With thousands of tourists from all over the world flocking to Anaheim, California, every year to visit Disneyland, it’s no wonder we want to make the most of our hard-earned vacation time. For families seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle, plenty of gorgeous beaches nearby offer a peaceful reprieve for family fun in the sun.
This article will outline 10 of the closest beaches to Disneyland, California, for families looking for a day trip away from the theme parks. Read on to discover some of the best beaches near Disneyland. All you have to do is pack a beach bag.
10 Beaches Near Disneyland
Doheny State Beach
Doheny State Beach is a beautiful, family-friendly beach located just a short drive from Disneyland, California. It is located in the city of Dana Point. Dana Point city is in Southern California. It is known for its whale watching and dolphin cruises. The city is named after Richard Henry Dana, who was a Harvard lawyer and a seaman. He wrote a book called Two Years Before the Mast.
The beach features a wide variety of amenities and activities for families to enjoy, including a playground, tide pools, picnic areas, and plenty of sand for sunbathing and building sandcastles.
The waves at Doheny State Beach are perfect for bodyboarding and surfing, and the sandy bottom makes it a great place for swimming and wading. There are also several fishing piers where you can try your hand at catching dinner. If you get hungry, there are plenty of food options available at the beach, including barbecue grills, concession stands, and restaurants.
Over a million people visit this beach every year. It sounds like a popular choice if you ask me.
Sunset Beach
If you’re looking for a beautiful, family beach close to Disneyland, California, look no further than Sunset Beach. This beach is located just a short drive from the theme park and offers plenty of activities for everyone in the family to enjoy. From swimming and sunbathing to fishing and picnicking, there’s something for everyone at Sunset Beach.
The water at Sunset Beach is clean and perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, and surfing. The sand is soft and perfect for building sandcastles or relaxing in the sun. There are also plenty of shady spots to relax in if you need a break from the sun.
There are several restaurants located near the beach if you need a break from cooking, and there are also plenty of picnic tables if you prefer to bring your own food. The scenery at Sunset Beach is simply gorgeous, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a nearby beach to enjoy during your trip to Disneyland, California.
It is one of the widest beaches in all of California! The beach is also named one of the best beaches in the world by National Geographic.
Seal Beach
Seal Beach is one of the closest beaches to Disneyland, California, for families. It is a great place to picnic, build sandcastles, and explore tide pools. The beach is also perfect for bodyboarding, surfing, and fishing.
Seal Beach is located 19.3 miles from Disney World. It is a favorite amongst locals thanks to its sandy coastline and also has several surf spots to choose from. Seal Beach is actually a coastal city. The city is located in Orange County.
What is the beach great for? Surfing. It has several great surf spots. What else do people do at this beach? They go kite surfing and windsurfing when the weather is right.
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Bolsa Chica State Beach is a great option for families looking for a close beach to Disneyland, California. This beach is less than 10 miles from the Disneyland Resort and offers plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. There are also many restaurants and cafes near this beach, making it super convenient to get a bite after a day in the sun.
There is a parking fee if you choose to park your car at the beach. This varies during the different seasons. During the summer, it will cost you around $15, and during the off-season (October 1 to March 30), the parking fee is $10.
Huntington State Beach
As one of the most popular beaches in Southern California, it’s no wonder that Huntington Beach/Huntington City Beach is also one of the closest beaches to Disneyland California. Huntington City Beach is perfect for families as it offers a wide variety of activities and amenities. Some people call this beach “Surf City USA.”
The beach is over 2 miles long, making it perfect for a long day of fun in the sun. There are also plenty of lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone’s safety. If you’re looking to stay active, there are volleyball courts and a bike path that runs parallel to the shoreline.
And when you need a break from all the fun in the sun, there are plenty of picnic tables and BBQ pits available for use. There’s also a snack bar if you get hungry. For those looking for even more fun, there’s an adjacent amusement park with rides and games (additional fee required).
Corona Del Mar State Beach
Corona Del Mar State Beach is one of the closest beaches to Disneyland, California, and is a great option for families. The beach is located in Newport Beach and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Check out what this beach looks like here.
There is a parking fee for leaving your car by the beach, which is around $15. If you want to avoid this fee, park your car on the bluff and walk down.
