Page 91 - FHM - Australia (December 2019)

ZUMA BEACH, MALIBU
California is known for its gorgeous and sunny beaches, not to
mention the many hot bods that occupy them. One such place
that has all of the above is Zuma Beach located in the upmarket
surroundings of Malibu. It’s about ten miles north of Santa Monica
and what makes Zuma really unique is its varied beach environments.
Zuma is a sandy, flat, wide beach that is exceedingly popular amongst
beachgoers within the vicinity. There’s plenty to do, food available,
and lots of fun and interesting people to meet. If something less public
and more private is your thing then you’re in luck because not too far
away from Zuma Beach is Paradise Cove with its privately operated
parking and food outlets. The limited access means it’s not too
crowded, and cabanas and beach chairs can be rented (and reserved
online in advance).

MANDALAY BEACH, OXNARD

If you’re looking to explore even more and you don’t mind driving a
little further out then Mandalay Beach is perfect for you with its five
miles of wide, uncrowded, and sometimes even uninhabited sandy
beaches. Plus, there’s even a small harbor nearby if putting on a sailor’s
suit is more your thing. Mandalay is located at the northern end of
Oxnard and there’s a large nature reserve behind the beach which is
also open to the public. What’s really attractive about Mandalay beach
is that it’s very affordable and the beachfront has a wide selection of
hotels that charge a fraction of the price similarly located properties
charge in Los Angeles. If you’re looking to stretch your funds over a
few more days when Mandalay Beach is the place to do it.

LAGUNA BEACH, ORANGE COUNTY
When you arrive be sure to stop by the main beach area suitably
called Main Beach Park. This beach feels a little more upscale by
design with its lightly brown sand and rocks along the edges to break
up (and calm) the waves. Main Beach has gently sloping beaches
on either side and is occupied by sunbathers and beachgoers from
nearby counties all looking to relax and have some good, clean, fun
in the sun. It’s also cool in the sense that it offers a bit more than the
average beachfront would with its various hotels, sports facilities,
and its long, winding beachfront bike path. If something more
chilled and sophisticated is what you’re looking for then grab your
sunscreen, pack a few comfortable chairs and a beach umbrella and
head on over. You won’t regret it.

QUICK FACTS!

• California became a state on September the 9th 1850.
• Originally named by Spanish sailors, California is thought to be
named after Queen Califia, a character in the book written by
Garcia de Montalvo.
• California’s state capital is Sacramento.
• California’s state motto “Eureka” means “I have found it.”
• The California State Song: “I love you, California, you’re the
greatest state of all. I love you in the winter, summer, spring, and
in the fall. I love your fertile valleys; your dear mountains I adore, I
love your grand old ocean and I love her rugged shore.”
• California is the most populous U.S. state.
• California is the third-largest state by area behind Alaska and
Texas.