Santa Ana is the second most famous city in Orange County, with a lot of beauty and attractions to explore. But did you know that Santa Ana is also close to some of the best sea beaches in the state?
These sand beaches are just a 20 to 30-minute drive away from the city and are perfect for a relaxing getaway, a fun-filled adventure, or a romantic escape.
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In this article, you will get to know about the following points to visit near Santa Ana,
- Newport Beach
- Huntington Beach
- Alamitos Bay Beach
- Laguna Beach
- Long Beach
- Crystal Cove State Park Beach
Let’s see each of these places in detail.
1. Newport Beach
This beach is in southern Orange County, California, and is 15 kilometers away from Santa Ana. It is the ultimate destination to spend your holidays at. The city boasts of its gorgeous sandy beaches and scenic views.
The horizon, stretched coastline and the pier all add charm to the natural setting. The place is filled with serenity and can be reached within 20 minutes from Santa Ana by car. You will love the sight of the blue waters, the sound of the crashing waves, and the cool sea breeze.
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Newport Beach is notable for its swimming opportunities. So while you are here, put on your comfortable pieces of clothing and get into the waters for a good swim. You can also enjoy whale watching at this place. Take a boat tour to see the dolphins, whales, and other marine animals in their natural environment.
There are also many water sports that you can try, such as kayaking, standup paddle boarding, and surfing. You can also go sailing, fishing, and rowing, as it is the largest recreational harbor on the West Coast. Enjoy sitting by the shore and watching the dramatic sunset. The colorful transitions with the silhouette of the pier and the reddish-orange sun make the sight much more mystical.
The ideal time will be to visit between July to September. At this time the weather remains warm and cozy and the waters are at the perfect temperature to be in.
2. Huntington Beach
This 15-kilometer-long beach is in Orange County and is around 24 kilometers away from Santa Ana. It is one of the best South Californian beaches and is a great spot to relish a lovely seaside city life.
The site is characterized by a delightfully mild climate, beach culture, and an excellent reputation for surfing. Not just these, it has a bit of rich history attached to it. The splendid natural beauty attracts travelers from all over the world. A drive of around 30 minutes will be enough to reach the location from Satna Ana and witness the uninterrupted coastline.
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If you are into adventures, then go surfing through the rising waves. Other than that, there is standup paddle boating, kayaking, beach cycling, beach volleyball, etc. However, if you go to the northwest of the beach, you can get indulge in windsurfing and kite surfing.
When you are out of energy, chill on the sand and enjoy the warm temperatures at the magical hour. The entire environment becomes very soothing and calm. Go up to the Huntington Beach Pier and click some stunning pictures of the coastline, ocean, beach, and the orange-purple sunset. The pier provides a perfect frame for some snaps.
A lot more is there to explore and witness at Huntington Beach. It is a great place to visit any time of the year, but if you want some quiet time, you can go in the fall months when the beach is less crowded.
3. Alamitos Bay Beach
Alamitos Bay Beach is a narrow sandy beach and is a part of Long Beach. It is situated on the western side of Alamitos Bay, between Long Beach and Seal Beach. It is a beautiful escape from the bustling city life, only 32 kilometers away from Santa Ana.
The beach is not as crowded and holds some alluring views. The serene vibes give peace to the soul and help in revitalization. Stand by the shore and witness the calm and mesmerizing atmosphere. The rhythms of the crashing waves add to the place’s charms.
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The stretched wide sandy beach is great for strolling around idly or you might even rent a bike to go on a ride along the shore. Volleyball courts are there on the beach where you can team up with friends and family and enjoy a game.
You can get into the waters for a swim or a dip or might try your hands on kayaking by renting one from the vendors by the beach. You can also stay until sunset and breathe in a laid-back time while feeling the carcasses of the cool breeze. You can visit any time you prefer, but the summer months are best to undertake all the thrilling activities.
4. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is yet another location in Orange County that is appealing in terms of the sights and panoramas. It is also called the real Orange County and is a must to drop by when in Santa Ana.
With its scenic coves, spectacular cliffs with contrasting waters of the ocean, and a mild climate, the beach is flawless to spend some time at. It is just a 20-minute drive away from Santa Ana.
Laguna Beach houses several elements that are worth the exploration and one such is Victoria Beach. It has secluded coves and a dreamy landscape. Another attraction is the pirate tower. When at the beach, you will notice numerous tide pools consisting of a diversity of marine life.
A number of hiking trails are there that will offer awe-inspiring views of the coastline. There are other options like body surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. As the spring rolls in, the place gets a new spirit and is adorned with blooming seasonal flowers.
The best time to visit Laguna Beach is during spring (April to May) and fall (September to October), when the weather is pleasant. You will love this place and its vibrant atmosphere.
5. Long Beach
Located about half an hour’s distance from Santa Ana, Long Beach is a fun place to be at. The place is known for its waterfront attractions and stunning long wide beaches. There is history to the site dating back to the Tongva period.
The pristine nature and soothing topography are what you will find when you visit. It is a pretty place to try a game of beach Baseball. If you want to get into the salty concoction as soon as possible, then run for a swim.
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Then for a bit more elevated fun, indulge in water activities like sailing, water skiing, surfing, etc. The place is acknowledged internationally for such crazy water ports and annual events are also held for the same.
The views of the brilliant Pacific Ocean are a treat to the eyes. The evenings at the beach turn into a celebration with great music, dance, and a lot more. You can also sit for a picnic with your loved ones and enjoy a hearty meal while admiring the scenic sights.
There are also hiking trails near the beach that will take you through the wild environment to offer some excellent views of the area and coastline. Check out the famous Long Beach Aquarium and a few other spots close to the beach.
The best time is between the months of May and September when the weather remains warm and comfortable with the mild cool breeze.
6. Crystal Cove State Park Beach
The Crystal Cove State Park is home to a diversity of flora and fauna along with mesmerizing woodlands and many other aspects. This 2400-acre land also has an incredible 3.2-mile-long beach. It is around 25 minutes away from Santa Ana and is worth all the attention.
The beach is quite famous amongst surfers and swimmers. It is also adored by nature and adventure junkies who love the raw wilderness.
The area has a Mediterranean climate, with foggy misty summer mornings and cool evenings. All the aspects add up to form a piece of heaven that will captivate you. There are tide pools, sandy coves, and much more that sparkle under the shiny atmosphere. Offshore underwater areas are there that are explored by the Scuba and Skin Divers.
The unique terrain impresses everyone who visits with its immaculate beauty. There are different access points to the beach namely Pelican Point, Reef Point, etc. These two points are famed for their staggering natural features. The Reef Point has two enticing coves while the Pelican Point will take you through long trails. Much more is there and to experience it all try visiting during the summer months.
Here you go!
These are a few among all the beaches that are situated near Santa Ana and are worth looking into. They are all extremely attractive and will not disappoint you in any way.
For every beach you travel to there is a certain essence that you will feel along with various vistas of nature. Plan your trip to these locations and spend a day admiring the sand and waters of the ocean.
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