Corona Del Mar Beach

Orange County

Corona Del Mar Beach, Orange County, California
Corona Del Mar Beach, Orange County, California

Corona Del Mar Beach

Orange County


Corona Del Mar Beaches

Corona Del Mar State Beach, operated by the City of Newport Beach, is located immediately southeast of the Newport Harbor jetty. A Short distance down the coast is a small inlet and beach known as Little Corona Del Mar Beach. Around the bend inside the mouth of Newport Harbor are several little beaches, most notably Rocky Point, also known as Pirate's Cove, and China Cove Beach, two small areas of sand accessed from Shell or Cove streets.

While the jetty at the mouth of the harbor changed the wave action at Corona Del Beach considerably, surfers still find waves to ride here. Sunbathers and swimmers enjoy the small beach. Tide pool enthusiasts view plenty of sea creatures at Little Corona Del Mar Beach.



Corona Del Mar Beach map,  Orange County, California

Corona Del Mar State Beach

Ample parking next to the beach makes Corona Del Mar State Beach popular with visitors. Those who want to avoid the $15 parking fee leave their cars up on the bluff and hike down one of the several trails that lead to the sand. Facilities include restrooms, changing rooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, volleyball nets, and beach fire pits. Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours.

Corona Del Mar State Beach, Orange County, CA

Corona Del Mar State Beach

Little Corona Del Mar Beach

Only a short distance down the coast Little Corona Del Mar Beach has a small sandy area and tide pools worth investigating. Access to the beach is by a footpath from the end of Poppy Avenue. Parking is free, but sometimes hard to find, along residential streets. Visitors to the tide pools often spot sea urchins, sea anemones, starfish, crabs, and other marine life. Rocky cliffs on either side of the beach give it a feeling of seclusion. Explorers like venturing into the small sea cave.

Restrooms and outdoor showers are located half-way down the trail to the beach.

The tide pools, tidal zones, and offshore areas extending 200 feet out are part of the Robert E. Badham Marine Life Refuge, formerly known as the Newport Beach Marine Life Refuge. All the wildlife in the tide pools is protected and may not be disturbed. Collecting of anything such as shells, rocks, and marine life is not allowed.

Corona Del Mar Beach area, Orange County, CA

Conora Del Mar Beach

Little Corona Del Mar Beach, Orange County, CA

Little Corona Del Mar Beach



China Cove Beach

Around the point facing the entrance to the harbor is China Cove Beach, two small areas of sand accessed from Cove or Shell streets. Pedestrian access is via steps leading down from Ocean Boulevard. Parking is free along residential streets. There are no facilities at the beach.

Rocky Point and Lookout Point

Rocky Point, also known as Pirate's Cove, is a small beach at the mouth of Newport Harbor. Access is from Lookout Point, a small grassy park along Ocean Boulevard. The park has great views of the harbor and the ocean. There is a telescope located at one end of the park. Also there are benches and water fountains. Trails lead down to Rocky Point. There are no facilities at the beach.



Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point is located along Ocean Boulevard overlooking the southeastern end of Corona Del Mar State Beach. The park is a favorite spot for viewing the sunset or simply enjoying the vista of the cliffs along the coast and the expanse of ocean. Migrating whales can sometimes be spotted offshore. A trail leads down to the beach.

Nearby Restaurants

  • Starbucks 2801 East Coast Highway (Highway 1)
  • Savory Concepts 227 Larkspur, Corona Del Mar
  • Chronic Tacos 3601 Pacific Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar
  • Gary's Deli 3309 Pacific Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar
  • Gina's Pizza 420 Iris Avenue, Corona Del Mar
  • Summer House 2744 East Coast Highway (Hwy. 1), Corona Del Mar

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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety