SD area beaches and toxic algae

Question

Was hoping to go to SD area in july with family for beaches etc.

Aside from feeling sad for the more-than-usual ill or dying sea mammals washing ashore, I wonder how likely this will affect our vacation and 2 little boys’ first experience of beach/ocean.

Better to head north to Santa Cruz?

Answer

Visiting San Diego beaches in July is usually wonderful, but recent reports of toxic algae (harmful algal blooms, HABs) affecting marine life are worth considering, especially with young children.

Impact on your vacation:

Toxic algae can cause local beach closures, advisories, or warnings. These closures usually focus on areas with reported dead or sick sea life, and authorities post updates on the California Department of Public Health and local city websites.
Direct contact with affected water or beach sand can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, or gastrointestinal upset, especially in children. So, if a beach has an active advisory, swimming or wading is strongly discouraged.
The presence of sick or dying sea mammals can be distressing to children and may impact the overall experience of the beach.

Strategies to mitigate risk:

Check current beach advisories before your trip. The California Beach Water Quality Portal provides up-to-date information on water conditions and any HAB warnings.
Choose beaches known for frequent monitoring and good water quality. In San Diego, Mission Beach, La Jolla Shores, and Coronado Central Beach are generally well-maintained, but it’s still important to check advisories.
Be flexible with your itinerary. If a local beach has an advisory, you could plan a day trip to nearby beaches or alternate attractions like tide pools, parks, or the San Diego Zoo.

Considering Santa Cruz:

Santa Cruz is farther north and generally cooler in July, but HAB events are less common than in Southern California. Water temperatures are colder, so swimming may require wetsuits for young children.
Santa Cruz beaches often have fewer closures due to algae and can provide a more consistent beach experience in terms of water safety and cleanliness.

Bottom line: You can still enjoy San Diego beaches, but planning around beach advisories is key. If you want a low-risk beach experience for your two little boys’ first ocean visit, considering beaches north of San Diego, including Santa Cruz, may offer more consistent water quality and fewer interruptions due to algae concerns. Alternatively, maintain flexibility in San Diego and have backup beaches or water activities in mind.

SD area beaches and toxic algae

More San Diego Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions