Beach-going is probably one of the most popular pastimes in Southern California, whether you’re in a seaside town or farther inland. When visitors flock to Anaheim to experience Disneyland or any of the city’s other exciting attractions, it usually isn’t long before they start to wonder where the best beaches in Anaheim can be found.
Although the city doesn't have a coastline of its own, it does offer easy access to some of the finest beaches in the region. Before you set off, take a look at a few of the top-rated beaches near Anaheim to know where to go when you need some waterfront relaxation.
Where Can You Find the Best Beaches Near Anaheim?
istockphoto.com / Thomas De Wever
Huntington City Beach
Location: Huntington Beach
Pros:
Less than 20 miles from Anaheim
Public restrooms and outdoor showers
Beach bonfires
Cons:
Crowded in the summer months
Limited parking
No dogs allowed
Less than 20 miles and half an hour’s drive away from downtown Anaheim is Huntington City Beach. Featuring 3.5 miles of pristine white sand, pure blue water and all the waves a surfer could hope for — the city has trademarked the name “Surf City USA” — this is a go-to for locals eager for a day in the sun.
Aside from the scenery, Huntington City Beach also features 100 beach bonfire pits available on a first-come, first-served basis, beach volleyball courts, surfboard and bicycle rentals plus a paved beach path. The beach is also directly in front of downtown Huntington Beach, where you can find plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and other amenities. As one of the better-known and more picturesque beaches near Anaheim, Huntington City Beach is often crowded, particularly during the summer and on weekends. If you want to claim a spot on the sand or one of the fire rings along the beach, it’s a good idea to get there early.
Wikimedia Commons / Evanthomas1
Manhattan County Beach
Location: Manhattan Beach
Pros:
Public restrooms and showers
Kids’ play area
Volleyball courts
Cons:
Limited parking
No dogs allowed
A two-mile-long stretch of sand due west of Anaheim and southwest of downtown Los Angeles between Hermosa Beach and El Porto Beach, Manhattan County Beach is often the first choice for Angelenos. Manhattan Beach Pier reaches into the water from the center of the beach, offering spectacular views and, at the far end, Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium, a free attraction sure to entertain and educate kids and parents alike.
As with most beaches in the area, sports like surfing, windsurfing, bodysurfing and volleyball are popular pastimes here, with over 100 beach volleyball nets available. Behind the beach runs the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, a 22-mile-long paved path linking nearby Torrance and Santa Monica. Being so close to Los Angeles, Manhattan County Beach is typically very busy during scheduled events or weekends, but at other times it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet day by the sea.
istockphoto.com / peeterv
Redondo County Beach
Location: Redondo Beach
Pros:
Public restrooms and showers
Kids’ play area
Easy access to Veterans Park
Cons:
Crowded on weekends
Paid parking
While it’s smaller than nearby Manhattan County Beach and quieter than Venice Beach to the north, Redondo County Beach has plenty to offer for families and active individuals alike. Owned and operated by Los Angeles County, the beach is just under an hour’s drive to the west of Anaheim. The site of some of the earliest demonstrations of surfing in the United States, the waves still attract plenty of visitors eager to test their skills.
Less than a 20-minute walk away is Veterans Park, a grassy, peaceful area with playgrounds, picnic areas and beautiful ocean views. Plus, cyclists can hop onto the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail from here and Redondo Beach’s Esplanade faces onto the beach, with plenty of restaurants, shops, parking lots and transportation links at the northern and southern ends.
istockphoto.com / Ron and Patty Thomas
Main Beach
Location: Laguna Beach
Pros:
Grass park adjacent
Volleyball and basketball courts
Playground
Public restrooms and showers
Cons:
Often crowded
Hazardous rocks at the northern end
Gorgeous bluffs, white sand and sky-blue water make Main Beach — Laguna Beach locals’ simple name for the area — one of the most stunning sights you can see when looking for a day by the sea. Less than 40 miles to the south of Anaheim, Main Beach is at the southern tip of Crystal Cove State Park and is often considered one of the best in Southern California. Distinguishing features include a wooden boardwalk, basketball and volleyball courts, picnic areas and a grassy park with play areas for kids.
Laguna Beach is a popular tourist destination, so the beach tends to get busy on weekends and during the summer. The town itself, while small, also offers over a dozen popular restaurants as well as boutique shops and outlet stores. If you’re planning to bring kids here, ask the lifeguards to direct you away from a hazardous rocky area at the northern end of the beach.
istockphoto.com / Sundry Photography
Moro Beach
Location: Crystal Cove State Park
Pros:
Public restrooms and showers
Group picnic areas and picnic tables
Campground access
Cons:
Noisy
No dogs allowed
Just up the Pacific Coast Highway from Laguna Beach, about an hour’s drive to the south of Anaheim, is Moro Beach. Once a residential area, the beach was redeveloped and opened to the public in 2011. Also known as El Moro Cove, the beach is separated from Crystal Cove State Park by stunning cliffs and a short journey on foot through a pedestrian tunnel, making it a popular destination for those who want to enjoy the best of Southern California’s coast and its natural beauty.
A $15 parking fee grants visitors all-day access to both the beach and the adjacent park. The beach can get noisy due to the highway behind it, but also features easy access to grocery stores, souvenir shops, public restrooms and showers and local landmarks. Highly-rated local restaurants are also within reach in case visitors want to sample fresh-cooked seafood and other dishes.
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