Staying at Huntington Beach and driving to parks

[canyoncam]

Really wanted to head to California parks this fall but not gonna happen. Needed new tires instead

Planning a vacation with my parents and a friend next spring. My parents are not really into the parks and would prefer to be on a beach. I am looking at Huntington Beach and wondering how ridiculous (or not) it is to drive to the parks.

Planning three days at the parks and maybe one at Knott's Berry. Not necessary to stay all nights at Huntington. We fly into San Diego and planning on just driving up coast, maybe a night or two in Carlsbad, three in Huntington, and might be able to convince them of one night in Anaheim.

 

[nikkislaght]

In early April we took a trip to Huntington Beach.. it took approx. 30 minutes as it was a Friday .
On the way back it was a bit longer.. its not crazy to think that you could drive there and back everyday, but of course if you can stay closer to D/L all the better.. if you stay at Huntington and go to Knotts. the major road Beach Rd,, will take approx. 30 minute's , and Knotts is on Beach Rd..

 

[hyperminimalism]

I used to live in Huntington Beach, and whenever we'd visit any of the nearby parks (Disneyland/Knotts), it took around half an hour to forty-five minutes depending on traffic. One time, we just drove up Brookhurst, which was the street we lived on at the time, and it took around forty-five to get there cause of the stop lights. I wouldn't say it's ridiculous, but taking the freeway isn't actually going to get you there any faster. If you want to take the 55 to the 5, it still takes about half an hour.

It depends on where you stay, but most of the roads traveling south to north will take you up to one of the major roads that pass by Disney (Katella or Ball).

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

You might find the hotels are actually cheaper near Disney. We were going to stay near the beach, but it was cheaper to just stay in the Disney area.

 

[canyoncam]

Thanks for the replies. If my parents didn't want the beach so much we definatly would be close to parks. Actually found a really great rate at the Marriot halfway between Huntington Beach and the parks. Since we only will have one car thinking of having them drive me to parks in a.m. then they can go on to beach. In evening if they feel they can pick me up great but with the money saved on hotel think I can splurge on a taxi!

This is still just in very early planning stages but so glad to have locked inn that rate at Marriot so I have options now