Top 5 Best Beaches Near Anaheim

Anaheim is not only home to world-class theme parks and entertainment, but it's tantalizingly close to world-class beaches. Our favorite family-friendly beaches are all about 30 minutes away from Anaheim. 

Some beaches offer metered street parking. Beaches located in State Parks are $15 for park entry and parking. Coastal Southern California is bustling with restaurants, so a lunch or dinner break will be easy. 

Enjoy swimming, sandcastle competitions, and exploring tide pools. The more active families can play volleyball or basketball. These beaches have starred in many popular movies and TV shows with their proximity to Hollywood, stunning views, and golden light. ‍

Five Best Family-Friendly Beaches‍

Check out our favorite family-friendly beaches and enjoy your seaside getaway.‍

Bolsa Chica State Beach‍

Bolsa Chica is just 30 minutes from Anaheim. Bolsa Chica is in Huntington Beach. It's $15 to enter the State Park and park. This quiet beach is vast with lots of sand, perfect for sandcastle competitions. The beach has many amenities, including picnic areas and fire pits. 

Visitors often enjoy kitesurfing or watching others kitesurf. The beach path is a popular location for rollerblading and biking. Showers and restrooms are available, and Huntington Beach has a good selection of family-friendly restaurants for lunch or dinner. ‍

Main Beach, Laguna‍

Main Beach in Laguna Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Anaheim. Kids will love exploring the tidal pools and searching for critters. Families can have sandcastle competitions or stroll the beach together. Fishing isn't allowed, so you don't have to worry about errant fish hooks. There are plenty of family-friendly activities available, including basketball and volleyball. Main Beach also has showers and restrooms. ‍

Treasure Island Beach‍

Treasure Island Beach is Laguna Beach's secret beach. This picture-perfect beach is about 40 minutes from Anaheim. Get to the beach early to find parking on the street, or park at Montage Laguna Beach for $15 and walk over.

Treasure Island Beach may be challenging to reach with babies and toddlers due to the steep access steps. However, once your feet reach the sand, you'll be transported to one of the best beaches near Anaheim. 

This cove is gorgeous with soft sand and scenic cliffs. The 1934 Treasure Island and 1953 Lucille Ball movie The Long, Long Trailer was filmed here. Kids can spend hours looking for starfish, critters, and shells in tide pools. ‍

Balboa Beach, Newport Beach‍

Balboa Beach runs from Balboa Pier to Balboa Fun Zone. Balboa Beach has a vast stretch of sand, perfect for all your favorite beach activities. This stretch also has a kids' playground and restrooms. In addition, nearby restaurants mean you could easily spend the whole day soaking up the sun and sea. 

Families can also check out Balboa Fun Zone, which features fun arcade games and a traditional Ferris Wheel. In addition, there are easy to reach parking lots or metered street parking available.  ‍

Corona Del Mar State Beach‍

This beach is known for protected waters with calm waves and gorgeous soft sand. This beautiful beach was used as a filming location for the classic TV Show Gilligan's Island. The surrounding cliffs are stunning and make an excellent backdrop for family photos. 

Corona del Mar State Beach, also known as Big Corona Beach, has lifeguards, restrooms, and snack stands.  Parking at the State Park is $15 a day. ‍

Enjoy the Best Beaches near Anaheim‍

There's nothing like a day at the beach to reconnect as a family. It's the perfect opportunity to soak in the salt air and enjoy Southern California's sunshine. Check out more day trips from Anaheim and keep the family fun going!