Best Places To Sunbathe In OC
It is no surprise that the stretch of coastline in Orange County along Pacific Coast Highway is considered to have some of the best beaches in the world. In fact, many consider the area as the Mecca for surfing in California. With summer here and the weather warming up, it's time to gather the sun tan lotion and the towels and head to the local beaches. Here are some of the best locations to sunbathe in Orange County.
Balboa Island
1 Balboa Pier
Newport Beach, CA 92661
www.newportbeachca.gov
The City of Newport Beach has more than eight miles of beach that stretches from the Santa Ana River jetty to Crystal Cove Park. In between those locations, there is the Balboa Pier with great views of the water. All beaches are open to the public from 6am until 10pm while the pier is open from 5am until midnight. Balboa Island is a great place to enjoy the sun and get some color over the summer and it is also the location where many Hollywood films have been shot. Another location that is popular is The Wedge, where surfers gather to catch the waves that can get up to 30 feet.
Montage Resort
30801 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 715-6000
www.montagehotels.com/lagunabeach
One of the most popular getaway locations in Orange County is without a doubt Montage Resort. The oceanfront and amazing landscape of the luxurious resort is considered the heart of the picturesque arts community in Laguna Beach. On another note, it is also a great place for the public to enjoy the beach that is open to the public. Guests of the resort can enjoy the spa treatments, concierge services, twice-daily housekeeping and much more. The resort also promotes the arts, which is at the heart of the history of the community. Four pieces of work are commissioned and placed throughout the resort including the porcelain-tiled wall mural by Dora De Larios, the ornate bronze sculpture by Terry Thornsley, an inlaid style glass by John Barber and two bronze sculptures of mythical creatures by Cheryl Ekstrom.
Crystal Cove State Park
8471 N. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-3539
www.crystalcovestatepark.com
Located just off the Pacific Coast Highway in between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove State Park is more than just a place to indulge in sunlight. The park has 3.2 miles of beach and close to 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness that gets many people visiting that enjoy hiking. Scuba divers also enjoy using the area and visitors tend to enjoy exploring tide pools and the sandy coves. So while you are out getting some sun, what better way than to do something exciting along with it. Along with the history of the area, there is also the infamous Beachcomber Cafe that has been restored and offers fabulous ocean views. An all-day parking pass is available for $15 for those who would like to enjoy the area.
Related: Best Public Beaches In Orange County
Huntington Beach
Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
(714) 536-5281
www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
The "Surf City" of Huntington Beach has a stretch of beach that is 3.5 miles long and home to the famous pier and is considered a West Coast mecca for surfing. It is said that close to eight million visitors come to enjoy getting some sun and enjoying the surf. This beach, with its good surf and warm weather, is also the home to many sponsored events that include the US Open of Pro Surfing, X-Games and The Core Tour, AVP Pro Beach Volleyball and much more. It is also the home to the Surf Museum that pays tribute to the culture that is so vibrant and present in Huntington Beach. The Beach closes at 10 p.m. with the pier closing at midnight.
Laguna Beach
107 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-3311
www.lagunabeachcity.net
When you talk about a popular stretch of beach in Orange County, there is no doubt one of the first to be named is Laguna. One of the popular landmarks of the main beach includes the lifeguard tower that is shown in many photos, films and television. Where Broadway and Pacific Coast Highway convene is one of the best locations to grab some sun and you can be sure you will not be alone. This location is one of the most popular for tourists and locals alike. Some other activities that are also popular include basketball and beach volleyball. You will also see many locals and tourists walking the downtown area right off the main beach to enjoy its restaurants, stores and galleries.