new to the OC, need a nice beach rec.

anakin

We're moving Monday to Aliso Viejo which is right next to Laguna Beach.  The day we finished up our paperwork we went to Aliso Beach Park, which was really nice.  Can anyone tell me some of the other nice beaches in the area?  Or are they all nice?

We would especially like to find a beach with a nice shower/changing facility if possible.  The shower at Aliso Beach was outside and we could only find one.  The changing rooms are also restrooms and not easy to change in. 

We spent a lot of time at Mission Bay in San Diego and if you have been there you might have noticed that they have large buildings with separate restrooms and changing/shower areas.  They were really convenient to use and well maintained.

Thanks so much for any recommendations you can make.  We're really excited about moving to such a nice area from such a not so nice area to the north.

E

Serendipitie

I don't know of a single beach that has a nice changing room, nor do I care about a nice changing room at the beach. I suppose you could see if you can pay to get access to the Ritz?

Something tells me I would have loved to trade places with you when you lived in the "not so nice area to the north."

kirkette

I've spent a lot of time at Mission Bay, but I've never really noticed the changing rooms. This is probably because we are DINKs. 

I  pretty much like all the area beaches. However, I think we may have different needs.

*** Oops! I'm a loser. I saw your siggy and I thought you were talking about baby changing rooms. In regard to regular changing rooms and showers, I do that at home, or change in my car.  ***

Young_Love

Hey, I know you. Congrats on your move...and your little one!

I have honestly never given a single thought to the changing rooms at the beach. Sorry. I never use them, so I am no help at all. 

anakin

Serendipitie:

I don't know of a single beach that has a nice changing room, nor do I care about a nice changing room at the beach. I suppose you could see if you can pay to get access to the Ritz?

Something tells me I would have loved to trade places with you when you lived in the "not so nice area to the north."

Really?  Because in the last month there have been 8 murders withing 15 minutes of our house.  Most of them gang related.  The people from last nights stabbing are still on the loose.  That was at the park down the road from us. 

If you would like to come and live here feel free.  I'm sure you can find a house since the foreclosure rate here is one of the highest in the nation.  Personally we decided to move because the crime rate was much lower and the schools are much better.

As for the changing rooms I was interested in finding a nice one because trying to rinse off a 5 year old can be difficult in the outside showers.  Last weekend 2 brothers decided it was there turn to use the shower and rushed in and pushed her out of the way.  Plus I didn't like that the woman next to us stripped her son (about 2yo) naked so that she could rinse all the sand off of him.  I don't feel that I'm a complete prude, but I certainly don't feel that naked children (of either gender) is appropriate in public just because it makes things easier. 

You don't care about the changing rooms, good for you.  Perhaps your enjoyment of the beach is more fulfilling then mine will be.  Have fun!!!

To the others, thanks.  We've never lived in easy distance of a beach so perhaps we look at things a little differently.  Our experience has been only with public and private pools.  The kind that have changing facilities.  As far as I can tell ALL the beaches are beautiful in that area.  And we have plenty of time to find one with the most convenient ammenities.

Y_L thanks for the welcome!!!

Mrs50%

OK rule #1 of the OC board: Don't take our posters too seriously.  I don't think Dipitie meant anything by her comment other than (a beach with a seperate changing area building) sounds like a nice place to live. 

I have been to almost all the beaches in OC and I can say I have never once looked for a changing area.  So again I am sorry I am of no help. I get what you say re: showers. Unfortunately I don't think you'll find anything different here. 

But if you do- come back and let us know will ya?

 

 

kdruffles

All the beaches onl the trail in San Clemente have changing areas and I believe showers. State park is probably the nicest, some are better then others. I visit all the bathrooms as I do my daily walk. lol HTH

Serendipitie

anakin:

Serendipitie:

I don't know of a single beach that has a nice changing room, nor do I care about a nice changing room at the beach. I suppose you could see if you can pay to get access to the Ritz?

Something tells me I would have loved to trade places with you when you lived in the "not so nice area to the north."

Really?  Because in the last month there have been 8 murders withing 15 minutes of our house.  Most of them gang related.  The people from last nights stabbing are still on the loose.  That was at the park down the road from us. 

If you would like to come and live here feel free.  I'm sure you can find a house since the foreclosure rate here is one of the highest in the nation.  Personally we decided to move because the crime rate was much lower and the schools are much better.

