I grew up in the area and my mother used to bring us kids to the Hobie Beach area also known as the Channel Islands beach area. Right next to the main beach is a very small Kiddie Beach area where I first learned to swim, learned what a sand dollar was, and perfected the ability to skip rocks on the water. My mother would read or catch a tan while us kids would build sand castles, swim with our masks and fins, and sometimes dig up clams...all day long! We would go home exhausted and sleep the rest of the day giving my mom a nice break.
The beach gets run down off-season but is cleaned up just before the season starts. There are almost no waves and absolutely no undertow so you don't have to worry about the kids getting knocked over or swept under and out to sea. Obviously, we now take our kids there almost every season. There is also a lifeguard tower but is not always occupied. They mostly just watch the adult area of Hobie Beach. Occasionally you get to see a sailboat or small yacht go by which is cool for the kids as you teach them the difference. There are showers and bathrooms there but keep in mind they are very, very basic.
The kids also love the visits by the seagulls as they try to steal their peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. We have also spotted Sandpipers, a small seal in the water, and starfish. We enjoy it because it's quaint, out of the way, and enclosed. Not too many know about it so it doesn't get crazy crowded. That keeps it a joy to visit. read more