Advice on drive from LAX to Disneyland

[SLThomas318]

Flying into LAX next Friday and opting to stay in LA friday night (coming from the east coast with 2 young kids so looking to rest and then start fresh Sat AM). We have a car and are driving down to Disneyland Saturday, but we were looking to do a pit stop at the beach for lunch. Just want to show the kids the pacific ocean and let them dip their toes in the water and grab some food. Best beach/area for this? Originally we were going to take a day midweek and do a whole beach day and explore Newport area, but now we are thinking a quick pitstop will be enough.

 

[gmi3804]

Flying into LAX next Friday and opting to stay in LA friday night (coming from the east coast with 2 young kids so looking to rest and then start fresh Sat AM). We have a car and are driving down to Disneyland Saturday, but we were looking to do a pit stop at the beach for lunch. Just want to show the kids the pacific ocean and let them dip their toes in the water and grab some food. Best beach/area for this? Originally we were going to take a day midweek and do a whole beach day and explore Newport area, but now we are thinking a quick pitstop will be enough.

From north to south:

Manhattan Beach
Hermosa Beach
Redondo Beach

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

In April, my family arrived late (10;30pm) at LAX, got a hotel near the airport, and then the next morning drove to Dockweiler Beach for two hours of sand and sun before continuing on. Close to the airport, easy direct drive, lots of parking (for around $9 you pay an attendant), bathrooms. It's not the most scenic, gorgeous beach, but it's still a SoCal beach and we got to dip our feet into the Pacific and see sailboats and guy with an helado cart.

 

[LKing]

Where are you spending your first night? The drive from LAX to Disneyland takes you inland. Driving along the coast will take longer.

My suggestion would be to leave your bags in your room instead of the car. Get up early (you'll be on east coast time), have breakfast in Manhattan Beach and get your beach fix in. Return to your hotel to shower and then head out to Disneyland. MB is a nice, clean beach. Parking can be tough, but shouldn't be bad in the morning.

 

[SLThomas318]

Where are you spending your first night? The drive from LAX to Disneyland takes you inland. Driving along the coast will take longer.

My suggestion would be to leave your bags in your room instead of the car. Get up early (you'll be on east coast time), have breakfast in Manhattan Beach and get your beach fix in. Return to your hotel to shower and then head out to Disneyland. MB is a nice, clean beach. Parking can be tough, but shouldn't be bad in the morning.

We are at the Westin... and yes that's what I was struggling with (beach being opposite Disneyland). Thanks for the advice... def going to consider this since I know we'll be up early!