Nearest non-urban beach from DLR?

[twinspluscade]

We'll be in DLR Sept 7-11. Depending on how much we got done at the parks the first few days, we may try to hit the beach on the 9th or 10th. Are there any beaches *somewhat* close (like within an hour's drive) that aren't right in the city? Dh HATES city driving; the traffic really gets to him not to mention finding a place to park, etc. Living in rural Iowa, we're just not used to it and it gets stressful . Even if we have to pay a small fee (like for a state park) it would be preferable than the right-in-the city driving.

Thanks!

 

[jd99]

Not sure what you mean by "in the city" as there are no beaches IN Los Angeles downtown. You could go to Huntington Beach, Corona del Mar State Beach (my favorite), Laguna Beach or many other beautiful places. You may want to target Corona del Mar as they have a parking lot right at the beach. You pay for it but it is convenient and the beach is gorgeous.

All that being said, you ARE going to drive on freeways to get there. No way around it. If you are leaving Anaheim and heading to the beach you'll be driving on California freeways.

 

[jakoky]

hi there, we were at disneyland last september for 10 nights....i do have good news for you as my husband sounds like yours...mine absolutely refused to drive the freeways...If you follow harbour boulevard for about 35-40 minutes(very easy driving) you get to newport beach...that is where we spent the day last year and loved it...all my kids had a blast...the beach was beautiful and there were lots of little shops on the boardwalk....my husband decided the drive was so easy that when we go back next year, he wants to do at least 2 days there ...i highly recommend newport beach!!!
sharon
me, dh, dd - 17, ds -14, and dd -12
WDW-dec 04-9 nights at the pop
DL-may 06-10 nights at the CCI
DL-sept 07-10 nights at the HOJO

: Sometime in 09-Planning a 12 night DL trip for my daughters graduation and my 40th ...Seems wayyyyyyyyyyyy to far away

 

[KCmike]

I second the recommendation of Newport beach. Our family had a blast and the waves really came crashing in back in October which we all thought was pretty cool.

 

[CalvaryMike]

Yes, Harbor Blvd will take you directly to Newport Beach. Corona Del Mar is just a little south of Newport using PCH (Pacific Coast Hwy) and Huntington Beach is just a little north of also using PCH. Laguna is a nice beach town, but is about 20-25 minutes south of Newport.

The beaches here can get a little crowded during September and Newport parking is limited. Plenty of paid parking at CDM and HB.

 

[scooter15]

Everything is urban out here. I mean, we have suburbs but not in the traditional sense. There's no distinction between cities or counties out here. There's nothing you can do to avoid traffic here and it does get bad on streets as well especially when you get towards the beach. Your best though will be Huntington Beach State Park. There's lot of parking for a fee. You can take Harbor Blvd or Beach Blvd. I included the link to it.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=643

 

[HoneyBee06]

Iowa! WOOHOO! I'm an Iowan as well.

This time of year, ALL the beaches will be crowded and the parking will more than likely stink. The beaches are not at all like the beaches I was used to going to in Florida/the Florida Keys. The beaches are fun...but a different kind of fun. A crowded kind of fun...haha.

 

[Quest4fun]

Harbor Blvd. will take you all the way to Newport Beach. That's the easiest beach to get to without getting lost. The stinker is that it's very hard to find parking. Be prepared to walk a ways. If you want a beach that isn't very crowded the farther you go from Newport towards The Wedge the smaller the crowds. There are no restroom facilities out there though so be prepared to use the ocean if you really gotta go.

Huntington Beach has the best parking (though still a pain) and the beach is always crowded.

If you're looking for secluded you're not going to find it. The Pacific is very different than the Atlantic if you're used to Florida.

I grew up near the beach in California and you can spend literally all day lokoing for a good spot. Your best bet is to get there early and be prepared to have people nearby as the beaches always fill up during the Summer.

In case you didn't know the water is also cold even in the summer. Don't expect a water temp warmer than 75 degrees.

Enjoy your trip. Orange County is fantastic.

 

[cherylgyak]

I agree with everyone above, the entire So Cal area is urban--if the urban driving is what is bothering you, you cannot avoid it. Personally I would take the 5 and 55 freeway rather than the stoplights of Harbor Blvd. You end up in the same place, but a lot faster even with traffic.

If you are just looking for a quiet beach, then go to Crystal Cove State park halfway between Newport and Laguna on Pacific Coast Highway. You will at least feel as if you have left all the people behind for a few hours.

 

[luckey-lasvegas]

Try this link. www.beachcalifornia.com

My personal favorite in Sunset Beach. It is between Bolsa Chica and Seal Beach. You have to get their early to find parking, but the limited parking keeps the crowds down. I always try Sunset first and if I can't fine parking I'll either drive up PCH to Seal Beach or Down PCH to Bolsa Chica or the North Siade of Huntington (I love dog beach! ).

 

[RudemanRB]

We'll be in DLR Sept 7-11..... that aren't right in the city? Dh HATES city driving; the traffic really gets to him not to mention finding a place to park, etc. Living in rural Iowa... Even if we have to pay a small fee ...than the right-in-the city driving.

Thanks!

1st, Careful when you toss around the word urban, you could offend someone.

2nd, LA has about 4 Million + people, so yeah your not in Iowa, and when it gets hot people go to the beach.

If your DH doesn't like city driving, best to stay at DL there are plenty of pools by the hotels, Or take a shuttle bus and don't even think of renting a car. you can get buses from the Airports.

If you venture out to the beach then agreed, Newport would be your best bet.