Updated 11th October 2026. Anaheim is inland, so there’s no beach in Anaheim itself, but a day on the coast is an easy addition to a Disneyland holiday. Five beaches near Anaheim worth considering are Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Laguna Beach and Moro Beach in Crystal Cove State Park.
The best choice depends on what your family wants from the day. Huntington Beach delivers the classic California surf-and-pier experience, Newport Beach offers both ocean and harbour options, and Seal Beach pairs time on the sand with a stroll along Main Street. Laguna Beach and Crystal Cove are worth considering for coastal scenery and exploring beyond your beach towel.
Here’s how to choose a beach for your family’s day trip, including where to head when you arrive and what to consider before leaving Anaheim.
Beaches near Anaheim at a glance
| Beach destination | Best suited to | Specific place to head |
|---|---|---|
| Huntington Beach | A classic California beach day with a pier and surf atmosphere | Huntington City Beach near the pier |
| Newport Beach | Combining beach time with harbour activities | Newport Pier area; Marina Park for a harbour beach |
| Seal Beach | A beach-and-town outing with cafés nearby | Beach near Seal Beach Pier and Main Street |
| Laguna Beach | Coastal scenery and exploring downtown | Main Beach |
| Moro Beach, Crystal Cove | Combining sand, scenery and a walk | Moro Canyon Day Use Area |
Map of beaches near Anaheim
#1. Huntington Beach: Best for a classic California beach day
If there’s one beach that truly embodies the laid-back California surf lifestyle near Anaheim, it’s Huntington Beach – aka ‘Surf City USA’. This isn’t just a place where people surf – it’s a place where surfing is practically a religion. If your kids have ever dreamed of riding the waves, this is the place to make it happen. There are surf schools dotted along the coast, ready to turn even the wobbliest of beginners into mini Kelly Slaters.
If your family wants the classic California combination of sand, surfers and a pier, head to Huntington City Beach near Huntington Beach Pier. This specific spot makes it easier to plan your parking and gives you places to eat within walking distance.
Not a surfing family? It doesn’t matter. The pier is an iconic spot for a seaside stroll, where you can soak in panoramic ocean views and maybe even spot a dolphin or two. Head inland to Main Street, where you’ll find the Surfing Walk of Fame, a cool tribute to legends of the sport. It’s kind of like Hollywood Boulevard but with more board shorts.
For something a little different, check out Huntington Harbour. This charming network of islands and canals offers a quieter escape from the beach buzz. Rent a kayak or a paddleboard and glide past waterfront homes that will have you questioning all your life choices (why don’t we live here?). Need a break from the sand? Pacific City is a shopping and dining hub with serious California cool vibes.
Whether your crew is all about surfing, shopping, or just soaking up the SoCal atmosphere, Huntington Beach delivers. It’s got the perfect blend of high-energy adventure and laid-back beach town charm, making it one of the top beaches for a family day trip from Anaheim.
Practical details:
- Distance from Disneyland: 19mi/30km.
- Parking: Paid parking is available near the pier, with additional options including the downtown Promenade parking structure.
- Facilities: Public toilets and outdoor showers are available.
- Food: Main Street and Pacific City offer options nearby.
- Keep in mind: This is an ocean surf beach. If swimming is on the agenda, check conditions with the lifeguards rather than assuming the waves will suit younger children.
Huntington City Beach is a good choice if you want a beach day with enough nearby facilities to avoid packing absolutely everything. The paved beachfront path is useful for a walk with the pram, although you’ll still need to cross sand to reach the water.
#2. Newport Beach: Best for beach time and harbour activities
If Orange County had a family-friendly beach capital, Newport Beach would be wearing the crown and probably some stylish sunglasses to match. With its mix of classic seaside charm, kid-approved attractions, and stunning coastal scenery, it’s the kind of place where lazy beach days, boat rides, and boardwalk fun all come together.