There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, including swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and fishing. The beach also has a number of restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two. Starbucks and Gina’s Pizza are close by, so food and drinks are sorted if you didn’t pack any. It is said to have gentle waves, so it’s perfect for families.
Want something to do after your beach morning? Go on a whale-watching adventure, sure to excite the whole family. There is a little version of this beach called Little Corona Del Mar Beach, and the parking is free.
This is a great place to find starfish and crabs in the tidepool. This is ideal if you want to feel a more secluded beach. Restrooms and outdoor showers are nearby so you can get cleaned up after your day in the sun.
Balboa Beach
Balboa Beach is a great option if you’re looking for a beach close to Disneyland, California. This beach is just a short drive from Disneyland. Balboa Island is a harbourside community. The public can access this island via a bridge as well as a ferry. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
The beach itself is wide and sandy, with plenty of room for families to spread out. The exact length of this beach is 3 miles. Several restaurants and shops are nearby, making it easy to grab a bite or do some shopping between swimming and sunbathing.
And when the sun goes down, there are still plenty of things to do, including bonfires on the beach, stargazing, and watching the waves crash against the shore.
Want something to do after you go to the beach? There are several movie theaters in the area, as well as a variety of live music venues. There are also a number of parks and playgrounds in the area, making it a great place to take the kids.
Main Beach
Main Beach, more widely known as Laguna Beach, is one of the closest beaches to Disneyland, California, for families. It is located just a short drive away from the theme park and offers plenty of activities for kids of all ages. It’s situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, and it’s on the Southern California coast.
There are lifeguards, tide pools, a playground, picnic tables, and restrooms on duty. The beach also has a wide variety of shops and restaurants. The lifeguard tower is actually famous, so you should definitely check it out. It’s a lifeguard tower that is commonly used in movies and TV series.
The ocean at this beach can develop rip currents at a moment’s notice, so it is recommended to stay extra vigilant when swimming. Main Beach is the largest stretch of beach in the Laguna Beach area and the most popular beach in the area. This beach has easy accessibility, so you won’t struggle to get there.
There is also a basketball court if you feel like playing on the same court that Michael Jordan once played on. This beach is great for people who want basketball and volleyball courts. Also, for the kids, there is a play structure that they can climb on, a grassy park to have a picnic on, and even public art installations. Sounds pretty “bucket list” worthy to me.
Treasure Island Beach
Another beach in the Laguna Beach area is Treasure Island Beach. It is one of the closest beaches to Disneyland, California, for families. It is located just a short drive from the city of Newport Beach. The beach is managed in a dual partnership with the city and the Montage Resort.
The beach is well-known for its wide, sandy shoreline, which makes it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the California sun. There are also many restaurants and cafes nearby, making it a great spot to grab a bite after a day in the park.
San Clemente State Beach
San Clemente State Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Southern California. The wide, sandy beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The beach also has a large grassy area perfect for picnicking and playing games. Several restaurants and shops are nearby, making it easy to grab a bite or buy souvenirs.
Take the family out for a bite to eat at Vine Restaurant and Bar, Sonny’s Pizza, Beach Fire, Antoine’s Cafe, The Cellar, and many more. Check out the rest of the list of restaurants near this beach.
Who is the beach most suited for? Water sports enthusiasts. You can also go camping at this beach which is a great idea for a family vacation. You can even go on a family hike one day along the beach. There is a beachside trail. How idyllic?
FAQs
How far away is Disneyland from the beach?
Disneyland is around 19 miles away from the coast/beach. There are a few beaches near Disneyland that you can choose from.
How long does it take to get to the beach from Disneyland?
It depends on which beach you go to. If you are going to Huntington beach, then it will take you around 21 minutes to drive there from Disneyland.
Is Newport Beach or Huntington Beach closer to Disneyland?
Newport basically neighbors Disneyland. Newport Municipal Beach is the closest beach to Disneyland.
How close is Anaheim to the beach?
The closest beach to Anaheim is Huntington beach which you can drive to in around 30 minutes.
What is a popular family beach in a State Park near Disneyland?
Crystal Cove State Park has the perfect family beach in a State Park. It has 3.5 miles of unspoiled coastline. Crystal Cove State Park is known for its emerald pools.