Taking the art to the Beach? About This Page:

[Queen Mom of 4]

I'm not planning to rent a car this trip around (a first for me) so I plan to take the Disneyland Express Bus from the Airport to the DL. However, one day I'd like to take my 6-year old to the Beach (nearest one - Huntington, I believe). It's about a 20 minute drive by car, I know.

Has anyone ever done this and what is the best way/most cost efficient way to do this? ART, Taxi, something else? I want to make sure once we get there we can get back!

Also - I might run to the grocery store to grab a couple of groceries - what's the best way to do that with no car?

Thanks!!!!!!!

[duck addict]

Orange County Transit has a website that allows you to use Google to find a route.
(ART is only between hotels and DL)

I typed in Disneyland as one end and Huntington Beach at the other. Approximately 1/2 hour (+ waiting for buses) and one bus change. Starts at Katella and Harbor Blvd (about 10 minute walk from DL hotel (and a lot closer to the non DL hotels) and ends up a '3' minute walk from the bus. ( Times would depend on the day of the week, etc.

Taxi will cost more. If you want to add a grocery stop the taxi would work.

An additional option would to be to rent a Car for one day. That way you control the cost and timing, as well as stops. They are available at the DL hotel and fairly close by.

(The previously mentioned Orange County Transit Strike has settled with the union and ART was not affected.)

Happy Planning

[Queen Mom of 4]

Wow! I had no idea you could rent a car from the DH! That is probably what I'll do then just for that 1 trip. Thanks for all the advice!

[duck addict]

I have to correct myself. Alamo has an office in Downtown Disney not the hotel.
All the biggies have offices there and I suspect would deliver the car to the hotel or pick you up.

[Queen Mom of 4]

Thanks, - I was a little confused about that!

[Owl]

Have you already taken your trip? and if not what day were you planning on going to the beach?

A car would be your best bet, we don't have the best public transporation. Once you get your car here is a decent intenerary for you. Also the weekends have less traffic than the weekdays where you have to deal with rush hour coming and going. On the weekend it's better to take the 5 south, to the 55 south all the way to Pacific Coast Highway. Turn right and downtown Huntington Beach is about 10 min away. Plus it's a nice drive up the coast. On the weekdays you can try the freeway or take Euclid (which is Disney Way around Disneyland) down to Yorktown and then go right to Main Street in Huntington and then go left to the Beach.

In the morning head to Huntington Beach and on Main street just a couple blocks from the pier is a popular breakfast cafe called the Sugar Shack. There are a lot of old time pictures beach atmosphere. The inside seats are first come, first served and the outside seating front and back has a waiting list.

After breakfast you can take a walk in the shops, walk on the pier and then spend time in the sand and sea. There are plenty of places nearby for lunch that you will pass on Main street or you cand splurge at Dukes. The best view for the price though is at Fred's Mexican restaurant upstairs on the corner of Main and Pacific Coast Highway above Huntington Surf and Sport.

About mid afternoon it starts to get windy and it is a good time to head back down Pacific Coast Highway to the Balboa Pennisula. Turn right off Pacific Coast Highway onto West Balboa Blvd. At about 1st street is the fun zone which is just perfect for a 6 year old. It has a ferris wheel and other amusement park rides as well as a ferry to the island and Balboa Bars for dessert. For dinner you can take in the Spaghetti Factory which is housed in an old warehouse with lots of antiques opposite the pier. The food is good and the price is very reasonable. The Crap Cooker is also next door and across the street is perry's pizza which is another local favorite. There is also a number of steak and seafood restaurants with a view of the bay on Pacific Coast Highway. After dinner you can stroll along the beach or take the ferry and walk around the island before heading back.

Hope you enjoy your stay, if you need any other info don't hesitate to ask.

[Queen Mom of 4]

Wow, Thanks so much! This is a wonderful itinerary. I never thought about Balboa - that does sound like fun for a 6 year old. Will definitely look into these for our "Beach Day".

Oh, we haven't gone yet - we leave September 9th - staying until the 13th.

Thanks again for the wonderful advice

[Owl]

You are quite welcome. September should be good. Kids will be back in school and the crowds will be manageble, plus the weather is still warm. Both area's have that beachy charm. Hope you have a great time.

[LauraBelle V. Hime]

I agree, Balboa is one of my favorite spots to visit when in Southern CA.

[Owl]

So? how was it?