Orange County beaches may be less sunny than you expected. When temperatures rise inland, so does the air, pulling cool, moist marine air onto the beaches like a foggy blanket. It’s so predictable in early summer that locals dub it “June gloom,” but it extends into “No Sky July” and “Fogust,” too. Some days, the fog and low clouds disappear early, but on other days, like a hungover beach bum, the sun may not put in an appearance until mid- to late-afternoon. To find out more and what causes June Gloom, check out this guide.

Orange County beaches are prone to red tides, a summer phenomenon caused by a type of plankton. While not as dangerous as their East Coast cousins, these micro-organisms can make the water murky and give it a fishy smell. On the bright side, they also give off flashes of light when disturbed at night and can create a blue glow in the water. Because the plankton makes a tasty meal for other sea creatures, red tides are often accompanied by large numbers of jellyfish.

Orange County beaches may almost be as much of an icon as Disneyland. With lots of beaches in Orange County to choose from, you may have a hard time picking one or two to visit during your vacation. We’ve compiled a list of the best Orange County beaches by type and interest to help you choose.

Balboa Beach

Located on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, Balboa Beach faces the Pacific Ocean. It’s just a few blocks from a scenic yacht harbor and the Balboa Fun Zone amusement park.

The 920-foot pier at Balboa Beach was voted Orange County’s best. The sand is clean and always raked, and trash is picked up. Locals say the water is cleaner at Balboa Beach than some of the other Orange County beaches. The only downside is that parking can be hard to find.

There’s no entrance fee for the beach once you get there. Restrooms and showers are available nearby.

What is There to Do at Balboa Beach?

Balboa is a typical Southern California beach where you can go for a bike ride, play volleyball, walk on an oceanside path, or go swimming. A lifeguard is on duty during daylight hours.

Bodyboarding, skimboarding, and surfing are popular at Balboa Beach, but note that surfing is banned from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. in the summer. This may disappoint surfers, but it creates a calmer environment for others.

Visitors also enjoy fishing from the pier, which is open from early morning until midnight.

Balboa Beach is almost in the middle of town, making it easy to split your time between the beach and restaurants or shops. Alternatively, you can play at the Balboa Fun Zone.

Beach bonfires are allowed, but only charcoal can be burned, which is less polluting than wood. “Lump” style charcoal burns better than briquettes. Using a paraffin starter will eliminate that lighter fluid smell.

What You Need to Know Before You Go to Balboa Beach

Alcohol is not allowed on the beach, so leave your cooler at home unless it’s filled with soft drinks.

Pets are not permitted on the beach.

Balboa Beach is popular for swimming lessons in summer, and the area around the pier can become quite crowded with kids taking classes. To avoid the crowds, set up away from the pier.

Water quality at Balboa Beach is generally good. However, you can check the most recent report card at the Heal the Bay website for updates.

For more information, you can visit the Balboa Beach website.

How to Get to Balboa Beach

Balboa Beach is in the Balboa Peninsula area of Newport Beach. To get there, set your GPS for Ruby’s Diner at 1 Balboa Pier, Newport Beach.

Laguna Main Beach

Main Beach is a busy urban beach located in the heart of downtown Laguna. This small beach attracts visitors, especially in summer, and faces a broad southwestern cove.

On weekends, artists and street musicians perform along the boardwalk. At night, Main Beach becomes a popular spot for strolling couples.

People enjoy the closeness to downtown and often comment on the immaculate sand, though parking can be a challenge.

One of its best features is its prime location, just across the street from numerous restaurants and shops.

What is There to Do at Laguna Main Beach?

Main Beach is ideal for enjoying the ocean and sun. Many people engage in volleyball, or simply ride along the bike path to avoid getting sand in their shoes.

Swimming is a popular activity here, and a lifeguard is present during daylight hours. The colored flag at the lifeguard station will indicate safe swimming conditions—avoid swimming if the flag is yellow or red. Surfing and skimboarding are permitted, but a shallow sandbar offshore limits wave size and makes surfing difficult.

You can rent beach equipment nearby and there is also a playground and basketball court, making it great for families. Tidepools are available at the north end for exploration.

