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Day Trips from Anaheim

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Day Trips from Anaheim: Beaches & Waterfront

The best beaches and waterfront destinations within driving distance of Anaheim, CA. Lake beaches, river walks, and coastal parks that make for a perfect warm-weather day trip. Real drive times, ratings, and photos included.

10 beaches near Anaheim

Fletcher Cove Beach Park, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Fletcher Cove Beach Park

Solana Beach, CA 92075

Just 1 hr 15 min from Anaheim, rated 4.8 stars by 3,236 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 15 min4.8 (3,236)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Heisler Park, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Heisler Park

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Just 36 min from Anaheim, rated 4.8 stars by 7,584 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

36 min4.8 (7,584)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Shoreline Park, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Shoreline Park

Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Just 2 hrs 11 min from Anaheim, rated 4.8 stars by 2,511 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 11 min4.8 (2,511)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Pier Point Park, Long Beach, CA 90802

Pier Point Park

Long Beach, CA 90802

Just 34 min from Anaheim, rated 4.7 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

34 min4.7 (10)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Shoreline Park, 212 Golden Shore, Long Beach

Shoreline Park

212 Golden Shore, Long Beach

Just 34 min from Anaheim, rated 4.7 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

34 min4.7 (19)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

ShoreLine Aquatic Park, Long Beach, CA 90802

ShoreLine Aquatic Park

Long Beach, CA 90802

Just 31 min from Anaheim, rated 4.7 stars by 2,775 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

31 min4.7 (2,775)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Colorado Lagoon, Long Beach, CA 90814

Colorado Lagoon

Long Beach, CA 90814

Just 32 min from Anaheim, rated 4.6 stars by 1,923 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

32 min4.6 (1,923)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Marina Green, Long Beach, CA 90803

Marina Green

Long Beach, CA 90803

Just 33 min from Anaheim, rated 4.6 stars by 961 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

33 min4.6 (961)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

North Shore Beach, CA 91773, USA

North Shore Beach

CA 91773, USA

Just 30 min from Anaheim, rated 4.5 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

30 min4.5 (17)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Lake Gregory Regional Park, Crestline, CA 92325

Lake Gregory Regional Park

Crestline, CA 92325

Just 1 hr 16 min from Anaheim, rated 4.4 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.

1 hr 16 min4.4 (4,537)FamilyNatureAdventure$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beaches Day Trips from Anaheim

What are the best beaches near Anaheim, CA?

The best beaches near Anaheim include lake beaches, state park swimming areas, and waterfront parks. Check the cards above for top-rated options with drive times and real visitor ratings.

Are there swimmable beaches within driving distance of Anaheim?

Yes. Several beaches within 1-3 hours of Anaheim have designated swimming areas with lifeguards during summer months. State park beaches are often the cleanest and best-maintained options.

When is the best time to visit beaches near Anaheim?

Late May through September is prime beach season near Anaheim. June and July offer the warmest water temperatures. Shoulder months (May, September) have fewer crowds and are great for walking and photography.

What should I bring for a beach day trip from Anaheim?

Pack sunscreen, towels, a cooler with drinks and snacks, and water shoes for rocky shorelines. Some state park beaches charge a vehicle entry fee ($5-$15), so bring cash. Arrive early on weekends to secure parking.

Don't know where to go?

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