Beach and traffic questions

[ladyjayhawk]

Is it a bad idea to head to the beach around 4:00 pm?

We arrive at LAX at 12:30 pm on a Monday and would like to see the ocean after checking in to the hotel (with young children we probably won't swim). I am concerned though that we won't get to the hotel until at least 3:00 pm after getting the luggage, the rental car and driving from LAX. And then we will need to check-in and get settled in the room. So it could be 4:00 by the time we are ready to head to Newport and the traffic threads indicate that rush hour starts around 4:00. Is this a terrible time to leave?

Another idea we had was to visit a beach by LAX before heading to the hotel but we would still have our luggage with us. Is it safe to leave it in the minivan while we walk around? The only valuable thing we are bringing is our camera and we would take that with us, but I would still rather not lose our clothes.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this or some other suggestions? Being from Kansas we would really like to see the ocean since we will be so close but this is our only free afternoon. Thanks for your help!

 

[mshrm]

If this were my only afternoon possible I would definately go! Yes you will deal with traffic but you ALWAYS deal with traffic in California. The evening is not bad because you will get parking in the lots easier since the day time people will be leaving or already left by then. You could catch a bite to eat and still go walking along the beach or pier. Hunington beach is about as far as Newport and there is Ruby's diner at the end of the pier that might be a nice option. Either way 4-6pm is still nice weather and the kids can play in the sand a bit too.

The ocean and beach is a beautiful site and definately worth taking the time and hassle(traffic) to experience.

 

[ladyjayhawk]

Thanks mshrm!!

 

[twinmommyks]

We went to Newport Beach on Sunday (Memorial Day weekend), got there around noon and the parking lots were already full and remained full for the entire day. But I'm sure that was because it was a long weekend. We had to park quite aways away from what beach we wanted to be at.

But it was worth it. Newport Beach is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved the little town. We wanted to take the ferry over to Balboa Island but didn't have time, but it looked awesome - some beautiful homes. The harbour was breathtaking and the kids had a blast playing in the ocean and with the sand. I'm not sure what age your children are, but I wish I would have brought some small "beach" toys (pails, etc) for them. We went to the "Wedge" which was cool. We parked on a residental street and talked to one of the locals walking his dog and he said that one of the Righteous Brothers was his neighbor at the end of the street.

The drive on Sunday was manageable. It took abit longer than we anticipated because of an accident (we believe). Traffic was only going about 10 mph for about 20 minutes but after we got past the accident, the drive was fine.

On our way back to Anaheim, we (rather my dh) missed the turn we needed so we took the scenic route up to Huntington Beach. We did not stop but it was a nice scenic drive.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Bren

 

[RADOPT]

would like to see the ocean after checking in to the hotel (with young children we probably won't swim).
Another idea we had was to visit a beach by LAX before heading to the hotel but we would still have our luggage with us.

My preference is to check into the hotel and dump the luggage. That way you won't be worring about it and if the worse happpens, you won't be out your luggage.

You may want to bring the kids bathing suits and towel (or a change of clothes). The water is warm in S. Ca. and very inviting. Check for postings at the beach you go to. I don't know about the beaches there but up here in N. CA we have undertows and rip tides. They are not a problem as long as you are careful and keep the kids within arms length - and keep an eye on the waves.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[ladyjayhawk]

Thanks everyone! Just a few more days to go!