South of LA, along the 5 freeway, is a string of magical beach towns, one right after another. It’s no secret that Angelinos love Orange County, so you know exactly what I’m talking about. Whether you are a local looking for new places to take your kiddos, a visitor hoping to get your bearings, or an Angelino looking for a fresh beach spot, Orange County has family beaches in abundance. With the help of my sister-in-law, an OC resident, I’ve pulled together a list of the best beaches for kids in Orange County the whole family will love. These are tried and true; in fact, we’re hitting up one of these great beaches this coming weekend!
In This Guide You’ll Find: The best Orange County beaches for toddlers, kids, and teens Which beaches have the calmest water Family-friendly beaches with playgrounds Beaches with the easiest parking situations Beaches with the cleanest restrooms Where to find tide pools and wildlife My favorite beach for a full-day family outing Insider tips that most travel guides don’t mention
Which Orange County Beaches Are Best for Toddlers?
There are incredible views at the top of Salt Creek Beach. Photo courtesy of Salt Creek Beach
Baby Beach – Dana Point
Best for: Toddlers and babies
Why we love it: This gentle sandy beach on the harbor has little to no waves, giving the tiniest beachgoers a chance to dip their toes in the surf. Kids can splash and play in the partitioned swimming area. Picnic canopies are available, and there are showers on-site to rinse off the sand. There is a parking lot right next to the OC Sailing and Events Center. Spots fill up fast, especially on weekends, so arrive early if you want to park close to the sand. There are bathrooms nearby, so potty-training littles have a place to go!
Skip it if: Baby Beach is not the place for your crew if you have bigger kids who want to body surf, boogie board, or run amok on a wide, sandy beach. Think of this as the “toddler time” of beaches- perfect for mellow, little kid play.
Insider tip: This sweet little beach opens daily at 5am. Got early risers? Hit the sand early and snag a great spot on the seashore, and a close spot in the parking lot.
Salt Creek Beach – Dana Point
Best for: All ages
Why we love it: My sister-in-law is an OC local, and this is her number one beach. She has kids ages 4, 3, and 1. Salt Creek Beach is the perfect spot to surf, swim, play in the sand, or enjoy the tide pools. If you’re tired of the sand, Salt Creek Park is situated right above the shoreline and offers stunning views and grassy spaces.
Skip it if: Parking is about a 10-minute walk from the beach, and travelers have to navigate a relatively steep hill. There is a paved access road (no drive-on access for beachgoers) that is wheelchair and stroller accessible, or a set of steep stairs leading down to the ocean. If this walk sounds like it would be too much for your family, skip Salt Creek Beach.
Insider tip: Hungry? Another upside to Salt Creek Beach is the adorable Young’s Beach Shack, with everything from poke bowls and smoothies to fried apple pie and incredible fish tacos.
Doheny Beach – Dana Point
Best for: Young families with toddlers and little kids
Why we love it: Doheny Beach is where my boys first learned to surf with their uncle. The mild waves make it great for little groms to hit the sand. Local families gather at this beach to play, and a parking lot adjacent to the shore makes it easy to enter and exit. Doho Cafe provides sustenance to hungry kiddos (and their parents). Even better, lifeguards patrol the beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Skip it if: It’s hard to find a reason to skip Doheny; it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages and stages. If you have kiddos that want to do some body surfing or catch larger waves, this gentle beach may not be your speed.
Insider tip: If you want some air conditioning and a change of scenery, Doheny Beach has a nature center with several aquarium displays inside. There are also on-site tide pools and sand volleyball courts.
T-Street Beach – San Clemente
Best for: Toddlers and little kids
Why we love it: This beach has easy access with a pedestrian overpass that runs above the train tracks, then drops down to a palm-tree-lined seashore. Lifeguards are on duty during busy seasons, and restrooms are available. A shaded picnic area is built onto the sand for the perfect al-fresco meal, and thatched permanent umbrellas are set up along the shore and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Also, I love a beach with a snack shack, and West Toast Cafe at T-Street is just what the doctor ordered. From breakfast burritos and acai bowls to sandwiches and ice cream, this spot on the sand is the best place to grab a bit and stave off “hangry” youngsters.
Skip it if: You need a stroller or a beach wagon to carry all your belongings to the shoreline. Parking is above the beach on a bluff, and families can walk the bridge overpass and down the stairs to the sand. Strollers or wagons would need to be carried all the way down the stairs (and back up again at the end of the day).
