25 Amazing Beaches in Orange County, California, to Visit This Summer
April 23, 2021
Living in Southern California has its own perks. We enjoy warm weather, sunny skies, and amazing scenery. We are in close proximity to Los Angeles downtown and its many attractions, and within a short driving distance from some of the most scenic national parks in the U.S. But best of all, we have easy access to an endless string of sunny beaches, the most beautiful of which are located in Orange County.
25 MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN ORANGE COUNTY
Orange County beaches are absolutely gorgeous! They look like they came right off of a movie set. Actually, many of them served as filming locations over the years. In terms of diversity, you can find just about any kind of beach here: surfing beaches, kids-friendly beaches, tide pool beaches, dog-friendly, and even hidden beaches.
5 Best Beaches for Surfing
Huntington City Beach
Address: 400 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
This 3.5-mile stretch of pristine shoreline fits the bill for surfing, swimming, sunbathing and many other water activities. However, the huge asset of this beach is the fact that surf is up regularly here. That makes Huntington Beach very popular among surfers and also led to its trademarked name of “Surf City USA.”
Recommended Hotel in Huntington Beach: Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort
San Onofre Surfing Beach
Address: 5200 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., San Clemente, CA, 92672
The huge San Onofre Surfing Beach is located at the north end of the 3,000-acre San Onofre State Park which stretches from San Diego County all the way to Orange County, California. Access to the beach is via the Old Pacific Highway, from San Clemente. This is a great surfing beach, as the name itself suggests it. Among the locals, the beach is also known as ‘San O‘ or ‘Old Man’s.’
Trestles Beach
Address: 5200 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., San Clemente, CA, 92672
Trestles Beach is located near the train trestles (hence the name), in the northernmost part of San Onofre Beach. This sandy place is considered it one of the best surfing spots in Southern California. The beach has 3 surfing spots: the Upper, the Middle and the Lower. Because of the powerful waves, Trestles is recommended for very experienced surfers only. Professional surfing contests are held here every year.
Recommended Hotels in San Clemente: Sea Horse Resort
The Wedge at West Jetty View Park
Address: 2300 Channel Road, Newport Beach, CA 92661
West Jetty View Park is located at the end of Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California. The park is small, but perfect for relaxing in the sun, next to the water. You can just sit and watch the boats going in and out of the bay.
Next to the park, at the entrance to Newport Bay, there is a long pier that sticks out from the beach creating unusually big waves that sometimes reach up to 30 feet high! This spot is very popular with surfers who hang out here looking for the big wave which they call “The Wedge.”
We like to come to this beach as spectators, to watch the daredevils riding the big waves, but don’t find the water very attractive for swimming. There is a point where the waves come in two directions creating a very strong current that is really dangerous for swimmers. But sometimes, when the swell is not very high, you can have fun in the shallow water with the boogie boards.
Recommended Nearby Hotel: Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa
Salt Creek Beach
Address: 33333 South Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 92629
Located in a beautiful large cove at the northern end of Laguna Niguel, Salt Creek Beach is one of the greatest surfing spots in Orange County. A small, offshore reef creates some of the best swells along the entire coastline. The beach has also a grass area with with picnic tables and is surrounded by walking paths going in all directions.
5 Best Tide Pool Beaches in Orange County
Little Corona Del Mar Beach
Address: Ocean and Poppy St., Corona del Mar, CA 92625
This nice and secluded beach is a great place for watching dolphins and sea lions. It is also one of the best beaches in Orange County for exploring tide pools, which is why many local schools hold marine biology classes here. Since access to the beach does not involve stair steps, many divers prefer coming here as they can wheel their equipment down.
TIP: This spot can become very crowded during the day, so come early in the morning if you what to have to beach all to yourself and find parking nearby.
Recommended nearby hotel: Balboa Inn On the Beach
Shaw’s Cove
Address: 989 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Tucked away below the homes in Laguna Beach, Shaw’s Cove is an ideal spot for divers and snorkelers. The beach is exceptionally abundant in marine life and it has tide pools at both ends of the cove. Bright orange Garibaldi, lobsters, octopi, and leopard sharks, are easily visible here.