What You Need to Know Before You Go to Laguna Main Beach

Main Beach sometimes collects seaweed that attracts small flies. High tide can cut off the north end, and jellyfish may also pose a concern. Always check for updates at the lifeguard station.

This beach has no entrance fees, but you will need to pay for parking.

Pets are restricted during the busy season from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., from June 1 through mid-September.

Water quality is generally good at Main Beach. To confirm, you may check the latest water quality warnings at the Heal the Bay website.

Smoking is prohibited, and alcohol is also banned, strictly enforced by Laguna Beach police who may check your bags.

Seek out tar on the beach as you may end up tracking it everywhere; remember to check your feet before you leave.

For additional information, visit the Main Beach website.

How to Get to Laguna Main Beach

To access the beach, head to Pacific Coast Highway and Broadway Street in downtown Laguna Beach.

From other Orange County beach towns, you can take Pacific Coast Highway, or access from Interstate Highways 405 or 5. On especially busy days, consider parking in the shuttle lot on Highway 133 and using the free shuttle to the beach.

Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington State Beach is a long, narrow stretch of beach extending for miles just south of Huntington Beach city. While an electric power station is located to the east, it’s mostly out of sight as you’ll be admiring the water.

Near the beach’s southern end is a natural preserve, home to the nesting California Least Tern. The area is fenced off for the birds’ protection, but you can watch them using binoculars.

The sand is raked daily, ensuring a clean beach, though visitors often report that the restrooms can be poorly maintained; bringing hand sanitizer is advisable.

What is There to Do at Huntington State Beach?

This beach is perfect for swimming, and lifeguards are present during daylight hours. However, be cautious as dangerous rip currents can develop, making aquatic rescues more common.

Huntington Beach also offers great opportunities for surfing and bodyboarding. To keep swimmers safe during the summer, surfing is not allowed. You can take a scenic walk on the oceanfront path or enjoy biking.

There are concession stands available for snacks, and you’ll find volleyball nets and a basketball court here too.

Bonfires are extremely popular in designated fire rings. It’s advisable to claim your spot early on summer weekends as they can fill up quickly. Using charcoal is encouraged over wood for less air pollution. “Lump” charcoal will burn more effectively than briquettes, and a paraffin starter can help avoid lighter fluid smells.

If you possess a California fishing license, surf fishing is an option here, but please ensure that it is safe with no swimmers nearby. Fishermen typically catch perch, corbina, croaker, cabezon, and shovelnose guitarfish.

What You Need to Know Before You Go to Huntington State Beach

While there is no entrance fee for the beach, parking requires a fee.

Restrooms and showers are accessible.

Pets are not allowed on the beach, and alcoholic beverages are also not permitted.

Water quality at Huntington State Beach is generally deemed good in dry weather. For peace of mind, you can check the latest water quality warnings at the Heal the Bay website.

Beware that the sand may contain small rocks and seashells, making footwear a good choice.

For surfing conditions, check the surf report or gather further information through the Huntington Beach State Park website.

You may encounter unsightly offshore oil rigs and occasional tar balls on the beach, so inspect your shoes before leaving.

How to Get to Huntington State Beach

Huntington Beach State Park is located on Pacific Coast Highway, just south of the city of Huntington Beach. The four parking lot entrances are located at Beach Boulevard, Brookhurst, Magnolia, and Newland Streets.

Bolsa Chica Beach

In Spanish, Bolsa Chica means “little pocket,” and this little pocket is indeed filled with treasures. Bolsa Chica State Beach features 1.5 miles of shoreline and encompasses a 350-acre marine estuary. This beach is also vital for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway.

This beach is particularly well-known for surfing, especially favorable for novice surfers and those taking surfing lessons.

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, situated across the street from the state beach, covers approximately 1,300 acres of diverse landscapes, including open water, mudflats, salt marsh, coastal dunes, and seabird nesting islands. Over 200 bird species have been identified here. Guided bird-watching tours are available on the first Saturday of every month.

What is There to Do at Bolsa Chica Beach?

Bolsa Chica offers a broad range of water activities: swimming, bodyboarding, windsurfing, and surfing. A lifeguard is present during daylight hours for safety.

