Beaches in SoCal

[c&m]

We're planning a side visit to the beach when we head to DL in March next year. Can anyone tell me what the nicest beaches were? We're thinking Huntington Beach and Long Beach. Are they OK?

Thanks in advance!

 

[jordanyosh]

Long beach is really a city with Beach in its name and while there are beaches there. They aren't the nicest.

Huntington Beach is probably the closest to DLR, but Newport Beach or Laguna Beach are nicer.

March isn't the hottest time of year so make sure you check weather reports before you head out.....March can be the wettest month of the year for us....

 

[c&m]

Thanks so much for your suggestions. I'll change our destination then. Hopefully, it won't rain on us! If it does, you can be sure that we're prepared. Afterall, we're from Vancouver, B.C.

We probably only have time for one beach -- which one is better? Newport or Laguna?

 

[Claire L]

I have been to Newport Beach twice now and it is really lovely especially Balboa Island which is a 5 minute ferry ride away from the peninsula. Although I can't comment on Laguna as I have never been there so perhaps I am a bit biased! Also with Newport Beach inland a few minutes drive is a nice shopping mall called Fashion Island so if the weather isn't too great you do have some other things to do. We stayed at the Hyatt Newporter which is a lovely hotel and close to the back bay and a 10 minute drive to the beach.
Claire

 

[jordanyosh]

I would have to agree due to location. Newport Beach is a little closer and depending on traffic you bypass freeways and just take surface streets....

 

[c&m]

Newport Beach sounds OK to us. We have actually been there, but just to sleep. Three years ago, we stayed at the Newport Dunes RV Resort. It looked lovely, but because we spent our days and nights at DL, we never had a chance to explore Newport Beach.

Besides Fashion Island and the beach, what else is there at Newport? Are there any recommendations for hotels/resorts that we should stay at? Restaurants (family-friendly) that we should try out? Would love to hear about your experiences here.

TIA!

 

[Claire L]

The Hyatt is really nice has three swimming pools and one is huge. As for restaurants there is a Hard Rock Cafe at Fashon Island and down on Balboa Blvd is a really interesting seafod restaurant called the Crab Cooker, they serve everything on throw away plates but it tastes delicious and there were plenty of families there, be warned it is very popular not with just tourists but locals as well.
Hope this helps.
Claire

 

[QueenTriton]

Try Ruby's Diner on the Balboa Pier for burgers, chili fries, milkshakes and cold beer. It is within walking distance of the Balboa Pavillion area as well. Also, I believe the beach in this area has restrooms, which not all areas of Newport have. If I had someone just visiting for the day, I'd probably take them to this area. Try this website: http://travel.discovery.com/convergence/beachweek/newport_foo.html
It has a section on Crystal Cove, which is a great beach. It's a little hike, though, and if you have small kids, last time I was there they did not have lifeguards. I believe the lifeguard schedule was seasonal at that time (summer only), so I would check out the separate website if it is a concern. Also, unlike the area around the pier, you cannot walk to the shops, fun zone, etc.