Beach advice?

[ND Disney Daddy]

Apologies if I'm posting this in the wrong forum, as it's not really DLR-related. I guess I figured if area hotel questions were ok, then an area beach question would be fair game.

Any suggestions for kid-friendly beaches in the area? Preferably somewhere within a 30 minute drive of the DL area, where we'll be staying. My daughters would LOVE to explore tide pools (with the understanding that nothing leaves the beach). Being from North Dakota, we're about as far from an ocean as possible, so I could really use some direction here.

Thanks!

 

[HydroGuy]

Apologies if I'm posting this in the wrong forum, as it's not really DLR-related. I guess I figured if area hotel questions were ok, then an area beach question would be fair game.

Any suggestions for kid-friendly beaches in the area? Preferably somewhere within a 30 minute drive of the DL area, where we'll be staying. My daughters would LOVE to explore tide pools (with the understanding that nothing leaves the beach). Being from North Dakota, we're about as far from an ocean as possible, so I could really use some direction here.

Thanks!

Close by beaches that are popular choices are Newport, Huntington and Laguna.

When are you going?

 

[ND Disney Daddy]

When are you going?

Middle of June.

 

[ND Disney Daddy]

I've heard good things about Little Corona beach. Anybody have any experience with that?

 

[VandVsmama]

Just something to keep in mind re: southern CA traffic...it may take you longer than 30 min to get from Anaheim to any beach because of freeway traffic. That can vary depending on the time of day that you travel. Southern CA is known for the "June gloom" weather, which means marine layer (aka clouds, some fog depending on the area) in the morning...depending on how thick the marine layer is, the sun might not come out until 3pm-ish. It's still quite pleasant and fun, of course. Any day at the beach is better than a day at work!

 

[wdw_monster]

if u dont mind driving a bit mission beach in san diego is the best!! i grew up there i miss it so much, theres a roller coster and a bunch of other stuff

 

[pixiewings71]

We went to Huntington City Beach a couple weeks ago.....it was GREAT!!!! We are planning to go back when we are there next month.

 

[lapdwife]

Apologies if I'm posting this in the wrong forum, as it's not really DLR-related. I guess I figured if area hotel questions were ok, then an area beach question would be fair game.

Any suggestions for kid-friendly beaches in the area? Preferably somewhere within a 30 minute drive of the DL area, where we'll be staying. My daughters would LOVE to explore tide pools (with the understanding that nothing leaves the beach). Being from North Dakota, we're about as far from an ocean as possible, so I could really use some direction here.

Thanks!

I live in Huntington, and that's the range you're looking at for about a half hour. As far as tide pools, we go to Dana Point. That's not within your half hour radius, but worth it. Check tides first, to make sure you're there at a low tide.

 

[dmked]

We like Newport. We also went to one, I think it was Corona del Mar beach? It was cool since you could see sea lions swimming around, but definitely not a beach for kids to play on, there was washed up seaweed and stuff everywhere.

 

[HawkeyeGal]

Treasure Island beach in Laguna is amazing - a beautiful stretch of beach on one side and rocks and tide pools on the other. It's directly behind the Montage resort, and they maintain it. The only downside is that there are no bathroom facilities. But it's beautiful and one of our favorites!

 

[princessaw]

Another vote for Huntington! LOVE love love it there! Everytime we go to Disney we set aside one family beach day and we always pick Humtington!

 

[blackpoole]

We have been to Santa Monica Beach many times and its awesome. Its a longer drive but its worth it. Santa Monica also has the last surviving pier with resaurants and other fun stuff.

Worth checking out.

 

[blackjackdelta]

As much as I love all the beaches each with their own atmosphere Huntington is probably the closest, just no tide pools.

Jack

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Moving to the Southern California section.

I would recommend Newport Beach. The tide isn't as rough as Huntington Beach (in my experience), and it is easy to get there. There are plenty of shops where you can rent bikes, boogie boards, etc., for a day of fun at the beach.

 

[KCmike]

I've heard good things about Little Corona beach. Anybody have any experience with that?

You hit it on the nail. We've been to most of the beaches and prefer Corona Del Mar by far. Great crescent sized beach and it is a blast. Great parking. Here are some pictures:

From the top of the hill looking down:

From the beach

Newport would be my second choice. We actually did the beach in the day and then went up to Newport (which is right next door to the north) and did the sunset cruise. They take you out on the bay and then onto the Pacific to watch the sunset over the california coast line. A must do!