For sand, ocean views and a pier stroll, head to the Newport Pier area on the Balboa Peninsula. If your children aren’t keen on surf, consider Marina Park, which has a harbour-facing beach and a nautical-themed playground.
But first, kick off your Newport Beach adventure with a stroll around Balboa Island, where the vibe is as laid-back as a Sunday afternoon nap. The island is famous for its frozen bananas and if your kids haven’t experienced the magic of chocolate-dipped, sprinkle-covered goodness, now is the time. Once everyone is sufficiently sugared up, hop on the Balboa Island Ferry, a charming little boat ride that takes you across the harbour to the Balboa Peninsula and drops you off right in front of the Balboa Fun Zone. The Ferris wheel here is a must – offering an incredible bird’s-eye view of the ocean and harbour.
Heading up the peninsula, you’ll hit Newport Beach itself, home to a long wooden pier where locals love to fish and surfers love to chase waves. It’s also a short and stroller-friendly walk to shops, cafés, and beachside restaurants if you need to refuel.
From thrilling boardwalk rides to peaceful nature spots, beach days, and boat cruises, Newport Beach has something for every family. Whether your crew is here for the waves, the wildlife, or just a delicious frozen banana, this beach is well worth a visit from Anaheim.
Practical details:
- Distance from Disneyland: 20mi/32km.
- Parking: Marina Park has paid parking. For other stops, check the parking arrangements at your chosen beach rather than simply typing “Newport Beach” into Google Maps.
- Activities: Combine a little beach time with the playground at Marina Park, or make the harbour and Balboa Peninsula the focus of your outing.
- Food: Marina Park has the Lighthouse Café nearby, while other dining choices are spread throughout the peninsula.
- Keep in mind: You don’t need to fit every Newport attraction into one day. Pick one beach base and one extra activity to keep the outing manageable.
For families wanting a chill day, deciding between the harbour and ocean is easier to manage than trying to do it all in one day.
#3. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is where artsy vibes, hidden coves, and coastal views come together in the most magical way. Nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego, this seaside gem is nothing like your typical Southern California beach town – it’s got rugged cliffs, sea caves, tide pools, and lush canyons all within city limits.
Main Beach is a practical starting point for a first family visit. It lets you combine time on the sand with exploring downtown, rather than spending the day driving between the different beach access points.
There’s a boardwalk, a grassy park area, basketball and volleyball courts, and plenty to look at even if your family doesn’t spend the whole visit swimming. However, Main Beach can be busy, so don’t expect a secluded cove.
Practical details:
- Distance from Disneyland: 25mi/40km.
- Parking: Check the city’s parking information before you leave as it’s not uncommon for the Main Beach parking lot to fill up. Charges and time limits apply.
- Food: Downtown cafés and restaurants make it easy to combine the beach with lunch.
- Extra exploring: Add a coastal walk or visit a designated tide-pool area.
- Keep in mind: Laguna’s coves vary in ease of access. If you’re carrying gear or bring a pram, it worth checking the route before you drive there.
Sure, Laguna Beach’s coastline is perfect for classic beach days, but if your crew is feeling adventurous, there’s so much more to explore. Think hiking trails with jaw-dropping views, marine sanctuaries brimming with wildlife, and mountain biking tracks for those who like their adventures on two wheels. With 20,000 acres of protected wilderness, you can swap flip-flops for hiking boots and still be in paradise.
#4. Moro Beach at Crystal Cove: Best for beach time and a walk
If your family is looking for a less crowded, more natural beach escape near Anaheim, Moro Beach is an absolute winner. Nestled between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, this stunning stretch of coastline feels a little more off-the-beaten-path. Think soft sand, rolling waves, and zero theme park lines – just what you need after a few hectic days at Disneyland!
One of the biggest perks of Moro Beach is that it’s part of Crystal Cove State Park, meaning you get clean beaches, scenic coastal views, and a touch of wilderness. If you’ve got little explorers in the family, the tide pools at low tide are pure magic – full of tiny sea creatures just waiting to be discovered.
