Mid-Trip Beach Day?

[smithfamilyof7]

We are coming in next month and will be there for 5 full days. I think we're going to do 4 days in the parks and have a "break" mid-way through, tentatively planning to go to the beach for the day. This will be our 3rd trip to DL as a family of 7 and if we've learned anything the first two trips, it's that by the end of 4 days in the parks, our kids are sick of each other and we're tired too. I'm hoping that we'll avoid that by having a day "off" to play at the beach and relax.

I'm leaning towards Huntington Beach but I was hoping to get some feedback on beaches you've been to, what you liked and didn't like, good restaurants to eat at, etc. Any tips or tricks you can share would be great!

Also, I've seen some beaches have fire pits but does anyone know if you're allowed to bring your own wood and build a fire right on the beach?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We are coming in next month and will be there for 5 full days. I think we're going to do 4 days in the parks and have a "break" mid-way through, tentatively planning to go to the beach for the day. This will be our 3rd trip to DL as a family of 7 and if we've learned anything the first two trips, it's that by the end of 4 days in the parks, our kids are sick of each other and we're tired too. I'm hoping that we'll avoid that by having a day "off" to play at the beach and relax.

I'm leaning towards Huntington Beach but I was hoping to get some feedback on beaches you've been to, what you liked and didn't like, good restaurants to eat at, etc. Any tips or tricks you can share would be great!

Also, I've seen some beaches have fire pits but does anyone know if you're allowed to bring your own wood and build a fire right on the beach?

I'll just point out that, even though it's southern California, the beach in January may be fairly chilly.

Question: Where are the bonfire rings?

Answer:

Huntington City Beach
Huntington State Beach
Bolsa Chica State Beach

Question: Hi I'm trying to plan a day trip to the beach, I'm from Arizona so I'm not familiar with all the rules. I know there are fire pits and are first come first serve but are you allowed to bring a BBQ on the beach? And if so does it have to be near a fire pit?

Answer: Here are rules posted on the California State Beach - Bolsa Chica Beach website about what you can bring:

XIII. FIRES:
Fires are permitted in appropriate pits only. No fires are allowed in the sand. Gas, propane or electric grills allowed on the sand but must be 18” off the ground. Charcoal can only be used in a concrete fire ring or on grills placed in a concrete fire ring. Charcoal can also be used in the onsite barbecues in picnic areas at Bolsa Chica State Beach. Dutch ovens can only be placed within a fire pit. No charcoal in sand. No cooking under sand, pig, and clambakes, etc. allowed.

 

[Darkbeer1]

OK, I like Huntington Beach, lots to see and do.

www.surfcityusa.com

I eat at Longboards, but not the best for kids.

As for fire pits, you MUST use one, and they are available on a first come basis. Here is a good FAQ webpage.

http://www.huntingtonbeachevents.com/annual/bonfire-questions.html

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If you go to Huntington Beach, your kids might enjoy Ruby's Diner on the end of the pier. This is a burgers and shakes place with a sock hop theme. Our kids loved Ruby's. If yours do, too, there is a location on Lincoln, about 5-10 minutes from the parks.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I like Crystal Cove State Park. Go to the are known as the historic district. There are museum type bungalows to look at and the tide pools are right by there. There is a nice (expensive) restaurant right on the sand, Beachcomber, and there is rental beach equipment available right there. Although, January is not beach season here, so not sure if the equipment rental shack will be open. If you prefer burgers and shakes, there is a Ruby's on the cliff right there with spectacular views of the ocean. I do not think there are fire pits here, but I've never specifically looked for that.

 

[minnieralyks]

We really love Laguna Beach. That being said, we were planning on a late February trip to Laguna and staying on the beach but cancelled because we were afraid of how cold it will be. Going a day to the beach might be fine though, since you're not stuck there for a whole week if it's freezing.

We've been in April and it was fairly decent temperature wise. Laguna felt the warmest of the few that we went to. I remember when we got to Huntington that day, it was pretty cold and windy. Walking down the pier is no fun if unless it's warm. We also didn't really like how "flat" the beach was. There are stores there, but if you're not really into shopping, there didn't seem to be too much else to do. I think we liked Laguna because there was different scenery than just a flat beach.

 

[smithfamilyof7]

Thank you! I should add that we're from Oregon and our coast here is pretty cold and windy nearly year round. So we're not expecting bikini weather by any means, as long as it's not raining we'll be happy.