TIP: If you want to explore the tide pools, you should come during low tides. Keep in mind that Shaw’s Cove is a State Marine Conservation Area, so don’t take anything when exploring the tide pools.
Treasure Island Beach
Address: 30801 S Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
This is one of my favorite beaches in Orange County: it’s clean, it has exquisite views, a protected swimming area, and plenty of parking (although it’s paid!) Access to Treasure Island Beach is down a long graded concrete ramp on the southwest side of the Montage Resort. You can find tide pools all around in this area when the tide is low.
Recommended Hotel in Laguna Beach: Inn at Laguna Beach
Crystal Cove State Park
Address: 8471 N Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
This 3.5-mile long beach is located on the PCH, just south of Corona Del Mar and North of Laguna Beach. We are huge fans of Crystal Cove because it’s many activities, like tide pooling, snorkeling, diving and hiking. There are four main areas for tide pooling within this park: Pelican Point (our favorite), Reef Point, Rocky Bright and Treasure Cove. They also offer very informative tide pool walks for families with children.
TIP: The Park has a large day-use parking area at Reef Point Drive and Pacific Coast Highway.
Recommended Hotel in Laguna Beach: Inn at Laguna Beach
Crescent Bay Beach
Address: Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Crescent Bay is a large, sandy cove with rocky areas at its north and south ends. The beach is located in the north end of Laguna, where Cliff Drive meets North Pacific Coast Highway. Towards the north end of the cove there is a large rock (about 120 yards off shore) called Seal Rock because of the seals and sea lions that take refuge there.
Next to the beach, up on a very high bluff, there is a beautiful view point at Crescent Bay Point Park. Although there is no beach access from the park, this is a great place for whale-watching. Parking can be a problem in this neighborhood (our car was once towed, so be careful !) You can try parking on the PCH or find a paid parking and walk to the beach.
Recommended Hotel in Laguna Beach: Inn at Laguna Beach
5 Best Hidden Beaches
Table Rock Beach
Address: 31561 Table Rock Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
This beautiful cove – also known as Rebel Beach – is very private and secluded. If you want to swim you should be aware of the strong currents at this beach. Also, the ocean floor has a steep drop off which creates the conditions for huge waves. If you are not a strong swimmer you can easily find yourself wiped out by these crashing waves. This beach is definitely not a safe place for children.
Victoria Beach
Address: 2713 Victoria Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Victoria Beach is one of Orange County’s most secluded beaches. Firstly because it is not easy to find, and secondly because there is very limited parking around it. The beach is quite small and very rocky, so it’s not a friendly place for swimming or other water sports. It is however a very iconic place because of the 60-foot concrete tower that sits on it.
The castle-like structure – known to the locals as the Pirate Tower – was built in the 1920s for William E. Brown, a state senator. Inside the tower there is a spiral staircase that leads to the top of the cliff. The senator, who also owned the house at the top of the bluff, used the tower as a gateway to the beach.
Recommended Hotel in Laguna Beach: Inn at Laguna Beach
Pirates Cove Beach
Address: Ocean Blvd. & Goldenrod Ave., Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Pirate’s Cove Beach is a very special place for those who can find it. Its location – inside the Newport Bay channel, where the water is calm – makes it an ideal place for swimming. Unfortunately, at high tide the beach completely disappears under the water. Therefore, if you want to visit Pirate’s Cove you should get here early in the morning.
Recommended nearby hotel: Balboa Inn On the Beach
Thousand Steps Beach
Address: 31972 Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Thousand Steps Beach has just about anything you’d imagine in a perfect beach: caves, tide pools, a large sandy shore with a rocky coastline to explore, BUT it also has a thousand steps! Or so it seems, although I never counted them. If you want to loose 10 pounds in one day, just come here. Just kidding! The beach is absolutely perfect, but you shouldn’t carry heavy stuff with you when you come here.
Totuava Beach
Address: 31972 Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Totuava Beach is at the north end of Thousand Steps Beach, so the two share the same location. To access it you have to go through a rock tunnel that leads to the beach, or go around a rocky point. But that can only be done when the tide is low. At high tide the water around the point is too deep and the tunnel closes off.
