Beaches Near Anaheim, CA

Location:

Laguna Beach, Orange County, California

Recommended For:

Families, couples, solo travelers, surfers, divers, and anyone seeking a quieter, scenic beach escape near Anaheim.

What we Love:

The rugged rocky coves, secluded sandy stretches, and the relaxed, uncrowded vibe that sets Laguna Beach apart from other Southern California beach destinations.

• Visit Laguna Beach, a serene and accessible coastal gem located just a short drive down the Pacific Highway from Anaheim.
• Explore rocky outcrops and tide pools scattered throughout the beach—perfect for kids and adventurous visitors who enjoy climbing and discovering secret spots.
• Enjoy a range of activities including surfing, diving, and beach walks, or simply find a quiet cove to unwind in peace.
• Stay near the central beach area to access restaurants, shops, and restrooms—or venture outward with your own gear to enjoy miles of shoreline in near solitude.

Cost:

Free beach access; metered or paid parking available. Local businesses offer rentals, food, and supplies.

Best time to visit:

Weekday mornings for calm waters and fewer visitors. Sunset is especially magical from any of the rocky overlooks.

Local tips:

Bring water shoes for navigating rocky areas, and check tide schedules if you're planning to explore the tide pools. Parking can fill up fast, so arrive early during weekends.

Distance:

Approximately 45 minutes by car from Anaheim.

How to Get to Laguna Beach:

Drive south from Anaheim via CA-55 S and merge onto the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1). Public parking lots and beach access points are clearly marked throughout town.

Location:

Huntington Beach, Orange County, California

Recommended For:

Surfers, families, event-goers, beach walkers, and anyone seeking classic California beach vibes with space and energy to spare.

What we Love:

The three-mile stretch of sand, the world-class surf breaks, and the constant buzz of events, music, and oceanfront activity that make “Surf City” a Southern California icon.

• Drive just 30 minutes from Anaheim to reach Huntington Beach, an easy escape to one of California’s most dynamic beach destinations.
• Enjoy a massive, spacious beachfront that stretches over three miles—there’s plenty of room to sunbathe, play, or just relax.
• Ride the waves or watch the pros—the beach’s stellar surf conditions have earned it the nickname “Surf City” for good reason.
• Experience the lively boardwalk atmosphere filled with live entertainment, beach events, and street performers year-round.
• Stroll the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, a long structure that juts into the ocean with panoramic coastal views and a perfect fishing spot.

Cost:

Free beach access; paid parking lots available near the beach and pier. Additional fees may apply for events and pier attractions.

Best time to visit:

Mornings for surfing and fewer crowds; evenings for entertainment and sunsets over the pier.

Local tips:

Arrive early on weekends to grab parking close to the sand. Don’t miss the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum or beach volleyball courts for extra fun.

Distance:

About 20 miles (30-minute drive) from Anaheim, depending on traffic.

How to Get to Huntington Beach:

Take I-5 S or CA-55 S from Anaheim, then head west on I-405 and exit toward Beach Boulevard. Follow signs to the beach and public parking near the pier or downtown area.

Romantic Beaches Near Anaheim, CA:

Location:

Seal Beach, Orange County, California

Recommended For:

Couples, families, solo travelers, sunset seekers, and anyone looking for a peaceful, less-commercial beach near Anaheim.

What we Love:

The charming small-town atmosphere, the historic fishing pier, and the quiet shoreline that feels like a hidden gem amidst Southern California’s busier beach scene.

• Visit Seal Beach, just a 30-minute drive from Anaheim, for a relaxing coastal escape without the crowds.
• Unwind at a beach with a laid-back vibe—ideal for backpackers, introverts, or anyone seeking serenity away from more touristy spots.
• Spend quality time with family or your significant other on soft sands with room to spread out and watch the sunset.
• Walk the second longest wooden fishing pier in California—great for ocean breezes, fishing, or stunning panoramic views.
• Dine at the retro-style eatery at the end of the pier, where hearty meals come with a side of sea breeze and unbeatable vistas.
• Stroll through the quaint Seal Beach town center—perfect for discovering antique shops, cafés, and upscale restaurants with a personal touch.

Cost:

Free beach access; metered street parking and public lots available. Dining and shopping nearby for varying budgets.

Best time to visit:

Late afternoon for romantic sunsets or weekday mornings for peaceful beach walks without crowds.

Local tips:

Bring a sweater for breezy pier walks, and arrive early for parking during weekends. The small-town feel makes this an excellent choice for a calm day trip.

Distance:

Approximately 30 minutes by car from Anaheim.

How to Get to Seal Beach:

Drive west from Anaheim via CA-22 W or I-405 S, exiting toward Seal Beach. Parking is available near the pier and along Main Street.

Location:

Mothers Beach, Long Beach, California

Recommended For:

Families with young children, beginners in water sports, groups planning a picnic, and anyone seeking a calm, safe, activity-filled beach close to Anaheim.

What we Love:

The sheltered cove setting with warm, gentle waters, the abundance of family-friendly amenities, and the opportunity for kayaking and paddleboarding in a relaxed environment.

• Reach Mothers Beach in under 30 minutes from Anaheim—an ideal coastal escape for a half-day or full-day trip.
• Enjoy the location in Long Beach, tucked inside a sheltered cove where waters are calm, making it perfect for kids and water sport novices.
• Take advantage of the family-friendly setup including picnic tables, playgrounds, and volleyball courts for endless on-shore entertainment.
• Get active with kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Rentals, lessons, and guided tours are commonly available at the beach.
• Refuel at the concession stands offering snacks and refreshments to keep everyone energized throughout the day.
• Arrive early if visiting on a weekend or holiday, as it’s a popular destination that fills up quickly with families and groups.

