Orange County Beaches California Vacation

Planning a Vacation to California

We’ve played on a lot of beaches all over the world, but there is something very unique about exploring the gorgeous Southern California Orange County Beaches on a family trip to California.

Spring break in SoCal with kids is a huge hit and we’re here to tell you all about it.

Here’s how to get the most out of a full week hopping around San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and more.

Planning a vacation to California in 2023 is a must.

Beach access to Laguna Beach Shaws Cove

While the best beaches in Orange County sometimes require a short haul with your beach toys down some steps or a walk downhill to reach the sand and surf, the effort is well worth the hours of endless fun with the fam.

Basing ourselves at the affordable, award-winning San Clemente Inn, we aimed to soak up the sun while playing in the waves on this trip to California with family.

Our days were filled with tide pool hunting, Smashball on the beach, bodyboarding, watching surfers, biking along the beach, SUP paddle boarding, sun bathing, and hunting for gelato.

Evenings were filled with long sunsets on the beach coupled with fresh seafood tacos from highly recommended local joints.

Surfing in Orange County is a must do when planning a California vacation

Orange County California Beach Towns We Love

When you are planning a vacation to California for spring break or any time of year, carve out plenty of time to hop between these Orange County Beaches strung out along Pacific Coastal Highway 1:

• Newport Beach

• Laguna Beach

• Dana Point

• San Clemente

Here’s a map to help you get your bearings as we delve into the different Orange County beaches we know your family will love:

Without further ado, here are the best beaches in Orange County California and all the fun things to do and where you can stay on a budget when planning a trip to California with the family.

Table of Contents

• San Clemente

  • San Clemente State Beach

  • T Street Beach

  • Where to Eat in San Clemente

• Doheny State Beach in Dana Point

  • Whale Watching from Dana Point

  • Sunset Vistas

  • Dana Point Sea Caves

  • Paddleboarding at Baby Beach

  • Take the Ferry to Catalina Island

• Laguna Beach

  • Shaws Cove

  • Victoria Beach and Pirate Tower

  • Treasure Island

  • Crescent Bay Beach

  • Bodyboards vs. Surfing

  • Thousand Steps Beach

• Newport Beach

  • Biking the Balboa Peninsula out to the famous Wedge

• Hiking in Orange County

• SUP in Orange County

• Where to Stay in Orange County California

  • Top Rated Beach Home Vacation Rentals

  • San Clemente Inn

  • Orange County Campsites

  • Rent an RV in Orange County

San Clemente Beaches

Wet suits are ideal to bring when planning a family trip to California

San Clemente State Beach

One of the best beaches in Orange County, San Clemente State Beach sits below a towering bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 

This mile long beach is great for bodyboarding, surfing, or a nice stroll at sunset. 

Sunset views from this campground sitting on the bluff above the ocean are tough to beat.

If you like to camp (more below), plan months ahead and aim for reserving one of the campsites along the bluff.

Pay for day parking at the beach, right by the train tracks and walking path. Showers and restrooms are there to use.

Or park up the street for free in designated spots and cart all your beach things down the hill.

San Clemente State Beach

T Street Beach

From San Clemente State Beach, walk north along the beach up to T-Street Beach — a favorite location where locals love to surf and bodyboard.

If you’re beach hopping for several days, just buy a bodyboard or two in one of the local shops— you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. If you’re just at the beach for a day or two, then rent one instead. 

In the opposite direction, Trestles Beach sits on the south side of San Clemente State Beach.

The San Clemente Pier is just after T Street Beach is the San Clemente Pier. Walk to the end and watch more local surfers, young and old, ride the waves. 

Walk to Bear Coast Coffee in the morning while the older kids and teens sleep. 618 1/2 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672

Bear Coast Coffee in San Clemente

Head to Old Town San Clemente

San Clemente is a beautiful Orange County California beach town with a rich history. Main Street is lined with restaurants, boutiques, and cute shops one can walk and shop. 

Where to Eat in San Clemente

Sancho’s  Affordable, delicious tacos, burritoes, bowls, and more. Local firemen line up out the door, so you know it’s good. 1101 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672

Sancho’s Tacos in San Clemente

Pizza Port Great pizza and excellent beer. Worth the wait. 301 N El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672

Hapa J’s - Try the Coconut Shrimp Tacos. Go for Taco Tuesday and get your tacos to go for the beach at sunset 2016 South El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672

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Doheny State Beach in Dana Point California

Also making the list of best beaches in California for families, Doheny State Beach in Dana Point is one of the most visited due to its options for Orange County hikes, camping, biking, SUP paddling, windsurfing, wildlife viewing and more.

When planning a California vacation, Dana Point should be on your list.

Whale Watching dana point 

Dana Point is the best spot to see whales, dolphins, and more marine life from a guided boat tour, a rental boat, or from the shore.