A paved beachside trail runs for 8.5 miles between Bolsa Chica and Huntington State Beaches, suitable for leisurely biking or walking, with a strictly enforced speed limit of 5 mph.

The beach has 200 fire rings available for bonfires on a first-come-first-serve basis. It’s advisable to arrive early on busy weekends to ensure you can secure a fire ring. You can purchase firewood at nearby shops and gas stations. Additionally, you can burn charcoal as it produces less pollution than wood. “Lump” charcoal is more effective than briquettes, while using a paraffin starter can help eliminate lighter fluid odors.

If you have a California fishing license, you can join in surf fishing for species such as perch, corbina, croaker, cabezon, shovelnose guitarfish, and sand shark. Bolsa Chica State Beach is one of the prime locations to witness the annual grunion run, when numerous tiny silver fish come ashore to spawn during a full moon, allowing you to catch them with your bare hands.

What You Need to Know Before You Go to Bolsa Chica Beach

Bolsa Chica Beach provides 50 campsites, complete with electric and water hookups for self-contained RVs.

There is an entrance fee at Bolsa Chica, and state park passes are not accepted.

Facilities include restrooms, showers, and a snack bar.

Pets are not allowed, and alcohol is prohibited.

The water quality at Bolsa Chica is typically good; however, you may check the latest water quality warnings at the Heal the Bay website for any concerns.

If you plan to surf, be sure to check the surf report for conditions, and gather further information at the Bolsa Chica State Beach website.

Occasionally, stingrays make their way into shallow waters and may strike if disturbed. To avoid getting stung, shuffle your feet as you walk.

How to Get to Bolsa Chica Beach

Bolsa Chica State Beach is located on Pacific Coast Highway between Golden West and Warner Avenue.

A paid parking lot is conveniently located on Warner Avenue.

Huntington Pier Beach

The Huntington Pier beach—along with the surf that breaks around it—is the main reason the city earned the title of Surf City. Long before that, Huntington Beach inspired the hit song “Surf City” by rock duo Jan and Dean in the 1960s.

The red-roofed restaurant at the end makes Huntington Pier one of Orange County’s most picturesque piers. Stretching 1,850 feet into the Pacific Ocean, it ranks among the longest piers on the West Coast.

Visitors find the Huntington Pier to be scenic, which also attracts photographers, especially at sunset. Many locals regard it as the premier beach destination in Orange County.

This pier has featured in various television shows, including “90210,” “The CW,” “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers,” and “The Real Housewives of Orange County.”

What is There to Do at Huntington Pier Beach?

The most popular activity at Huntington Pier is surfing; however, there are numerous other enjoyable options available.

The beachside trail is perfect for biking, skating, or a leisurely stroll. You can also take a walk on the pier itself. Volleyball is often played on the beach, and it’s a great spot for kite flying. Fishing from the pier is allowed without the need for a license.

Swimming is also an option near Huntington Pier, with a lifeguard on duty during daylight hours, and watching expert surfers can be entertaining. These surfers sometimes demonstrate skill by “shooting” the pier, riding a wave from one side to the other while skillfully avoiding the support pilings.

What You Need to Know Before You Go to Huntington Pier Beach

This beach has no entrance fee, but parking comes with a fee.

Restrooms and showers are available for use.

Alcohol is prohibited, and pets are not allowed.

During summer, surfing is not permitted south of the pier.

If you’re interested in surfing, check the surf report for conditions.

Surfing to the north of the pier tends to attract more experienced surfers who may have little patience for beginners. If you’re still learning, Bolsa Chica may be a more suitable choice.

According to Heal the Bay, Huntington Beach receives favorable grades for water quality during dry conditions. You can check the latest water quality warnings at the Heal the Bay website if needed.

On weekends with pleasant weather, arriving early is essential, or you may find yourself searching for a parking space for quite some time.

Occasionally, offshore oil rigs can detract from the scenery, and the beach may have instances of tar.

Events at Huntington Pier Beach

• U.S. Open of Surfing, July
• Huntington Beach Open Volleyball Tournament, May
• Surf City Surf Dog Contest, September
• Sand Castle Contest, October

How to Get to Huntington Pier Beach

Huntington Pier Beach is located on Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. The parking lot entrances are situated at First and Fifth Streets.