Beaches in Orange County

1. Capistrano Beach Park

• Where is Capistrano Beach Park located?
  • Capistrano Beach Park is the primary visitor beach within Dana Point's Capistrano Beach community and is owned and overseen by Orange County.
• Why is Capistrano Beach Park popular?
  • The beach is a popular surfing spot throughout the summer months due to its excellent high-breaking wave conditions.
• Is there public access to the beachfront?
  • A narrow stretch of sandy beachfront is available for lounging, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. However, visitors should note that the beachfront is only public below the mean high tide line.
• What recreational facilities are available at Capistrano Beach Park?
  • Additional sand volleyball and basketball courts are offered north of the beach's parking lot. However, there are no grassy areas at the beach park.
• Are there other nearby facilities visitors can use?
  • Nearby, visitors can also utilize the facilities of adjacent Doheny State Beach.

35005 Beach Road, Dana Point, CA 92624, Map

2. Bolsa Chica State Beach

• Where is Bolsa Chica State Beach located?
  • Bolsa Chica State Beach is a charming three-mile beachfront state park in Huntington Beach, extending between Seapoint Avenue and Warner Avenue.
• What makes Bolsa Chica State Beach a popular destination?
  • The beach, located between Sunset Beach and Huntington Dog Beach, is a favorite spot for swimmers and surfers throughout the year. It also offers ample beachfront space for bonfires, picnics, and sunbathing.
• What recreational facilities are available at Bolsa Chica State Beach?
  • Basketball and volleyball courts are provided for visitor use, along with barbecue grills and amenities such as public restrooms and showers.
• What can visitors do across the Pacific Coast Highway?
  • Across the Pacific Coast Highway, visitors can hike, jog, or watch for a wide variety of bird species at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.
• Does Bolsa Chica State Beach connect to other bike trails?
  • Yes, the Bolsa Chica Bicycle Path extends between the beachfront and the nearby Huntington Beach Bike Trail.

18331 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649, Map, Bolsa Chica State Beach Video

3. Dana Point Harbor Beach

• Where is Dana Point Harbor Beach located?
  • Dana Point Harbor Beach, commonly referred to as Baby Beach, is a popular family-friendly beachfront on the waters of lovely Dana Point Harbor, accessible via Dana Harbor Point Drive.
• Why is Dana Point Harbor Beach ideal for families?
  • A roped-off protected swimming area makes the beach a prime choice for families with young children and novice swimmers. Lifeguards are staffed on duty at the beach throughout the summer months.
• What water activities are available at Dana Point Harbor Beach?
  • Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities for visitors of all ages. A small fishing pier is also offered at the beach's edge near the historic ship replica Pilgrim.
• Is boating available at Dana Point Harbor?
  • Yes, boating is popular at the Dana Point Marina, which is surrounded by a number of visitor-access walking paths.
• What amenities are available behind the beachfront?
  • Behind the beachfront, a grassy park offers panoramic bluff views and ample space for picnicking, with barbecue grills and group picnic areas available.

Dana Point Harbor Beach, 24300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629

4. Aliso Beach, Orange County

• Where is Aliso Beach located?
  • Aliso Beach, also known as Aliso Beach County Park, is a popular county-owned beach in South Laguna Beach.
• How far is Aliso Beach from Los Angeles?
  • The beach is located about 1.5 hours from Los Angeles.
• Why is Aliso Beach considered family-friendly?
  • Aliso Beach is a prime family-friendly beachfront spot due to its children's play area and long stretches of beachfront perfect for relaxing and playing on the shoreline.
• What water activities are popular at Aliso Beach?
  • The beach attracts many surfers, skimboarders, and bodyboarders due to its rough water conditions.
• Is it safe to swim at Aliso Beach?
  • Swimmers should check current water conditions before entering, as waters from nearby Aliso Creek can become contaminated.
• Where can swimmers find gentler water conditions?
  • Swimmers looking for gentler water conditions can enter at the beach's far northern end near Treasure Island Beach, which is protected from stronger waves by rocks along the shoreline.
• What amenities are available at Aliso Beach?
  • Fire pits are available for guest use, along with picnic tables, restrooms and showers, and a seasonal snack bar.