Insider tip: If you fancy a walk, take the San Clemente Beach Train from T Street Beach all the way to the pier and back again. It’s about a 0.3-mile walk one-way.
Which Orange County Beaches have the Best Tide Pools and Nature Experiences?
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Crystal Cove is a great Orange County beach for older kids. Photo courtesy CA State Parks.
Crystal Cove State Park – Newport Beach
Best for: Elementary-aged kids and above
Why we love it: When my kids want to go tide pooling, we take them to Crystal Cove. This sandy stretch of shore along a stunning cove is one of the prettiest beaches in Southern California, and a favorite among locals and tourists. The tide pools here are teeming with sea creatures. Kids can search for sea stars, abalone, sea anemones, sea urchins, sea snails, sea cucumbers, and even the occasional two-spot octopus. Parking at Los Trancos is $5 per hour. There are restrooms and outdoor showers in the Crystal Cove State Beach area. Crystal Cove has remained free of the development that characterizes most OC beaches. There is even a row of historic homes from the 1930s still standing along the shoreline at Los Trancos.
Skip it if: While Crystal Cove has something for the whole family, the tide pools can be difficult for little feet to navigate. If your kiddos aren’t steady on their feet, avoid exploring here, where it is easy to trip and scrape a knee on the rough rocks.
Insider tip: Use this Crystal Cove tidepool chart to determine the best times to check out the tide pools. You want to aim to visit during a minus tide for best viewing. As the tides start to rise, navigating the tide pools can get tricky. You’ll want to stick to the sandy shoreline during high tide hours.
Treasure Island Beach – Laguna Beach
Best for: Kids ages 7 and up
Why we love it: Treasure Island Beach often has lagoon-blue waters and has active tide pools. There is a stretch of beach for skimboarding as well. There is a parking garage off Wesley Drive and surface parking at Lot 7 next to the Montage. Parking is only $2.50 an hour, but there is a strict 3-hour limit.
Skip it if: This beach is best for big kids, due to the fast-breaking, large waves that crash close to the shoreline. In certain seasons, the sand bank becomes very steep here, making it hard for little kids to navigate. Treasure Island has strict marine-protection protocols in place, and collecting shells or rocks is prohibited.
Insider tip: The easiest way to access Treasure Island beach is at the ramp directly behind the Montage Resort.
Shaw’s Cove – Laguna Beach
Best for: Tweens and teens
Why we love it: Shhhh. This beach is a local secret. Shaw’s Cove is known for some of the clearest water on the West Coast, and it is a prime spot for snorkeling and scuba diving in the OC. This secluded little beach is only about 500 feet long, but doesn’t get very crowded, as it isn’t as popular as some of the sprawling beaches nearby. There is no parking lot at this beach. Your best bet is to park along Fairview Street or Cliff Drive. There is limited metered parking as well.
Skip it if: I don’t recommend this beach for younger kiddos; the north point can be dangerous on high surf days. At times, Shaw’s Cove has strong rip currents, which can be hazardous to littler swimmers, and there is no lifeguard supervision here.
Insider tip: Because parking is very limited, I suggest getting to this beach as early as 7am on a weekend to grab a parking spot and a prime spot on the sand. Bring your snorkel gear along- you’re going to want it.
What Are the Best Beaches for an All-Day Visit in Orange County?Corona del Mar State Beach – Newport Beach
Best for: All ages
Why we love it: Corona del Mar State Beach is a Newport Beach gem. It’s a half-mile stretch of sand with calm waters, volleyball nets, and a rock jetty that forms the edge of Newport Harbor. It’s hailed as one of the best places to swim, surf, snorkel, and explore tide pools in the Newport Beach area. Stay all day and roast marshmallows or hot dogs over the fire pits at night — Corona del Mar has plenty to offer for an all-day experience. The fire pits are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so designate a family member to claim one if you want to take advantage of this fun amenity! Restrooms are available, and a paid parking lot is located adjacent to the beach.
Skip it if: If you are hoping for a secluded beach, this won’t be it. Locals and tourists alike love Corona del Mar State Beach, and it is often packed with visitors enjoying the surf and sand.
Insider tip: Dogs are allowed on the beach, too, but only from 6am – 10am and then again from 4:30pm to 10pm.
