Best and Closest Beach from DL

[RuthieT]

We would enjoy spending a half a day or something while visiting and see and do some shopping along the beach. Where is the best place?

 

[noryglory]

Hi Ruthie, we're interested in doing this too next year. Previous discussions seem to include Newport and Huntington as best possibilities...if you do a search (might have been on the "southern california" board) you will probably find the threads I saw a few weeks ago listing pros and cons and travel times, etc. Although people will probably chime in again!

I'm wondering if we can't rent a car for a day trip out there. Anyone ever do this from the Disney hotels--how easy and what is the approximate cost?

 

[CanadianPaco]

Bump.

 

[Shell0616]

I'm curious about this too. I was thinking of driving to Disneyland next time. If I am going to have a vehicle there I want to take a day and go to the beach.

I'm a little scared to drive in and around L.A and dont want to end up lost.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[DangerMouse]

Amy&Dan just returned from DLR and did a brief trip report. She said that Huntington Beach was awesome. I have read it is a favorite on a couple other boards as well.

Here's a link to her post:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1503670

 

[tmatthews]

huntington was nice but we enjoyed laguana more! Ask hotel for directions or mapquest before you go. we rented a car for the week and the ride was not bad. Parking was $10.

 

[beckanoah]

I just went to Laguna last month as well. I parked on a side street with a meter, and paid $2.00.

It was pretty. We were only there about an hour though.

VERY easy to get to, as well.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Amy&Dan just returned from DLR and did a brief trip report. She said that Huntington Beach was awesome. I have read it is a favorite on a couple other boards as well.

Here's a link to her post:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1503670

Thanks for the mention Dangermouse! I have to add that we ate lunch at Ruby's one day which was on the end of the pier and Dukes another day, which was more upscale. Both were very nice. We really enjoyed our two days there, I cannot compare to other beaches but I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed with Huntington. It took about a half hour, even with returning during afternoon rush hour.

 

[dizneyfreakz]

As a SoCal native, I'm going to have to add another for Huntington. Also check out San Clemente if you don't mind a small drive. Famous surfing beach. Also Santa Monica Pier is nice to go to. The Promenade is a cool outdoor mall.

 

[casaazul]

We always go to Huntington Beach. Lots to do near the pier! We had a great time playing in the sand and mom and dad "enjoyed" watching people!! LOL!

Have a great time.

 

[6ofus2]

We went to the Santa Monica Pier in June and it was great! We went to the aquarium (small, but hey $2 for adults & kids are free).