Coast Highway & Aliso Way, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

5. Corona Del Mar State Beach

• Where is Corona Del Mar State Beach located?
  • Corona Del Mar State Beach is a jointly state-city operated public beach located along the eastern side of Newport Harbor within Newport Beach's Corona Del Mar neighborhood, also known as Corona Del Mar Main Beach.
• Is Corona Del Mar State Beach good for swimming?
  • Yes, the southern-facing beach is a great swimming spot for families due to its calm water conditions, created by rock jetties providing protection from currents to the west.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Corona Del Mar State Beach?
  • Large expanses of beachfront sands provide ample space for sunbathers and beach volleyball players. Picnic tables, fire pits, and barbecue grills are also available for visitor day use.
• Are water sports available at Corona Del Mar State Beach?
  • Yes, scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing are popular at the beach when weather conditions permit.
• Is there an entrance fee for Corona Del Mar State Beach?
  • Though the beach's main entrance charges a parking fee, free admission is available at the beach's eastern end at Inspiration Point.

Corona Del Mar State Beach, Ocean Blvd and Jasmine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92625

Del Mar is 25 minutes (20.3 miles via I-5 N) from San Diego.

6. Los Trancos Beach, Orange County

• Where is Los Trancos Beach located?
  • Los Trancos Beach is a charming beach within Crystal Cove State Park's Historic District, a 12.3-acre coastal area preserving 46 beautiful rustic cottages from the early 20th century.
• What divides Los Trancos Beach?
  • The beach is located at the point where Los Trancos Creek joins with the Pacific Ocean, which divides the beach into northern and southern sections.
• What water activities are popular at Los Trancos Beach?
  • Swimming and scuba diving are popular water activities throughout the warmer months.
• Are there trails at Los Trancos Beach?
  • Yes, a paved bike trail is offered along the beachfront for beach walking and bicycle riding.
• Can visitors stay overnight at Los Trancos Beach?
  • Yes, visitors can stay overnight at many of the Historic District's beautiful rental cottages, which are available at affordable prices to encourage Californians to admire and preserve the region's history.
• Are there dining options at Los Trancos Beach?
  • Relaxed waterfront dining is available at the Beachcomber Cafe, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

Los Trancos Beach, 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, CA 92657

7. Dana Strand Beach

• Where is Dana Strand Beach located?
  • Dana Strand Beach, also known as Salt Creek Beach Park, is a delightful county-operated beach within Dana Point, located near the gated housing community known as The Strand.
• What is the surrounding area like?
  • The beachfront is flanked by gorgeous beachfront and hillside homes near the Dana Point Headlands and is accessible via Selva Road and the Pacific Coast Highway.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Dana Strand Beach?
  • Surfing and tidepooling are popular water activities throughout the year. There is also ample space for stretching out on the beach's sands and sunbathing.
• Is there easy access to different parts of the beach?
  • Yes, a boardwalk provides easy access between the beach's northern and southern areas. A tram service is also available for those with mobility concerns.
• Are there facilities available for visitors?
  • Restrooms and showers are available for visitor use, and lifeguards are staffed on duty throughout the summer months.

Dana Strand Beach, 34199 Selva Rd, Dana Point, CA 92629

8. Dana Point Headlands Beach

• Where is Dana Point Headlands Beach located?
  • Dana Point Headlands Beach is a secluded sandy beach located below the cliffs of the Dana Point Headlands, accessible via Dana Point Harbor near the Ocean Institute and the Dana Point Pier.
• What is unique about the beachfront area?
  • The beachfront area, also known as Dana Point Headlands Conservation Park, is littered with boulders and rocks and is considered a prime area for tidepooling and beachcombing during low tide.
• Can visitors explore beyond the sandy areas?
  • Yes, visitors looking to explore the area's unique terrain can venture beyond the sandy waterfront areas at low tide and explore sea caves, rocks, and ledges at nearby Dana Point.
• What facilities are available atop the headlands?
  • Atop the headlands, the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center serves as a trailhead for the Bluff Trail and offers picnic tables for day use.

Dana Point Headlands Beach, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629

9. Doheny State Beach

• Where is Doheny State Beach located?
  • Doheny State Beach is a charming day-use beachfront near San Juan Bay, accessible via the intersection of Park Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive.
• Who owns and operates Doheny State Beach?
  • The beach is owned and operated by the State of California.
• How is Doheny State Beach divided?
  • The beach features two separate areas: North Beach and South Beach, which are divided by the mouth of San Juan Creek.
• What water activities are popular at Doheny State Beach?
  • Swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and beginner surfing are popular due to the low rolling waves from San Juan Bay. At low tide, tide pools are exposed for families to explore.
• What can visitors find at the Doheny State Beach Visitor Center?
  • The visitor center offers interpretive exhibits on the area's geology and marine life, featuring an aquarium, indoor tide pools, and a bookstore for families to enjoy.
• Are there camping opportunities at Doheny State Beach?
  • Yes, along the beach's southern end, a large campground provides opportunities for overnight stays.
• Should visitors be concerned about water quality?
  • Yes, visitors should note that the beach's water quality fluctuates and should check water conditions before swimming.

Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629