Best Beaches in Orange County USA

Seal Beach

Summer is officially here in the northern hemisphere and there’s no better time to have a day in the surf, sand and sun! With 42 miles of gorgeous coastline, you may have a tough time deciding where to park your beach chair. Luckily, OC Up Close is breaking down the best beaches in the county.

Seal Beach

Why You’ll Love It
The northernmost of Orange County’s beach communities is a family-friendly haven for kitesurfing, windsurfing and other beach fun.
Don’t Miss
It’s hard to miss the pier at Seal Beach. The area attraction is the second longest wooden pier in the state.
Great Time to Visit
October. The Japan-America Kite Festival is the largest kite-flying event in Southern California. Watch hundreds of large, colorful kites compete for airspace over the beach.

Huntington Beach

Why You’ll Love It
If you associate Southern California with surfers riding waves along seemingly endless stretches of sand, then Surf City USA® is the place to be.
Don’t Miss
Soak up surf culture on a stroll along Main Street, including stops at the Surfing Walk of Fame, the International Surfing Museum and the Surfer’s Hall of Fame.
Great Time to Visit
Late July/Early August. The Vans US Open of Surfing draws a half-million people who want to see the best of the best in the world of surfing compete for one of the sport’s biggest titles.

Newport Beach

Newport Beach

Why You’ll Love It
Mix the quaint, laid-back atmosphere of a historic beach destination with the sophistication of world-class shopping, dining and more.
Don’t Miss
An amazing day of golf. Local championship courses such as Big Canyon Country Club or Pelican Hill Golf Club attract players from all over the world.
Great Time to Visit
December. For more than 100 years, the Christmas Boat Parade has been a local tradition. These days, you can ogle everything from multi-million dollar yachts to kayaks adorned with dazzling holiday-themed lights.

Laguna Beach

Why You’ll Love It
If Orange County beaches were a family, Laguna Beach would be the quirky sibling who went off to art school, married into money and always has fun stories.
Don’t Miss
The Thousand Steps Beach doesn’t actually have 1,000 steps, but it feels like it when you climb back up. The reward is one of the prettiest, most secluded beaches in the area.
Great Time to Visit
Summer. Enjoy the abundance of art festivals, including Pageant of the Masters, the Festival of Arts®, the Sawdust Art Festival and monthly First Thursday Art Walks.

Dana Point

Dana Point

Why You’ll Love It
The bustling harbor is home to shops, restaurants with panoramic ocean views and a launching point for whale watching and sport fishing excursions.
Don’t Miss
Salt Creek Beach. This lovely stretch of sand near the Ritz-Carlton is a favorite with local surfers. Little ones will love exploring tidepools for starfish and other creatures.
Great Time to Visit
March. The annual Festival of Whales draws nearly 100,000 people each spring to witness the annual migration of hundreds of California Gray Whales.

San Clemente

Why You’ll Love It
This relaxed town is filled with scenic hiking trails, Spanish-style architecture and more than 20 acres of sandy beaches.
Don’t Miss
It’s a bit of a hike to reach Lower Trestles at San Onofre State Beach, but if you make the trek, you’ll discover a world-renowned surfing destination. Even if you don’t haul a board, watching expert locals ride is a treat.
Great Time to Visit
July. The San Clemente Ocean Festival, aka “The Greatest Show on Surf” includes an ever-popular sand castle building competition where teams make some impressive sculptures.

DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES

If you’re traveling with your furry friend, there are a couple spots where you can both enjoy some time chilling on the beach.
Corona Del Mar’s Main Beach allows leashed dogs in the morning (6-10 a.m.) and the afternoon (after 4:30 p.m.).
Huntington Beach’s aptly named Dog Beach is by far the most dog-friendly in the area. From 21st Street north to Seapoint is the only beach in Orange County where off-leash fun is permitted.
Laguna Beach offers some time for dogs and their owners to enjoy the scenery together. From mid-September through late May, leashed dogs are allowed on the beach. During summer months, leashed dogs are only permitted before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
In San Clemente, you’ll find dog-friendly trails in San Onofre State Beach.