Newport Beach, California is a hot spot for visitors to the state looking to spend some time on picturesque beaches. Corona del Mar, a neighborhood in oceanfront Newport Beach, is the crown jewel of the city, as the name “Crown of the Sea” implies. Nestled atop cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Corona del Mar luxury homes and an organized layout of streets named after flowers provide a splendid backdrop for some of the best beaches in the area.
Corona del Mar State Beach
You can reach Corona del Mar State beach by driving the access road near the intersection of Iris Street and Ocean Boulevard. Corona del Mar State Beach (also known as Big Corona Beach) is one of the most popular beaches in oceanfront Newport Beach. Corona del Mar State Beach is a popular destination for families, swimmers, surfers, and divers. It is a quiet, safe beach framed by cliffs and a rock jetty at the mouth of the harbor.
Corona del Mar State Beach provides a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean with a gorgeous backdrop of Corona del Mar luxury homes. The gorgeous view of the sunset from this beach is a perfect background for a romantic evening picnic. For these reasons, Corona del Mar State Beach has been the filming location for several movie and television productions over the years, including Gilligan’s Island.
This beach spans half a mile and contains several amenities, including parking, restrooms, food service, outdoor showers, and picnic areas.
Little Corona del Mar Beach
Little Corona del Mar Beach is a small, secluded beach located just off of Poppy Avenue in oceanfront Newport Beach. This is one of the few beaches in Orange County that is not limited to stair-step access, making this a popular destination for divers and families looking to have a picnic. The seclusion and relative protection from the surf make this a top spot for families with small children who want to enjoy a beach vacation.
If you’re at Little Corona del Mar Beach during low tide or below, you’ll be able to view the tidepools. Little Corona del Mar Beach tide pools are part of a marine life refuge, which means that you’re asked not to touch any wildlife, shells, or rocks. You’re welcome to look, though. You may just catch a glimpse of an octopus, sea anemone, or other marine wildlife while you’re there, making this the perfect beach for some wildlife education while your children splash around.
Pirate’s Cove (Rocky Point)
Rocky Point is a small beach also known as Pirate’s Cove. It is accessible by a grassy park along Ocean Boulevard. Pirate’s Cove is a popular spot for families because of its picturesque views and large alcoves where children can pretend to be pirates. Pirate’s Cove is located below Lookout Point Park, a small city park with a beautiful ocean view and a telescope located at one end that is perfect for stargazing over the ocean.
Because of its size and seclusion, there are no amenities on this beach or in Lookout Point Park; however, there is on-street parking in the residential area.
Newport Harbor Patrol Beach
One small and often-overlooked beach in Corona del Mar is the Newport Harbor Patrol Beach. This flat, sandy beach offers several amenities, including picnic tables and a volleyball court. It is frequently used as a popular launching spot for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. There is street parking and public parking at the Newport Harbor Patrol facility. Because this beach is relatively small and unknown, the beach is frequently free of crowds, except on particularly hot days, when it is a popular attraction for residents of Corona del Mar.
Crystal Cove State Park
If you’re willing to drive just south between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove State Park is a can’t-miss beach destination. Stretching 3.2 miles long, Crystal Cove is one of the last remaining open spaces with a natural seashore. There are a wide variety of amenities at Crystal Cove, including overnight lodging, food services, and accessible features. Crystal Cove State Park has several beaches as well as access to hiking trails.
Containing four separate beaches, Crystal Cove State Park is worth a daylong beach trip in itself. Moro Beach, Reef Point, Historic District, and Pelican Point each offer their own special highlights, giving you numerous activities and views to experience throughout your time at the beaches in and near Corona del Mar.
Moro Beach is just a short walk away from the campground and is a popular destination for ocean adventurers like kayakers and paddleboarders. Reef Point has easy access from a parking lot and features a quarter-mile multi-use trail that travels north and down to the beach.
The Historic District is a perfect beach destination for those wanting to take a step back in time with the ambiance of a 1930s beach resort. The 12.3-acre Historic District features a walking tour where you can view the Crystal Cove architecture that has not changed in more than 50 years. There are several options for overnight stays if you reserve in advance.
Finally, Pelican Point is accessible from four bluff-top parking lots. The one-mile, multi-use trail gives you a spectacular view of local wildlife and vegetation. At high tide, you’ll get a breathtaking view as the surf laps up against the 80-foot bluffs.
Looking for Corona del Mar luxury real estate?
Once you visit the beaches within Corona del Mar, you will fall in love with the neighborhood. If you are ready to buy a home within Corona del Mar, it’s important to have a passionate, committed, and knowledgeable realtor on your team. Blair Walsh is experienced with Corona del Mar luxury homes and will help you find the right home for you and your family. Contact Blair today,
