California is known for its beaches. In Los Angeles, it might be Cabrillo Beach where you can watch the boat traffic head into the bay, or at Venice beach with its endless stretch of sand. In San Francisco it might be Baker beach with its view of the bridge and other scenery. Essential to life in California is enjoying time at the beach with friends or in blissful solitude. When I befriended a French traveler on a recent flight and offered to take her sightseeing, she specifically asked me to take her to see the beach.

My tour with Valerie took us on a scenic drive through Topanga Canyon to Pacific Coast Highway, from Malibu to Venice Beach. We stopped at the top of Mulholland Drive to observe the panoramic view of the valley, snapped some photos of the famous Santa Monica Pier, and enjoyed some authentic Mexican food and margaritas at LaCabana in Santa Monica before I took her back to her hotel. Along the way, she also enjoyed a detailed tour of the Los Angeles freeways, and a lovely view of the Downtown skyline in the dark. I'm a local, so it was easy for me to find the way, but if you're visiting from out of town, finding a route can be as easy as asking "Where's the beach, Dude?"

Wheresthebeachdude.com, the world's largest beach directory now has mapped 289 beaches along the California coast. By entering your address, you can get exact directions to your favorite beach. Check out this giant map of the California Coastline, so you can find the beach you want to visit.

Mile By Mile Media has now made it easier to get to your favorite beach or to find a new favorite. With 289 beaches mapped in California, and nearly 10,000 beaches worldwide, WherestheBeachDude.com is the top source for beach information on the Internet. Thanks to its user-friendly community based format, new beaches with photos and detailed information are being added each day.

WherestheBeachDude.com provides maps of beaches, lists beaches within a short drive of most California cities, and by entering your address you can get the exact distance to your desired California Beach. Click on your beach and you'll see numerous photos of the beach and surrounding area. Upload your own photos or make a comment on why you like or don't like a particular beach. (The website also offers links to nearly ten thousand beaches worldwide, in case your travels take you to coastlines away from California.)

While many are bemoaning the current recession, James Love of Mile By Mile media reminds us that, "while we might not be able to afford that flight to Hawaii or the Mexico cruise, often there is a little stretch of paradise just a half-hour drive from home. Often the best times are had with friends, some refreshments, and simple times spent together at the beach." He hopes that his Web site will help people enjoy the hundreds of beaches that run up and down the California Coast.

There's nothing easier to plan than a day at the beach: in fact, it's the ultimate automotive travel location! Just load the cooler into the car, grab a few chairs, blankets, and towels, and the next thing you know, you're out on the sand enjoying the day!

How do you feel about the beach?

1. We go regularly! I love the feeling of the sand between my toes.
2. We go occasionally, when I get to feeling a little stir crazy in the city.
3. I never go: I hate vacuuming sand out of the car!

What beaches do you enjoy visiting, and what's your family's beach day routine? Please share them here!

Photo Credits

• People walking on the beach by bowlingranny
• Along the beach by Grafixar
• Crowded beach photo by mantasmagorical