Check here for some photographs and more details of Southern California Beaches. Gravelly in the north. Generally, swimming is impossible because of cold temperatures and dangerous currents. Wide, sandy beaches. Pocket beaches in rocky areas.
Large waves break onshore, which makes for good surfing.
Swimming is challenging to dangerous. Rip currents can pose a threat. Fine white sand, very coarse sand, or even cobbles. Some beaches are sand on top of hard rock. Hypothermia is a major concern for any swimmer.