Southern California Beaches in southern cali

[dduckfan1]

What beaches would you recommend to go to with kids in southern cali? We dont want it to be to far away but also a fun/clean beach to go to with young ones.
Thanks

 

[superlarz]

Newport or Laguna, both are close and clean.

 

[Luv2Diz]

We plan to visit both Huntington and Newport beaches. There seems to be family friendly things to do at both.

 

[CaliforniaMama]

We spend much of our summer going to Southern California beaches. My favorite by far is Crystal Cove. It is a State Beach in a State Park. It is just the most beautiful, least crowded beach here (imo). It is just north of Laguna Beach and south of Newport Beach. Corona Del Mar is nice too, but can be more crowded. Coronado Beach (San Diego) is great, near the famous Hotel Del Coronado. In the L.A. area, Santa Monica has a lot of energy and is fun, also near Venice Beach, but I don't feel it is that nice of a beach. If we go there, it is for the atmosphere, not the beach day experience. Also, in LA, Manhattan Beach in the South Bay has a nice Southern California feel to it. I love our beaches! Plan to pay about 15 to park at most beaches here.

 

[tarheelalum]

We spend much of our summer going to Southern California beaches. My favorite by far is Crystal Cove. It is a State Beach in a State Park. It is just the most beautiful, least crowded beach here (imo). It is just north of Laguna Beach and south of Newport Beach.

You are right about Crystal Cove. We always stop there at the shake shack. Great beach.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Moving this to our So Cal section...

 

[MychaelP]

In summer, the easiest to park at would be Huntington. There is parking all along Highway-1 and near the pier. You can also park for free on most streets 7th and up. Take Harbor south to Adams, take Adams west all the way to Main st. Then go south. Turn right before you get to the downtown area (one street before the first stop sign) for the best free parking spots.
Newport very crowded and hard to park in the summer if you arrive after 10-11am.
Enjoy!