SeeCalifornia.com

While theme parks such as Universal Studios Hollywood are packing ’em in this week, California’s beaches are offering entertainment that can’t be beat. One of the all-time faves is Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival, which includes sandcastle contests, professional sculptures, a parade and bands performing. The free admission event is a family friendly celebration of beach life.

Moving on up the coast to the city of San Diego, the beaches beckon and so do several festivals such as Jubilee Festival of the Bells at San Diego Mission and Pride Festival, complete with a parade, concerts and entertainment.

In sleepy Sunset Beach in Orange County they’re having an annual Pancake Breakfast, an ideal meal before you stretch out in the sand for a day of R&R.

Another big beach event, Surf Rodeo, in Ventura this week, is a really cool festival where surfing meets country. Surfers compete, often wearing cowboy hats and themed outfits. There’s usually an old-fashioned bikini contest, kids activities and bands galore. It’s non-stop action that brings guests back for more.

A little further around the bend in Santa Barbara there’s a French Festival held in Oak Park, just over two miles inland from the beach. You can’t visit Santa Barbara without seeing a beach, strolling Stearns Wharf and shopping for gifts and art.

Heading toward the Bay Area? Stop in Santa Cruz and catch a Friday night concert on the beach. This week the band, Foghat, known for their song, Slowride, performs 2 free concerts, part of the weekly, summer beach party at Santa Cruz Boardwalk free concerts.