Which Beach from DL

[Samsma]

Hi! I want my kids to see the Pacific when we make a short trip to DL in November. What would be a good beach in terms of scenery and proximity to DL. Accessibility would also come into play as I'll have 90 year old aunt with us on beach day.

 

[iceskatejen]

Probably the two closest ones would be the easiest on your aunt--Newport and Huntinton. There aren't any cliffs at these beaches, so there are no stairs to negotiate getting to the sand--they're just straight walks onto the beach. These are big time surfing beaches and can get crowded. The prettiest beaches are further away, like Corona Del Mar and less accessible--stairs from the parking area down to the beach because the beaches are surrounded by cliffs.

 

[Samsma]

Thanks for your quick answer. Do you happen to know where Seal Beach is- if it has steps, and are there really seals/sea lions?

 

[SomeSayImGoofy]

Seal Beach is about 40 minutes north of Huntington (assuming typical traffic on the 405 fwy). Don't know about seals there...

If you're looking for a cool CA beach scene, I'd suggest Santa Monica (very easy to get to...the 10 fwy ends when it turns into sand (well, almost).

It's got a boardwalk/ferris wheel/pier, etc.

BUT.... it's not a BEAUTIFUL beach. Neither is Huntington...or Newport....they're more like state-run facilities...not all that gorgeous. Further south, the beaches get prettier. You could head to Laguna Beach (about 40 minutes by car from Anaheim, and see a VERY nice beach (I grew up there...) Well...I mean that's where I spent my childhood years...never quite attained that "grown-up" status...yet.

Everything is very close to Anaheim... depending on mhow much time you have you could just drive to Newport and head south along PCH (Pacific Coast Highway).

That would be a very nice 1/2 day trip.

Have fun!

 

[almostGoofy]

Seal Beach is only 15 - 20 mins. north from Huntington Beach going north on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). I use to take my kids to the playground on Seal Beach for playgroup routinely and don't recall ever seeing any seals.

I agree with iceskatejen, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are the two closes beaches plus they meet your requirements of a short trip and easy access. In November, neither beach will be crowded. It's usually quite cool then, thus the lack of crowds but you never know. During the first week of Feburary we had a few days that were in the 90's which is quite unusual. If you plan your trip on a Friday afternoon, there's a farmer's market/craft fair at the Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach. It's every Friday unless it rains or there is a special event that they're preparing for the weekend.

 

[ksjayhawks]

You don't have to walk down stairs to get to the Corona Del Mar Beach. There is a parking lot--$6 or so, depending on season--it is a few steps and you are right on the beach. There are some neat areas to explore along the cliffs. We love going there!