For visitors and residents of Anaheim, California, two of the major attractions here are the fabulous weather and the equally fabulous beaches. So, where are the best beaches near Anaheim?
Certainly Seal Beach will make anyone's list of the best beaches around Anaheim. This is not just because of the actual beach but also the great facilities and area around it. Seal Beach is a family-friendly place with great shopping, excellent restaurants, and activities such as fishing from the charming pier area.
Huntington Beach is great for families with older teenagers. The long pier is a great "hang out" place, with shopping and plenty of activities, as well as some of the best al fresco dining.
For over 100 years, the seven miles of Laguna Beach has attracted visitors. That is no surprise; it has some of the most beautiful scenery along the Southern California coast. It is a great beach for children, with the best tide pools for exploring and excellent diving. It also sees some of the best sunsets so it is worth staying a little longer.
Along the Laguna Beach area, you will find a variety of smaller, beautiful beaches, such as Sleepy Hollow, near the center of downtown Laguna Beach. There is an ocean shelf here that is popular with swimmers; the reef at the south end makes excellent waves for body boarding.
If you enjoy South Laguna, the 1,000 Steps Beach is another fantastic beach. It is not really 1,000 steps; it just looks like it! This hidden gem is a great body surfing and volleyball beach, as well as a haven for surfers.
North of Laguna is the coastal cliffs and beaches of Crystal Cove. It is well known as a rural setting without the urban build-up of other areas. The area is also a haven for hiking, biking and horse riding. Just off-shore is an underwater park for snorkeling and scuba diving. At the Crystal Cove State Park, visitors will find an excellent, rustic campsite.
The Laguna area has many more great local beaches. To the north are Irvine Cove, Shaw's Cove, Boat Canyon, Crescent Bay, Rockpile, Picnic Beach and Diver's Cove. In the center of Laguna Beach are Main Beach, Sleepy Hollow, Thalia Street, St Ann's Street, Oak Street, Brook's Street and Mountain Road Beach. South Laguna Beach includes Pearl Street, Bluebird Canyon, Moss Point, Rockledge, Treasure Island, Wood's Cove and Victoria Beach. It's easy to get around the area by walking. The downtown area is great for shopping, art galleries and restaurants and it's within an easy stroll of the beach. You'll have so much fun exploring Laguna! Visitors find perfect beaches, no matter what they are seeking.
From small quiet, sandy beaches to "The Wedge" where the surfers hang out, Newport Beach is 22 square miles of great beach. It offers two piers, ferry trips, cruises around the harbor, boat rentals and trips to Catalina Island. There are several public golf courses and the opportunity to "star spot" as many celebrities have homes there.
Near Newport Beach is Balboa Island, a man-made island that was created just prior to World War I. It has its own unique identity and a charm all its own.
For a romantic setting, Dana Point is where people head. Its panoramic views and natural cover are why people call it "the only romantic spot on the coast." The harbor and marina offer whale watching trips during the migration season. It is home to the Orange County Marine Institute, a fascinating educational visit with display tanks and exhibits. February here is "Festival of the Whales" with plenty of scheduled events and activities.
Dana Point is where visitors will also find Doheny State Beach with five acres of picnic facilities, volleyball courts, restaurants, food concessions and showers. It is a popular beach with the local residents and dolphins! If you want to enjoy a few hours watching for these delightful creatures, Dana Point is a great place to spot them.
Next to Doheny Beach are the glorious sands of Capistrano Beach, with its hilly backdrop and friendly atmosphere. The beaches here are narrower than other beaches. This is the perfect sand for beach sports, and visitors are likely to find several volleyball games going on. There are a variety of shops offering fishing gear for rent or sale.
When it comes to beaches to explore, Anaheim is ideally located and visitors are spoiled for choice.
Certainly Seal Beach will make anyone's list of the best beaches around Anaheim. This is not just because of the actual beach but also the great facilities and area around it. Seal Beach is a family-friendly place with great shopping, excellent restaurants, and activities such as fishing from the charming pier area.
Huntington Beach is great for families with older teenagers. The long pier is a great "hang out" place, with shopping and plenty of activities, as well as some of the best al fresco dining.
For over 100 years, the seven miles of Laguna Beach has attracted visitors. That is no surprise; it has some of the most beautiful scenery along the Southern California coast. It is a great beach for children, with the best tide pools for exploring and excellent diving. It also sees some of the best sunsets so it is worth staying a little longer.
If you enjoy South Laguna, the 1,000 Steps Beach is another fantastic beach. It is not really 1,000 steps; it just looks like it! This hidden gem is a great body surfing and volleyball beach, as well as a haven for surfers.
North of Laguna is the coastal cliffs and beaches of Crystal Cove. It is well known as a rural setting without the urban build-up of other areas. The area is also a haven for hiking, biking and horse riding. Just off-shore is an underwater park for snorkeling and scuba diving. At the Crystal Cove State Park, visitors will find an excellent, rustic campsite.
The Laguna area has many more great local beaches. To the north are Irvine Cove, Shaw's Cove, Boat Canyon, Crescent Bay, Rockpile, Picnic Beach and Diver's Cove. In the center of Laguna Beach are Main Beach, Sleepy Hollow, Thalia Street, St Ann's Street, Oak Street, Brook's Street and Mountain Road Beach. South Laguna Beach includes Pearl Street, Bluebird Canyon, Moss Point, Rockledge, Treasure Island, Wood's Cove and Victoria Beach. It's easy to get around the area by walking. The downtown area is great for shopping, art galleries and restaurants and it's within an easy stroll of the beach. You'll have so much fun exploring Laguna! Visitors find perfect beaches, no matter what they are seeking.
Near Newport Beach is Balboa Island, a man-made island that was created just prior to World War I. It has its own unique identity and a charm all its own.
For a romantic setting, Dana Point is where people head. Its panoramic views and natural cover are why people call it "the only romantic spot on the coast." The harbor and marina offer whale watching trips during the migration season. It is home to the Orange County Marine Institute, a fascinating educational visit with display tanks and exhibits. February here is "Festival of the Whales" with plenty of scheduled events and activities.
Dana Point is where visitors will also find Doheny State Beach with five acres of picnic facilities, volleyball courts, restaurants, food concessions and showers. It is a popular beach with the local residents and dolphins! If you want to enjoy a few hours watching for these delightful creatures, Dana Point is a great place to spot them.
Next to Doheny Beach are the glorious sands of Capistrano Beach, with its hilly backdrop and friendly atmosphere. The beaches here are narrower than other beaches. This is the perfect sand for beach sports, and visitors are likely to find several volleyball games going on. There are a variety of shops offering fishing gear for rent or sale.
When it comes to beaches to explore, Anaheim is ideally located and visitors are spoiled for choice.