One of the best places to watch whales from shore is on a trail along the headlands near the marina .

Take a two hour guided boat tour with Captain Dave’s.

We opted to add the cancellation option in case weather looked iffy, which could make for a bumpy ride for our weaker stomachs.

Watch wales on your family trip to California

Watch the Sunset at Dana Point

Head for Ken Sampson Overlook Park or Strand Vista Park for stunning sunsets before you grab your dinner.

Dana Point Sea Caves

These fabulous sea caves in Southern California are found in Dana Point Marine Conservation Neighborhood. 

Also known as Pirate’s Cave, this short hike shouldn’t be missed. Not to be confused with Pirate Tower in Laguna Beach.

Paddle Boarding at Baby Beach 

For Dana Point paddleboarding, head to Baby Beach.

Waveless Baby Beach is a great place for beginner paddle boarders.

Once you get your balance, venture out into Dana Point Harbor and watch the hubbub all around you. 

The harbor at Catalina Island

Take the Ferry to Catalina Island 

The next time we are planning to a trip to California with the family, we will definitely hop on a one hour ferry ride from Dana Point to Catalina Island.

My husband visited Catalina Island on a work trip and said we have to go next time.

Upon arrival, head to the sweet town of Avalon for fun. If leaving on the ferry from San Pedro, you can also head to the village of Two Harbors for fabulous campgrounds and gorgeous beaches. 

Take a day trip, or spend a night or two at the lovely Hotel Atwater.

The best way to explore Catalina Island is to rent golf carts right when you get off the ferry at Avalon Pier. 

On your golf cart, adults will want to make a beeline for Descanso Beach Club for an adult beverage. Then head back down towards the Pier for shopping.

Be sure to check out Catalina Island’s historically famous tile shop. 

Reserve your ferry ride to Catalina Island here.

SUP on Catalina Island

If you are a SUP or kayaking enthusiast, bring your paddle boards and discover miles of scenic coastline, isolated coves, and marine life. Catalina boasts 52 miles of coastline.

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Add Laguna Beach when planning a California vacation.

Laguna Beach

Here’s a taste of our favorites in Laguna Beach California.

These Orange County Beaches are great for families and all ages. We loved crashing in San Clemente, but we found ourselves driving up to Laguna Beach on three different days.

When you are planning a vacation to California, you may decide to base yourself in a Laguna Beach home instead.

We loved the scenic drive along Pacific Coast Hwy 1 between Dana Point and Laguna Beach.

Here’s a map for reference for our four favorite Laguna beaches:

Tide pools at Shaws Cove in Laguna Beach

Shaws Cove

Another one of the best beaches in Orange County California, Shaws Cove is known for it’s amazing tide pools.

Spy beautiful sea anemone and the tiniest baby crabs crawling over each other. 

What is the best time to visit tide pools? Tidepools are best visited approximately two hours before low tide time (when the tide is going out) and two hours after low tide (when the tide is coming back in). Get the latest Laguna Beach tide forecast.

Enjoy snorkeling and SCUBA? Shaw’s Cove is known for swim-through areas and kelp beds teeming with fish. Head to the right side of the beach to enter the reef area for the primary dive and snorkeling spot. 

Look for gorgeous succulents growing along the stair steps leading down to Shaws Cove.

How to get to Shaws Cove

To get to the beach and Shaws Cove, head down the stairs from Cliff Drive — you’ll see a sign saying Shaws Cove. 

Nearby Diver’s Cove is also a good place for snorkeling and SCUBA diving. 

Victoria Beach

Visit Pirate Tower and its man-made pool when tide is in.

Add on adjacent Treasure Island Beach in the same day

Open to the public, Victoria Beach feels more private than public beaches as you descend stairs to reach it. You won’t find public restrooms here either. 

Learn more about how to visit the mysterious Laguna Beach Pirate Tower

Pirate’s Tower on Victoria Beach - Laguna Beach, California

To get down to Victoria Beach, upon reaching Victoria Drive, find where it intersects with Sunset Terrace. Just between two houses on the right, you will find stairs down to Victoria Beach. 

Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, turn right to walk to the end of the beach and then along the rocks and tidepools.

Go around the cliff and be prepared to navigate jagged rocks by wearing sturdy sandals, like Chacos, or tennis shoes to best access Pirate’s Tower. 

The best time to see the Tower is in the morning, when there are fewer people.

Treasure Island in Laguna Beach

Treasure Island

Goff Island section

After you’ve explored Pirate’s Tower, head south down the beach towards Treasure Island’s Goff Island. 

We set up our Neso Sunshade and Eno Chairs here for the remainder of the afternoon.

Discover wonderful tide pools, and you may even spy sunning seals. Keep your distance and respect their nap.

