Newport Pier
This is where you’ll find my family on most weekend mornings for a few reasons. The parking is right next to the sand, so unloading requires little effort. But make sure you get there early – no later than 10 a.m. – to find a spot. During the winter, waves can be big from swells coming from the northwest. In the summer, the water is almost as calm as a lake and very safe for little ones. The pier is a great place for a stroll, and you can watch surfers from above. Food options are close by; a personal favorite is Original Pizza. There’s also a nice boardwalk where you can put your little one in a stroller and take a leisurely afternoon walk. For older children who want to learn how to surf, sign them up with Endless Sun Surf School.
Beach bummer: The seagulls are extremely crazy here and will take any opportunity to ravage your belongings.
Baby Beach
This small stretch of beach in the Dana Point Harbor is a great place if you want to stay far away from any wave action. The water is flat, and there is plenty of space for running around. The walk from the parking lot to the sand is short and easy, though you should check schedules before heading out to avoid stand-up paddleboard events. The nearby Ocean Institute is a great educational center where you can explore local wildlife, and your children might get a kick out of the big tall ships kept here.
Beach bummer: The water quality here isn’t the best because rock jetties block wave action, so the water never gets a good flush.
San Onofre
This is a family favorite that makes you feel far away from the hustle and bustle. Big cliffs hide this popular surf spot just south of San Clemente and instantly transport you to another era. Parking is close to the sand, which makes for an easy trek with beach supplies. Kai loves the tide pools after the tide drops and exposes the rocks, and he can sit in them for hours splashing and watching as little crabs crawl around. There are also great gardens that locals have built over the years that can be fun to explore, such as mini forests. If you get lucky, you might even spot a squirrel or two near the cliffs. You’ll have to bring your own lunch for this beach trip because there are no restaurants nearby.
Beach bummer: There can be a long wait for parking – up to an hour or more – on busy summer weekend days, especially if the swell is good. If you’re going, plan for an all-day excursion.
Doheny State Beach
This beach in Dana Point usually has ample parking and plenty of sand space. The waves are typically mellow, especially during winter. Summer swells can bring bigger waves, but they are usually soft and rolling, which is why this is a great beginner place to surf. There are a lot of grassy areas if you want to bring a soccer ball to kick around, and plenty of grills if you want to have a barbecue with friends. One amenity that is often overlooked is the free interpretive center at the entrance, which has an interactive tide pool showcasing local sea creatures, along with aquariums with fish found off Doheny State Beach. There’s also a cool butterfly garden to explore.
Beach bummer: This beach can get a bit crazy with crowds on a busy summer day, and there are lots of events held here.
Seal Beach Pier
Another great spot because of parking on both sides of the pier and a short trek to where the sand meets the water. But I also like this beach for the kids because it has a great playground nearby where they can play if they get tired of the sand. The grassy areas here are nice for an afternoon picnic if you want to avoid getting sand all over the place. Waves at this spot are typically pretty mellow, except when winter swells hit; then the south side of the pier can be dangerous. Take a surf lesson on the north side of the pier with M & M Surf School. For an extra treat, there’s a Cold Stone Creamery ice cream parlor right on the corner of Main and Pacific Coast Highway.
Beach bummer: This area has a high concentration of sting rays when the surf is small and the water is warm. Although your chances of getting hit are slim, an encounter can turn a fun day at the beach into a painful one. This beach also tends to get windy at around 2 p.m.
— Laylan Connelly
Contact the writer: Contact the writer at lconnelly@ocregister.com
