Let's Go to the Beach

By the San Clemente Pier

Trestles - crowded but good

My all-time favorite activity is "going to the beach". This encompasses surfing, bodysurfing, boogie boarding, swimming, laying out in the sun, reading, bocce ball, football, picnic, walking down the beach, etc, etc. In my mind, the options are limitless when it comes to spending a day at the beach. Jordi, on the other hand, likes to surf, get dry, and then leave to get out of the sun. Luckily I found an old beach umbrella I got from a garage sale, and he can stay happy under that.
So with the sunny days, warm water, south swells and a beach umbrella - we are set, and have been spending every spare minute at the beach! When deciding on what local beach to grace with our presence for the day, these are some pro's and con's, and issues to be weighed before deciding on the perfect location for us.
T-Street - Fun waves for people of all levels, and a big sandy beach, with stairs and fire-pits - blackballed (no surfing) on the weekends.
Trestles - We love the big selection of fantastic waves and the pretty walk down to the beach. However, everyone from other countries, inland counties, or San Clemente groms that want to prove a point go there to see and be seen. It's a scene.
The Pier - Also a crazy scene during summer months, but no long walk makes it easy to take a lot of stuff (i.e. kayak) and set up camp. Areas for surfing or swimming are right there, as well as Fisherman's Restaurant, pizza shop, ice cream store, rentals, etc..
State Beach - With a state park pass, this is one of the nicest and easiest places to go - easy parking, snack shack, bathrooms and showers, and a pretty beach that's usually not too crowded. The waves are dumpy (steep and fast).
San Onofre - If you are up for waiting in line for hours to get in, or you happen to go on a Tuesday morning, than this is definitely a great beach to hang out at for the day or an afternoon. You can drive up to the sand, and pretty much tailgate - and in between BBQ'ing and Horseshoeing you can surf at the many breaks down the beach. Usually a pretty friendly scene.
Trails - Just south of San Onofre, this is a state campground and beach. After walking down a big hill to the bottom of the cliffs, there are a few secluded beaches and mostly uncrowded (though usually not as good) surf. If you can catch it on a quiet morning, you may forget you are in Orange County.
Doheny - Early morning, big swell and low tide? Fun surf session. The rest of the summer? Big Beach Party. Bicycles, beach volleyball, grassy park areas, more foam surfboards than you see at Costco, and lots of BBQ's - this is not for the faint of heart.
These are just a few top spots, and my perspective on them, but there are many more we haven't even gone to yet! Which beach is your favorite, or where do you go most often and why? If you don't live by the beach, what is your body of water of choice?