What is one thing we have here in California that not a lot of states can say they have? The beach!

We live along the Pacific Ocean, and sometimes I think people who grow up here take that for granted. It’s kind of like the East Coast having the Atlantic Ocean with places like Florida, New York, and the Carolinas. The difference is that California isn’t landlocked, and having the ocean right there adds so much to our lifestyle.

Sure, we deal with earthquakes, wildfires, and those infamous Santa Ana winds, but we don’t typically deal with hurricanes and tropical storms like some coastal states do. Instead, we get beautiful weather for most of the year and easy access to some of the most famous beaches in the world.

The Pacific Coast stretches all the way through California, Oregon, and Washington. While Northern California and the Pacific Northwest have some beautiful coastlines, they tend to be much foggier and cooler. Southern California has a different vibe. We definitely get our fair share of overcast mornings, especially during May Gray and June Gloom, but most of the time the sun comes out pretty quickly.

And let’s be honest—Southern California has some incredible beaches.

From Zuma Beach and Malibu to Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Huntington Beach, Pismo Beach, and all the way down to San Diego, there are endless places to spend a beach day.

One of my favorite things about growing up in the San Fernando Valley is knowing that the beach is always there. If I need a change of scenery, I can hop in the car and head toward the coast. Living in Woodland Hills or Calabasas means you’re only about 25 to 30 minutes away from the ocean depending on traffic. Most of us Valley locals know the canyon routes like the back of our hands.

It’s comforting knowing that whenever I’m craving ocean air, a sunset, or just a relaxing afternoon, the beach isn’t far away.

Honestly, the thought of living somewhere without easy access to the ocean gives me a little anxiety. I’ve spent over 30 years in Southern California, and being near the coast has always been part of life. It’s just one of those things I never realized I appreciated so much until I thought about what it would be like without it.

June has always felt like “Beach Boys Month” to me, which is why I wanted to dedicate this chapter to both the beach and the band that helped define California culture.

If you’re from California, chances are you’ve heard of The Beach Boys. Their music practically became the soundtrack of California living. Songs about surfing, sunshine, cars, beaches, and endless summers helped create the image of California that much of the world still thinks about today.

The creative force behind the group was Brian Wilson, who helped revolutionize pop music through his songwriting, production, and musical vision. Alongside his brothers Carl and Dennis Wilson, cousin Mike Love, friend Al Jardine, and later Bruce Johnston, The Beach Boys became one of the most influential bands in music history.

Their 1966 album Pet Sounds is still considered one of the greatest albums ever made and inspired countless artists, including The Beatles.

What makes me feel connected to The Beach Boys isn’t just their music—it’s the memories attached to them.

Believe it or not, I first became a huge fan because of Full House. The show featured The Beach Boys several times, and I absolutely loved those episodes. Once I started listening to their music, I was hooked.

I even have my own little Brian Wilson story.

Years ago, my family had a vacation house in Lake Arrowhead. Brian Wilson also owned a home in the same area. One day while riding around in a golf cart, we spotted him walking through the neighborhood with someone. We waved, and he waved back . It was a simple moment, but one I’ll never forget.

Then in 2014, my friend Emma and I got to see The Beach Boys perform live while we were vacationing in Laughlin, Nevada. Mike Love and Bruce Johnston were performing, and I knew almost every song. It was one of those concerts where you spend the entire night singing along. To this day, it’s still one of my favorite concert memories.

The Beach Boys and the beach itself are deeply connected to Southern California culture. Their music captured the feeling of growing up near the ocean—the freedom, the sunshine, the road trips, and the endless summer mentality that so many people associate with California. And that’s what makes living in the San Fernando Valley so special.

How many people can say they live in the suburbs, yet can drive through a canyon and be standing on the sand less than an hour later? Not many. That’s one of the reasons I’ll always love the Valley.