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San Diego County

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San O is the place to go! Sure Malibu near LA is classic and Huntington Beach a little to the south is, too, but San O is soooo MUCH better in terms of consistency, mellow vibe, and a place good for people that can't surf frequently.

Down at San Onofre, you will find 3 main beaches. Pay at the ranger station near the highway exit, drive to and park in the sandy-dirt lot below the cliffs (farther south you go, the better because), the southernmost beach is the best for beginners. It's called Dog Patch because the surf is so gentle and perfect that even a dog should be able to learn to surf there. You may not initially realize there are fresh water showers are hidden in bamboo stands between the parking lot and beach. You'll see a lot of cool older guys that have spent their lives surfing, as well as, their children and grandchildren. There are no services at the San O surf spot, so bring drinks and snacks.

After you enjoy the surf, thank your lucky stars that many thousands of surfing activists have been working hard to prevent a private concern from building a toll road directly through (and ruining) this wonderful place ( http://www.surfermag.com/features/onlineexclusives/san-onofre-nuclear-power-plant-2-13-08/ ). Families have been going there for generations and these bonds have been defeating the developer and the state representatives that champion the road constructoin. (Opinon: I hate CA traffic, too, but there really does come a time when nature has to be given precedence.

You may wonder what the plant is that has the spherical chimney stacks just south of Dog Patch. It is one of the US's older and best nuclear power plants ( http://www.nrc.gov/info-finder/reactor/sano2.html ). It's the only one that I know of that uses these types of stacks. Do NOT be alarmed by this power plant, it is safe and does not negatively impact the environment or organisms that are near to it.

You will have a great time!

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