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Community Corner

Finding the Perfect Beach

Why Calafia Beach is our new favorite.

Whether you go to the beach to surf, swim, build sandcastles or relax, Aliso Viejo has access to some of the most amazing beaches.  In fact, I feel lucky that the biggest dilemma my family faces during the summer centers around what beach we want to visit. 'Tis the good life, indeed! 

Recently, my family has been enjoying Calafia Beach in San Clemente.  Even though it’s quite a bit farther than some other beaches (approximately 20 miles from Aliso Viejo,) it meets all of my family’s beach requirements.  Gone are the days when all my husband and I needed were surf and sand. Once the kids arrived, we became bona fide beach snobs. It’s funny how much little ones can change your life. Here are a few reasons my family loves Calafia Beach: 

  1. Easy Access. Salt Creek beach in Dana Point is gorgeous, but the walk between the parking lot and the sand is never fun.  There’s nothing like spending a day at the beach and then having to convince tired, hot and whiny kids to walk up a big hill.  No thanks!  Calafia Beach offers ample metered parking and a quick walk to the sand.  The strip of beach is narrow, which also means we don’t have to drag our beach cart (and our kids) too far before finding a place to set up. 
  2. Just the Right Surf. I swear, my husband sounds like Goldilocks when it comes to the perfect beach criteria.  He insists on just the right amount of surf—not too much, not too little, but just right. My husband prefers a flat beach with no shore break, and Calafia Beach fits the bill.  He can paddle out and enjoy bodyboarding in the bigger surf and spend time teaching the kids how to bodyboard in the shallow waves by the shore. 
  3. Great Sand. Building sandcastles is one my kids’ favorite things to do at the beach.  They like sand that is soft, not gravelly, and can easily be mixed with water.  Calafia Beach has the perfect sand for digging and building masterpieces.   Along with my husband, the kids have been known to build sand forts that attract kids playing along the shore. 
  4. Yes, Honey, It Is Important. My husband may disagree with me on this one, but easy access to a bathroom is important. “Just run across the street and use the bathroom at the Jack in the Box.  What’s the big deal?” doesn’t cut it anymore.  Thankfully, Calafia Beach has a nice bathroom area that sits next to a pretty decent snack shack. 

My family may be particular about what we want in a beach, but we love to explore the coastline.  Please feel free to share the beaches you enjoy with your family!

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