Best Family Beaches During DL Trip?

[MouseEarsJenny]

In the very early planning stages for our first west coast trip. We're trying to decide how many days to go, and figuring out what everyone is interested in seeing. After a family discussion in the car, it's pretty clear that the whole family doesn't want to fly back to Pennsylvania without seeing (and preferably jumping in) the Pacific ocean.

When we head to the Atlantic beaches, we gravitate toward the quiet national park style ones, and tend to avoid the boardwalks and glitz (think the northern OBX and Assateague Island vs. Atlantic City and Virginia Beach). We're decent swimmers, but none of us can surf (or are likely to learn in a 7-10 day vacation).

We will have a car, and we'll be visiting DL, the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Universal Studios, and hopefully snagging some kind of Hollywood tour, so geographically, the beach should be relatively near one of those locations. Our vacation will likely be in July.

Any advice? Thanks so much!

 

[nana50]

If you are down in San Diego you need to go to Coronado Beach. It is voted one of the 10 best beaches every year. Also the Hotel Del Coronado which is famous and beautiful is there. A must-see for any visitor!

 

[cepmom]

If you are down in San Diego you need to go to Coronado Beach. It is voted one of the 10 best beaches every year. Also the Hotel Del Coronado which is famous and beautiful is there. A must-see for any visitor!

is there public parking at Coronado beach? We are also heading to the west coast this summer and will be in the San Diego area (staying at Inns of America Suites in Carlsbad...can't afford the Hotel Del Coronado!)

 

[magicalfoursome]

In the very early planning stages for our first west coast trip. We're trying to decide how many days to go, and figuring out what everyone is interested in seeing. After a family discussion in the car, it's pretty clear that the whole family doesn't want to fly back to Pennsylvania without seeing (and preferably jumping in) the Pacific ocean.

Our vacation will likely be in July.

Your family sounds like mine! We are also from PA (outside Phila) and are just beginning planning our first trip to Southern Cal. We also want to see and jump in the Pacific ocean. We are also going in July!
We have decided on 7 nights-- 5 near DL and 2 in San Diego. We want to go to a beach in San Diego and I was leaning towards Coronado Beach as nana50 suggested. The Hotel Del Coronado looks incredible but is really expensive. I am thinking of staying at the Glorietta Bay Inn across the street. It has some really great reviews. Good luck with your planning!!!

 

[HydroGuy]

I saw the recommendation for Coronado yesterday and thought about posting then. I used to live in SD and would not put Coronado as a recommended beach for several reasons. One, it is hard to get to. It is on Coronado Island and the far side of the island at that. There are other beaches (better IMO) that are easier to access. Two, every time I was at that beach it had massive amounts of kelp/seaweed washed up and the annoying bugs that swarm around the dead kelp. And three, as I said, it is not that great of a beach compared to other ones.

So, I do not want to be contrary to the previous poster but just offer some more information and opinions. In general the beaches in SD are great and if the OP ends up going to Coronado I am sure they will have a lot of fun.

For family oriented beaches I would go further north. La Jolla Shores is a good one and it is easier to get to than Coronado. It is also near La Jolla Cove (which is more protected and better for smaller kids) and the rocky shore of La Jolla which is fun to explore including the caves.

Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are nice beaches too (the nicest ones in SD IMO). Further north near LegoLand the beaches in Carlsbad and Oceanside are nice.

If you want to go to the beach nearer to DLR then Newport Beach has long been a favorite of mine. We used to stay down there at a beach house when I was a teen. Huntington Beach is nice too.

One thing that many easterners do not know is that when you watch the movies and TV shows of Southern California and beaches one thing they do not convey is that the water is cold. It is not like Florida or North Carolina or even Hawaii with warm water. It really takes a different mindset. Mid-summer days will often have water temps of 70 F or even 67-68F. Chilly. You have to be willing to go in and be shocked by the cold at first until your body gets over it and then you can stay in for an hour without much trouble. Make sure your family understands this and encourage them to brace themselves but still plunge in.

Two things to keep in mind. The farther south you are the warmer the water. And the later in summer you go the warmer the water. So San Diego usually has the warmest water. And August will usually have the warmer temperatures.

