Coastal California Facts for Kids

Map of counties commonly seen as constituting coastal California

Coastal California, also known as the California Coastline or the Golden Coast, is the part of the U.S. state of California that touches the Pacific Ocean. It's not just a geographical area; it also has its own special culture, economy, and way of life.

Geography of Coastal California
- Coastal Climate
- Counties Along the Coast
Life in Coastal California
Images for kids
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Geography of Coastal California

The California coastline stretches for many miles and includes different areas like the North Coast, the San Francisco Bay Area, the Central Coast, and the South Coast.

The land along the coast is slowly being worn away by natural processes. This process is happening faster because of climate change. Over the last 100 years, the ocean water has risen less than 6 inches along California's coast. However, scientists expect the water to rise much more in the next 100 years, possibly as much as 9 feet. This could affect many homes built very close to the sea.

Coastal Climate

The Three Arch Bay community along the coast of Laguna Beach, Orange County

The weather in Coastal California is greatly affected by how close it is to the cold California Current in the ocean. It also has many different microclimates, which are small areas with unique weather patterns. Because of the hills and coastal mountains, summer and winter temperatures are kept mild by ocean currents and fog. This means the coast often stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter compared to inland areas, even those just 10 miles away.

The area around Point Conception often divides the coast into two main climate zones in mid-summer. South and east of this point tend to be warmer, while areas to the north are cooler. The hottest weather often arrives in September, which is later than in most other parts of the United States.

Over time, droughts (periods of very little rain) and wildfires have become more common. They now happen throughout the year, not just in certain seasons. This puts a lot of stress on the region's water security, making it harder to get enough water. Also, long droughts and changes in how land is used are causing the shoreline to shrink in some areas, like the Gulf of Santa Catalina.

Counties Along the Coast

Many counties are considered part of Coastal California. They are grouped into different regions:

South Coast

Central Coast

San Francisco Bay Area

North Coast

Life in Coastal California

Coastal California is known for being a very expensive place to live, especially when it comes to housing. Compared to other parts of California and the rest of the country, homes here cost a lot more. This makes it one of the most expensive housing markets in the United States.