It’s supposed to be blazing hot this weekend, so be prepared to hit major parking frustrations as masses of inlanders flock to the sand to get away from the 90-plus heatwave. Read more about this weekend’s sweltering conditions here.

According to my forecaster buddy Adam Wright, the surf all weekend is supposed to be mellow. So it’s the perfect time to bring the young kids to the beach without worrying about them being knocked down by strong waves (but make sure to always keep an eye on them!)
Be warned – while it might be blistering hot out, the water is still a bit chilly, with temps yet to hit the 60s.
If you’re looking to head down the coast – and want to do more with the family than just sit in the sand – here’s some stuff to get into:

TIDEPOOL TOURS:
Head down to Crystal Cove State Park for a tidepool tour at 10 a.m. on Saturday, or 11 a.m. on Sunday. A volunteer will take people around the tidepools to check out sea animals such as sea stars, octopuses and fish. The tide will be exceptionally low on Sunday, when it falls to -.03. Parking is $10; meet at the Pelican Point parking lot. Click here for more information.

TAKE A BIKE RIDE:
At just about any beach, you can pick up a bike rental, if you don’t have something to ride already. Most beaches have a paved walkway, making it a smooth ride for bikers.  Click here for various routes to take, depending on how challenging you want your ride to be. The folks at biketrails.com warn that winds pick up in the afternoons, and recommend starting north toward Sunset Beach. A ride from Bolsa Chica to the Santa Ana River will give you a challenging 17 miles, with Newport to the end of the Balboa Peninsula a breezy 6 miles. 

Here’s a list of bike rental spots, pick one on the coast and you’re good to go!

CRYSTAL COVE HISTORIC DISTRICT TOUR:
The folks over at Crystal Cove Alliance will be hosting an “Open House and Dedication” on Saturday. The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with the regular historic district tour, held every second Saturday of the month. Click here for an article highlighting what the tour is about. Then, there will be painting demonstrations and book signings at 1 p.m. Park at Los Trancos parking lot, $10.

While you’re there, grab grub or a drink at  Beachcomber Café, a cozy restaurant built in one of the historic cottages right on the sand. Tip: Put your name in an hour or two early and they’ll give you a pager that will buzz when your table is ready.

LIKE BIG BOATS?
Come down to the Newport Boat Show, where hundreds of boats are on display. It’s the largest in-water boat show on the West

Coast, with some of the most up-to-date models up for grabs. Be sure to check out the 98-foot Ocean Alexander, going for about $7 million! Make a day of it by hitting up Le Bistro restaurant for lunch, which gives a great view of the shiny, sleek boats. Cost is $12 for adults, kids 12 and under gete in for free. Check out this blog I wrote for more details, and if you want to see them up close and personal before you go, here’s a video of the boats.

KAYAKING:
This is one of those activities I simply always forget about on the coast, but I think I’m going to try to make it a point to get out on the water this weekend for an early afternoon kayak. I’m a bit torn as to whether to do Newport Harbor – where big boats and fancy homes  line the large bay; or Huntington Harbour, a smaller, quainter marina that doesn’t get enough love. I’m sure it will be a last-minute decision. Here’s a few spots if you want to get out on a kayak:
Sunset Beach:
- Sunset Yacht Rentals, 16862 Pacific Coast Highway. Contact: 562-592-0800
- Malibu Kayaks 16910 Pacific Coast Hwy  
 
Dana Point:
UP Sports – Year-round kayak rentals and sales. Contact: 949-443-5161

Newport Beach:  

- China Cove Kayak Adventures
(949) 632-4694

Specializes in guided tours of the upper Newport Bay, Pirates Cove, China Cove, and Mothers Beach. Guided tour includes: round-trip transportation, and dry bag.
 
- Newport Aquatic Center
1 Whitecliffs Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 646-7725

The NAC is on the scenic back bay and is open year-round for rentals of sit-on-The Newport Aquatics Center offers one-person kayak for $12/hour; two-person kayak for $18/hour. 

- Paddle Power
949-675-1215
Sit-on-tops and sit-in kayaks available

BEACHAPEDIA:

If you need the basics of a beach city, like parking costs, information on surf schools, or more things to do, click on one of the links below:

• Dana Point beach guide
• Huntington Beach Guide
• Laguna Beach beach guide
• Newport Beach guide
• San Clemente Beach Guide
• Seal Beach beach guide

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