Expert: Steve Summers - 7/11/2006

Question
My grandkids (boys 12 & 13) are coming to visit.  I live in Sacramento but am willing to drive anywhere.  What is the best beach for kids,i.e., safe swimming or body surfing, accessible, interesting stuff (tidepools or ?).
We will need to get a local motel at a reasonable rate.    Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Sue,

My favorite beach is Carpinteria, which is rated at "The World's Safest Beach". There is plenty of beach for swimming or body surfing. There are some excellent tidepools on the south end of the beach, and some large natural tar seeps nearby, which is how the beach got its name (The Spaniards noticed that the local natives used the tar to make their canoes... the word Carpinteria basically means "wood shop"). Also, therea are plenty of places to explore in the nice little town. There are fun local restaurants like the Spot, the Palms (where you cook your own steak), or Giovanni's Pizza (where they have excellent antipasto salad). There is even an old-fashioned candy store called Robitaille's (RO-bah-ties). Your grandkids will also probably like the surf shop (Matt Moore's Rincon Designs), and Foster's Freeze... nothing like a ice cream cone on a warm afternoon. There are a couple of motel 6's in town, be sure to book the Motel 6 Carpinteria South.   It's a bit nicer, and quieter. You might even consider taking the tent and camping on the State Beach, which puts you steps away from the sand and surf. You can make reservations at www.reserveamerica.com. Best of all, the temps are a lot cooler than Sacramento this time of year.

If you don't want to go all the way to Carp, then Pismo is also an excellent choice. The seafood in town is excellent, as is the barbeque. If you swim near the pier, however, you will be in surfer territory. However, the beach is beautiful there. We love staying at the Oxford Suites in Pismo, which has a nice pool and a full breakfast included in the price.

Hope this helps,

Steve