Best four beaches near Anaheim, Ca. for families

A trip to the West Coast is not complete without dipping your toes in the Pacific Ocean. You should definitely take a day or two to explore some of the best beaches near Anaheim for sun, sand and surf, as well as breathtaking scenery.

Anaheim is located in Orange County, which has 42 miles of coastline. We'll take a look at four areas famous for their beaches, all special in their own way.

Photo Credit Blfck/Salt Creek Beach/Dana Point/Flickr

Dana Point

County, state and private beaches can be found along the coastline in Dana Point. World class surfing spots in this area include Salt Creek Beach and Doheny Beach. Salt Creek Beach is maintained by Orange County and offers conveniences such as a paved parking area, a concession stand and public restrooms. 

A small reef off the coast of Salt Creek Beach creates swells along the coastline that have been attracting surfers for generations. Doheny Beach is part of Doheny State Park, which offers 62 acres of open space where you can picnic after swimming or surfing. Be sure to explore the park interpretive center to learn about the coastline and the creatures living in the ocean. Each June, the state park puts on the Doheny Surf Festival to celebrate the surfing lifestyle and raise funds for the park.

  

Photo Credit Nate2b/Huntington Beach Pier/Flickr

Huntington Beach

The city of Huntington Beach is also known as “Surf City” and for good reason. Surfers flock to the city with five beaches and 10 miles of uninterrupted sand stretching along the Pacific Coast. After a day of swimming or surfing at Huntington City Beach, explore Huntington Beach Pier where you can fish or watch any of the many surf contests taking place throughout the year. Huntington Dog Beach welcomes humans and their furry companions. 

Other beaches include Huntington State Beach, which offers plenty of parking, and Bolsa Chica State Beach, which is famous for beginner surfers due to its smaller waves. Sunset Beach was recently annexed into the city. This public beach stretches 1.5 miles along the coastline and offers parking, a playground and public restrooms. 

Photo Credit Taylor Miles/Laguna Beach/Flickr

Laguna Beach

With eight miles of beaches within the city limits, Laguna Beach offers some of the most picturesque views of the Pacific Coastline. Hillsides and cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop for any beachside activity whether you’re into swimming, surfing, skimboarding or simply sunbathing. All of the beaches are public in the city of Laguna Beach, even those that line the coast in front of hotels and resorts. When you’ve had your fill of sand and sea, enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants and shop for a souvenir at one of the popular stores along the beach road. 

Photo Credit Taylor Miles/The Wedge/Newport Beach/Flickr

Newport Beach

Newport Beach is home to the largest recreational harbor and some of the biggest waves on the West Coast. Marvel at the powerful surf at the Wedge Newport Beach, where you can watch highly skilled surfers catch a ride on 30+ foot waves. The best months to catch higher surf are during the summer and fall. Another scenic beach to visit in Newport Beach is Crystal Cove State Park with its rustic 1930s style homes and undeveloped woodland features. In addition, Crystal Cove is home to a 1,140-acre underwater park for snorkelers and scuba divers.

Photo Credit Orange County American Planning Chapter/San Clemente Pier/Flickr

In addition to the above beaches, we can't help but mention a few other areas for good measure.

San Clemente

Known as the “Spanish Village by the Sea,” San Clemente is known for its Spanish style architecture and pleasant climate. It draws visitors for these reasons, as well as its high winds and dramatic coastline. San Clemente has 11 beaches, including San Clemente State Beach. The state beach is popular with water sports enthusiasts for its opportunities to swim, surf, snorkel or fish in the invigorating ocean, as well as nature enthusiasts who want to explore the bluffs, hike the nature trails and view wildlife. 

Photo Credit Jon Lee Clark/Seal Beach/Flickr

Seal Beach

The city of Seal Beach is a quaint, small town with beautiful beaches, a picturesque pier and the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge. Named after the seals that used to sun themselves on the beach, Seal Beach offers plenty of sand and surf, as well as shopping and dining for a well-rounded daytrip.

There is limited public access to the Seal Beach NationalWildlife Refuge, but it is an incredible place to visit if you can. Monthly guided tours are available on the last Saturday of each month. 

My Castle House

After a day soaking in the sun at one of the best beaches near Anaheim, relax in the comfort of your own castle, one of 14 vacation home rentals operated by My Castle House. All of our Disneyland vacation rentals are well-appointed offering the comforts of home and the ability to prepare your own meals in fully equipped kitchens. After a full day at the beach or Disneyland park, relax in the pool – all of our castles have one – and get a good night’s rest in any one of our incredible themed rooms.