Results for: California beaches

Californians can revel in the joy of having four of their state’s beaches recognized among the top 25 in the nation by renowned travel publication Travel & Leisure. Coronado Beach in San Diego, Pope Beach in Lake Tahoe, Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, and Carmel Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea have earned this prestigious distinction.

These beaches captivated the judges with their prime locations, diverse activities, and captivating scenery. As Patricia Doherty articulates in the report, the ideal beach varies based on personal preferences, including sand quality, waves, seclusion, accessibility, amenities, and shade.

The complete list of top-rated beaches encompasses various destinations across the country, including Hawaii, Maryland, Florida, and Chicago. However, California’s beaches stand out for their exceptional qualities, offering something for every beach-lover’s desire.

Millions of grunions, hotdog-shaped fish, have descended upon California beaches for their annual mating ritual, known as the “grunion run”. This unique spectacle occurs from February to September, with a peak from April to June. During this time, the fish come ashore during full or new moons and burrow into the sand to lay their eggs, which are then fertilized by the males. Citizen scientists, known as “grunion greeters,” observe and report on the fascinating mating ritual at over 50 California beaches. The data they gather helps scientists study the fish, which are difficult to count at sea. The species is facing threats from environmental factors such as beach erosion, climate change, and predators. Despite these challenges, the grunions’ annual mating ritual remains a captivating natural phenomenon.