I did the west coast from LA to San Francisco....so many years ago the 1 year old and 3 year old that were with me are now out of college.  We were in a van camper, pop-up.  Having something that size is great for cruising highway 1 and although not fun to drive thru tight towns it is doable.  It did not have airconditioning when parked but out in California coast, even mid-summer it was pleasant. 

I have camped GA and FL with a 24' travel trailer towing with a Ford F150.  A trailer is a pain to tow but if I want to put it away for a few months and not use it I don't have to worry about the engine sitting.  And cheaper if you already have a tow vehicle.

Both Florida and California have great beach front camping, good surf.  The biggest challenge is camping is very popular.  In California we stayed in some state parks that only allowed a one night stay and you had to make that 10 to 11 months in advance.  Florida state parks allow a 2 week stay but you need to get up at midnight 11 months in advance to have any hope of getting a reservation for the more popular places.  Florida has a couple county campgrounds that are a little less well known and we've had pretty good success getting into them - even last moment.

San Luis Obisbo is my favorite beach camping.  Followed shortly by Beverly Beach just north of Flagler.  The latter has a sea wall that you can pull up to and step out on to the beach.  It is ridable out front - wake up, catch a few waves... The downside is it is private and you get stacked like cord wood and pay as much as a hotel to sit on the beach.  They have tent camping and some other cheaper sites.  I think Gamble Rogers is just as nice but have yet to get the planets to align and get there.

The one thing with either the trailer or van is the hassle of where to store the board where it is secure.   Seems like I don't mind stepping around a long board but the Mrs points out that I'm daSlob not her.  So I am forever putting it in the trailer when we head out and then taking it out when we are back.