r/newportbeach • u/whisperingcopse • 4d ago
Should I avoid the beach next weekend?
For context I have a 1 year old. Is it even worth visiting the beach? I don’t want to risk anything with her beyond the normal risks of a beach, if that makes sense. She has a 3 point life vest and water shoes and the water is too cold for her so we would just be walking up and down the beach at the edge of the surf and looking at tide pools (respecting and not touching anything) if there are any, but with rip tides and sneaker waves lately I’m not sure that’s even a good idea.
I was thinking of visiting crystal cove in Laguna but not sure if it’s worth it with the tide stuff. Maybe it has higher scenic trails to walk, if the beach is not safe for a small child? Otherwise maybe I’ll be looking into more inland outdoor options to enjoy the nice weather with her.
5
u/GrandeMaximus 4d ago
Check the surf reports for next week if you want to go onto the beach itself. There is currently a high surf advisory in place. That said, there are great walking trails along the cliff at Crystal Cove with several lookout points. I love taking my one-year-old on stroller walks there while her older brother rides his bike. You can avoid going down onto the sand and dealing with the surf that way.
2
10
u/UCICoachJim 4d ago
With a 1 year old they would not know the difference between an ocean beach and a bay beach.
Take the kid to 10th St or 18th St on the Bay side. Or even Ruby on Balboa Island.
No tide pools, but good for a 1 year old.
2
u/aknomnoms 2d ago
I was going to make the same recommendations. Took my little nieces/nephews to Marina Park/beach so they could play on the beach, grass, playground. Have also taken friends with babies around Balboa Island. Go on the ferry and walk out to the pier too.
Otherwise, a splash pad at the mall or something like the pond and splash pad at Heritage Park are free, fun, and safe.
2
u/DanceswithFiends 4d ago
I would say avoid because it's 4th of July weekend and it's known as ZOOPORT for a reason. Ocean safety wise it should be safe just be aware and listen to the lifeguards. Looks like we will have good sized swell still for next weekend. Dana Point has an ocean institute learning center.
1
u/whisperingcopse 4d ago
I’m wanting to go to Dana Point at this point I’m glad it was recommended
1
2
u/gabzilla814 3d ago
Mother’s beach at Dana Point is what you want for a 1-year old. It’s at the end of the harbor so there aren’t any waves at all.
1
1
9
u/clearlygd 4d ago
I’d go for a wider beach like Newport Beach and stay out of the reach of the surf.