Editor’s Note: Southern California is sand and surf to Trevor Mulligan. He highlights his favorite family thing to do for those surfing Los Angeles for fun in our week-long celebration of “Summer in Our City Dads Group Cities.”

If you happen to be vacationing in Southern California, there is plenty to do: Disneyland, film studio tours, one of the countless museums. But for one day, you should forget all of those touristy things and have a true native experience: Go to Venice Beach and do a little surfing.

Surfing is my absolute favorite father-and-son activity, and I am not sure there is anything more Southern California than riding the waves. Whether you’re getting on a board for the first time or you’re a seasoned rider searching for L.A.’s best breaks, there’s something for everyone. Beginners can learn how to surf with mellow, consistent waves, while experts can head toward the big stuff. If you are up for some fun in the sun, I recommend you check out Aloha Brothers Surf Lessons. This is as good as it gets (and Yelp agrees).

You not only get to spend some time at the Venice Beach with its famous boardwalk (bike rentals available for the landlubbers among you). The boardwalk stretches over two miles and hosts hundreds of street vendors and performers along with numerous privately owned restaurants and food venues. Various activities are offered including but not limited to basketball, paddle tennis and handball tournaments, body building at the world famous Muscle Beach Venice gym, and other special events. Also check out the nearby Santa Monica Pier and shopping at the Third Street Promenade, but you will get an experience that will make your friends green with envy, and you and your child will remember for the rest of your lives. Hang loose and enjoy the ride of a lifetime!