Orange County Beaches

Picture-perfect beach cities and 42 miles of coastline

Dana Point

Located just off Highway 1, Dana Point is home to a stunning cove and panoramic, seaside views. Famous explorer of the 1800s Richard Henry Dana deemed Dana Point one of the most romantic spots in California during his trip aboard the Pilgrim in 1835.

Dana Point features a beautiful manmade harbor and Mariners Village, where friendly merchants and local restaurateurs give a warm welcome to visitors. Fishing excursions and sailing voyages depart daily from the harbor, and seasonal whale watching trips are a family favorite.

Huntington Beach

The city's moniker, Surf City USA®, pretty much says it all. From surfwear shops and local wave-rider hangouts to suntanned surfers in search of that perfect wave, you can't help but dive into this beach town's infectious surf culture.

The local waves make Huntington Beach a hub of surf activity in Orange County. Jump in on the action with a surf lesson or watch locals from the safety of the sand or the pier.

Laguna Beach

Seaside community Laguna Beach was discovered by a group of landscape painters in the 1920s and quickly became a destination of choice for the artistically inclined. With posh hillside mansions, trendy shopping areas, and a rugged coastline of cliffs leading to secluded sandy beaches, it's a great place to discover hidden gems and relax in a low-key setting.

Newport Beach

Filled with miles of sandy beaches, the largest small-craft yacht harbor in the United States, and championship golf courses, Newport Beach encompasses a variety of aquatic recreational activities, including kayaking in the Newport Back Bay and relaxing on a chartered harbor cruise.

San Clemente

With its charming ambiance and Spanish-style architecture, picture-perfect San Clemente evokes images of the Mediterranean. Drive or take the train in and enjoy the leisurely pace, pristine beaches, friendly sidewalk cafés, and family activities.

Visitors can enjoy 20 acres of sandy beaches, a 1,200-foot-long fishing pier, and friendly sidewalk cafes. Shop for antiques, custom jewelry, designer perfumes, and unique gifts along the quaint streets in this “Spanish Village by the Sea.”

Seal Beach

Named after the seals that once frequented its shore, Seal Beach is a quiet, down-to-earth community filled with quaint neighborhoods and hometown appeal ― located on the northerly side of Orange County's coastline.  

Wide, sandy expanses and several great surf spots make Seal Beach a favorite community among Orange County locals, and conditions are ideal for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and building sandcastles.