SAND, SUN AND FUN

SAND, SUN AND FUN These Orange County beaches are a great way to enjoy a sunny day in southern California

By Teresa Bitler

Corona del Mar State Beach

From sandy stretches to rocky tidepools, Orange County boasts some of the state’s best beaches along its 42 miles of coast. Choosing which one to visit during a stay can be a challenge, though. The beaches combine scenic views, water fun and things to do on shore.

HUNTINGTON CITY BEACH The city of Huntington Beach earned the nickname “Surf City, USA” in the 1950s thanks to this iconic beach, but catching a wave isn’t the only pastime here. Sunbathers spread towels on the sand, kids dodge incoming waves and volleyball players spike over tournament nets. Allegiant passengers can join in on the beach fun or rent a bicycle to pedal to the 1,850-foot Huntington Beach Pier. Either way, they should stick around until after dark when groups gather around bonfire pits and roast s’mores until the beach closes at 10 p.m. surfcityusa.com CORONA DEL MAR STATE BEACH If this sandy shoreline looks familiar, it’s no surprise. Corona Del Mar State Beach served as the backdrop for “Gilligan’s Island” and several Disney TV shows. Locals don’t give much thought to the beach’s glamorous past, though. They love to swim in its waters and watch the sun set over a distant Catalina Island in the evening. Offshore, surfers ride waves created by a rock jetty at the harbor’s entrance, and divers explore the depths. The beach also has firepits available on a firstcome, first-served basis. visitnewportbeach.com

VICTORIA BEACH Beach goers will have to park on Pacific Coast Highway, follow Victoria Drive and navigate steps to this secluded beach, but it’s worth it. The staircase leads to a rocky, isolated beach in Laguna Beach. Instagrammers love capturing the castle-like

Enjoy the sunset at Huntington City Beach

Just off the coast of Orange County, The Wedge has potential for 30-foot waves and attracts surfers from around the world.

Surfers ride the waves off the coast of Huntington Beach

“Pirate Tower” next to the cliffs or snapping selfies in the man-made, saltwater pool. But visitors can also play in tide pools, skimboard in the waves or just appreciate the natural beauty of this semi-secret beach. Snorkeling, volleyball, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking are popular here, too. visitlagunabeach.com

DOHENY STATE BEACH More than 2 million visitors wiggle their toes in the sands of Doheny State Beach in Dana Point every year. Like many Orange County beaches, it’s a surfer’s mecca, but Doheny also features tidepools, a 5-acre lawn for picnics, volleyball courts and campgrounds. Anglers can cast their lines into the waves while families explore the visitor center aquarium. Nearby, Salt Creek Beach has lifeguards, basketball courts and a concession stand. For those wanting to give popular watersports a try, local surf shop Infinity Surfboards rents surfboards and standup paddleboards. dohenystatebeach.org

For more information on these and other Orange County beaches visit their website. visitcalifornia.com/things-to-do/beaches

The Huntington Beach Pier stretches 1,850 feet and is an Orange County landmark

The fire pits at several of the Orange County beaches are great ways to enjoy the beach in cool weather

Corona del Mar State Beach wows with its sandy shoreline, watersports and sunset views