Gelato Paradiso is located at 448 S Coast Hwy ste a, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

When you’re needing to cool off, head to Gelato Paradisio in Laguna Beach downtown for the best gelato this side of the Atlantic Ocean!

This Orange County beach is excellent for swimming and playing beach games, like the paddle game called Smashball. 

Main Beach Toys and Game in Laguna Downtown rent body boards.

Crescent Bay Beach Laguna

Great for boogie boards and paddle boards and kayaking, this private feeling beach was our favorite Laguna Beach we parked ourselves at.

Crescent Bay Beach was voted by our family as the best beach in southern California for families — especially with older kids and teens. The bigger surf sends most families with small children to other Orange County beaches.

We tell anyone planning a vacation to California to not miss Laguna Beach. We could have hung out here all week.

Laguna Beach is great for a 2023 California spring break trip

Picture perfect Crescent Beach is about 1/4 mile in length with towering cliffs as bookends.

Body surfing is paramount here, as is paddle boarding and kayaking.

We loved taking our our multi person inflatable paddle board from Crescent Beach. The Megalodon is ISLE’s largest SUP made for fun.

The 20-something crowd loves the big swells here at this Orange County beach.

Bodyboards, body-surfing, surfing and more

In bodyboarding, the surfer rides the bodyboard on the crest, face, and curl of the wave as it carries the surfer to shore. 

For bodyboarding in So Cal, you can easily rent them by the day. We say just buy one or two at the beginning of trip from a local store (you’ll see them everywhere) and use it to heart’s content. You’ll surely get your money’s worth.

In body-surfing, floating on the crest of incoming waves without any time spent on a board. 

Body boarding on San Clemente State Beach

Body whomping is a localized southern California term for body surfing on a beach with a huge beach break. Named after the sound of the wave throwing you down if you can’t get out of it.

Surfing is the water sport of riding a wave to shore while standing or lying down on a long surfboard. You will find the best surfing beaches in Laguna Beach.

Surfers and bodyboarders love Orange County beaches. You’ll see them everywhere. Take surf lessons if you’re a newbie.

We’re big fans of taking our paddle boards with us wherever our outdoor adventure travels take us.

We’ve found ISLE inflatable paddle boards are the most versatile paddle boards you can travel and paddle anywhere with. 

Walking down to Crescent Beach

Thousand Steps Beach

Don’t worry it’s not one thousand stair steps to get down to the beach, it’s just 218. But it will feel like one thousand on the way back up, so plan your gear accordingly.

Body surfers, skim boarders, snorkelers, SUP and tide pool lovers are all willing to put in the work for the glory of this beach with a cave at one end and Totuava Beach at the other end. 

Keep an eye on the tides so you don’t get stuck out there at high tide. 

Top 10 Spring Break Vacations

We think California is a fabulous trip to plan for spring break vacation in 2023.

Whether you're considering a trip to beaches, hiking in national parks, or taking a road trip, here are our 10 favorite spring break trips for families.

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Newport Beach

Spend the day in Newport Beach even if the weather isn’t ideal for playing in the surf.

One of the best beaches in California for families, there are many fun things to do in Newport Beach.

Biking Newport Beach to the Wedge

Rent bikes and ride along the beach and through posh neighborhoods out to the Wedge. 

Found at the end of the Balboa Peninsula, the Wedge is a popular surfing spot and great for watching experienced locals ride the waves. 

Known for the biggest swell in Southern California, you don’t want to miss the action.

Besides riding bikes, watching surfers at the Wedge, and catching your own waves in the ocean, Newport Beach is one of the best beaches in Orange County for beach volleyball. Dozens of volleyball courts dot the beach.

As you head out along Balboa Peninsula, the beach stretches out far and wide with all kinds of room for beach games.

For shopping and eating in Newport Beach too, browse the town’s digital guide.

Biking out to the Wedge in Newport Beach California

Huntington Beach

While we didn’t make it out to Huntington Beach this time around, it’s definitely worth mentioning this with all the other Orange County California beaches.

Huntington is dubbed Surf City USA. Also consider Seal Beach, another beach city further north.

Learn more about these two beach towns.

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Hiking in Orange County

Whether you are looking for a challenging mountainous hike, waterfall hikes, or coastal hikes with stellar views, there are hiking trails for everyone.

Here’s a quick list of the best Orange County hikes for Families, according to the Hiking Guy.

1. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Hike

2. Dripping Cave

3. Quail Hill

4. Hike Holy Jim Falls Trail

5. Whiting Ranch Hiking - Red Rock Canyon

6. Peters Canyon Hike

For the best ocean views, head to Crystal Cove State Park for a long 9 mile hike.

Visit the hiking guy to check out the toughest hikes in Orange County and the ones with the best views.

