Anaheim has a staggering selection of beaches.
From kid-friendly coves to world-renowned surfing spots, there is no shortage of options here.
Those who enjoy beachcombing for sea treasures, should visit Laguna Beach area.
Huntington Beach and Manhattan Beach provide a quintessential SoCal experience.
And Marina del Rey Beach and Mother’s Beach in Alamitos Bay are best for children and paddle sports.
We’ve done the leg work, here are the best beaches within 40 minutes of Anaheim!
1. Huntington Beach
- Distance from Anaheim: 23 miles
- Activities: surfing, swimming, fishing, sunbathing, camping, sporting events and festivals
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, restaurants, pier, ADA wheelchairs, lifeguards
If you’re looking for a quintessential California beach experience, look no further than the sweeping, sun-kissed expanses of Huntington Beach, lovingly referred to as “Surf City USA.”
Spread along 10 miles of pristine Pacific coastline, Huntington Beach offers an invigorating blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and endless recreational opportunities.
Renowned for its world-class surfing conditions, Huntington Beach is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts.
The consistent waves have been enticing surfers since the early 20th century, and the city plays host to the annual U.S. Open of Surfing – the world’s largest surf competition and lifestyle festival.
The iconic Huntington Beach Pier stretches an impressive 1,850 feet into the Pacific Ocean, offering unparalleled views of the surfers below and the vast ocean beyond. It’s also a popular spot for fishing, too.
As for facilities, visitors are well-catered to with numerous beachfront restrooms, outdoor showers, and an abundance of picnic areas.
RV camping is also available, offering the irresistible charm of waking up to the ocean’s lullaby.
The beach is also ADA accessible, with beach wheelchairs available at no charge.
The year-round roster of events is another major draw for Huntington Beach.
Apart from the U.S. Open of Surfing, the beach hosts numerous sporting events, fireworks shows, and festivals.
2. Bolsa Chica State Beach
- Distance from Anaheim: 21 miles
- Activities: surfing, swimming, fishing, sunbathing, camping
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, RV campground, lifeguards, grills
Located just up the coast from its more famous sibling, Huntington Beach, lies the tranquil escape that is Bolsa Chica State Beach.
Often overlooked in the shadow of its bustling neighbor, this gem is cherished by locals for its laid-back vibe, scenic beauty, and rich ecosystem.
It’s one of the nearest beaches to Anaheim, located just 21 miles from downtown.
Stretching across three miles of the Pacific coastline, its calmer waters make it an ideal spot for novice surfers and swimmers alike, while the clear skies are a kite flyer’s paradise.
What’s more, the beach is a popular spot for surf fishing, with anglers vying for perch, corbina, and sand sharks.
Not to mention, the nearby Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve presents the perfect environment for bird-watching, home to over 200 species of migratory birds.
Bolsa Chica State Beach has public restrooms, outdoor showers, and barbecue grills.
Visitors can also take advantage of the ample parking and a lifeguard service that operates throughout the year.
Perhaps one of the most endearing features of Bolsa Chica State Beach is its expansive RV camping facility – one of the few places in Southern California where you can camp right on the sand.
3. Mother’s Beach
- Distance from Anaheim: 20 miles
- Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnics, playground
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, lifeguards, grills, lifebuoys
Located in the heart of Alamitos Bay, Mother’s Beach is a charming, family-friendly haven that offers a tranquil alternative to the bustling, surf-heavy beaches of Southern California.
The beach’s gentle, waveless waters provide a safe environment for children and beginner swimmers, while the extensive sandy shore is a delightful canvas for sandcastle builders of all ages.
Paddleboarding and kayaking enthusiasts will also enjoy the calm, serene bay.
Facilities at Mother’s Beach are thoughtfully designed with families in mind.
Visitors will find picnic tables, barbecue grills, and a playground, ensuring an enjoyable day for all.
A lifeguard station is on duty during daylight hours, providing an additional safety net.
4. Junipero Beach
- Distance from Anaheim: 25 miles
- Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnics, playground, volleyball
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, lifeguards, grills
Junipero Beach, a short drive from Anaheim, is a slice of Californian seaside heaven that offers a delightful mix of relaxation and recreation.
Its expansive shoreline is a favorite among sunbathers.
Surfers and body-boarders will find the consistent breakers perfect for an adrenaline-filled day.
