SeeCalifornia.com

Love the beach, hate the crowds? or Love the beach, love the crowds? This photo was taken  at a celebration last summer. Special event days where you can expect crowds include 4th of July, special events, and Labor Day Weekend.

BEACH TIPS THIS 4TH OF JULY (Coping with Holiday Crowds)

• Paid parking will sell out & beach parking lots will be full early in the day. Go very early (7-9 am-ish), park in perimeter areas and take public transport; pack bikes with locks and park further away, then ride to the beach on a bicycle; walk the distance wearing a good pair of comfortable walking shoes.
• Be prepared to change meet-up locations. Sometimes the crowds will shock you, and you may need to pick meet-up spots that offer easier visibility or access such as beach concession stands.
• If you want amenities such as free bonfire pits, stake out very early. Beaches open between 5 and 6 a.m. in most cities and believe it or not, beach-goers are staking out their spots that early!
• Expect highway robbery! Some private owners may offer parking for $25-50. Cities jack up parking prices, too, on special events days!
• Have emergency plans–riots, accidents, injuries and allergies are unexpected things to think about.
• Plan to spend time getting out. It can take up to two hours to leave a beach area after a 4th of July fireworks show. Have patience–and gas in the car!
• For specific beach information, visit government websites such as parks.ca.gov

There’s a saying that when things get tough, go to the beach.  Another saying — Life is a beach!

BEACH FIREWORKS SHOWS – Counties: Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte