Gloomy weather got you down? Plan a family escape to sunny Southern California.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — When I was a lad, the three days of the year that required no alarm clock to pry me from bed were my birthday, Christmas and any day our family was headed to Disneyland.

Nearly a half-century later, I’m sitting in the driver’s seat now, my wife is co-piloting and my two youngest kids (ages 22 and 13) are piled in the back. The park’s rides have changed — pretty drastically, and they’re about to get a big injection of the Force — but that palpable sense of anticipation still pervades the car as we pull away from John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif.

I vividly recall how my siblings and I would jostle to be the first to spy the Matterhorn’s peak. At that age, we had no idea how much more there is to see and do in Orange County outside the theme park boundaries, from rapidly evolving Anaheim with its cool urban vibe to posh Newport Beach to surf-friendly Huntington Beach.

Combining a summer trip to Disneyland (and neighboring Disney California Adventure Park) with sand and surf allows for some healthy decompression after diving into the intensity of the theme park experience. Disneyland attendance is at an all-time high, and the May 31 debut of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land is likely to rekindle memories of the two-block-long theater lines the original movie spawned in 1977.

After a couple of days of wielding lightsabers and piloting the Millennium Falcon, give the hyperdrive a rest and explore Anaheim before you point the vessel toward the coast.

Cue the Beach Boys: It’s time for an Endless Summer.

Disneyland and Anaheim

Disneyphiles love to debate what Walt intended when he said Disneyland will never be completed as long as there is imagination left in the world. Perhaps never in the park’s 64 years has the tension between nostalgia and progress been so pronounced.

My generation is drawn back by memory’s intoxicating elixir, but our kids and grandkids live for the moment, reveling in an expanding Disney universe that has acquired the Star Wars and Marvel franchises.

At California Adventure, A Bug’s Land is now hidden behind fencing, with only the words “Stark Industries” hinting that a Marvel superhero land will open there in 2020.

Crowds were thick during our late March visit, and when the parks are packed, it can be tempting to yield to frustration. Instead, use technology to maximize your fun with the Disneyland Resort app and others recommended by Trips with Tykes. They predict crowd sizes and line-waiting times, provide dining menus and can even customize a time-saving itinerary.

Some other suggestions, based on our experience:

•If you have teenagers, let them sleep in; hit the popular rides late. We walked directly to the front of Pirates of the Caribbean at 9 p.m.

•Use the single-rider line; we shaved nearly two hours’ wait on the popular Radiator Springs Racers ride.

•Slow down. Watch parades or the breathtaking “World of Color” water and light show. Get your photo with Minnie Mouse. Climb Tarzan’s Treehouse.

•Escape the parks for a bit. In Anaheim, we had a remarkable family dinner at The Ranch, a place made for sinking into the leather seating, laughing loudly and digging into juicy steaks and perfectly roasted vegetables.

We also spent much of one day exploring downtown, a 15-minute drive from our hotel, the Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance (rooms from $269).

The Center City area — often abbreviated CtrCity — has lots of cutting-edge eateries, including fresh pastries at Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe (the first location outside Japan) and inventive tacos at Pour Vida Latin Flavor.

Before heading to the beachside cities, we experienced a quick shot of adrenaline at Flightdeck, where each of us took the controls of a fighter-jet flight simulator and did our best to avoid being shot down over South Korea.

“Everyone here will crash,” an instructor cautioned. “That’s how we learn.”

Proved to be good advice, then and later at the beach.

Newport and Huntington

Our introduction to Newport Beach’s harbor came via an evening outing on an electric-powered Duffy boat. If there’s a more postcard-perfect assemblage of stately homes on sloping hillsides and pleasure watercraft — from student-steered small sailboats to elegant yachts — I haven’t found it.

The harbor is home to eight islands, which we all explored one morning on Pedego electric bikes, crossing between the peninsula and Balboa Island on the ferry. The next day, my wife and I rented a tandem bike and returned to picturesque Balboa to browse the shops and savor a frozen banana dipped in dark chocolate and almonds at Sugar ’n Spice.

The pace, the views, the meals — particularly a beachside breakfast at the Beachcomber at Crystal Cove and a harbor-view dinner at Malibu Farm Lido — were extraordinary. Near Malibu Farm in the Lido Marina Village, the Lido House hotel opened a year ago with sumptuous guest rooms (starting at $322), attentive service and a matchless view from the Topside rooftop bar.

The next day found us on bikes again, just a few minutes north in Huntington Beach, which bills itself as Surf City USA. We pedaled along the oceanfront boardwalk and had lunch at the ultimate surfer’s hangout, Duke’s Huntington Beach. Duke Kahanamoku was a legendary surfer. We are not, so we needed some guidance in tackling the waves.

Our surfing instructors, David Stone and Johnny Brewer of Toes on Nose Adventure, outlined technique and safety issues for me, my son David and daughter Sophia. Owing to his full beard and flowing locks, Brewer also goes by the nickname Surf Jesus.

