Beach Huntington Beach
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Three miles of uncrowded north OC coastline across PCH from Southern California's largest restored coastal wetland — a two-environment day in one stop.
OC Beaches
Orange County has over 40 miles of Pacific coastline. Here are our picks — each with character, real parking notes, and no sugarcoating.
Beach Corona del Mar
Corona del Mar State Beach
A clear-water cove at Newport Harbor's east jetty — good snorkeling, world-class tide pools at Little Corona, and blufftop views on Ocean Blvd.
Beach Newport Coast
Crystal Cove State Park
Three miles of undeveloped shoreline, a mid-century Historic District, and the best tide pools in Orange County — between Newport Beach and Laguna.
Beach Dana Point
Doheny State Beach
OC's most family-friendly state beach — mellow surf, a protected snorkeling cove, a campground near the water, and easy access from Dana Point Harbor.
Beach Huntington Beach
Huntington City Beach
"Surf City USA" — nine miles of sand with one of the West Coast's longest piers, consistent surf, and California beach culture at full volume.
Beach Laguna Beach
Laguna Main Beach & Heisler Park
Laguna's iconic crescent beach — blufftop Heisler Park, tide pools at Picnic Beach, and working galleries all within easy walking distance of each other.
Beach Newport Beach
Newport Beach & Balboa Peninsula
A three-mile sandspit with two historic piers, The Wedge bodysurfing break, and a ferry to Balboa Island — the full Newport Beach experience.
Beach Dana Point
Salt Creek Beach
A wide south county beach with consistent reef surf, clean water, and fewer crowds than tourist-heavy spots to the north — set below the Dana Point bluffs.
Beach San Clemente
San Clemente — T-Street & Pier
San Clemente's Spanish-colonial beachfront — a world-class point break at T-Street, a classic wooden pier, and the only OC beach served directly by Amtrak.
Beach Laguna Beach
Thousand Steps Beach
A secluded South Laguna cove reached via a steep cliffside staircase — the effort keeps the crowds manageable and the sandstone scenery spectacular.