Sand, Sunburns, and Stress: The Truth About California Beach Events
Think California beach events are all sun, surf, and fun? Think again. These gatherings are often overpriced, overcrowded, and overrated. Here are 12 reasons why California’s beach events are more trouble than they’re worth.
1. Huntington Beach US Open of Surfing
Sure, it’s cool to watch pro surfers, but the Huntington Beach US Open of Surfing turns the area into a madhouse. Held every July, expect packed beaches, rowdy crowds, and overpriced food stalls. If you’re not into shoulder-to-shoulder mayhem, skip it.
2. Venice Beach Music Fest
Venice Beach Music Fest promises art, music, and cultural experiences, but it’s more like a noisy flea market with subpar acts. Happening every August, it’s a cacophony of wannabe artists and overpriced knick-knacks, with little of the “culture” it advertises.
3. Hermosa Beach AVP Volleyball Tournament
Watching beach volleyball sounds fun until you’re crammed into tiny bleachers under the blazing sun. The Hermosa Beach AVP Volleyball Tournament in July costs around $60 for decent seats, and you’ll pay through the nose for sunscreen and water.
4. San Diego Bayfair
San Diego Bayfair in September boasts hydroplane boat races, but it’s mostly an excuse for drunken debauchery. Tickets are $20, but prepare for price gouging on everything from parking to refreshments. The noise and drunken crowd? No thanks.
5. Newport Beach Film Festival
The Newport Beach Film Festival tries to be the Sundance of the West Coast but falls flat with overpriced tickets (up to $225 for an all-access pass) and pretentious vibes. Held in April, it’s more about being seen than seeing good films.
6. Santa Monica Pier Twilight Concerts
Free concerts on the pier sound great until you’re battling thousands of people for a spot. The Santa Monica Pier Twilight Concerts every summer turn into a sardine can of sweaty bodies and mediocre performances. Good luck finding parking!
7. Pacific Airshow, Huntington Beach
The Pacific Airshow in October might impress aviation enthusiasts, but the rest of us are left dealing with noise pollution and massive traffic jams. VIP tickets are $200, and you still have to squint up at the sky, hoping for a decent view.
8. Long Beach Sea Festival
The Long Beach Sea Festival stretches all summer long, with a mishmash of events that are poorly organized and underwhelming. From sandcastle contests to boat races, it’s more hassle than it’s worth, and finding event details is a scavenger hunt.
9. Malibu Chili Cook-Off
Who thought combining beach heat and chili was a good idea? The Malibu Chili Cook-Off every Labor Day weekend is a pricey ($15 entry) mess of long lines and upset stomachs. Enjoy sweating it out in the sun while you wait for your turn at the port-a-potty.
10. Santa Cruz Wharf to Wharf Race
The Santa Cruz Wharf to Wharf Race every July turns the scenic coastal town into a chaotic mess. The $45 entry fee gets you a crowded run along a route with barely enough space to breathe, let alone enjoy the views.
11. La Jolla Cove Rough Water Swim
If fighting through waves and crowds sounds fun, the La Jolla Cove Rough Water Swim is for you. Held every September, it’s $50 to enter, but you’re more likely to get kicked in the face by another swimmer than to enjoy a serene swim.
12. Huntington Beach Kite Party
Kites can be relaxing, but the Huntington Beach Kite Party in March is anything but. It’s crowded, with tangled strings and overpriced kite vendors. It’s free to watch, but you’ll pay dearly in frustration and sunburn.
Just Not Cool
California’s beach events might seem like the perfect way to soak up the sun and culture, but the reality is far less glamorous. From outrageous prices to unbearable crowds, these events often leave you wishing you’d just stayed home. Save yourself the trouble and look for less hyped, more enjoyable ways to spend your time by the ocean.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / AJR_photo.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
