Robbie B.
Yelp
Question: how to guarantee ...
(1) parking just a few steps from the beach
(2) beautiful and pristine sand on a super-clean, family-friendly beach
(3) easy access to tons of food and drinks
(4) private lifeguard station
(5) cabana style loungers, towels and umbrellas
Answer: unlimited funds and Paradise Cove Beach!
This beautiful beach offers most of the amenities of a Hawaii beach-side or Las Vegas pool-side hotel, but you must bring many clams to reap these rewards. Check web site for current lounge chair ($250 weekends) and cabana pricing (as much as $600 on weekend and holidays). BUT, split among many pals, for an entire worry-free day, you may decide to make it rain at Paradise Cove.
Parking is a breeze (with food purchase, validated for four hours is about $10; more time brings the parking tab to $50). Double lounge chairs come with two towels and beach umbrellas; cabanas come with lounge chairs, table and chairs. Bring your cooler with food and drink. Or, order from the restaurant; check web site menu first to avoid sticker shock. You are paying a premium to have food prepared for you right on the beach. Loungers and cabanas can be ordered in advance on the web site. There is not a bad seat in the house.
OR! Much of the above can be done on the cheap. Park on PCH (free, no meters to feed, watch the signs), and walk down the steep hill to the beach -- free access and entry. It is a public beach after all. There are about 100 wooden lounge chairs, maintained by Paradise Cove, but free to use! Order food and drink from the restaurant if you like, or bring your own grub. Great waves for surfing at this beach.
See you at Paradise Cove.