Huntington or Newport beaches for this crowd-avoiding family?!

[twinspluscade]

We're taking a trip to DLR Sept 7-11. We're thinking about spending the afternoon at the beach one of the days...probably either Tuesday or Wednesday. Dh HATES city driving, and we both hate crowds. . So, which beach would be better for us? Lowest crowds, less traffic, and easier to find parking spots? Also--how crowded will it be mid-week in September?

Thanks!

 

[Monkey Monkey]

Mid-week in September should be not crowded at all. I don't know anything about those beaches, but crowds shouldn't be a concern at that time.

 

[c&m]

We were in Huntington Beach last year during July-Aug. This beach covers a huge stretch, so you have plenty of room to find a spot. We stayed at the Hyatt HB across the street, and didn't observe huge crowds. It did get more crowded as you walked towards the pier, where Ruby's, Duke's, Chimayo's and other restaurants were -- but you don't need to hang out in that particular part if you don't like crowds.

Parking for the beach was never full. We always saw empty spots in the lots. I think it costs something like $10 (?) to park for the day.

 

[luckey-lasvegas]

I agree with the other poster that a week day in September shouldn't be very busy. If oyu go to Huntingtun the Northside of the pier, which is Huntington City Beach is usually a little less crowded that the south side of the pier which is a State Beach.

 

[NewportCat]

I only know Newport - since I live here these are the only beaches we go to. I would suggest Big Corona (in Corona del Mar, on the Laguna Beach side of Newport), you can park right at the beach ($10, I think), there is a snack shop and it is a gorgeous beach! There will be no crowds at all in Sept the weather is usually perfect. You picked a great time to come. They also have fire rings for bonfires.

There is also Little Corona, which is the locals fave. No parking though, you have to street-park and hike down a steep hill. But the beach is a secluded cove with a sea arch and tide pools. Beautiful!

 

[casaazul]

Bolsa Chica Beach is north of Huntington.. we were there in September.. no one but us and the beach patrol!!! Spent a few hours playing, then had a bbq and watched dolphins in the surf!! http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=642

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

If you want to try a beach that is a bit more secluded, you might try Crystal Cove, located south of Newport Beach, and north of Laguna Beach. There are some cottages there, only 14 out of the 40+ have been renovated, and a really good restaurant right on the beach. You have to park on the east side of PCH and either walk down, or take the $1 shuttle to get to the beach.

There is a beach and tidepools, and it is more like the California of old, where they do not sweep the beach like they do at Huntington, Newport, and the rest of the beaches.