We went hiking in Malibu yesterday. It's nice living only 30 minutes from the beach. Although I've lived 10 minutes from the beach for the last 3 years, the beaches of California have a different feel to them. The sand is whiter, the water is bluer, and the atmosphere is more laid back.
One thing I know now, after living by the coast for some time, is that I always want to live by the water. Someday, hopefully, all I'll have to do is walk out my door and my feet will be in sand. I can dream.