A trip to California is not complete without a trip to the beach, so here are our favorite beaches just a short drive away from Anaheim. It is October but in California people enjoy the beaches year-round. Going to the beach does not mean you have to lay out or go swimming in the ocean. In California, going to the beach could mean walking on the boardwalk, eating by the water, shopping, or even people watching. Here’s a list of our Top 5 Beaches to visit in the area and why.
1.Venice Beach – This is the ultimate people watching beach! There is a ¾ mile stretch of boardwalk along the beach with artists, shop vendors, and food. You can walk along to Muscle Beach where people of all shapes and sizes are working out on display in front of everyone. There is even a skate park with a skate bowl built on the beach, for the public to use freely until dark. Stay until sunset on the weekend to experience the massive drum circle that happens right on the beach at the end of Brooks Ave., with music from free spirits to serious percussionists.
2. Huntington Beach – aka Surf City USA is the place to spot the famous surfers! This is the ultimate Orange County Beach and you will see the lifestyle submersed in the style and attitudes that cover Main Street. Huntington Beach is only 20 miles away so you can take the family for a fun getaway to experience the true Orange County beach lifestyle. Enjoy the sandy beaches, the HB pier, and walk along Main St for some grub and shopping. You can even get surfing lessons, and learn from the best! At sunset, head over to Huntington Beach State Park, where you can light your own fire pit and watch the sun go down. Don’t forget to bring your own wood and lighter fluid.
(Courtney Conlogue, Hurley US Open of Surfing, Huntington Beach Pier)
3. Newport Beach – This is the place to see and be seen. Put on your favorite outfit and head to Newport Beach to experience some top notch restaurants, shopping, and socializing. Newport Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in California and that is why some of the wealthiest people in Orange County reside here. Enjoy fishing, boating, surfing or relax and get a front row view of the picture perfect coastline from a rooftop restaurant. From morning to night, there is always something going on in Newport to explore and experience.
4. Laguna Beach – Are you an art lover?! What about nature enthusiast? If so, Laguna Beach is the place for you with seven miles of sand, sun, art, culture, and parks. Laguna Beach is full of quirky and fun art exhibits and there always seems to be an Art Show going on during the weekends. You can actually take the scenic route on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) down from Newport Beach to Laguna Beach in about 20 to 25 minutes. Enjoy a nice brunch on Sunday or a sunset dinner at one of the many restaurants in Downtown Laguna Beach.
5. Santa Monica Beach – Drive up North to Santa Monica for a day and night of fun at the Santa Monica Pier. The Santa Monica Pier is famous for it’s carnival-like rides and vendors lined up along the side. Front Porch Media even hosts a FREE Movie Night every Friday at 7:30pm on the pier, where you can rent old school lawn chairs to relax in and enjoy the show! You are also two blocks from Third Street Promenade that has endless classy shops and restaurants that is perfect for a family outing or date night. Make your way there by using the bike and walking paths that meander throughout Santa Monica Beach.
It’s like a carnival… on stilts… over water. (Photograph by Brian Auer, Flickr)
