Located in the heart of Southern California, La Mirada provides an ideal starting off point to the best family-friendly beaches in the Los Angeles and Orange County region. Within an hour north or south of La Mirada you have access to the beaches that have made California such a kid-friendly destination.
These six sandy beaches offer family-friendly features, such as plenty of sand to build castles, calm water for new swimmers, tide pools and aquariums to explore, grassy picnic grounds for family gatherings, and close by food to fuel your family adventure.
Dana Point Harbor Beach | Dana Point
Dana Point Harbor Beach, known as “Baby Beach,” is located on the protected waters of Dana Point Harbor. The small family-friendly beach has a roped-off swimming area with a lifeguard on hand. Next to the beach is a grass park with bluffs towering overhead. There are plenty of places to walk with paths along the edge of the marina. Next to the beach is a small fishing pier and a replica of the historic ship named the Pilgrim.
Main Beach | Laguna Beach
Main Beach is a relatively safe place for kids to play in the water
as waves aren’t typically that big, but there are lifeguards on hand if necessary. The beach includes two sports courts, sand volleyball courts, playground, tidepools, and a boardwalk leading to the paths and gardens of nearby Heisler Park. Take a break from the beach by walking across the street to downtown Laguna Beach with a diverse selection of restaurants and cute boutique shops.
Huntington City Beach | Huntington Beach
Huntington City Beach is a 3.5 mile stretch of sandy waterfront in “Surf City USA”. The Huntington Beach Pier is located in the center of the beach with volleyball courts nearby and beach rentals south of the pier. A dog-friendly strand called Huntington Dog Beach is at the northern end. A paved path that runs along the beach for bikers, walkers, and runners. Head across Pacific Coast Hwy for a bite to eat at Pacific City’s LOT 579 food hall.
Manhattan Beach | Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is a two-mile-long wide sandy flat beach in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach. The Strand bike path winds along the oceanfront between modern mansions and wide stretches of sand lined with volleyball courts. Low-key Manhattan Beach Pier features a quaint aquarium and views
of surfers. The nearby downtown area has boutiques, brunch cafes, pubs & creative, upscale eateries.
South Beach | Santa Monica
The south part of Santa Monica State Beach is located south of the Santa Monica Pier. It includes sports courts, picnic areas, playgrounds for kids, a human-scale chessboard, the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail paved path, and volleyball courts are all along this wide sandy beach. The Santa Monica Pier has the Pacific Park Amusement Park complete with rides and arcade games, restaurants, shops, and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.