Laura A GREAT FAMILY BEACH!
| City | Newport Beach |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Parking | Free or pay (info below) |
| Audience | All Ages |
| Visited | 10 am – 2 pm |
| Gift Store | No |
| Food | Yes |
| Bathroom | Yes |
| Website | https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=652 |
Our Visit
Corona Del Mar State Beach is hands down my favorite spot to hang out with my family in Orange County. It’s got everything we need for a perfect beach day!
Here are some reasons why we liked it:
- Compact Size: The beach is small, making it a breeze to find each other and meet up with friends.
- Family-Friendly Waves: The waves are just right for kids and adults learning to bodyboard or swim—safe and fun for everyone.
- Convenient Facilities: There are clean bathrooms and showers, which makes our beach day comfortable and hassle-free.
- Parking Options: There are both paid and free parking choices, so we can always find a spot.
- Food Shack: When we feel like treating ourselves, the food shack is there with tasty options.
- Wave Sets: The waves usually come in sets, giving swimmers and bodyboarders the perfect opportunity to catch their breath before the next big splash.
Today, the water was wonderfully clear with just a bit of seaweed here and there. On other days, you might encounter more, so it varies. Weekends are definitely busier compared to weekdays. If you’re planning to visit on a warm day, I’d suggest getting to the beach by 10:30 am to snag a prime spot near the water.
We had an amazing time with the waves—perfect for swimming and bodyboarding! While we were in the water, we were thrilled to see flying fish gliding through the air and a school of tiny fish leaping near us. It was like our own little marine show right there in the ocean.
This beach holds a special place in my heart, filled with countless cherished memories. I’ve had so much fun teaching my kids how to bodyboard and navigate the waves. Watching their excitement and seeing their confidence grow with each attempt is something I’ll always treasure.
Details We Discovered
Parking Options & Amenities
Free Parking
If you want to park for free, plan on walking about 10 minutes to the beach.
Option One:
- Park near Inspiration Point located on Ocean Blvd., between Narcissus Avenue and Orchid Avenue.
- You will find a paved path nearby that takes you down to the beach.
- Inspiration Point is furthest from the bathrooms, showers, and food shack, but if you prefer less people then take this route.
Option Two:
- Park on top of the hill on Ocean Blvd or a side street nearby like Larkspur Ave.
- Look for signs on each side street to make sure parking is allowed that day.
- Breakers Drive is the road that leads you down the hill to the paid parking lot.
- Breakers Drive has a walking path, on the left side, that leads you to the parking lot and beach.
Bonus Tip for Passengers Who Can’t Walk as Far
Use the white zone area (AKA: loading area on the right side next to the entrance to the paid parking lot).
Paid Parking
- Easiest option.
- Pay for a parking spot in the lot next to the beach.
- Parking meters are near the food shack.
- There is a pay-per-hour option and a maximum daily amount for parking.
The link below will give you the current parking rates for when you want to go:
Amenities
Bathrooms & Showers
The beach bathrooms have stalls and sinks for basic needs. The outdoor showers are convenient for rinsing off sand and salt. They get the job done after a day at the beach.
Food Shack
The food shack at the beach tends to be on the pricey side, so bringing your own food is a good idea. There are parking meters nearby, so if you choose to pay for parking, make sure to feed them to avoid any issues.
Additional Information
If you enjoy looking at sea creatures in their habitat, nearby you will find tide pools at Little Corona Del Mar:
Address: 3712 Ocean Blvd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Final Thoughts
Corona Del Mar State Beach holds a special place in my heart, and here’s why. The family-friendly waves are perfect for the kids to splash around in safely. The beach’s cozy, smaller size makes it feel like our little slice of paradise, and the convenient access to clean bathrooms and showers is a real lifesaver. It’s no wonder this is our go-to spot throughout the warm weather season. We can’t wait for our next beach day there!
Have you been to Corona Del Mar State Beach?
If so, please comment below with your own personal experience. We’d love to hear the highlights from your visit.
