Southern California Huntington Beach - July during surf tournament?

[djmeredith]

I researched beaches that people recommended on here and decided on Huntington Beach. Then I just saw that the U.S. Open surf tournament will be going on during our trip. I've seen it on TV so I know it draws huge crowds. I am assuming it would be impossible to spend a leisurely day at the beach during this time. Please let me know if I'm wrong. And if I'm right, what other family friendly beach should we visit? Thanks in advance!

 

[heybets30]

We have gone to the beach right below the Ritz Laguna Nigel - gorgeous, but a hike up & down a steep hill, waves got big after a bit for my then 6/3 yr olds.

If you have small kids, we discovered last trip "baby" beach at dana point. It is in a protected cove, lots of paddleboarders and kayakers - tons of smaller kids. There's a pretty big area roped area for swimming, and I wasn't worried about my 7-yr old good swimmer going out to the far bouys - probably 4-ft deep at most. There are virtually no waves, this was important for my 4-yr old - he had a blast wading in the calm water. I can't wait to spend a whole afternoon there in 3weeks on our next trip - so relaxing!

It is referred to as baby beach everywhere on the web if you want to google it.

 

[manqvu]

In answer to your question op, yes the beach and that general area around the pier including main street and pacific coast highway will be completely congested. They not only host the us open of surfing but also a bmx event, a skate boarding event with a huge half pipe and dozens of merchant and manufacturer tents! Parking and traffic is obviously very challenging during the weekend as well. You are absolutely right that a leisure day at the beach would be unlikely. Even the beaches just south and just north of the event (which is focused to a stretch of beach south of the pier for 3-4 blocks) which are quiet would be difficult to access due to the parking and traffic caused by the event. I think the prior poster's suggestions are good. Newport beach, Laguna beach and dana point would likely meet your needs.

 

[superlarz]

I would avoid the area if you are trying to have a normal beach day.

 

[djmeredith]

Thanks for all the info so far! I think my nephews (ages 6-10) would prefers a beach with some waves. Do either Newport or Laguna either one have waves? They don't have to be huge, but these boys have fun "jumping" the small/medium waves and I don't want them to be bored with absolutely no waves.

 

[heybets30]

Salt Creek Beach ... That's the one at the base of the Ritz laguna nigel. Gorgeous!!! And modest waves ... Too much for little, young ones, older kids would have a blast!! Tons of boogie boarders as families. Californians start their kids young ... my midwestern roots fear anything more than a foot wave with my kids ;-)

It is very higly rated on Yelp.

 

[Dismamx2]

Hi, does anyone know the dates of these events? We were hoping for a day at Huntington Beach also but will re-think it if it's too much hassle

 

[luulu1999]

I would also like to know the dates of the surfing event...I would LOVE to watch it for a little while!!!

 

[CalvaryMike]

July 26 - Aug 3

 

[superlarz]

Keep in mind if you guys to decide to go - it is packed. like you cant move packed. There isn't enough permanent restroom structures, so you will be going in portable solutions if there are enough of those. Although i think they try to crackdown due to riots in the past, there is a lot of drinking and stupidness going on at this event. I would not take children.

 

[CalvaryMike]

The City of Huntington Beach is cracking down on this year's event. They are scaling the event back and eliminating live music, the 'Dust bowl, the 'Carnival' elements, no free stuff and many more elements. There will be a strict enforcement this year. Just look at the scale back in area:

 

[Dismamx2]

Thanks, we are in Anaheim July 3rd-13th so I think we should be ok?!

 

[djmeredith]

Wow, that is a significant scale back! I had read about the riots during my research, but didn't see how the city planned to respond.

Thanks again for the info everyone!!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Moving to the So Cal board