SeeCalifornia.com

If you came to California’s beaches for spring break this year, you may feel a little let done. We’ve wandered the half-empty beaches of Southern California the past several weeks and have spoken with tourists who talked about their California beach vacations and their impressions.

“Where are all the cute girls?” said one single father with his young son, who drove from Albuquerque, NM for fun in the sun. “First, my hotel said it was at the beach but when I checked into the Best Western on Pacific Coast Highway, I couldn’t see a beach anywhere. I nearly freaked.”  The first-time visitor found it hidden behind some residences across the street and ventured over with his child, but it was mostly empty, he said.  The temperature was around 60 and the wind was howling. “Is it going to be better in Carlsbad where we’re going next? ” he asked, hoping for some assuring news that warm temperatures and bikini-clad women would greet him at the next vacation stop.

Shown in the photo is a group of students on the beach at Newport Beach peninsula. With fierce waves smacking down all but seasoned surfers, the small group of visitors wisely stood at the water’s edge and watched. They then decided to play a game of sand football. “It’s kind of cool–we really wanted to go into the water,” said one of the guys. “But when we found out from a lifeguard that the water is 55 degrees, we decided it’s too cold.” The group had a few regrets about coming to Southern California and said that next year they’re going somewhere known to be warmer.

Lake Havasu just over the border from California in the Arizona desert has become a sure bet for sun-worshippers who are greeted with 89 degrees today, and a cooling effect on the lake. In Florida the beaches are around 80 degrees with sunshine–and rain in the forecast. Palm Desert in California is enjoying a mild 82 degrees and sunny days this spring break, along with some student traffic at its hotels.

California ranks as one of the top tourist destinations in the U.S. but competes with Florida and other states for visitors. Warmer beaches and bigger Disney theme parks are several calling cards in Florida. Yet, California’s strategic position in the Pacific Rim means we get traffic from Asian countries. Our largest travel audience is Californians–anyone who drives more than 50 miles and spends the night away from home is counted as a traveler. In-state residents make up around 85% of vacationers counted in travel statistics.