those things... don't go together on July 4. The fact you're asking at 11:30 and not 5:30am means it's already too late to find an uncrowded beach with parking.
lol there’s no such thing. But if you don’t mind a workout, 1000 steps can be emptier than other beaches because it’s sort of a hassle. The parking still sucks and while it’s not actually 1000 steps, getting back to your car you’ll be walking up 300 something steep stairway steps and it is not fun if you’re not relatively in shape.
Oh there was a beach in San Diego , the beach was very crowded but, after the fire work show they had a huge marshmallow fight. I hope they still do it. So much fun. Don't remember the beach I was a little incapacitated.
Bolsa Chica up by Tower 25 area frequently has parking on busy days but it is 13:00 as I write this. I'm skeptical you'll get in. The line to pay is probably 30+ min.
If you're fit and travel light, you might get lucky with the south Laguna Beach hole in the wall beaches like Table Rock. You have to circle the neighborhood until you spot people leaving and be willing to walk half a mile and do hundreds of steps.
Same with Salt Creek. Hover in the parking lot up top until someone leaves.
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