If you are planning on traveling through Santa Ana, or are even maybe planning a move there, you may be wondering how close this southern Californian city is to the beach. While Santa Ana is not a city adjacent to the Pacific coast, you do not have to travel far to get to the sunny sands of the beach. So whether you are vacationing in the area or are a resident of studio apartments in Santa Ana, CA, you can still get your fill of coastal fun.

Huntington Beach

The closest beach to Santa Ana is the beloved Huntington Beach, a short 13-mile drive away. Huntington Beach is known as Surf City USA and is renowned for its wide shorelines and perfect surf breaks. Whether you are into surfing, sunbathing, or swimming, Huntington Beach is a great place to visit if you live in Santa Ana. Even if you want to visit the beach but not get super shady, you can rent a bike or enjoy a stroll along many scenic boardwalks and try out some of the fine seafood dining options along the waterfront.

Crystal Cove State Park

If you are looking for a more secluded and quiet beach experience, check out Crystal Cove State Park. Located between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, this special beach offers tide pools teeming with marine life, miles of hiking trails, and beautiful ocean scenes. While there are not a lot of dining options on this beach, you can opt to bring your lunch and set up a picnic amidst the coastal bluffs where you can enjoy watching the waves crash against the shore and maybe even spot dolphins out swimming in the surf.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a charming coastal town that has more to offer than just its clean, sandy beaches. It has a thriving art community for those looking for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, fine dining in restaurants that overlook the ocean, and fun boutiques. Laguna Beach has a few beaches from Victoria Beach where you can explore hidden coves and the old Pirate Tower, to the Main Beach where there are volleyball courts and tide pools for beach combing.

Dana Point

A bit further south, you can enjoy some unique outdoor activities at Dana Point. Not only are there nice beaches for sunbathing or swimming in the calm waters of Doheny State Beach, but you can venture out on the ocean itself, taking whale-watching excursions or sea kayaking. There are also abundant hiking opportunities with trails in the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area.

Conclusion

While Santa Ana may not be a coastal town, it benefits from being within easy driving disgrace for some of the nicest beaches on the coast of southern California. Whether you are visiting Santa Ana or have just moved here, consider taking a weekend to explore the nearby beaches and apprentice the wild natural beauty of the Pacific coast.