So where will you find me and my family personally this summer? In San Diego (well, Oceanside, but close enough). And when? In August. When we were there last August the water temperatures were unusually high in the low 70's and it was like heaven.

Hope this helps.

 

[tanyaewa]

From what I have read - and what Hydroguy just posted - the beaches right where you are staying in Carlsbad are lovely
The diff I have seen in East coat/west coat beaches are that the west coast beaches seem to stretch longer and are easier access.
You should have no trouble spending lots of time at the beach.

 

[tholczer]

If you want to go near the Disneyland area, our favorite is Seal Beach (maybe 15-20 miles from Anaheim?). It has that small town feel you are talking about, and the surf is low in the summer so that we have always felt safe with our little ones in the water. There isn't loads of seaweed or kelp and you can swim out a ways and still be only chest deep. The kids love to boogie board and the surf is perfect for that. The water is warm. It can get crowded on weekends, but not uncomfortably so. There is a convenient restroom and outside showers to wash off the sand.

There is also a small walled in park right on the beach for really little ones (although my eight year old likes to stop off there for awhile) and there is a Coldstone Ice Cream parlor right on the corner of the main street. Lots of cute little shops right off the beach, too. We would highly recommend Walt's for lunch or dinner. Their food is incredible.

Have a great time jumping into the Pacific!

Tracy

 

[lapdwife]

We live in Sunset Beach which is about 15 miles away off the 22 fwy. Great family area, and agree Seal is a nice place to go as well if you want to add the whole "Main Street" experience.

 

[mikayla73]

If you want to go while you are at DL, we love Newport Beach. It's very easy to get to from DL. We go just about every time we are at DL. The beach is wide and there are lots of little shops around. Plus Charlie's Chili is there, one of DH's fave places to eat there. We swim a little, eat there, get a fresh dipped frozen banana (or cheesecake), wonder around the shops, lay on the beach ... very relaxing.

The water is cool/cold to me. We frequently go in May/June so it's cooler then than even in July/August. Hydoguy is right, you will need a little bit of time to get used to it. Never too cold for DH though. I see lots of people/kids playing in the water even around Memorial Day, so once you get over the initial chill, it's better.

Here's a couple pics, they are older, but it hasn't changed much.
In the water looking back at the beach

The pier

 

[MsTiauna27]

I saw the recommendation for Coronado yesterday and thought about posting then. I used to live in SD and would not put Coronado as a recommended beach for several reasons. One, it is hard to get to. It is on Coronado Island and the far side of the island at that. There are other beaches (better IMO) that are easier to access. Two, every time I was at that beach it had massive amounts of kelp/seaweed washed up and the annoying bugs that swarm around the dead kelp. And three, as I said, it is not that great of a beach compared to other ones.

So, I do not want to be contrary to the previous poster but just offer some more information and opinions. In general the beaches in SD are great and if the OP ends up going to Coronado I am sure they will have a lot of fun.

For family oriented beaches I would go further north. La Jolla Shores is a good one and it is easier to get to than Coronado. It is also near La Jolla Cove (which is more protected and better for smaller kids) and the rocky shore of La Jolla which is fun to explore including the caves.

Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are nice beaches too (the nicest ones in SD IMO). Further north near LegoLand the beaches in Carlsbad and Oceanside are nice.

If you want to go to the beach nearer to DLR then Newport Beach has long been a favorite of mine. We used to stay down there at a beach house when I was a teen. Huntington Beach is nice too.

One thing that many easterners do not know is that when you watch the movies and TV shows of Southern California and beaches one thing they do not convey is that the water is cold. It is not like Florida or North Carolina or even Hawaii with warm water. It really takes a different mindset. Mid-summer days will often have water temps of 70 F or even 67-68F. Chilly. You have to be willing to go in and be shocked by the cold at first until your body gets over it and then you can stay in for an hour without much trouble. Make sure your family understands this and encourage them to brace themselves but still plunge in.

Two things to keep in mind. The farther south you are the warmer the water. And the later in summer you go the warmer the water. So San Diego usually has the warmest water. And August will usually have the warmer temperatures.

So where will you find me and my family personally this summer? In San Diego (well, Oceanside, but close enough). And when? In August. When we were there last August the water temperatures were unusually high in the low 70's and it was like heaven.

