When planning a trip to Anaheim, many travelers think of Disneyland® Resort first. However, it is not the only reason to visit! People also know Anaheim for its sports teams, downtown district, live music scene, craft breweries, and incredible global cuisine! So much to see, do, and enjoy right here in Anaheim, but we know that it’s hard to beat a day at the beach!
You can find Orange County on the sunny shores of Southern California. It has long stretches of golden sand and waves that crash in rhythm. The area has a relaxed vibe that feels effortlessly California cool.
We are lucky because world-class beaches are a short drive from Anaheim. They are great day trip spots for our guests at the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel!
Sun, Sand, and Surf: Anaheim’s Perfect Beach Day Getaways
People often ask us for our take on the best beach close to Anaheim, and we find it a tricky question to answer! You will get different opinions from our team. Each famous beach near Anaheim has something special to offer!
To help you plan a great beach day, we made a list of the best Orange County beaches close to Anaheim. So grab your sunscreen and flip-flops, and let’s start planning your perfect beach vacation!
Newport Beach
- Distance from Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel: 17.9 miles
- Best Route from Anaheim: via CA-55 N and I-5 N
Newport Beach is one of the largest boat harbors on the West Coast. A dream place for boat lovers exists! This beach is great for sailing, fishing, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and many more adventures!
While you’re there, check out Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier, and don’t miss Balboa Island and the Balboa Fun Zone. This oceanfront spot has a Ferris wheel and fun amusement park vibes.
Seal Beach
- Distance from Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel: 19.5 miles
- Best Route from Anaheim: via CA-22 E
Looking to escape the crowds of Disneyland® Resort for a quiet beach day? Seal Beach has the small-town feel you’re craving, with wide, sandy beaches and plenty of local Orange County charm! A great wooden boardwalk, lots of little shops and spots to eat, and a pier perfect for catching the sunset exist.
While you’re there, look to the southwest. You can see Catalina Island, one of California’s famous Channel Islands, best known for incredible wildlife, and Mt. Orizaba, its highest peak.
Huntington Beach
- Distance from Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel: 21.1 miles
- Best Route from Anaheim: via CA-55 N and I-5 N
Huntington Beach, known as “Surf City USA,” is a great beach spot for surfers and beach lovers of all ages. Huntington Beach has some of the best beaches in California. These include Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, and Sunset Beach!
Also, make sure you don’t miss the famous Huntington Beach Pier.
Check the city’s events calendar to plan your trip. You can enjoy amazing surf competitions and other local festivals!
Laguna Beach
- Distance from Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel: 27.3 miles
- Best Route from Anaheim: via CA-73 N
Nestled in Orange County, California, Laguna Beach beckons beach lovers with its stunning coastline! Check out Main Beach’s tide pools, Aliso Beach Park’s prime surf, and Victoria Beach for its picturesque pirate tower. A lively arts community awaits exploration. You can also visit important art galleries and enjoy great hiking trails with coastal views!
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is closed until fall 2024. However, guests and team members at the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel absolutely enjoy it! Be sure to add it to your itinerary when they open their expanded facility back up to visitors!
Long Beach
- Distance from Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel: 29.6 miles
- Best Route from Anaheim: via I-405 S and CA-22 E
Long Beach, CA, was named one of America’s “Most Walkable Cities.” This makes it a great day trip from Anaheim!
Bayshore is the city’s most famous beach. You can also visit Granada Beach, Peninsula Beach, Colorado Lagoon, and Alamitos Beach for some fun in the sun!
Don’t miss the RMS Queen Mary, which permanently docks as a retired British ocean liner. Also, visit the Aquarium of the Pacific while you are there!
Dana Point
- Distance from Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel: 37.3 miles
- Best Route from Anaheim: via CA-73 N and I-5 N
Dana Point Harbor is one of the most iconic Orange County coastal landmarks and a great spot for whale-watching and so much more! Many people say Dana Point is just one expansive stretch of sandy shoreline.
However, you can explore several different beach spots while you are there. Doheny State Beach, Salt Creek Beach, and Strands Beach are great for swimming and surfing.
Capistrano Beach is perfect for volleyball and cycling. Baby Beach is ideal for paddle boarders and kayakers. Baby Beach is also among the best beaches for babies and young children!
Corona del Mar State Beach
- Distance from Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel: 20.5 miles
- Best Route from Anaheim: via CA-55 N
Also called “Large Corona,” Corona del Mar State Beach is a great spot for families. Perfect for swimming, suntanning, and having picnics. The cliffside views are spectacular, and it’s a great spot for snorkeling or simply relaxing by the water.
San Clemente Pier
- Distance from Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel: 38.6 miles
- Best Route from Anaheim: via I-5 N
A visit to the San Clemente Pier offers a mix of history and scenic beauty. Take a stroll along the pier, dine at waterfront restaurants, or enjoy a lazy beach day. San Clemente’s laid-back vibe makes it one of the most charming beach towns in Southern California.
Hit the Road: Getting from Anaheim to the Beach
No matter how you get to Anaheim, planning your day trip to the beach is easy!
Driving: The Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel has self-parking facilities. This makes it easy to drive to local beaches. You can also rent a car or look at Lyft and Uber fares! Be sure to research the available beach parking lots and facilities before heading out if you drive yourself.
Anaheim Tour Company: The Anaheim Tour Company has an OC Beach Bus Tour. This tour takes you to Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach in one day! They also offer dolphin and whale-watching tour options.
Making Waves in Anaheim: Book Your Stay Today
At the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel, we want to make your trip special. Whether you are here for a beach vacation or visiting Disneyland® Resort, we are your perfect base camp.
Step into the lobby and enjoy a beautiful oasis. It has castle-themed decor, large rooms, and lovely gardens. This is a perfect escape from your busy day in sunny Southern California!