By: Jessi Soporito
Bikinis can come in all shapes and sizes — high-waisted, bandeau or strapless, push-up, cheeky, halter, you name it — and your experiences in them shouldn’t be any different. Southern California offers beach and water-fun excursions for anyone looking for a relaxing, yet fashionable, way to cool off. Get ready to lather on some sunscreen and suit up for some of the best ways to celebrate National Bikini Day on July 5:
Island Living
Start your day relaxing in a cabana on Catalina Island. The Descanso Beach Club has plenty of options, like their Signature, Presidential and Hillside cabanas, along with chaise lounge chairs. You can even rent or buy folates, like the iconic flamingo floatie, to relax on out in the ocean. Nearby, paddle board and kayak rentals are available for the more sporty groups. On a clear day, try and spot the Long Beach port straight ahead.
Surf’s Up
After you’ve basked in the sun, get your surf on in San Clemente. Located on the southern tip of Orange County, San Clemente is one of the best wave-rich towns in SoCal, according to Surfer Magazine. For this, invest in high-waisted bottoms and a matching, scoop top with thicker straps: you’ll want a stronger bikini to keep up with your board. After, stroll around the small, street-side boutiques and stop by Nick’s San Clemente for some local, American cuisine.
Road Trip
From there, take a trip up the coast and take in the beauty that is Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH. Some iconic stops along the way include Laguna Beach and the Santa Monica pier. Take a stroll from the Ferris Wheel to 3rd Street Promenade and then all the way down to Venice beach to explore its beautiful canals. It’ll be a road trip you won’t forget. Invest in a triangle bikini with a bold pattern to make sure you’re catching everyone’s attention.
Swan Lake
Nestled near the Griffith Observatory and Dodger Stadium lies Echo Park Lake. The small lake boasts a powerful geyser and colorful lily pads in front of Downtown’s iconic skyline. Take some friends and rent out one of their swan paddle boats. Because you need to wear a life vest, make sure you have some bold bikini bottoms on to rock in all of the polaroids you’ll take on this adventure.
Poolside on the Roof
By now, the sun is setting and its cold out in just a bikini. Work your way up to The Standard, a hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, for their heated rooftop pool. It is so beautiful, it’s even on locals’ bucket list. Watch the sun set behind the ocean from a waterbed cabana, or the dance floor with a nightly DJ, to end the day. A black or white bandeau-type bikini would make for the perfect Instagram post to showcase your perfect day.
