Here in California, nobody can fathom that some folks haven’t ever seen the ocean. Truth is many people who live here have never seen the ocean or experienced the beach.

I’ve always been an ocean human, but my experience and activities are different depending on the body of water. I used to SCUBA dive the California coast from boats, but now the water is cold for me. I got older and colder 😊. Whether you get wet here or not, many of us that live here can all agree on the coastal views and the powerful healing nature of just marinating in the vistas.

Maybe you’ve seen the ocean online? How is it different?

Let me give you some California examples.

Can you hear the ocean’s roar?

You can see the wide horizon, waves and both the coast and the water. The coastal views can sometimes be cliff-side, or beach-side. Where the land and sea meet it’s always very interesting.

Up the ragged central coast there are giant rocks that create interesting formation in the water. If you look closely you can see otters in the water in the central or northern coast, dolphins or whales along the coast seasonally, and sea lions can be found everywhere even thermo-regulating (laying in the sun to bring up their body temperature) on those coastal rocks or buoys.

Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay

At the ocean you can see all the people; surfers on the waves, boaters in the distance, helicopters or kites above, lifeguards in towers over the sand, sunbathers, kids playing, and sometimes even dogs running in and out of the water as the tides go in and out.

In the tidal zone and wave zone you can see not only surfers, but body surfers, swimmers, boogie boarding, skim boarding, ball games, Frisbee, people playing paddle and ball games near the water’s edge, sandcastle making, all sorts of sand sculptures and fun with wet sand.

Birds are a lovely thing to see at the coast, there are several species in California and they all make different noises too; seagulls, pelicans, sandpipers, and many more.

While most of the beaches in California have sand there is also likely a parking lot and perhaps some grassy or park areas, often with a couple picnic benches and restrooms with cold rinse showers. If you get sand in your nooks and crannies you’ll be happy to see that shower!

Plants, flowers and trees are also interesting to notice at the coast. Don’t miss them!

You can always hear the ocean. Generally, beach sounds include the ocean, waves, people frolicking, some random vehicles of sand and sea, music and birds. The specific sound of ocean waves forming, then breaking, then the water coming up the sand towards the beach is unique every time, and it’s soothing caress is not to be missed.

Sand can be fun if someone knows what to expect. There are things that you avoid with sand (musical instruments) and things that can get lost in sand (car keys), but don’t worry it’s not like quicksand. Oil attracts sand as most of us learned in the 80s when suntan oil was all the rage and the wind would blow sand on sunbathers and then we’d look like jelly donuts rolled in sugar.

Yes you can get sand in your mouth and on your food, but the salt mist in the air and the breeze coming off the water it’s all part of the experience. Some coastal areas have parks that are adjacent so if sand is freaking you out, there are options and your picnic can remain relatively sand free.

You will smell salt from the ocean air and water and the coconut aroma from various suntan/sunscreen lotions.

Afraid of the sun? Kids, the sun is everywhere! Don’t blame the beach for the sun. Wear a hat and sunglasses. Take the same precautions as you would to prevent sunburn and if you plan on visiting the ocean for more than 5 minutes you will want to bring some shade, as the ocean is not covered or air conditioned.

Sports are sometimes happening too. From beach volleyball to chess, there is something to play or spectate.

What to wear? Dress weather appropriately. Some folks wear a bathing suit in the water and different clothing or a cover up over a suit on land. In California many surfers and some bathers wear rash guards or wetsuits in the water to keep themselves warm.

The ocean in California runs cold due to the way the Pacific Ocean currents run down the coast from north (think Alaska). If you can visualize the entire Pacific Ocean as a clock-face, the current runs clockwise with Alaska being 1pm and California being 3pm. The water is cooled before it reaches us here and ranges in Southern California from 40F to 72F more or less. Up the California coast it gets colder towards San Francisco and beyond.

· The coast is generally cooler than inland.

· You can just sit on the beach and relax and take it all in. You can actually avoid ever touching the water.

· You can visit the beach, sit and enjoy the water. If you plan on swimming, it’s not a pool, please do some research and perhaps hire a guide. Make sure you’re at a beach with a lifeguard on duty.

· You can visit the coast and just do exercise on the many boardwalks. Some of these boardwalks are divided into different lanes for bikes and walkers. The sun still exists on these manicured lanes so bring some protection. Some beaches rent bicycles and nowadays, a zillion scooters.

· You can also walk the sand where the water meets the land. When sand gets wet this is where the inter-tidal zones begin. On sandy beaches where the wet sand is, this is where you might find seagulls walking looking for food and tiny crabs running up the down the sand.

· On rocky beaches there might be tidepools, a deeper inter-tidal zone(s), with a vast array of interesting and colorful marine life you can see. Rocky coastlines and tidepools require foot protection. (Well all coastlines today require foot protection due to pollution.) Make sure you’re visiting a location with an on-duty lifeguard.

· California beach parking is rarely free, but off season it can be found. These fees maintain the restrooms which are a helpful resource.

· The magic happens when the sun meets the sea, or changes position. The sun and coast combination are a must see. The coast boasting epic horizon views look glorious and distinctly different at sunrise and sundown. All bodies of water should be enjoyed in relation to where the sun is.

· The seasons change the beach and coast. Winters bring less people and a very relaxed vibe. Summer is more crowded, fun and crazy. I love a rainy day at the beach.

· Hydration at the coast is very important. You’re exposed to many elements. You can enjoy a lot of ice cream and popsicles at the beach, but you don’t want to try to hydrate from a popsicle in the sun. Bring your own clean water to drink and drink up.

· Also bring an ice chest with healthy snacks. Most beach concessions, worldwide, just sell junk food. Plan ahead.

Here’s a schlepping starter list for your first coastal adventure:

-Check the weather and bring a swimsuit and change of clothes -Jacket -Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, umbrella) -Drinking water -Ice chest with snacks -Towels or a blanket that can endure some sand -Chair or seating is optional but nice -Bag to tote away your trash in -Protective bag for your keys and phone -Toys for sand or surf?

Part of the fun is trying to figure out how to carry all these things and keep them dry and sand free. Today there are carts available that make toting these loads a bit easier, or just grab a backpack and make it happen.

Yes of course we have a bunch of banditos at the coast. You do have to guard your purse, cellphone and keys. Get crafty and figure it out. You can do it.

When started diving and early in my life SCUBA’ed California’s coastal islands and kelp forests, it’s an ecosystem like no other. Each part of the ocean and coastline in the world offers something different and often endemic species that are only found in that one place. From bugs to birds to plants and flowers each natural area has something to show you.

Today in California I beach it, picnic and walk long and find a lot of fun just picking up trash while wearing gloves (good abdominal workout). I still SCUBA warmer oceans elsewhere. Gazing at the ocean view is something to breathe in and experience. The views are like no other and might be the most important element (I’m learning fine folks agree as I ask around). Often there are buskers offering a variety of fun music too on the coast, which is icing on the cake.

The coast is a recreational location that offers something for everyone. You can be there all day doing several different activities. Or you can just find your thing, or things. Just the variety of wacky rental gear for the boardwalks, or toys for the sand are immeasurable.

Image by skeeze from Pixabay

Deeper yet, many people are very attached to the ocean.

The ocean saves people.

There is magic in a glimpse of a true ocean view.

There is a majesty at the shore.

It calls to many, and maybe it’s calling you.

Plan to see the real thing. Check out the ocean so you can immerse all your senses in ocean glory.

Our planet is an ocean planet and it is a MUST SEE in person experience. You need to hear the ocean’s roar.

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