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California Sup in Orange County

Go Paddleboarding in southern California for hours of fun!

PRO TIP: Bring your own inflatable paddleboard and launch out whenever you want from sunrise to sunset. ISLE makes the best inflatable paddleboards for families.

Here are ideal spots for paddleboarding in Orange County:

• Crescent Beach in Laguna Beach

• Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna Beach

• Baby Beach at Dana Point

• Huntington Harbor

• Newport Beach: Balboa Island, Balboa Peninsula, Lido Island, Upper Newport Bay

PRO TIP: If you find yourself in San Diego, know that there are several more excellent paddle boarding spots there in La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Coronado Island.

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Where to stay in Orange County

Our first pick, if you can afford it, is to stay in a vacation rental near the beach in southern California.

With older kids and teens who love to sleep in, we love to slip out early with coffee in hand for an early morning beach stroll.

Fabulous Beach Homes in Orange county

Stay in a wonderfully appointed condo or beach house with ocean views in Orange County California. Many beach homes in San Clemente are just minutes walk from the beach.

In Dana Point, we love this luxurious modern coastal beach cottage in Dana Point. The Capistrano Beach Cottage has thought of everything with four top-of-the line beach cruisers and two children’s scooters waiting for you.

Beach equipment available for your use: surf boards, body boards, beach chairs, an umbrella, and a cooler.

Book the other side of the same beach duplex for a large family group, so you can sleep up to 14 people, great for a family reunion.

In Laguna Beach, splurge on a designer home on lush property near the fancy Montage Resort. This beautiful Nantucket style home would be ideal for three couples who want to get away! Walk to the beach and the beautiful park nearby. Walk to the grocery store and nearby restaurants.

Best San Clemente Hotel

Located next to San Clemente State Park and rated the best San Clemente hotel, the San Clemente Inn is a quick 10-minute walk down to San Clemente State beach and a stroll over to the pier.

The affordable, family friendly San Clemente Inn features a lovely heated outdoor pool, outdoor BBQ grills, outdoor lounging areas under gazebos, tennis courts, pickle ball court, shuffleboard, restaurant, game room, laundry, and rooms that sleep as many as six with private balconies.

Our room included a private bedroom, 1 1 /2 bathrooms, a kitchenette, full fridge, two couches, one as a sofa sleeper, TV, two twin murphy beds, dining table, and balcony.

A lot of bang for your buck, especially if your main goal is to hit the beach every day.

The entire San Clemente Inn is under complete renovation, with the main building already completed and the rooms fully underway.

San Clemente Beach Trail

Camping in Orange County

For some of the best camping in California, head to these amazing state campgrounds:

San Clemente State Beach

The area around San Clemente is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish Colonial style architecture. Surfers love the intense winds and dramatic location.

Located at the south end of the city of San Clemente, California.

Doheny State Beach in Dana Point

Doheny State Beach campground hosts 118 campsites, 33 are premium ocean-front sites, while another 16 are designated for trailers or RVs. The remainder of the sites can accommodate tents, trailers, or RVs. There are no hook-ups at any site.

Families often choose Doheny for camping in Orange County.

Crystal Cove State Park

Just north of Laguna Beach in Newport Beach, this California state park offers over 3 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, plus wooded canyons, bluffs, and an offshore underwater park.

Enjoy swimming, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, biking, hiking and horseback riding.

Head here to reserve your campsites for camping in Orange County.

San Clemente State Beach Campground overlooks the ocean

RV Rentals in Orange County California

Adventure awaits and the possibilities are endless. Rent a campervan, motorhome, or RV in Orange County.

Hit the road in a campervan or Class B and explore southern California on your terms.

Don’t want to drive an RV? Looking to glamp at the same sweet campsite each night? Have your RV delivered and set up for you and never hit the road with it.

Save $50 off your next Outdoorsy RV Rental

Use our exclusive promo code “COHH50” and save $50 OFF your next RV rental.

Own an RV? Wanna make up to $50,000 this next year?

Best side hustle yet! Rent your RV when you’re not using it. Folks are always looking for RVs to rent, especially Class B and Class C RVs.

RELATED: Why We Love Renting Outdoorsy RVs

Going Back to Cali

We are already planning on coming back here for enjoying the best Orange County Beaches. We would love to try more camping in California too.

Which beach gets your vote for best beaches in California and why?

RELATED: Hop on this Epic California National Parks Road Trip.

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Stay at the best family friendly San Clemente hotel and explore Southern California Orange County beaches. Stroll the beach trail and hit the waves for body boarding from fabulous state beaches, go whale watching from Dana Point, spy tide pools and paddle board in Laguna Beach, or bike out to Newport Beach's Wedge to watch surfers. Add Orange County hikes for ocean views. Here's how to do it all.