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Strands Beach
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
5 reviews for Strands Beach
At this point, I am giving this beach high marks. Although it maybe subject to change as construction and development could change things; yeah I am kinda referring those lucky people that are currently building their cute beach homes close to here.
My wife and I like visiting here along with Salt Creek beach nearby. We like this one better because it is less populated. So I would not mind if this review gets ignored, because my wife and I prefer it stays less crowded. :)
But at this time going to this beach will not be easy for you if you don't like the long trek of stairs. That's right no escalators here so no easy way down for now; subject to change.
The beach is beautiful and the sand is very nice. There are plenty of surfers and bodyboarders. There are people who love to run the steps and along the beach. My wife and I loved our time having a picnic here and liked the idea of having a good workout on our legs.
We love going to this beach so I hope they don't make it too easy to get to this beach too soon. Maybe they would charge money for it or it would be private for those people with their cute beach homes.
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Yay Strands!
I usually park here and wander down the steps when I want to go to bodyboard - I go here regularly when I'm saying i'm going to Salt Creek, only because I know this one is less crowded =)
First off, if you don't like doing a little treking, don't come here. There is what feels like approximately a quarter to 1/5th of a mile of stairs with a steep ramp at the end with your name on it here. It's a good way to warm up your legs if you're looking to sponge (Bodyboard) out here =).
2nd, it's a really "thin" beach - maybe 20-30 yards from water to the rocky embankments at the widest portion? The portion of the beach where the trail dumps you out on is the "thinest" portion, and when the tide is high enough, the water will go all the way to the rocks.
As for the water itself, pretty clean, but I'm a little concerned with run off from the nearby Ritz, as well as all the construction of new McMansions going up above the rocks. The breaks here are pretty nice, although they can be a bit sectiony at times.
Waves are some good lefties, but again, are sectiony at times. I've yet to see this place break just right to be epic, but I've seen it push some really good looking waves as well, so it's no turn off.
Locals here are a range, from newbs to groms to half of the dana point HS surf team, to some pretty good spongers. No drama though, everyone is pretty chill with each other as long as you don't snake, so it's pretty good.
Overall, I'm liking this beach a-lot, and it's my new go-to spot for South County. My biggest love is that it isn't too crowded (the hike probably weeds a-lot of people out) and has ample parking off of Selyva.
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The tram is going to ruin it, but for now this is one of the best beaches in the area. Since the first week we lived here we haved trekked down the stairs and the ramp for at least weekly walks on the beach. Even on a Friday afternoon the crowd (what there is) thins out and by evening there are just a few people left. There have been times during the winter that we were the only people on the beach.
This beach really changes during the seasons. During the summer it is a sometimes tight sandy beach (esp at high tide) and by winter it can be a broad rocky beach. It is always fun to check it out.
By the way, hit the restroom before you head down the stairs. There is nada on the beach.
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I have fond memories of hiking my ass down the side of the hill against many dangers, just to get to the little cove at the end of Strands Beach for a small bonfire and a butt-load of beer! So sad...gone are those days on so many levels...A) I'm far from being in college, let alone high school, B) the path has been eliminated by bulldozers and excavators and C) the cove is just a remnant of it's former self and all it held.
But, with that being said...Strands is still a pretty cool beach. If you LOVE to surf and don't mind dealing with hard-core locals, a shark or two here and there, or perhaps a few jagged rocks and waves pushing you toward them...this is the spot for you! Also...if you LOVE your body or just don't give a damn what people think of you struttin' your stuff down the beach in that thong...go here! lol
Strands is accessed by one path leading down from homes up above (south of the Ritz Carlton) or by trekking from Salt Creek beach to the north. And it's a HIKE either way you look at it. The beach is narrow and long and the cove at the end is usually occupied by a bevvie of tanned, high school boys and their boards. The walk is beautiful and the beach is far less crowded than Salt Creek...less bugs swarming mounds of washed up kelp. You also get to really soak in the GIANT homes along the water that have sprung up in the past 5 or so years...that and you can shed a tear as the once smashing cliffs that are now cut up and ready to be built on. I hear the lots alone are going for about 5 million so get your wallets out!!
The only bathroom I know of is near the turn going from Strands to Salt Creek so if you don't want to go in the water...tinkle before you walk!
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i grew up dropping acid here, so i'd like to positively review the faces the rocks make.
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