Pismo Beach. Good hiking nearby, rental houses, those beaches tend to be sunnier than others in August. Away from the traffic and busyness of LA/San Diego. San Luis Obispo is good for restaurants and galleries for a day or so.