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I’ll always remember our family’s Orange County vacation as sand, sun, and stories that we still laugh about. It was our first time visiting the Pacific Ocean, and we spent two weeks there to be sure we’d see as much as we could.
At Huntington, our boys chased waves and begged to stay for marshmallows by the fire pits. In Laguna, they hunted starfish in tide pools until the sun set. It can feel impossible to narrow down which of the OC’s many beaches families need to visit, so here are some of our favorite beaches in Orange County, CA, for all types of families.
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Beach Safety for Families
Our family loves to travel, but I can never stop myself from panicking over what could happen. Beach trips to the ocean are very different from visiting the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio back home. Tide levels and surf conditions play a big role in how safe it is for families, especially those with younger kids, to go into the ocean. So, check conditions before heading out. The sun can also be intense in Southern California, so staying hydrated and remembering sunblock are musts.
Overview Of The Best Beaches in Orange County, CA
Orange County is 948 square miles with 40 miles of coastline, home to some of the most family-friendly stretches of sand in the United States. Even though all these beautiful beaches are in the OC, they aren’t exactly next to each other. We’ve organized them by area (North, Central, South, and Laguna Beach Area) to make it easier for families to plan their visit.
This map should make it easier to plan days your family wants to visit multiple beaches!
Photo Credit: https://www.californiasbestbeaches.com/county_beaches/orange_county.html
Best Beaches in Northern OC
The top of Orange County has beaches with big personalities, from dog-friendly shores and classic surf breaks to laid-back towns where ice cream cones are mandatory.
Huntington Dog Beach
We didn’t bring our pittie along for our California trip because airlines usually won’t let her fly, but we still made a stop at Huntington Dog Beach. My youngest is obsessed with dogs, and several owners were kind enough to let him pet their pups when he asked. He said it was his favorite beach. He watched dogs splash in the surf and chase balls for hours.
My son loved watching all the dogs living their best lives!
Photo by Harrison Kugler on Unsplash
Once he’d had his fill of the pups, we stopped by ZeroZero39 Pizzeria. He loved that there were dogs on the patio, and I loved the authentic pizza and cannolis!
Seal Beach
Seal Beach is a great space to breathe without the crowds. The wide, sandy stretch of Seal Beach is perfect for parents who want to stretch out in the sand while little ones run and splash in the surf. There’s a nearby lot and plenty of street parking.
The iconic Seal Beach Pier is packed at sunset with people waiting to appreciate the view!
Photo by Lisha Riabinina on Unsplash
After fun in the sun, walk the historic wooden pier (the longest on the West Coast). Nearby, Main Street is the perfect next stop. Ice cream shops, casual cafes, and gift shops can make this a relaxed afternoon outing.
Huntington State Beach
Huntington Beach is known as Surf City, USA, and the vibe at Huntington State Beach makes it easy to see why. Enjoy endless shoreline and rolling surf as far as you can see. And volleyball nets are a hotbed of activity. It’s a great location for surfing or staying active, and it’s one of the few beaches with fire pits. Stop in the afternoon for fun in the sun, followed by an evening of roasting marshmallows.
Roasted marshmallows are always an amazing way to cap off a fun day at the beach!
Photo by Ronald Jimenez on Unsplash
Walk the Huntington State Beach Pier for incredible views or see wildlife at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Don’t miss the nearby International Surfing Museum and Old World Village, a collection of unique shops and restaurants with European charm.
Our Favorite Orange County Central Beaches
Newport Beach
Looking for a full day of fun instead of just a beach trip? Newport Beach provides a classic pier perfect for fishing (which my oldest loved) and funnel cakes. The big, wide beach is perfect for building sandcastles or playing volleyball. And, nearby Newport Harbor is one of the biggest marinas in the world! My kids had fun looking at the thousands of boats docked there.
Funnel cakes and ferris wheels are the perfect way to cap off a day at Newport Beach!
Photo by Daniel Sinoca on Unsplash
After fun in the water and sand, ride the ferry over to Balboa Island. Fares for the ferry are very affordable, and you can even have them bring your car over to the island. My kids loved the Fun Zone at Balboa Island, complete with rides, an arcade, pizza, and ice cream. Don’t miss the chance to try Sugar ‘N Spice’s famous frozen banana. (There are also other menu options like frozen cheesecake, frozen tiramisu, and the Balboa bar for kids that hate bananas, like my oldest).
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Corona Del Mar State Beach
Families looking for wide, sandy beaches (perfect for digging) will love Corona Del Mar State Beach. It’s a great place for families with children because there’s a parking lot nearby, so it’s easy to bring gear, and there are gentle waves for small children. It can get a little busier at sunset, but with good reason. Dramatic cliffs rise like natural walls along the shoreline, framing the ocean with golden rock that glows even brighter as the sun sets.
