Beach craze
School's out, and the beach days begin.
May 17, 2015
California boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Luckily, many are right outside your doorstep. Use your summer days wisely and make as many trips down to these Orange County gems as possible.
10) Strands
Strands Beach, located in northern Dana Point, offers a large sand bar, allowing guests the luxury of having their own space. A newly built boardwalk lines the eastern side of the beach, providing visitors a place to walk without the hassle of getting sand in their shoes. Guests may also enjoy the newly renovated steps, the gondola that runs to the side and the several hiking trails above. Strands Cove has been recently added to the site, adding elegant estates to the already breathtaking beauty of Strands. One downfall is the heavy flow of tourists, since many are drawn to both its natural and manmade beauty.
The view from the trail at Strands Beach is one unlike you’ll find anywhere in Orange County.
The famous boardwalk at Strands Beach.
Sunset at the newly renovated Strands Beach parking lot.
9) El Moro
El Moro beach is located on the furthest South point of Newport Beach. With its recently renovated surroundings, El Moro draws visitors with its new visitation center and unique cliffs. The old trailer homes have been removed, adding to the improved aesthetics. Many will call it the most beautiful spot on PCH. However, its proximity to PCH comes with the loud noise of cars and semi-trucks moving by.
The tunnel connecting the parking lot to the beach opens up to a deserted paradise at El Moro Beach.
A wave crashes at El Moro Beach with no swimmers present.
8) The Wedge
The Wedge, located on the Newport Peninsula, is arguably one of the most famous beaches in Orange County. Notorious for its enormous waves and body surfing, it is the prime spot for well-known photographers like Clark Little to visit. Its location makes it difficult to access, but since the peninsula has a large boardwalk, the Wedge is easily accessible by foot or bike. But because the Wedge is on the furthest point of the Newport Peninsula, strong currents occur that create huge riptides and red flag swells, making it a dangerous setting.
Body surfers dive into the waves at the Wedge for an evening swim.
The sunset illuminates houses on the boardwalk at the Wedge.
7) Table Rock
Table Rock is located in south Laguna Beach. Unlike many of the beaches in Laguna, its entrance is hidden from PCH. Because of social media, Table Rock has become a popular spot for teens and young adults. It includes two places for cliff jumping. Although the lifeguards may get mad, jumping from the house on the cliff is probably one of the biggest thrills one could ever experience. Table Rock’s unique coves and interesting rock formations make it a desirable place not only to tan, but to explore.
The route down to Table Rock Beach features many tropical plants and blooming flowers.
A beachgoer backflips in one of the two coves at Table Rock.
Red flowers bloom on the stairs leading down to Table Rock Beach.
6) Treasure Island
Treasure Island Park includes not just one beach, but three. Once a mobile home park, it has now been replaced by the famous Montage Laguna Beach. Treasure Island includes a variety of parks, walkways and wildlife unlike those of other beaches in southern Orange County. The main beach located directly in front of the Montage is the one visited by most tourists and hotel guests, so it is recommended to visit the two others towards the North of the property. These two other coves are not only more unique than the main beach, but also provide guests with the chance to encounter wildlife like sea lions and dolphins.
Tourists flock the scenic pathway at Treasure Island Park.
Succulents cover the cliffs that lead down to crystal clear water at Treasure Island Park.
5) Thousand Steps
Thousand Steps, although one of the more popular beaches in Orange County, is also one of the most beautiful. The dreaded “thousand steps” may be a bit of a hassle, but it is definitely worth the trek. Once you reach the bottom, there is nothing but beautiful rock formations and crystal clear water. Unlike most beaches in Laguna, there is a long stretch of sand that reaches almost two miles. Surfers and skim boarders also favor this beach for there is a decent break at the South end.
Waves crash on the white sand as visitors walk at Thousand Steps.
This birds-eye view on Thousand Steps Beach shows the cove’s large sand bar, unlike neighboring beaches.
4) Crystal Cove
Crystal Cove State Beach is located in Newport Beach across from one of California’s most well-known restaurant, Javier’s. Because it is protected by the state of California, there is wildlife and shrubbery that is not normally seen around the coast. The area is popular for running, jogging and hiking. The tide pools and well known spots like the Beachcomber and Shake Shack are what make this state park so remarkable. The pure elegance and charm that Crystal Cove holds are what make it the fourth best beach in southern Orange County.
One of the main lookout points from Crystal Cove State Park shows the untouched beauty of Newport Beach.
3) Crescent Bay
Crescent Bay beach is number three in the top 10 beaches in southern Orange County. Located in northern Laguna Beach, visitors are away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Laguna. The distinct point featuring the field of palm trees makes this beach seem like it should be on a tropical island. There is also a park that overlooks the bay, allowing visitors to experience the “Laguna Clarity” — the clarity of the ocean water — from above without having to dive in. Although during high tide there might not be much sand left, going to Crescent Bay is an experience in itself.
Crescent Bay’s distinct point is lighted by the setting sun.
Wildflowers accent the breathtaking beauty of Crescent Bay.
From above, the ocean at Crescent Bay seems to be at a standstill.
2) Three Arch Bay
This private beach community, Three Arch Bay, is absolutely extraordinary. Covered with more than a quarter of a mile of white sand and water that looks like it should be in Hawaii, Three Arch Bay is not only the second best beach in southern Orange County, but one of the best in all of California. With two coves, the beach offers a variety of notable landmarks, including Whale Rock and the Three Arches, as well as many activities to take part in. There are two places to cliff jump, with one located far off the beach on the point and another located towards the far right of the bay in Shell Beach, which looks into one of the clearest parts of the California coast. Several bungalows line the beach, allowing for a unique type of shade, and volleyball courts are located in the mid-section of the beach to entertain beach-goers and annual beach volleyball tournaments. Various beach activities and traditions, like the Labor Day games that the community hosts, definitely add to the character of Three Arch. Three Arch is a must see in one’s lifetime.
The walk down to Three Arch Beach features scenic viewing points of the turquoise water below.
Its “golden hour” at Three Arch Bay as the sun shimmers through the palm trees.
A warm day at Three Arch, and still there are no tourists in sight.
At Three Arch, it still looks like summer, even in October.
1) Paradise Cove
Paradise Cove or “The Secret Spot” or “The Pools” is the best beach in Orange County and probably one of the best in the world. Although the location is undisclosed and the spot is private property, many have trespassed just to catch a glimpse of this beach. This cove encloses not only two one-of-a-kind saltwater pools, but also a pristine natural cove that has water as clear as that of a lake and sand as white as snow. This famous spot was built in the 1960s to allow women to swim without having to deal with powerful waves and currents. In the last few years it has become a social media obsession causing people to travel from as far as Las Vegas, just to snap an Instagram or post something to Tumblr. Paradise Cove is one of the most beautiful spots on this planet because of its tropical-like vibes and breathtaking features.
Paradise Cove offers one of the most unique views in all of California.
Walking down the steps to one of the two pools at Paradise Cove.
A backside view of Paradise Cove.