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 my favorite beach to go to with my family in Orange County!
Let me tell you why:
- The beach is small, making it easy to meet up with friends.
- The waves are great for kids and adults learning to bodyboard and swim in waves.
- There are bathrooms and showers.
- Paid and free parking options.
- A food shack for those that want to splurge.
Oh, I also like that the waves typically come in sets so that swimmers and body boarders can take breaks for the next set that comes.
Today the water was very clear with some seaweed. Other days you might find a lot. Weekends are definitely busier than weekdays. On a warm day, I recommend getting to the beach no later than 10:30 am to get a spot near the water.
We had some great waves for swimming and bodyboarding. While we were in the water, we saw flying fish and a school of tiny fish jump near us.
This beach has provided several fun memories that I get to cherish, like teaching my kids how to bodyboard and learn how to go under waves.
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 bathrooms have stalls with doors and sinks for washing hands. Outdoor showers with multiple spouts are on the other side of the bathrooms.
Food Shack
The food shack is on the pricey side, so I recommend bringing your own food to the beach. You will also see parking meters in the picture below.
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 is my favorite beach in Orange County because of the family friendly waves, the smaller size of beach, and the easy access to bathrooms and showers. It will continue to be the beach we will regularly go to throughout the warm weather season.
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.