Hope this helps.

I agree about Huntington Beach, it is so peaceful and quiet. I heard you can also bring your pets to this beach.

 

[PHXscuba]

Huntington Beach has "dog beach", which is a popular section of the beachfront north of the pier that is open to pets. The rest of the beach is off limits to the pups.

I grew up in the area and any of the beaches PPs have listed are great choices. One of the best things about Huntington Beach is that it's all public beach, ones of the few places near DL that has easy, wide access. I think if you want the "natural" as opposed to the "glamour", then Oceanside/La Jolla would be great picks. There are also tidepools several places, including Point Loma in San Diego. Just because you stay one place doesn't mean you can't visit several great beaches for part of a day!

PHXscuba

 

[mikayla73]

Huntington Beach has "dog beach", which is a popular section of the beachfront north of the pier that is open to pets. The rest of the beach is off limits to the pups.

I grew up in the area and any of the beaches PPs have listed are great choices. One of the best things about Huntington Beach is that it's all public beach, ones of the few places near DL that has easy, wide access. I think if you want the "natural" as opposed to the "glamour", then Oceanside/La Jolla would be great picks. There are also tidepools several places, including Point Loma in San Diego. Just because you stay one place doesn't mean you can't visit several great beaches for part of a day!

PHXscuba

That's a good idea! We spent one day driving down the coast and it several beaches. We spent time at Seal, Huntington, Long, and Newport beaches. Of course you could spend more time driving than hanging out at the beach, but we had a good time.

 

[nana50]

Everyone likes different things. I like Coronado because you can do sightseeing at the historic hotel, shopping at the quaint little shops and I always find a place to park across the street. When I was a teen, it was Pacific Beach for me. Much younger vibe, more people, more "beachy". Lots of places to shop and eat. Carlsbad is perfect, close and clean. La Jolla should not be missed, but more for scenery than actual swimming. It really is the "jewel" of San Diego, (La Jolla, mean The Jewel in Spanish).

 

[haydeecm]

I love this thread, would like to try a beach on my next trip. Is it pretty much the same parking situation in all of them? same fees? any off-street parking? does it fill up? thanks.

 

[HydroGuy]

I love this thread, would like to try a beach on my next trip. Is it pretty much the same parking situation in all of them? same fees? any off-street parking? does it fill up? thanks.

Unfortunately no. Some have free parking. Some are paid. Some have close parking. Some are far. Some have off-street parking. Some do not. Most will fill up in the summer and especially on weekends.

Your best bet is to decide the general location you want (OC, SD, North SD e.g. Oceanside) and then do some research.

 

[pixarmom]

NEWPORT BEACH!!!!! As the previous poster said, it's great and perfect for families. I've posted some specifics about it before, so if you do a search for Newport Beach, you'll find additional information. The photo above is from the Newport pier, and if you continue down the peninsula to the Balboa Pier, you'll find the Fun Zone, ferry to Balboa Island (with shops, restaurants and a fun toy store on Marine Avenue) and Ruby's restaurant on the pier. At 15th Street, there's the 15th St. Surf shop for rentals (bikes, boogie boards, etc.), Fry's Market for sand toys and the Stuft Surfer for burgers - you can eat on picnic tables right on the beach. They also have bathroom facilities at 15th street, and a playground on the beach in front of the elementary school around 13th street (you can see it from the Stuft Surfer.)

We have 3 boys - pre-school to pre-teen - and they can't decide what they like better - WDW or Newport Beach. (Their first trip to DL is this summer!)

 

[tom-from-anaheim]

I would definitely go to Huntington and Laguna. It's an easy drive and you can even do it without freeways if you choose. Just take Katella West to Beach Blvd South(erly) and turn right on Pacific Coast Hwy.

Definitely try surfing just so you say you did. At the corner of Main and PCH is Huntington Surf and Sport and then rent surfboards and wet-suits. If two of you are in the water and one is the spotter that "pushes" the surfer when the wave comes, I bet you can stand up.

Laguna will be a totally different experience (no surfers) but amazing cliffs and tide pools, etc. Really Beautiful and just a 12 mile ride South on PCH from Huntington.

Happy Planning!

Tom