While those looking for tranquil activities can enjoy a serene beachside walk or an invigorating yoga session with the rhythm of the ocean as a backdrop.
The beach’s facilities ensure a comfortable experience for all. Public restrooms, outdoor showers, beach volleyball courts, and BBQ pits dot the landscape.
An ADA-accessible walkway makes the beach a delight for everyone, and lifeguard stations ensure safety for swimmers and surfers alike.
Junipero Beach serves as the backdrop for several exciting events throughout the year. Notably, the annual Long Beach Sea Festival, featuring sand castle competitions and beach volleyball tournaments, attracts visitors from across the state.
Unpretentious and brimming with coastal charm, Junipero Beach presents a picturesque beach experience just a stone’s throw from Anaheim.
5. Cabrillo Beach
- Distance from Anaheim: 34 miles
- Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnics, playground, volleyball, surfing, windsurfing
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, lifeguards, grills, pier
Situated within close proximity to Anaheim, Cabrillo Beach offers a unique two-for-one beach experience.
With one side facing the calm waters of the harbor and the other opening to the Pacific Ocean, visitors get a taste of both tranquility and adventure.
Cabrillo’s calm harbor side is perfect for families with small children, beginner swimmers, or anyone yearning for a peaceful sunbath.
The ocean side, with its surfable waves, beckons the adventurous, providing ample opportunity for surfing, windsurfing, and even beach volleyball.
Replete with facilities, Cabrillo Beach offers a playground, picnic areas, and a bathhouse dating back to the 1930s.
This well-maintained beach ensures lifeguards on duty, making it a safe retreat for swimmers and surfers.
Unique to Cabrillo is the nearby Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, providing insightful and interactive marine exhibits.
Cabrillo Beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation, water sports, and educational experiences.
This dual-personality beach, coupled with the added attractions, makes it an unmissable coastal retreat for visitors venturing near Anaheim.
6. White Point Beach
- Distance from Anaheim: 36 miles
- Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnics, playground, surfing, kayaking, hiking
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, lifeguards, grills, nature preserve
White Point Beach offers an idyllic seaside escape with a twist.
This unique destination, known for its distinctive rocky shoreline, is a true haven for nature lovers and those seeking a more unconventional beach experience.
Instead of sandy expanses, here you will find tide pools teeming with marine life, making it an excellent spot for an educational exploration with children or an immersive, meditative experience for adults.
The rugged surf is a siren call for surfers and kayakers looking for a challenge.
The beach is complemented by the adjacent White Point Park, offering picnic areas, walking trails, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
The park’s facilities include ample parking, restrooms, and BBQ pits, ensuring a comfortable outing for visitors.
Just a stone’s throw away is the White Point Nature Preserve, home to local flora and fauna, and the site of former coastal defense installations, offering a brush with history alongside nature exploration.
While there are fewer organized events at White Point Beach, its proximity to Anaheim means visitors can easily access city festivities after a day on the beach.
7. Torrance County Beach
- Distance from Anaheim: 33 miles
- Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnics, playground, surfing, walking, cycling
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, lifeguards, grills
Tucked away from the usual hustle and bustle of SoCal’s more prominent beaches, Torrance County Beach offers a tranquil getaway within a short drive from Anaheim.
This 1.5-mile stretch of sandy shoreline provides the perfect blend of serene scenery, recreational opportunities, and visitor-friendly amenities.
With its wide sandy beach and milder waves, Torrance is an excellent spot for sunbathing, swimming, and casual beach games.
Surfing and bodyboarding enthusiasts will also find the beach’s consistent surf appealing.
For those preferring a leisurely stroll or a brisk jog, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as The Strand, meanders along the beach, offering an exhilarating seaside workout with splendid views of the Pacific Ocean.
Visitors to Torrance County Beach are well-catered with amenities such as public restrooms, showers, and ample parking space.
Lifeguard stations scattered along the beach ensure safety for all beachgoers.
While Torrance County Beach may not be a hub for large-scale events, its charm lies in its peaceful ambiance, allowing visitors to unwind and connect with nature.
Seasonal events in the nearby city of Torrance, including the annual Armed Forces Day Parade, add a dash of local color to a beach day out.
