Santa Monica Beach is a great destination for your California summer vacation not only is it a great seaside resort but a bustling busy city with great shops and lots of things to do. Santa Monica is also very close to Los Angeles so makes a great base to explore Southern California.

Santa Monica has great beach facilities which make it one of the best resorts in California. The 3.5 miles of clean and tidy beaches cater for all beach activities including Swimming, Surfing, Fishing, Volleyball and Cycling these activities are available all year round and with over 340 days of sun-shine per year, what more could you ask for. Safety is paramount and all the lifeguard stations are fully manned during daylight hours and the lifeguard headquarters also provides 24/7 assistance to anyone who needs it.

photo credit: sashapo

At over 100 years of age the Santa Monica Pier is a must see attraction. One the pier is an amusement park called Pacific Park which caters for the whole family with rides such as the West Coaster roller coaster and a nine storey Ferris wheel plus the only over the water miniature golf coarse. There is a Trapeze school which offers anyone of any age or experience a chance to learn to Trapeze, two hour lessons are available to thrill seekers. Under the pier is the Santa Monica Aquarium which offers hands on presentations and lots of interactive displays.

South of the pier are the Volleyball courts and nearby the Famous Muscle Beach which was popularized in the 1950’s and has been seen in lots of films based around the beaches. It has been made famous by lots of body builders and has been refurbished and includes a Gym, a jungle gym for kids, parallel bars, chinning bars and rings.

The ocean front walk is full of shops and restaurants which invites you in to sample great food and fashion. The children will love the concrete Viking ship and the Dragon looming out of the grass. The Chess park is also situated here which includes permanent chess boards and a human sized chess board, you can either play or just watch. The farmers market has a great range of fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, cheeses and much more including great music and food sampling which makes this a must visit attraction.

photo credit: nikijulian

One of the best things about Santa Monica Beach is there’s lots of free things to do as well. Such as  bike trails, twilight dance series at the pier, Santa Monica drive-in,  Camera Obscura,  Santa Monica civic auditorium and the city hall. All these places have shows and activities free of charge. All of this makes Santa Monica a great place for inexpensive summer vacations in California and with all the activities available you will not be bored.

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California is absolutely the perfect destination for a memorable summer getaway. With its inviting climate and engaging outdoor activities, there is no doubt that this wonderful state can provide you with the best summer experience. This article will discuss some of the popular places that you should never miss while in California.

California Has Beautiful Beaches

Recognized as one of the best California summer vacations, make sure to drop by the Yosemite National Park. It offers visitors with a unique wildlife experience and numerous recreational activities.

After an indulging day at the park, have a stroll along the sandy coastlines of California beaches. With approximately 118 beaches scattered all over the state, you will never have a hard time finding a great one. Remember that spending a day at the beach is still the best way to enjoy the summer.

For total fun and entertainment, check out the Six Flags Magic Mountain. It is well-renowned amusement park featuring thrilling rides, great restaurants, souvenir shops, terrific shows and exciting games.

Yosemite National Park

When you are vacation planning and you are travelling with your kids, then you should definitely plan to visit Lego Land.  Situated at Carlsbad, your children will definitely enjoy exploring this 128 acres theme park.  It offers spectacular rides, live shows, great performers and mini-lands created from Lego blocks.

Also, come by the newly opened Sea Aquarium.  This 36,000 square-foot aquarium houses over 200 species of sea creatures.  There interactive quizzes and fish facts will help children to understand the importance of preserving these water life forms.

After knowing the best California summer vacations, it will now be much easier for you to create wonderful memories while at the same time making the most out of your trip. No matter who you are with you will certainly enjoy every minute of your stay in this amazing state.