Los Angeles Area Winter Beach Guide

It may not be quite warm enough to take a plunge in the Pacific without a wetsuit, but spending the end of the year on southern California's beaches has a lot to offer. The climate is still enticing, with daytime temps reaching up to around 70 degrees, and crowds have dwindled, making the miles of rugged, natural beaches and nature preserves all the more appealing. And if you think the graceful palm trees and outdoor activities mean you'll have to miss the colorful holiday lights and seasonal decorations, think again!

Take a drive south from Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway, and stop at any of the delightful seaside towns along the way, from Seal Beach to Newport Beach. More than 40 miles of sand, bike paths, and old-fashioned boardwalks await. And in town, you'll no doubt glimpse holiday displays and Santas--California-style.

But wherever the road takes you, be sure to end up about 50 miles south of Los Angeles, in Newport Beach, this week, anytime from December 13-17. For while the holidays in New York bring such festivities as the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, and ice skating in Central Park, southern California has traditions--much warmer traditions--of its own.

For the past 97 years, Newport Beach--sometimes known as "Beverly Hills South" due to its upscale boutiques and eateries--has held its own parade: the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. What started with a few small boats with some simple decorations has now become an extravaganza featuring hundreds of boats from small kayaks to giant megayachts, sailing along the harbor, all adorned in dazzling lights and holiday displays. Christmas music fills the air as over a million onlookers view the festivities from surrounding beaches, harbor-front parks, and beachside restaurants. Many of the beautiful million-dollar homes lining the 14-mile-long route around the harbor participate, too, with extravagant exhibits lighting up lawns and rooftops. Two different parade routes are taken, with the weekend events lasting half an hour longer than those during the week. All parades commence at 6:30 p.m.

If you miss the boat--so to speak--for the Newport Beach Parade, there are other boat parades along the southern California coast. On December 18, you can catch the 13th Annual King Harbor Christmas Boat Parade in Redondo Beach; Dana Point will host its 32nd annual boat parade on December 15-16; and Long Beach boats set sail December 16.

As you watch the millions of lights reflect off the water, you can reflect inwardly on your dreams and resolutions for the holidays and the coming year. May they warmly come true!