8. Manhattan Beach
- Distance from Anaheim: 31 miles
- Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnics, playgrounds, surfing, walking, cycling, jogging, volleyball
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, lifeguards, grills, paved promenade, volleyball courts
Just 31 miles away from Anaheim lies Manhattan Beach, a dynamic fusion of classic Californian beach vibes and upscale sophistication.
This pristine sandy haven is a hive of activity, offering a rich selection of water sports, beach games, and serene relaxation.
The beach is a surfer’s paradise, known for its consistent waves.
For those who prefer dry land, the golden sands are perfect for sunbathing or an energetic game of beach volleyball.
The strand, a paved path winding along the beach, is a popular spot for cyclists, runners, and walkers.
Manhattan Beach is more than just a stunning shoreline; it’s a well-appointed destination for visitors.
The beach features several volleyball courts, a playground, and lifeguard stations for safety.
Public restrooms, showers, and plentiful parking ensure a comfortable day out.
The city of Manhattan Beach hosts several events throughout the year, with the beach as a stunning backdrop.
The annual Manhattan Beach Open, a premier professional beach volleyball tournament, draws a large crowd, while the Concerts in the Park series offers delightful summer evenings of music.
Manhattan Beach weaves together a sunny beach experience with a touch of luxury, making it an enticing retreat for those visiting Anaheim.
9. Little Corona del Mar Beach
- Distance from Anaheim: 21 miles
- Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnics, hiking, beachcombing, wildlife spotting, photography
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, lifeguards (summer)
A short scenic drive from Anaheim, Little Corona del Mar Beach is a quiet hideaway that offers an intimate beach experience, contrasting the larger, more bustling SoCal beaches.
This tucked-away cove is renowned for its beauty, serenity, and abundant marine life.
Ideal for families and nature enthusiasts, its tide pools are brimming with starfish, anemones, and crabs, offering an educational exploration of marine life.
The calmer waters here are also suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
For the more adventurous, there are beautiful diving spots, while photography enthusiasts will love capturing the stunning ocean views and the arching rock formations.
Little Corona del Mar Beach offers necessary amenities such as public restrooms and street parking.
While lifeguards are stationed only in summer, the relatively calm waters and smaller beach size allow for safer swimming conditions.
While not a hub for large-scale events, the beach’s charm lies in its tranquility and natural beauty.
The surrounding community, Corona del Mar, hosts events like the annual Christmas Walk, adding a dose of local color to a beach visit.
10. Crescent Bay Beach
- Distance from Anaheim: 26 miles
- Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnics, hiking, beachcombing, wildlife spotting, snorkeling, bodyboarding
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, lifeguards
Crescent Bay Beach is a secluded paradise, featuring stunningly clear waters framed by rocky points on either side.
This picturesque cove offers a range of activities, facilities, and a unique sense of serenity that sets it apart from its more crowded counterparts.
Crescent Bay’s turquoise waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and bodyboarding.
With marine life in abundance, snorkelers can expect to spot a wide variety of fish and, if lucky, even seals and dolphins.
The beach’s northern point, known as Seal Rock, is a wildlife sanctuary and a favored spot for birdwatchers.
The beach features lifeguard stations for safety and public restrooms for convenience.
Street parking is available, although it can fill up quickly during peak times.
The natural beauty of Crescent Bay Beach is an attraction in itself.
Visitors can explore the charming tide pools at the southern end or venture out on a hike to the nearby Crescent Bay Point Park for breathtaking panoramic views.
11. Crystal Cove State Beach
- Distance from Anaheim: 24 miles
- Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnics, hiking, beachcombing, wildlife spotting, snorkeling, bodyboarding
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, lifeguards
Crystal Cove State Park Beach is a natural wonderland that stretches over three miles of rugged coastline.
It’s a delightful destination for those seeking a beach day infused with wilderness exploration and outdoor adventures.
Crystal Cove’s diverse waters cater to both swimmers and surfers.
For those who prefer dry land, there are over 18 miles of hiking trails, offering spectacular ocean vistas.
The beach’s tide pools, teeming with marine life, are a delight for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
Facilities at Crystal Cove State Park Beach include restrooms, picnic areas, and parking lots.
Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours for beachgoer safety.
The Beachcomber Cafe adds a unique touch with its delicious fare served right on the sand.
While the beach itself doesn’t host many events, the Crystal Cove Conservancy organizes community outreach programs and interpretive exhibits to promote environmental awareness.