Recommended Hotel in Laguna Beach: Inn at Laguna Beach
5 Best Kid-Friendly Beaches
Dana Point Harbor Beach
Address: Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
This beach has been nicknamed “Baby Beach,” for a good reason: the calm waters of the harbor as well as the numerous seasonal events make it one of the most kid-friendly beaches in Orange County. Behind the beach is a beautiful grass park, protected by high bluffs.
Recommended Kid-Friendly Hotel in Dana Point: Riviera Beach & Shores Resort
San Clemente Pier Beach
Address: 615 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672
This is the main city beach of San Clemente, and therefore very popular among the locals. There are many nice shops and restaurants around the beach. The nearby San Clemente Pier is a great attraction also.
San Clemente State Beach
Address: 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA 92672
This beach is huge and therefore is rarely crowded. Great beach for families with children because of the relatively calm water. You have plenty of space and gorgeous views! Although the railroad tracks are right behind the beach, it is a nice setting. The parking lot isn’t big, but we always find spaces when we come here.
Recommended Kid-Friendly Hotel in San Clemente: San Clemente Inn
Seal Beach
Address: Ocean Avenue and Main Street, Seal Beach, CA
This is a beautiful beach located in the city of Seal Beach, a small community located in the westernmost corner of Orange County. Seal Beach is named for seals that that once frequented its beachfront. However, these days there aren’t very many around. They can only be seen around the pier every now and then, especially in spring and fall.
Recommended Kid-Friendly Hotel in Seal Beach: Ayres Hotel Seal Beach
Laguna Main Beach
Address: Pacific Coast Hwy. & Broadway St, Laguna Beach, CA 92652
This is one of the most popular beaches in Southern California. That’s in part due to its location, in the middle of the town of Laguna Beach, which hosts the famous Festival of Arts during the summer. It’s not my favorite one in Long Beach because it’s always crowded, but it’s absolutely beautiful!
Recommended Kid-Friendly Hotel in Laguna Beach: Inn at Laguna Beach
5 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Orange County
Huntington Dog Beach
Address: 20211, Huntington Beach Bike Trail, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
I am a dog owner and thus I absolutely love Hunting Dog Beach beach! This stretch of sand along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a dogs’ paradise where our pooch gets some play time with other beach-lovin’ dogs while we catch some sun.
Recommended Pet Friendly Hotel in Huntington Beach: Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort
Bluffs Beach
Address: Old Pacific Highway, San Clemente, CA 92672
The wide and sandy Bluffs Beach is located to the north of Trestles Beach, between Oceanside and San Clemente. Access to the beach is through six separate trails that descend from the huge parking lot that sits high up on the bluff, above the beaches.
The beach is pretty secluded because of the high bluff behind it, so you may see some naked people around. Dogs are allowed on the beach, but they should be on the leash (technically.) We’ve seen many dogs running freely around near the water though.
Recommended Pet-Friendly Hotel in San Clemente: Casablanca Inn
Inspiration Point
Address: 3001 Ocean Blvd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Inspiration Point is one of the OC’s most beautiful beaches to watch the surf, play in the sand, and walk your dog. There is also a beautiful park and view point above the beach from where you can watch the sun set in the evening. The beach is extremely popular among the locals, so it gets pretty crowded in summer.
Recommended Nearby Hotel: Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa
Dana Point Headlands Beach
Address: 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Located below the high cliffs of a promontory and covered with rocks and bolders, Dana Point Headlands Beach may not seem like a very appealing beach. It is however ideal for strolling or for dog owners who want to let their dogs run off the leash. The beach is just behind the Ocean Institute in Dana Point Harbor.
Doheny State Park Beach
Address: 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Doheny is one of the most popular beaches in Orange County, drawing about one million visitors each year. The beach is long and wide and just perfect for surfing, camping, sunbathing, swimming and picnicking. During the low tide you can see some beautiful tide pools. Dogs are allowed here, but they have to be on a leash.
Recommended Pet-Friendly Hotel nearby: Dana Point Marina Inn