For families who like to mix in a little adventure with their beach day, just across the way, Moro Canyon Trail offers some easy-to-moderate hikes with breathtaking coastal views. There are some things to know before you go, though:
- There’s a tunnel under the Pacific Coat Highway that safely connects the parking lot to the beach. Parking spots fill up fast so you’ll need to arrive early.
- As it’s a state park, there’s an entrance fee. However, it’s worth it for the scenery and well-kept facilities.
Moro Beach is the ultimate family-friendly coastal escape – a little bit of adventure, a lot of natural beauty, and just the right amount of relaxation. Whether you’re splashing in the waves, exploring tide pools, or hiking through Moro Canyon, it’s the perfect way to unwind after the whirlwind of theme park days in Anaheim.
Practical details:
- Distance from Disneyland: 32mi/51km.
- Parking: A vehicle day-use fee applies. Check the California State Parks website for current charges and access information.
- Facilities: The Moro day-use area has toilets, an outdoor shower and shaded picnic structures.
- Food: Bring water, snacks and a picnic so you can settle in without having to leave for lunch.
- Keep in mind: Check current park alerts before travelling, particularly after rough weather.
Access update, October 2026: California State Parks announced temporary closures affecting parts of Crystal Cove following high surf and coastal erosion. Check the official park website for the latest conditions before planning your visit.
#5. Seal Beach – Best for a beach-and-town outing
If you’re driving down the Pacific Coast Highway, Seal Beach is your first official taste of Orange County’s coastal magic and what a welcome it is! This laid-back beach town is known for its classic wooden pier, charming Main Street, and incredible sunset views over the Long Beach Harbor skyline. And if you’re lucky, on a clear day, you might even spot Catalina Island shimmering in the distance.
Seal Beach has that small-town, old-school beach charm that makes you want to slow down and take it all in. Main Street is just a few blocks long, but it’s packed with quirky shops, local eateries, and that relaxed, friendly atmosphere that makes it a great spot for a family stroll, an ice cream stop, or some casual souvenir hunting.
And, of course, the Seal Beach Pier is the star of the show. One of the longest wooden piers in California, it’s a perfect place for a scenic walk, some ocean breeze, and maybe even a seal sighting. Although these days, you’re more likely to see them in quieter coastal spots. But don’t worry – Slick, the bronze seal statue at the pier, is always ready for a photo op!
Practical details:
- Distance from Disneyland: 20mi/32km.
- Parking: There is parking around the pier and Main Street area. Charges and time limits apply.
- Food: Main Street has cafés and eateries close to the beach.
- Planning your route: Use Seal Beach Pier as your navigation destination in Google Maps.
- Keep in mind: Seal Beach is still an ocean beach. Its small-town atmosphere doesn’t guarantee calm swimming conditions.
Choose Seal Beach if you’d like a straightforward day of sand, a seaside stroll and something to eat nearby.
Getting to the beaches near Anaheim
Public transport options to these coastal gems are limited, and while rideshares work for short trips, they can add up fast – especially if you’re lugging along beach gear, kids, and all their “essential” sandcastle tools.
If your budget allows it, hiring a car will give you total flexibility, letting you hit the beach early before the crowds, stop at scenic lookouts along the way, and pack everything you need for a full day of fun without worrying about storage space. If the weather forecast is looking good, hiring a convertible for the day is a memorable experience!
More help planning your Anaheim family holiday
A beach day is a lovely way to break up an Anaheim holiday, especially when everyone needs a breather between theme parks. Pick the spot that suits your family, check the drive and beach conditions before heading off, and leave yourself time to enjoy it.
For help fitting a coastal escape around your Disney days, take a look at our 7-day Anaheim itinerary for families. You’ll also find more ideas in our family travel guide to Anaheim.
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