Cost:

Free beach access; metered parking and food available on-site. Water sports rentals may require reservations and additional fees.

Best time to visit:

Weekday mornings for the most peaceful experience. Early arrival on weekends is recommended to secure picnic spots and parking.

Local tips:

Bring beach chairs or blankets for picnics, and check local listings for scheduled water sports classes. There’s also a grassy area for shade and relaxation.

Distance:

Approximately 25–30 minutes by car from Anaheim.

How to Get to Mothers Beach:

Drive west from Anaheim via I-605 S or CA-91 W to reach Long Beach. Follow signs to Marine Stadium or Appian Way to access the beach’s designated parking area.

Family Beaches Near Anaheim, CA:

Location:

Alamitos Beach, Long Beach, California

Recommended For:

Families, cyclists, beachgoers, outdoor fitness lovers, and those seeking a well-equipped, active beach close to urban conveniences.

What we Love:

The wide, clean shoreline, the family-friendly calm waters, and the abundance of recreational rentals that make it easy to enjoy a full day of fun in the sun.

• Visit Alamitos Beach for a fun, active beach day—it’s spacious, clean, and lively, perfect for both relaxation and recreation.
• Explore its location at the western end of Long Beach’s coastline, connected to Alamitos Bay via two paved trails ideal for walking and biking.
• Play a round of beach volleyball, sunbathe on the soft sands, or cycle and skate along the beachfront paths.
• Rent gear from the concession stand, including umbrellas, bikes, rollerblades, fishing rods, and skim boards for added fun.
• Let kids swim and play safely—calm, protected waters make this an ideal destination for families with children.

Cost:

Free beach access; metered and lot parking available nearby. Rentals and snacks available for purchase at concession stands.

Best time to visit:

Mid-morning to early afternoon for full sun and fewer crowds. Weekdays are ideal for a quieter beach experience.

Local tips:

Bring a picnic or grab food from downtown Long Beach nearby. Use the bike path to connect to Shoreline Village and other waterfront attractions.

Distance:

Approximately 30–35 minutes by car from Anaheim.

How to Get to Alamitos Beach:

Drive west from Anaheim via I-605 or I-405 to Long Beach. Follow signs to Ocean Boulevard and park near 802 E. Ocean Blvd. The beach is easily accessed by foot or bike from surrounding areas.

Location:

Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Beach, Orange County, California

Recommended For:

Surfers, swimmers, campers, fishing enthusiasts, and families looking for a beach with great amenities and year-round lifeguard coverage.

What we Love:

The consistent surf conditions, the year-round safety patrols, and the option to camp in an RV just steps from the beach make Bolsa Chica a top-tier coastal destination.

• Visit Bolsa Chica Beach, located just south of Sunset Beach along the Pacific Coast Highway—a go-to spot for active beach lovers in Orange County.
• Enjoy surfing, swimming, water sports, and surf fishing in a well-maintained and scenic environment that caters to all experience levels.
• Swim safely knowing the beach is patrolled year-round by professional lifeguards, with additional towers staffed between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
• Camp overnight in one of the 50 RV-friendly campsites, each offering electric and water hookups, along with a picnic table for meals by the waves.
• Catch waves at one of the best surfing beaches in the region, known for its consistent wave quality and open waterline.

Cost:

Day-use parking and RV camping fees apply. Advance reservations recommended for camping, especially in summer.

Best time to visit:

Spring through early fall for ideal surf and water temps; arrive early on weekends to beat the crowd and secure parking.

Local tips:

Don’t forget your fishing gear or boogie board. The beach is adjacent to the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve—a great side trip for birdwatching or nature walks.

Distance:

Approximately 35–40 minutes by car from Anaheim.

How to Get to Bolsa Chica Beach:

Take CA-22 W from Anaheim to merge onto Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1). The entrance to the state beach is located at 17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. Look for signage and day-use parking lots.

If you are a photographer, don't miss:

Location:

Corona del Mar State Beach (Big Corona Beach), Newport Beach, California

Recommended For:

Families, swimmers, sunbathers, surfers, film buffs, and anyone seeking a scenic and accessible beach day with amenities close to Anaheim.

What we Love:

The sheltered bay setting with gentle waves, the dramatic cliffside backdrop, and the blend of beach and green space that make it ideal for relaxing, playing, and even filming Hollywood scenes.

• Visit Corona del Mar State Beach, also known as Big Corona Beach, located in picturesque Newport Beach, CA.
• Relax on a half-mile stretch of sand, bordered by scenic cliffs that have made this beach a popular movie location over the years.
• Enjoy a wide range of activities including swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and surfing—this beach hosted the first major surfing contest in the U.S. back in 1928.
• Picnic with family or friends in the grassy BBQ areas near the shore, which are equipped with grills and tables for your convenience.
• Bring the kids for a safe and family-friendly experience—the beach’s protected location makes it ideal for young swimmers and relaxed beach days.

Cost:

Free beach access; paid parking available in nearby lots. Picnic areas are first-come, first-served.

Best time to visit:

Weekday mornings for quiet beach time or sunset hours for stunning coastal views and cooler temps.

Local tips:

Bring a beach umbrella for shade and arrive early on weekends to secure a BBQ spot. Great beach for casual walks along the jetty and tide pool viewing at low tide.

Distance:

Approximately 30–35 minutes by car from Anaheim.

How to Get to Corona del Mar State Beach:

Drive southwest from Anaheim via CA-55 S and follow signs to Newport Beach. Turn onto Ocean Blvd and follow it to the beach’s parking area at 3100 Ocean Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92625.