Are any parts of Long Beach, California?

What is a busy California city thats weather is always changing?

• I am writing a book and need a city that is in California and is highly-populated. I don't want something where the streets and sidewalks are practically empty (like Seal beach), but I also don't want something where it is completely crowded (like los angeles). I would also like the city to be fairly nice (not like los angeles again) with nice people and a nice atmosphere. I would also like the weather to be always different during different parts of the year. Sometimes it could be rainy while at other times of the year it would be warm and sunny. I know that many cities are like this, but I mean like where everyone is expecting rain most days in the winter and expecting warm temperatures in the summer. If I haven't asked for enough, I want this city to be somewhat close to the beach (no more that a 25 minute drive). I would like many suggestions because I am making a list and am planning to do major research of the cities on the list. Thanks for any help!

• Answer:

  San Francisco sounds to be the best fit for your book. This city sits on the end of a peninsula with one side bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the other side by San Francisco Bay. It has many micro-climates of sunshine, fog, winds and cooler weather especially, in the Summer. The population is around 750,000+ with a variety of ethnic neighborhoods. It has an ocean beach on the west side with surfers and sailboarders riding the waves. If you are looking for social drama too, San Francisco can provide that. Good luck with your book.