Two Top Southern California Beach Towns for Snowbirds

Sunny Southern California is a proud member of the Sun Belt. Beach towns enjoy a Mediterranean climate as palm trees sway invitingly in the winter breeze. Close enough to Hollywood to allow for excursions into the nation's entertainment capital -- but not too close for comfort -- two California beach towns feature luxurious amenities, phenomenal surfing and leisurely recreation.

Santa Barbara for Families

If you like hiking, zoological gardens, fine dining and family-friendly restaurants, Santa Barbara offers all these -- and more. Whether the children are younger or already in their teens, this Southern California beach town is hip, fun and tourist-friendly.

• Stearns Wharf. Enjoy relaxed as well as fine dining, souvenir shops and the best insider tips on ocean fishing. Visit for a leisurely walk; spend some time looking across the incredibly blue ocean. Do not forget to charter a water taxi tour of the area!
• Alameda Park. The main attraction for families is the Kids Zone playground. Approximately 8,000 square feet keep youngsters busy while parents relax in the shade of the lush trees.
• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Expect the usual dioramas but prepare to be wowed by the extensive marine focus of the exhibits. The kids won't even notice that they are learning something while enjoying their stays!
• Painted Cave State Historic Park. Hike to a cozy sandstone cave that contains gorgeous Chumash rock art. Even the shortest visitors have a front row view of the artistic shapes and vibrant colors.

Dana Point for Couples

Enjoy a first or second honeymoon in gorgeous Dana Point. Make this beach town your home base for boating excursions, some righteous surfing or laid-back exploration along the beaches.

• Dana Point Harbor. Rent a boat for personal use or book passage on fishing- or harbor-tour boats. If you get there early enough in the winter, whale watching tours and dolphin safaris add to the appeal of the venue. Kayak anglers should take note that there is no better locale in Orange County for their sporting activities!
• Monarch Beach Golf Links. A par-70 championship golf course is an excellent backdrop to spending a morning near the ocean. Watch the sun rise as you hit some excellent shots; from there, why not enjoy a leisurely lunch at the club house? Thus fortified, you might even want to stick around for an afternoon round. (Sunset on the course is almost as gorgeous as sunrise!)
• Salt Creek Beach. Grab your partner and go surfing at famous Salt Creek Beach. Sunbathe on pristine sands and catch your breath; repeat.

There is little doubt that Santa Barbara and Dana Point are the crown jewels among sunny Southern California beach towns for snowbirds. Is it not time you checked them out for yourself?

Establishment Information

Stearns Wharf

Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara

(805) 564-5530

Alameda Park

1400 Santa Barbara Street in Santa Barbara

Open between sunrise and 10 p.m.

(805) 564-5418

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

2559 Puesta Del Sol in Santa Barbara

Open daily (except holidays) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission costs range from $6 for children to $10 for adults
(805) 682-4711

Painted Cave State Historic Park

Highway 154 and Painted Cave Road in Santa Barbara

Open daily from dawn to dusk

(805) 733-3713

Dana Point Harbor

34624 Golden Lantern in Dana Point

(949) 923-2255

Monarch Beach Golf Links

50 Monarch Beach Resort North in Dana Point

Open daily at 7 a.m.

Rates vary by time and day; ranges go from $115 to $195

(949) 240-8247

Salt Creek Beach

33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point

Open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight

Parking costs $1 per hour
(949) 923-2280