Crystal Cove State Park offers an unforgettable camping experience with cliff-top pitches offering breathtaking ocean panoramas.
12. Treasure Island Beach
- Distance from Anaheim: 28 miles
- Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnics, beachcombing, snorkeling, bodyboarding
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, lifeguards (summer)
Treasure Island Beach is a picturesque slice of Southern California’s coastline, offering an idyllic setting for a relaxing and invigorating beach experience.
Accessible via a paved path that winds through a lush garden, Treasure Island Beach exudes a sense of secluded serenity.
It boasts large sandy expanses, crystal-clear waters, and a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachside picnics.
For adventurous souls, the beach’s gentle surf is ideal for bodyboarding.
At low tide, tide pools emerge, revealing a vibrant ecosystem of marine life that will captivate nature enthusiasts of all ages.
Among the amenities are well-maintained restrooms, outdoor showers, and a wheelchair-accessible ramp leading to the beach.
The adjacent Montage Resort offers additional dining options for those seeking a more upscale beachside meal.
While Treasure Island Beach is more about tranquility than bustling beach events, it hosts occasional beach clean-ups, providing visitors the opportunity to give back to this beautiful coastal haven.
In essence, Treasure Island Beach, with its blend of natural beauty and comfortable facilities, offers an inviting seaside retreat near Anaheim.
13. Table Rock Beach
- Distance from Anaheim: 29 miles
- Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnics, beachcombing, snorkeling, bodyboarding
- Facilities: lifeguards (summer)
Tucked away in South Laguna, lies Table Rock Beach, a secluded treasure for those seeking an escape from the well-trodden tourist path.
This hideaway beach, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and distinct rock formations, presents a serene retreat offering unique recreational opportunities.
Table Rock Beach’s waters are crystal clear, perfect for swimming and body surfing, while the eponymous rock formation is a draw for daring divers.
During low tide, visitors can explore the natural sea caves and tide pools, teeming with diverse marine life.
The beach is accessible via a long set of stairs, which adds to its secluded charm.
While amenities here are sparse, with limited street parking and no restrooms or summer-only lifeguard services, the uncrowded sands and breathtaking natural beauty offer a rewarding experience for those willing to venture a little off the beaten track.
Table Rock Beach is an ideal setting for peaceful beach picnics, sunbathing, and nature photography.
14. 1000 Steps Beach
- Distance from Anaheim: 29 miles
- Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnics, beachcombing, snorkeling, bodyboarding, surfing
- Facilities: lifeguards, restrooms, showers
1000 Steps Beach presents a secluded slice of paradise for those in pursuit of sun, surf, and solitude.
Don’t be deterred by the name – the staircase descending to the beach has fewer than 1000 steps, but the reward waiting below is immeasurable.
This extensive sandy beach is fringed by towering cliffs, providing a sense of seclusion rarely found on Southern California’s coast.
The waters here are perfect for surfing, and bodyboarding, while low tide reveals fascinating tide pools and accessible sea caves.
The beach offers essential facilities such as restrooms and showers, ensuring a comfortable visit.
However, keep in mind that parking can be competitive, and lifeguards are only stationed during the summer.
For the adventurous, the large sea cave on the south end of the beach provides a unique exploration opportunity during low tide (often closed during summer).
Visitors can also enjoy a scenic stroll along the beach, which stretches far at low tide.
15. Marina Beach
- Distance from Anaheim: 42 miles
- Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnics, playgrounds, kayaking, paddleboarding
- Facilities: lifeguards, restrooms, showers
Just around the bend from the iconic Venice Beach, Marina Beach, affectionately known as Mother’s Beach, offers a tranquil, family-friendly beach experience in the heart of Los Angeles’ vibrant coastal scene.
Marina Beach’s calm waters, shielded from waves by the marina, are ideal for safe swimming and paddling, making it particularly appealing for families with young children.
Watersports lovers can partake in kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, while the sandy shores provide the perfect backdrop for sunbathing and beach games.
The beach is well-equipped with amenities including picnic areas, barbeque grills, restrooms, and a children’s play area.
A designated swimming area and lifeguard stations ensure a safe environment for all visitors.
Throughout the summer months, visitors can enjoy live concerts and movie nights, making for memorable beachside evenings.
Just like Mother’s Beach in Alamitos Bay, Marina Beach is the top option for families with small kids.
