Map of Orange County Beaches

Each beach in Orange County has a different vibe, so I’ll help you choose the one you’d like best.

Updated ago

Seal Beach

Seal Beach has an old-fashioned Main Street with pier. Sign near the start of the pier indicates tides, etc and even grunion. Taco Surf is a local favorite restaurant.

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The Pacific Inn

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Great value, excellent location for basic hotel in walking distance to the beach.

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Sunset Beach

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Sunset Beach is a bit hard to access- there isn’t much parking. But it can be a fun place to have lunch or a drink by the harbor, and kayaking is available. Some of the bars can get a bit rowdy.

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Bolsa Chica State Beach

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Wide swaths of sand.

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Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

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Located across the highway from the ocean, there are lots of nice walks to see unusual birds. Good place for a bit of exercise.

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Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort And Spa

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It’s a short walk across a pedestrian bridge to the beach, and they even provide s’mores supplies for an extra fee. Great pool, spa, and restaurant.

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Sandy's Beach Shack

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Sandy’s is a good value, with one of the best locations around. Wide selection of beers, too. Try to sit on the patio to see the beach.

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Huntington Beach Pier

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Walk out over the ocean to feel the motion of the waves from above. Watch the expert surfers near the pier.

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Huntington State Beach

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Plenty of parking, but expensive.

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Newport Beach Pier

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Nice spot to walk out over the water and watch surfers. Decent collection of bars and casual restaurants, too.

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Balboa Fun Zone

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Go have fun! There are rides, games, shops, tours, boat rentals, and delicious food options!

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The Wedge

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Iconic surf spot to watch the experts when the waves are high. Don’t get too close, but it’s really cool to watch!

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Crystal Cove

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This is a quiet part of NB, great for a stroll. Excellent Beachcomber restaurant, if you can get in.

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Heisler Park Beach Stairway

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Nice park with beach access in Laguna. Nearby has art galleries that are good for walking around too.

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Montage Laguna Beach

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The place to stay in Laguna Beach!

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Outlets at San Clemente

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The most beautiful outlet mall I’ve been to, San Clemente outlets has a good collection of adventure clothing and casual restaurants.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Traveling Engineer

Available for hire

I’ve lived in California my whole life. I’m an engineer (so was my late husband). I’m very detail-oriented and an extreme introvert. I’m known for planning fabulous adventures, and look forward to helping others plan the best trip they can have. I like adventures, stargazing, hiking, solitude, and food. The people I hike with most frequently know I’ve usually got trail beers in my Camelback for the halfway point (in addition to a full water bladder). My favorite hikes offer something unexpected or spectacular.

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