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Since summer time is coming around and my second child is due in June I was thinking of getting a baby beach tent or some other UV tent for the family when going to the beach. My husband thinks it's ridiculous to buy one but my son and I burn easily (and so does my husband even though he doesn't like to admit it).
Have you used a baby beach tent and do you think it's a good investment? Why or why not?
Answer
I got a really good one from onestepahead.com. It springs up on it's own and the front and back open wide so that it stays well ventilated and doesn't get so hot (you can close them too for napping kids or nursing). It's fairly roomy too. The whole thing folds down and packs into a little bag that is much easier to carry than an umbrella. I think it's a good investment, I use mine at the beach all the time. The kids get changed in it too so we can avoid the restrooms.
I got a really good one from onestepahead.com. It springs up on it's own and the front and back open wide so that it stays well ventilated and doesn't get so hot (you can close them too for napping kids or nursing). It's fairly roomy too. The whole thing folds down and packs into a little bag that is much easier to carry than an umbrella. I think it's a good investment, I use mine at the beach all the time. The kids get changed in it too so we can avoid the restrooms.
Where would be a good spot for family beach camping in Southern California?
Craig and
Answer
The best spot is Carpinteria State Beach. 12 miles south/east of Santa Barbara. My favorite beach is Carpinteria, which is rated at "The World's Safest Beach". There is plenty of beach for swimming or body surfing. There are some excellent tide pools on the south end of the beach, and some large natural tar seeps nearby, which is how the beach got its name (The Spaniards noticed that the local natives used the tar to make their canoes... the word Carpinteria basically means "wood shop"). Also, there are plenty of places to explore in the nice little town. There are fun local restaurants like the Spot (just look for the line of people on Linden Avenue), the Palms (where you cook your own steak), or Giovanni's Pizza (where they have excellent antipasto salad). There is even an old-fashioned candy store called Robitaille's (RO-bah-ties). Kids will also probably like the surf shop (Matt Moore's Rincon Designs), and Foster's Freeze... nothing like a ice cream cone on a warm afternoon. The trains go by, but itâs a minor inconvenience compared to the benefits. In fact, itâs a source of entertainment, since you can put a penny on the tracks and watch it get smashed flat by the train. Also, there is a train platform about 100 yards from the north end of the campground, which we have used when someone in our group hast to come late or leave early. Camping on the beach doesnât get any better than Carpinteria, which puts you steps away from the sand and surf. Be sure to bring your bikes: Itâs one of the favorite activities besides going to the beach. Just before dinnertime, the campground has more bikes moving than cars. This is probably the most family-friendly camping on the coast. However, youâll need to plan well in advance: Sites book 6 months in advance, so you have to think of summer camping in the winter (Memorial Day weekend books November 1, for example).
McGrath State Beach, Ventura: This is a nice enough beach. Technically, you are on the beach, but itâs almost ¼ mile to the water over the dunes. And no trains to worry about.
Point Mugu State Park: Near Oxnard, it consists of two campgrounds: Sycamore Canyon and Broome Beach. Sycamore Canyon is nice enough. My dad used to love it here. There was a fire about 15 years ago which destroyed the campground, but itâs grown back nicely. Broome beach is a windswept parking lot just off PCH. Not much in the way of amenities here.
Leo Carrillo State Park, Malibu: Note the name. Most people call it Leo Carrillo State Beach, but itâs on the inland side of PCH, and you can walk under PCH to get to the beach. Since the beach is covered with large rocks, itâs low on my list of favorite campsites.
Doheney State Beach, Dana Point: This is one of the few campgrounds that have actual beachfront sites. There is a VERY nice park next door, and you are within walking distance of the Dana Point Harbor and shops. Just across PCH and the RR tracks, there is a condo development where you could pay hundreds per night to stay. Or, you could pay twenty bucks and camp right on the beach. The choice is yours. This is another one of my favorite spots for tent camping.
The best spot is Carpinteria State Beach. 12 miles south/east of Santa Barbara. My favorite beach is Carpinteria, which is rated at "The World's Safest Beach". There is plenty of beach for swimming or body surfing. There are some excellent tide pools on the south end of the beach, and some large natural tar seeps nearby, which is how the beach got its name (The Spaniards noticed that the local natives used the tar to make their canoes... the word Carpinteria basically means "wood shop"). Also, there are plenty of places to explore in the nice little town. There are fun local restaurants like the Spot (just look for the line of people on Linden Avenue), the Palms (where you cook your own steak), or Giovanni's Pizza (where they have excellent antipasto salad). There is even an old-fashioned candy store called Robitaille's (RO-bah-ties). Kids will also probably like the surf shop (Matt Moore's Rincon Designs), and Foster's Freeze... nothing like a ice cream cone on a warm afternoon. The trains go by, but itâs a minor inconvenience compared to the benefits. In fact, itâs a source of entertainment, since you can put a penny on the tracks and watch it get smashed flat by the train. Also, there is a train platform about 100 yards from the north end of the campground, which we have used when someone in our group hast to come late or leave early. Camping on the beach doesnât get any better than Carpinteria, which puts you steps away from the sand and surf. Be sure to bring your bikes: Itâs one of the favorite activities besides going to the beach. Just before dinnertime, the campground has more bikes moving than cars. This is probably the most family-friendly camping on the coast. However, youâll need to plan well in advance: Sites book 6 months in advance, so you have to think of summer camping in the winter (Memorial Day weekend books November 1, for example).
McGrath State Beach, Ventura: This is a nice enough beach. Technically, you are on the beach, but itâs almost ¼ mile to the water over the dunes. And no trains to worry about.
Point Mugu State Park: Near Oxnard, it consists of two campgrounds: Sycamore Canyon and Broome Beach. Sycamore Canyon is nice enough. My dad used to love it here. There was a fire about 15 years ago which destroyed the campground, but itâs grown back nicely. Broome beach is a windswept parking lot just off PCH. Not much in the way of amenities here.
Leo Carrillo State Park, Malibu: Note the name. Most people call it Leo Carrillo State Beach, but itâs on the inland side of PCH, and you can walk under PCH to get to the beach. Since the beach is covered with large rocks, itâs low on my list of favorite campsites.
Doheney State Beach, Dana Point: This is one of the few campgrounds that have actual beachfront sites. There is a VERY nice park next door, and you are within walking distance of the Dana Point Harbor and shops. Just across PCH and the RR tracks, there is a condo development where you could pay hundreds per night to stay. Or, you could pay twenty bucks and camp right on the beach. The choice is yours. This is another one of my favorite spots for tent camping.
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Title Post: Baby beach tents: Has anyone used one before and do you think it's a good investment?
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Rating: 95% based on 9878 ratings. 4,5 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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