The Kids Will Be All Right

It’s rarely a day at the beach for parents when they bring small children to the shore. But there are several spots in Los Angeles and Orange counties that are ideal for such outings.

During the summer months, Westside parents and their kids flock to Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey (in front of the Cheesecake Factory). It’s easy to see why. A semicircle of sand in the middle of the marina, it has no waves and the water’s shallow. It also boasts lots of new playground equipment, built on a foundation of recycled automobile tires for added safety.

A similar setup can be found at Mother’s Beach in Long Beach in the city’s Marine Stadium area. The beach is also waveless and has playgrounds, a roped-off swim area for kids and kayak rentals.

At the border of Los Angeles and Orange counties, Seal Beach offers a stretch of sand from the San Gabriel River mouth to the pier. Toddlers can easily withstand the mild waves that roll into shore.

Finally, there’s Baby Beach in Dana Point, near Dana Point Harbor between Cove Road and Ensenada Place. Protected by a jetty and cliffs, this cove is another waveless beach with shallow water roped off by orange buoys.