Bolsa Chica State Beach is great for families! The location is a little less busy and there is ample parking that is a flat fee for the day, no hiking back to your car to feed a meter. There are concrete ramps and walkways to reach the beach and yet the beach is still very deep. The water is cold, as is always the water in the Pacific, but not so cold we could not enjoy it in August. No seashells to speak of, but no sealife around your feet either for those squeamish about that. LOTS of seaweed but they float in large clumps so they are easy to avoid. Plenty of lifeguard stands, bathrooms and a small refreshment stand. No hassling by beach vendors either. A great beach to visit with family,