Yikes!! Just realized I need help!!

[jseargent]

I have been so focused on our first Disneyland trip, and our first road trip that is longer than a day's drive that I have completely missed the fact that I promised DH 1 day at the beach. We live in Oklahoma City - I have no idea what I need to prepare for a day at the beach - we've never been!

Here's a little info - we leave this Friday from OKC, check into Hojo Sunday and leave the following Friday to come home. There are 4 of us DH, me, DS (17) and DD (10). We've been to WDW twice and know a down day is necessary for us (really, pool time for the kiddos and laundry for mom )

I ran to Target and got 4 beach towels and sunscreen to stuff into the trunk. I don't have a lot of room left in the Accord but I would love to hear from you! What do I need to bring? What is there to do (I think we'll end up at Huntington)? How early do I need to get us there?

 

[AmyPond]

Basically the same type of things you'd need for the pool.

And money for parking.

 

[KCmike]

Newport Beach is my suggestion.

 

[chickyann]

I agree, anything you need for a swim at the pool is good for the beach, sometimes it's harder to find shade at the beach so do remember your hats & sunscreen for sure

 

[AmyPond]

Newport Beach is my suggestion.

I prefer Newport to Huntington too.

 

[jseargent]

Basically the same type of things you'd need for the pool.

And money for parking.

I'm glad you mentioned parking - I wouldn't have thought of that. Thank you!

 

[letitsnow]

You can always run to walmart or target to buy things so you have space in the car.

 

[jseargent]

You can always run to walmart or target to buy things so you have space in the car.

It's too funny that you would mention that - I already checked into finding the closest Target/Walmart!

 

[jseargent]

Newport Beach is my suggestion.

I prefer Newport to Huntington too.

Thanks - I searched for some Newport Beach info and it sounds great! We'll head over there instead.

 

[akoj]

Our kids have always been happy with plastic cups and spoons from a local rest. to serve as sand toys as well. Flip flops are a good idea as well. Have fun

 

[letitsnow]

I've never been to Huntington beach or Newport beach but out kids loved Santa Monica pier..it has a beach, park, pier and an amusement park! They have a few shops and restaurants as well. A lil something for everyone.

 

[MattsPrincess]

I've never been to Huntington beach or Newport beach but out kids loved Santa Monica pier..it has a beach, park, pier and an amusement park! They have a few shops and restaurants as well. A lil something for everyone.

DH and I are planning on going out to Santa Monica during our september trip. We saw it on TV and thought it looked really neat. It's a little farther away, but when you're already driving 7 hours, what's another 45 mins? lol

 

[AmyPond]

I've never been to Santa Monica but I've heard great things about it! One of these days I think I'll need to head that way.

Sort of going to hijack your thread a bit....

Anyone have any opinions on Balboa Island? I was looking on a map and saw it's close to Newport.

 

[Somegirl]

I don't want to confuse things, but I'll throw my hat in for Laguna Beach. The cliffs and palm trees surrounding the beaches make it really beautiful. There are tide pools for exploring too.


As for stuff to bring: ziplocks are great for keeping sand off your cell phones and ipods.

 

[tiggerfied]

.

Anyone have any opinions on Balboa Island? I was looking on a map and saw it's close to Newport.

Balboa is a little island in the middle of Newport Bay that is wall to wall little houses, with one long main street that has great shopping and dining. The best thing to do is to drive to about mid way on the Balboa PENINSULA (they have a cute little fun zone there with ferris wheel, etc.) and take the Balboa Ferry (take your car on it) to Balboa Island. Then drive to the main street and shop and have lunch.

 

[tiggerfied]

I don't want to confuse things, but I'll throw my hat in for Laguna Beach. The cliffs and palm trees surrounding the beaches make it really beautiful. There are tide pools for exploring too.


As for stuff to bring: ziplocks are great for keeping sand off your cell phones and ipods.

I agree that Laguna Beach is probably the most picturesque. I would recommend buying a beach umbrella once you get there (a cheap one).

 

[prncssmel]

While Huntington is nice, I vote for Newport too. If you get tired of the beach, you can wander around Balboa for a little while. They have a few great little hole in the wall restaurants (we love Picante Martin's mexican food) and be sure to get the famous Balboa bar - it's just chocolate covered ice cream but still fun to say you had it.

 

[Brady's Mom]

Just a heads up about the parking. You can find some places along the street that are metered or you can find a parking lot and park all day. Expect to pay around $15 to park all day. We just considered it our entrance fee to the beach when we were there the first of April.

We also stopped at WalMart and picked up some sand pails and stuff before we went to the beach - they weren't anymore than a buck or two each. We didn't mind not bringing them home if we didn't have space in the car at that price.