Whether you live in the San Diego area or are just visiting, make sure to head for Mission Beach, this week's best beach. Just be sure to head there early, because parking can be a problem later in the day.

There's a lot more to Mission Beach than just sand, although there's 2 miles of that. There's a family amusement park, Belmont Park, that has rides, food, and games, including a simulated wave that lets young and old surfers practice or try out the sport. Another big draw is the Big Dipper, a roller coaster whose relatively small size and height disguise a wild ride of drops, hills, curves, and speed that will delight the most ardent roller coaster fan. In addition to those features, the Big Dipper Roller Coaster was built in 1925 (no worries, it's been restored since then!) and is one of the two original roller coasters built along the Pacific Coast that's still in operation.

The south end of Mission Beach park is the place for beach volleyball; there are games going on from morning to dark. So wear a pair of shorts that will let you play and surf in style, top them with a cool tank and carry a sturdy bag that has room for a towel, water, shades, cell phone, and a volleyball.

You may want to include walking, jogging, or biking shoes in that bag, too. Another great feature of Mission Beach is the boardwalk. It extends for miles, all the way around Mission Beach and down the coast, and has lanes for walking and biking. There are plenty of places along Mission Beach where you can rent a bike or board, too. The boardwalk itself ends at the north point of Pacific Beach, but a bike path continues all the way to downtown La Jolla, for serious bikers.

So pack your bag for your choice of activities, even if it's just soaking up the sun, and head for Mission Beach. You'll have a great day in the southern California sun!

You probably won't need a bikini and flip-flops for this week's beach, but for its beauty and solitude, Crescent City Beach is the beach of the week. Crescent City is located on Highway 101 in extreme northern California. It's on a lovely curve of beach that provided the town with its name, and is the only incorporated city in Del Norte County. This quiet town of about 7500 is in the heart of California's redwood country and both Redwood National Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park are an easy drive. The beaches include Crescent Beach and Enderts Beach, both just south of town, and South Beach, at the Crescent City Harbor. Just 8 miles north of Crescent City is Kellogg Beach, while Hidden Beach, with the head of an 8-mile hiking trail through the redwoods, is 20 miles south of town. Only South Beach has amenities like restrooms and concessions, but if you choose Crescent Beach or Enderts Beach, you'll probably have the sand all to yourself.

Crescent City definitely has a north coast climate. With 75 inches of rain a year, you can count on green year-around, but you can't count on a sunny day: they're as beautiful as they are rare. The average daytime high in January is 53 degrees Fahrenheit, and in August just 67 degrees, so you will want a jacket, and maybe a sweater under it. You'll also want a pair of convertible pants, so you're ready if it warms up, and a pair of hikers, because you can't visit Crescent City and not visit the redwoods.

Beaches here are for strolling, searching for shells, agates, and other treasures from the sea, and watching the tide pools brimming with sea life. From the beaches, you can see historic Battery Point Lighthouse, one of the first lighthouses in California. Whale-watching is great here too and the best months are between November and February, then between March and April.

Accommodations range from moderately-priced motels to pleasant bed-and-breakfasts. There are also plenty of restaurants with fresh seafood, which is their their specialty. But amenities aside, Crescent City beaches will soothe your spirits.