What is the point of working out all spring if one has no place to show off? The beaches around the Bay Area are the perfect unique places to impress a crush with one’s abs of steel or ridiculous badonkadonk. Girls and guys alike can take advantage of California’s great location on the West coast to have some well-deserved fun in the warm sun.

Capitola

Capitola Beach is known as one of the prettiest beaches in California. Located along the waterfront in downtown Capitola, it comes complete with great views of the Monterey Bay and is dotted with a string of colorful cottages.
Beach-goers can enjoy the festive atmosphere for free; there is a visitor’s parking lot that is a cost-free alternative to a parking meter.

Those who enjoy calm pastimes such as fishing can do so on the pier, while the more adventurous ones can partake in some volleyball on the beach or check out the cute surfers.

One disadvantage is that Santa Cruz beaches are foggy throughout the year until mid-summer, so the best time to come to Capitola Beach would be when the weather is warm.

Aptos

Aptos is a small town neighboring Santa Cruz and is relatively close to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Its beaches are best known for surfing and bodyboarding.

The beaches in Aptos are not for people who just go to suntan or chill with friends. Aptos’ beaches are used more for training or surfing competitions and are frequented by a small and dedicated group of surfers who make use of its legendary waves. People should bring wetsuits and check out the waves, or sit back and enjoy serious surfers battling it out. Aptos is surrounded by tall hills and forests, so it is mostly breezy throughout the year.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is the spot for an extended beachside stay. Located approximately 25 miles from San Francisco, it has beaches all along its shore. Its broad, sandy beaches are great for sunbathing, picnicking and fishing. There are also campgrounds for those who wish to stay longer.

Half Moon Bay is a great place for a family vacation because there are so many diverse activities that one can take part in. Parents can sit on the beach under umbrellas and keep an eye out on the kids, teenagers can go surfing or hang out with friends and younger children can enjoy all the wildlife that Half Moon Bay has to offer. Sea lions can often be spotted, and those who are lucky may see a whale emerge from the waves.

The only drawback about Half Moon Bay is that warm weather is rare, even in the summer. So come prepared with hoodies and warm towels to brave the chilly wind.