If you don’t mind the crowds, be sure to stay and see these cliffs glowing at sunset!
Photo by Daniel Sinoca on Unsplash
Nearby, hunt for hermit crabs and sea anemones in the tide pools at Little Corona Beach, hike the trails at Crystal Cove State Park, stroll through the Sherman Library and Gardens, or explore the Corona del Mar Farmer’s Market.
Best Beaches in the Laguna Beach Area
Laguna is where Orange County’s coastline feels like a literal work of art. Tide pools and coves sparkle below, while the downtown area is full of galleries, festivals, and color.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach (Main Beach) is best described as a postcard brought to life. The coves offered shelter from the midday sun when we were ready to take a break from the water, and my boys loved hunting for starfish and crabs in the tide pools during low tide. The entire beach stretches down seven miles of coastline, so there’s plenty of room for exploring, and the Laguna Beach Trolley made it easy to explore.
Laguna Beach offers some of the most iconic views on the coast!
Photo by Brandon Russell on Unsplash
Beyond the sand, the downtown area in the city of Laguna Beach is an art lover’s dream. The Laguna Art Museum is worth exploring, as are the public art installations in Heisler Park. Be sure to visit the Fairy Garden outside of the library, the Festival of Arts from July to September, the Sawdust Art Festival from November to December, or the First Thursdays Art Walk through the galleries (held on the first Thursday of every month). My boys’ favorite post-beach stop was Candy Baron because, well, who doesn’t love old-fashioned candy?
Shaw’s Cove
The best part of Shaw’s Cove? The calm waters and colorful fish. It attracts first-time divers and snorkelers, and the cove is much quieter than the big, sandy beaches nearby. Other popular activities that nature lovers will enjoy include exploring more than 40 hiking trails at nearby Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and visiting the Pacific Marine Mammal Center to see sea lions and seals.
Treasure Island Beach
Treasure Island Beach will live in your fondest memories with its beautiful, clear water, tide pools, and stunning rock arches for kids to explore. It has a calm, family-friendly atmosphere, and parents will appreciate that the paths leading down to the beach are stroller-friendly. Other nearby attractions include the tide pools and hiking trails at Crystal Cove State Park, the rock formations at Thousand Steps Beach, or the Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach. All of these smaller beaches are located near Laguna Beach.
Can you spot the hermit crab?
Photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash
Our Favorite Beaches in Southern Orange County
Head south for wide-open beaches framed by rugged cliffs. Dana Point and San Clemente deliver surf, scenery, and plenty of room for families to adventure together.
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Salt Creek Beach
Located in Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach offers a fun atmosphere for families. My boys tried out their boogie boards here, but families can also rent a surfboard or standup paddleboard from Infinity Surfboards to take advantage of the beginner-friendly wakes. Salt Creek Beach has tons of amenities, including a lifeguard, concession stand, volleyball courts, and basketball courts.
The waves at Dana Point are perfect for boogie boarders of all ages!
Photo by Max Goncharov on Unsplash
For views of the coastline, stop by the Ocean Institute and hop on the Spirit of Dana Point, an 118-foot tall schooner! The institute also has tons of activities families can sign up for, including whale and marine life tours, tide pool hikes guided by a naturalist, or bioluminescent kayak tours in the summer. Dana Point is known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the World”.
San Clemente State Beach
Families with older kids looking for adventure will appreciate San Clemente State Beach, a favorite of Southern California bodyboarders and surfers. It’s surrounded by stunning bluffs with picnic areas and hiking trails at the top. San Clemente Beach is more rugged, but its bluffs present incredible views of the coastline. It’s also in close proximity to attractions, including the Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, and exploring the Spanish-style architecture, shops, and eateries in Avenida Del Mar.
San Clemente has everything from beautiful sunsets and nearby attractions to bluffs waiting to be explored.
Photo by Brandon Hoogenboom on Unsplash
When You Go
Where to Stay in Orange County, CA
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground has tons of activities for the kids after a day of exploring, including a pirate-themed waterpark (with slides), pool, hot tub, and a game room. Families can choose an upgraded suite for a bunkbed option.
The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, overlooks Huntington Beach. Enjoy an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, frequent kids’ activities, and a breakfast buffet!
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Club & Resort has a lot of perks for guests, including tram rides to Salt Creek Beach and the Monarch Bay Beach Club, bicycle rentals, beach games and activities, and a kids’ club.
Getting To Orange County Beaches from Los Angeles
Depending on the destination, Orange County is about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. Travel down I-5 south. Or, for a longer, more scenic drive with breathtaking views of the coastline, head south via the Pacific Coast Highway. Traveling by train is also an option, with train rides taking less than two hours.
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