Beach after arriving?

[katyringo]

edit: we are flying into SNA not LAX

We don't plan to hit Disney on arrival day.. but will still take an early morning flight, that with the time change will have us landing 9-10am.

I would like to take my kiddos to see the ocean. I was thinking of renting a car for the day at the airport, changing our clothes at the airport, and heading to a beach before we head to Disneyland .

Any recommendations? Looking for easy to navigate parking wise, food within walking distance of the beach/parking, simple day trip stuff. I hear the water is cold in October so it would probably be a go see the ocean, dig in the sand for a bit, get some lunch, then head to Anaheim..

 

[BadPinkTink]

Santa Monica is not that far from LAX. It has the famous pier with fairground rides, pier shops and food places. I have never been in the water, but if you are only used to heated pools and not open sea swimming, then yes it will be cold.

There is also an aquarium under The Pier which the kids might be interested in.

Its about an hours drive south from Santa Monica to Anaheim.

Depending on which car hire company you use, you could return the car at Anaheim so you don't pay parking charges at your hotel.

 

[China Expat]

Santa Monica is closest

 

[katyringo]

Santa Monica is not that far from LAX. It has the famous pier with fairground rides, pier shops and food places. I have never been in the water, but if you are only used to heated pools and not open sea swimming, then yes it will be cold.

There is also an aquarium under The Pier which the kids might be interested in.

Its about an hours drive south from Santa Monica to Anaheim.

Depending on which car hire company you use, you could return the car at Anaheim so you don't pay parking charges at your hotel.

we will be flying into SNA

 

[katyringo]

Santa Monica is closest

I don't think it is the closest to SNA

 

[sjmac42]

Newport Beach about 15 mins from SNA, about 30-40 mins to Anaheim is my favourite beachside town in Orange and LA Counties. Huntington Beach just north of Newport Beach a little closer to Anaheim is another option.

 

[ktlm]

Newport beach is very nice. The beach area has been clean when we have been there and there are places to eat around the "boardwalk" area. You can also go over to nearby Balboa Island where there are shops and restaurants and you could also take a 45 minute harbor cruise over there. It is a nice place to spend the day. We haven't had trouble finding parking in the area, although on Balboa, you might have to drive around a bit to find a spot.

 

[DLgal]

Go to Newport Main Pier and park in the lot there. There are several full service restaurants and quick food spots right there, along with a bathroom. You can walk the pier (1/4 mile length) and get some amazing views of the ocean and back towards Newport. You can walk the beach in either direction for miles. I wouldn't plan to swim, but wear shorts and sandals or flip flops (something easy to carry while you walk on the beach). You can even rent bikes and bike the paved beach path if you're looking for an activity. There are beach bike rentals and Surrey bikes right there as well. You will need to download the app "ParkMobile" as all the parking is metered and electronic is the easiest way to pay and add time if needed. This beach is the easiest to get to from SNA (just hop on 55 South and take it all the way until 21st, then turn right into the main lot). Getting back to Disneyland is straightforward. Take 55 North to I-5 North.

 

[katyringo]

Go to Newport Main Pier and park in the lot there. There are several full service restaurants and quick food spots right there, along with a bathroom. You can walk the pier (1/4 mile length) and get some amazing views of the ocean and back towards Newport. You can walk the beach in either direction for miles. I wouldn't plan to swim, but wear shorts and sandals or flip flops (something easy to carry while you walk on the beach). You can even rent bikes and bike the paved beach path if you're looking for an activity. There are beach bike rentals and Surrey bikes right there as well. You will need to download the app "ParkMobile" as all the parking is metered and electronic is the easiest way to pay and add time if needed. This beach is the easiest to get to from SNA (just hop on 55 South and take it all the way until 21st, then turn right into the main lot). Getting back to Disneyland is straightforward. Take 55 North to I-5 North.

this is so helpful!!

 

[China Expat]

Newport and Laguna would be closest to SNA

 

[Lumpy1106]

MacArthur Blvd. is the road right as you leave the airport. Take that road South to PCH. Turn left and go to Laguna or turn right and go to Newport. You really can't miss. Lots of tidepools in Laguna and a really pretty main street. Newport is as DLgal described.

 

[Chemist]

By the way, (early) October is probably the best month for the beach. Air temperature is usually VERY warm still, and the water temperature is at its peak. (May on the other hand...)

 

[PHXscuba]

... and don't assume that just because the water is cold that the kids won't want to go in the water. Water is magnetic and the kids always seem to end up wetter than you plan. So make sure you have towels and easy access to clothes for afterward.

PHXscuba

 

[AlohaNow]

Another vote for Newport Beach. I don't know the ages of your kids, but they might enjoy a beginner surf lesson. We did this last October and the waves are really gentle. We also liked eating at The Crab Cooker. You should also stop by 'Pirate House' because your kids might enjoy seeing that. Heck, I enjoyed seeing it. Just Google it, I don't even really know how to describe it!