But as any Californian knows, while the Southern Californian beaches are generally wide open and laid back, the Northern Californian coast is wild and dramatic. North of Big Sur, the waters are colder, the cliffs steeper and the natural wonders perhaps even more spectacular. Find adventures both above and below the water, as Northern California is a haven for sea wildlife (sea lions, whales, seals) and water sports, such as scuba diving and surfing.

• Watch sea lions frolic or enjoy undersea marvels while scuba diving at Monterey’s San Carlos Beach. This small harbor beach is one of the state’s foremost “jumping in” spots for dive lessons and individual underwater exploration.
• For a North Coast beach that has it all (camping, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing) you will have to brave the 8-mile unpaved access road to the pristine Gold Bluffs Beach.

Not all Californians surf; but many beaches make it seem that way. Throughout California you can find great spots for surfing, boogie boarding and body-surfing. A few favorites are called out below.

• Long- and shortboarders rip the surf at the Central Coast’s Silver Shoals, west of San Luis Obispo.
• Bodysurf and boogie board at Orange County’s Newport Beach. The bodies are beautiful, but all eyes are on the superior surf: The Newport Beach Wedge draws expert bodysurfers (and lots of less-experienced spectators) with explosive waves that can crest as high as 20 feet.

Thanks to Hollywood, we all hold an image of the classic California beach: sparkling white sand, bright sun, gently breaking surf, shapely lifeguards and buff surfers. Come and get it!

• At the top of your list should be Malibu, home to 27 miles of picture-perfect Pacific coastline (and picture-perfect movie stars). Families with young beachcombers particularly appreciate the relatively calm waters of Malibu’s little-known Paradise Cove.
• You can’t beat people watching in Orange County’s palm-fringed beach paradise,  Laguna Beach, where crowds of well-oiled and well-toned figures stroll along 7 miles of sandy coastline.
• If you are looking for the classic southern California beach town while in Northern California, check out Marin County’s Stinson Beach with its powdery sand, soaring cliff views, and bracingly cool but swimmable surf.