I had a hunch I’d prove to be his least promising apostle. Sure enough, my kids were quickly up on their boards, leaving Brewer preaching me a patient sermon on moving my knees forward and standing in one fluid motion.

I did get up briefly before crashing spectacularly. I emerged salty and sandy but still smiling, buoyed by the constant good cheer of our instructors, who explained why they love it here.

“We wake up and we’re able to surf pretty much any day of the year,” Brewer said.

Sounds like endless summer to me.

Alex Pulaski is a freelance writer.

If you go

WHERE TO STAY

Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance: Conveniently located just a short walk from the theme parks, this modern hotel finds the sweet spot for families with young children with its Surfside Waterpark. Some rooms are plus-size for families, with two queen beds and bunks. 1420 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 888-236-2427.

Lido House: Opened last year on the site of the former city hall, this stunning hotel hits every note, from friendly service to a lovely Cape Cod design and stylish guest rooms. Free beach shuttle; bikes and surfboards available for rent. 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949-524-8500.

WHAT TO DO

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park: Wedged behind Critter Country and Frontierland, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been shrouded in nearly as much secrecy as plans for a Death Star. But a few brave souls (OK, it’s Disney’s PR people) have smuggled out details. One aspect is abundantly clear about Disneyland’s newest attraction, set on the planet Batuu: Demand will be enormous when the land opens May 31 (Walt Disney World’s version in Florida has an Aug. 29 launch date). To limit lines, only guests with reservations will be allowed to enter the land through June 23. Reservations are being granted to those staying at one of the resort’s three hotels; others will have to wait until May 2 to make a free, space-available reservation online. The only ride available during the opening days will be Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, in which riders act as pilot, gunner or flight engineer of “the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.” Later this year, at a date as-yet unannounced, Disney will open the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride. If the Pixar characters are more your style than Han Solo, plan to hang out at California Adventure Park instead. Park prices vary by date, but for summer, they start at peak rates of $149 per person. 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714-781-4636.

Flightdeck: This flight simulation center allows you to take it slowly by placing you at the controls of a Boeing 737 passenger jet. Or go big: The sky is the limit as you pass through a quick flight briefing before simulating a fighter jet dogfight against all comers. Minimum age 11; experiences start at $59. 1650 S. Sinclair St., Anaheim, 714-937-1511.

Pedego Corona Del Mar: Guided electric bike tours make the uphill portions a breeze while taking in the highlights of Newport Beach, from Balboa Island to the park on the jetty that locals call The Wedge. Rentals start at $25 an hour; three-hour tours are $159. 2515 East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, 949-612-7989.

Toes on the Nose Adventure: Friendly, knowledgeable surfing instructors lend opening tips on the beach, take you into the surf and provide hands-on coaching designed to help catch a wave. All equipment included. One-hour group lessons are $100. 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, 714-845-4638.

WHERE TO EAT

The Ranch: One of those special occasion places that excels in the details: fresh-baked breads, roasted vegetables (often from its own dedicated garden), a braised, grass-fed short rib that you can cut with a spoon, tempting desserts (try the popcorn ice cream). Artistic presentation and impeccable service. Entrees from $29. 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714-817-4200.

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Center City: This eating and shopping district in downtown Anaheim is anchored by the popular Anaheim Packing House food hall at 440 S. Anaheim Blvd. Nearby, innovative eateries range from Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe (delectably fresh Japanese pastries) to Pour Vida Latin Flavor (chef-owner Jimmy Martinez’s intoxicating take on tacos, like spicy ahi tuna and an Anaheim burger version filled with ground beef and melted cheese), and House of Chimney Cakes (intricate desserts that meld a Hungarian sweet bread with soft-serve ice cream in a Willy Wonka-like way).

Malibu Farm Lido: Ingredients like spaghetti squash lasagna or a vegetable-packed paella keep the palate satisfied as you enjoy marina views, sitting inside or out. Entrees start at $20. 3420 Via Oporto, Newport Beach, 949-791-2096.

The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove: It’s a little hard to find and involves a long walk, but the beachside setting and the varied menu — from a spinach and mushroom frittata to cinnamon apple pancakes — make this a can’t-miss breakfast destination. Entrees start at $12. 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, 949-376-6900.

GuacAmigos: Start with the guacamole made tableside with your choice of ingredients and move on to tender wagyu carne asada fajitas as you watch the sun go down over the harbor. Entrees start at $15. 2607 West Pacific Coast Highway., Newport Beach, 949-650-1818.

Bluegold: Hip, modern eatery with stunning views of the beach. Striking presentation, like an omelet with aged cheddar, fontina and gouda cheeses accompanied by baby field greens. Breakfast entrees start at $10. 21016 Pacific Coast Highway., Suite D200, Huntington Beach, 714-374-0038.

Duke’s Huntington Beach: Always dependable for fresh fish, like the Seven Spice Ahi Bowl (seared rare ahi tuna in a jasmine rice bowl) or the tender panko-crusted calamari appetizer. Entrees start at $14. 317 Pacific Coast Highway., Huntington Beach, 714-374-6446.

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