Where can we easily park for strolling the beach--between Newport and Huntington?

[danacath]

Having never driven along PCH, I have no idea where to go for beach parking . Does anyone have any good, helpful suggestions for where DH and I could easily park the car and get out to stroll the beach for a bit? We just want to soak up a bit of the Southern Cal. atmosphere for the afternoon and maybe take in a sunset. Probably no swimming ourselves, but would enjoy wading or watching the surfers. Right now we're considering Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, but if there is a good place in between those two spots where we could park and enjoy the coast, we'd be open to that too. Also, if you could let me know the cost of parking, that would be great as well. Thanks!

 

[danacath]

Final day before we leave on our trip! Anyone have any helpful info to share??

 

[almostGoofy]

If you are going to Huntington beach, there are quite a few beach parking lots. I think the state beaches, Huntington State & Bolsa Chica, are $10.00 for the day. The City beach, Huntington City may be the same. There is also street metered parking, $1.50/hr. Meters take quarters only.

Since it's just you and your husband, you might want to park near the pier. Next to the pier plaza, you can park and pay by the hour via a parking permit machine. Also $1.50/hr. Right next to the pier is Chimayo's. You can sit and have a drink in there outdoor patio that sits right next to the beach and watch the sunset from there. I think they have a firepit in their patio too. They also serve dinner there as well as the restuarant upstairs, Dukes. If you are there on a Friday afternoon, there is a weekly farmers market and craft fair also right next to the pier. There is also a little main street to walk down with shops and restaurants.

 

[danacath]

almostGoofy

Thanks for the suggestions. Sounds great. I'm assuming that we stay on PCH and just follow the signs to get to the Pier parking?? We'll be going there tomorrow evening (Wed.), so hopefully the traffic won't be so bad.