One of the best parts about visiting Anaheim in late summer is that a beach day is always within reach! Head west or south and you can trade the theme parks for surf breaks, tide pools, coastal hikes and some of Orange County’s most scenic stretches of sand.
 

Huntington Beach: Surf, Bike & Explore the Pier

For classic Southern California beach vibes, head to Huntington Beach. Known famously as Surf City USA, its wide shoreline and consistent waves make it one of Orange County’s most popular places to surf—or to learn how!
 

Start around the Huntington Beach Pier, where you can watch surfers from above before walking or biking along the paved beachfront path. Surf shops, restaurants and Main Street are right across Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), so it’s easy to break up your beach day with lunch or a little shopping.
 

Want to stay until dark? Huntington State Beach also has fire rings for a classic beach bonfire when available, perfect for a picnic at sundown.

Corona del Mar: Make It a Classic Beach Day

If swimming and relaxing are high on your list, head toward Newport Beach and Corona del Mar State Beach. The half-mile stretch of sand sits beneath coastal cliffs at the entrance to Newport Harbor and is a popular spot for swimming, volleyball, picnics and soaking up the sun.
 

When the tide is low, venture toward nearby Little Corona for tide pools and rocky shoreline. You can also make time for a drive around Newport Harbor or continue toward Balboa Island for shops, restaurants and a walk along the waterfront.
 

Pro Tip: Check the Orange County tide schedule before planning any tide-pool adventure. Low tide gives you much more to explore.
 

Crystal Cove: Hit the Trails Before the Sand

Can’t decide between hiking and a beach day? Do both at Crystal Cove State Park, which spans more than three miles of coastline between Newport and Laguna.
 

The park combines sandy coves and tide pools with inland hiking, biking and even equestrian trails. Crystal Cove also boasts a historic seaside district of early 20th-century cottages, adding another layer to explore beyond the trails and sand. Just make sure you pack good walking shoes before heading out.
 

Laguna Beach: Pair the Beach with Art & Downtown Exploring

Laguna Beach is one of the best places in Orange County to pair a beach day with an afternoon exploring art galleries and Downtown restaurants. Start at Main Beach, where swimming, fishing, sunbathing and the waterfront boardwalk put you steps from all sorts of cafes and boutiques. For something more hidden, Heisler Park’s blufftop paths offer quiet picnic areas and access to smaller beaches and tide pool areas.
 

And as one of Orange County’s major cultural destinations, Laguna Beach makes it easy to pair a few hours by the water with stops at the Laguna Art Museum, the galleries along Gallery Row, the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center or the many independent studios and exhibition spaces throughout the region.
 

Dana Point: Fish, Paddle or Head Out on the Water

For a more active beach day, you can’t go wrong with Dana Point. Doheny State Beach stretches for more than a mile and is a popular place for swimming, surfing, picnicking, birdwatching and more.
 

Nearby, Dana Point Harbor opens up even more possibilities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, sportfishing and whale-watching excursions. You can also visit the Ocean Institute for marine exhibits and educational programs or explore the coastal trails and overlooks around the Dana Point Headlands.
 

Looking for more of a surf challenge? Nearby Salt Creek Beach is a favorite among skilled surfers, while its grassy blufftop park offers plenty of space to relax and take in the ocean views.
 

Getting to the Beach Without a Car

OC Bus makes it easier than ever to reach several Orange County beaches from Anaheim without having to drive.

• Route 1: The most useful option for exploring the coast, running along Pacific Coast Highway through Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point and down toward San Clemente.

• Route 123: Connects Anaheim with Huntington Beach, making it a convenient option for a classic Surf City beach day.

• Route 47: Another useful connection for reaching Newport Beach and the Balboa Peninsula.
   

Pro Tip: Routes and schedules can change, so use the OC Bus Trip Planner before heading out to find the best connection from your hotel or starting point.