Bolsa Chica State Beach – Huntington Beach
Best for: Kids ages 5 and up
Why we love it: Bolsa Chica State Beach is an all-day outing: think basketball and volleyball courts, a walking path, and great swimming and sunbathing beaches. Hungry? Grab a flatbread at SeaLegs at the Beach, or shop for snacks at Beach City Provisions. Or, grab tacos on the beach at Pacific Coast Tacos. Don’t forget the Seasalt Honkey Tonk, with burgers and room to dance on the beach. With so many food options right by the shore, it’s easy to camp out here all day. Then, as the sun sets, grab one of the 200 on-site firepits and roast s’mores.
Skip it if: During certain seasons, stingrays move in at Bolsa Chica beach, making it dangerous to swim. If you are nervous about this potential threat, skip Bolsa Chica and opt for a beach with a designated swimming area. Also, parking is available near the beach, but weekend entry can take a very long time.
Insider tip: If you want to roast s’mores at a fire pit here at Bolsa Chica, you’ll want to claim one earlier in the day. The fire pits are first come, first-served and go fast on the weekends. Bring a guitar and some roasting supplies for the perfect night with family and friends.
Which Orange County Beaches Have the Best Amenities for Families?
Huntington City Beach is one of the best beaches in Orange County for kids. Photo by Gabby Cullen
Huntington City Beach – Huntington Beach
Best for: All ages
Why we love it: Huntington Beach is known as Surf City, and is home to massive surf festivals, wide beaches, and plenty of fun in the sun. I love Huntington because of the many shops and restaurants located right across the road from the shoreline. The beach is dotted with 127 fire pits so you can extend your beach day into the evening with a bonfire. This 3.5-mile beach offers plenty of variety, with volleyball courts, a pier, and one of our favorite beachside playgrounds, the Huntington Beach All-Inclusive playground, right on the sand.
Skip it if: Looking for a small, mellow beach experience? Try another option. Huntington Beach is sprawling and buzzing with activity. It’s not for anyone hoping for quiet, but it is great for anyone who wants to be in the center of the action.
Insider tip: Time your beach visit with a meal, because you don’t want to miss a chance to dine at one of the great restaurants at Pacific City (and grab ice cream after at Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream). I’m a huge fan of Little Sister, but you can’t go wrong with any of the Pacific City options.
San Onofre State Beach – San Clemente
Best for: All ages
Why we love it: Everyone loves San Onofre. So much so that it will be heavily featured in the LA 28 Olympics! Before the world’s best athletes descend upon the beach, you and your family can play in the sand, watch for dolphins, whales, and sea lions, swim, and watch the world-class surfers at Trestles. There are on-site restrooms, fishing areas, and 3 miles of shoreline.
Skip it if: San Onofre is very popular, with more than 2.5 million visitors per year. This isn’t a great beach for families that want to avoid the crowds. Many events take place at San Onofre, which drive extra traffic to the area.
Insider tip: Old Man’s at San Onofre is the best spot for longboarders and groms to surf the waves. Trestles is for the pros, with larger waves. It’s a great spot to watch the surfers while enjoying a beachside picnic. At Old Man’s, vehicles can drive right onto the sand for easy parking and unloading.
Insider Tips for Visiting Orange County Beaches with Kids Orange County beaches can change based on tide schedules and far-reaching weather elements. On a recent visit, the waves were abnormally large due to a hurricane in Mexico. Make sure to check tide charts and local surf channels to see the conditions on the beach of your choice before heading out. When taking kids to the beach, always pack sunscreen, towels, a change of clothes, a sweatshirt (that morning fog can be chilly), bottles of fresh water, and all the snacks. We love bringing our Surfer Dudes to Orange County beaches (they’re like surfing boomerangs for the water). Some of the beaches I’ve highlighted have cafes or snack shacks on the sand, helping to keep your kids satisfied even after the chip bags are empty. Most of these beaches have restrooms and showers for easy clean-up before heading home. You may also want to pack some baby powder, which easily removes sand from skin. If you want easy parking, the best tip is to arrive at the beach early. Orange County beaches open to the public as early as 5am in some places. The earlier you can get to the shore, the easier it will be to snag a close spot and get a prime location on the beach. Consider bringing an umbrella or shade canopy, as all these beaches are in direct sunlight.