As for the changing rooms I was interested in finding a nice one because trying to rinse off a 5 year old can be difficult in the outside showers.  Last weekend 2 brothers decided it was there turn to use the shower and rushed in and pushed her out of the way.  Plus I didn't like that the woman next to us stripped her son (about 2yo) naked so that she could rinse all the sand off of him.  I don't feel that I'm a complete prude, but I certainly don't feel that naked children (of either gender) is appropriate in public just because it makes things easier. 

You don't care about the changing rooms, good for you.  Perhaps your enjoyment of the beach is more fulfilling then mine will be.  Have fun!!!

To the others, thanks.  We've never lived in easy distance of a beach so perhaps we look at things a little differently.  Our experience has been only with public and private pools.  The kind that have changing facilities.  As far as I can tell ALL the beaches are beautiful in that area.  And we have plenty of time to find one with the most convenient ammenities.

Y_L thanks for the welcome!!!

Whoa. First of all, I don't know where you even live now, but I can think of many places to the north that have more character than Aliso Viejo. You can stop freaking out on me anytime.

I will reiterate. I have never seen a changing room at a beach in OC or LA that was any more than a restroom. If that was so important to you, maybe you should have included that in your requirements for your new home. Most Aliso communities have a community pool that has more amenities than the beach. That might be a better fit for you.

LuckyYoungBride

Serendipitie:

anakin:

Serendipitie:

I don't know of a single beach that has a nice changing room, nor do I care about a nice changing room at the beach. I suppose you could see if you can pay to get access to the Ritz?

Something tells me I would have loved to trade places with you when you lived in the "not so nice area to the north."

Really?  Because in the last month there have been 8 murders withing 15 minutes of our house.  Most of them gang related.  The people from last nights stabbing are still on the loose.  That was at the park down the road from us. 

If you would like to come and live here feel free.  I'm sure you can find a house since the foreclosure rate here is one of the highest in the nation.  Personally we decided to move because the crime rate was much lower and the schools are much better.

As for the changing rooms I was interested in finding a nice one because trying to rinse off a 5 year old can be difficult in the outside showers.  Last weekend 2 brothers decided it was there turn to use the shower and rushed in and pushed her out of the way.  Plus I didn't like that the woman next to us stripped her son (about 2yo) naked so that she could rinse all the sand off of him.  I don't feel that I'm a complete prude, but I certainly don't feel that naked children (of either gender) is appropriate in public just because it makes things easier. 

You don't care about the changing rooms, good for you.  Perhaps your enjoyment of the beach is more fulfilling then mine will be.  Have fun!!!

To the others, thanks.  We've never lived in easy distance of a beach so perhaps we look at things a little differently.  Our experience has been only with public and private pools.  The kind that have changing facilities.  As far as I can tell ALL the beaches are beautiful in that area.  And we have plenty of time to find one with the most convenient ammenities.

Y_L thanks for the welcome!!!

Whoa. First of all, I don't know where you even live now, but I can think of many places to the north that have more character than Aliso Viejo. You can stop freaking out on me anytime.

I will reiterate. I have never seen a changing room at a beach in OC or LA that was any more than a restroom. If that was so important to you, maybe you should have included that in your requirements for your new home. Most Aliso communities have a community pool that has more amenities than the beach. That might be a better fit for you.

I think anakin's response is totally justified.

Serendipitie

Well, I guess I'm just the biitch. I just never understood how people try to go to the beach without getting dirty. Whatever. Sounds like San Clemente is twtg

Young_Love

Ditto Rach. Anakin is a very nice regular poster on the nest who had a legit question that didn't warrant such a b!tchy respone. I think getting dirty at the beach is a given, but wanting a clean, easy place to clean up your kid before you get in your car isn't a totaly ridiculous idea. I know we like to have fun on this board, but I also thought we generally helped out people unfamilair with the area who have legit questions.

themarshmalo

Shower issues aside, I do like Crystal Cove. I don't believe they have the showers you're talking about, but it's a lot less populated than Laguna Beach. There are, however, very steep stairs which take you from the parking lot to the beach. It's a workout! You have to drive past the main Laguna Beach to get to it, there's a sign for the park.

yeahimcat

This thread is gross. I wish I hadn't read it.