(This article may or may not contain affiliate links. What does that mean?)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\u00a0<\/p>\n I\u2019ll always remember our family\u2019s Orange County vacation as sand, sun, and stories that we still laugh about. It was our first time visiting the Pacific Ocean, and we spent two weeks there to be sure we\u2019d see as much as we could.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n At Huntington, our boys chased waves and begged to stay for marshmallows by the fire pits. In Laguna, they hunted starfish in tide pools until the sun set. It can feel impossible to narrow down which of the OC\u2019s many beaches families need to visit, so here are some of our favorite beaches in Orange County, CA, for all types of families.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n NO TIME TO READ THIS ARTICLE NOW? PIN IT OR BOOKMARK IT FOR LATER!<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Our family loves to travel, but I can never stop myself from panicking over what <\/span>could<\/span><\/i> happen. Beach trips to the ocean are very different from visiting the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio back home. <\/span>Tide levels<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>surf conditions<\/span><\/a> play a big role in how safe it is for families, especially those with younger kids, to go into the ocean. So, check conditions before heading out. The sun can also be intense in Southern California, so staying hydrated and remembering sunblock are musts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Orange County<\/span><\/a> is 948 square miles with 40 miles of coastline, home to some of the most family-friendly stretches of sand in the United States. Even though all these beautiful beaches are in the OC, they aren\u2019t exactly next to each other. We\u2019ve organized them by area (North, Central, South, and Laguna Beach Area) to make it easier for families to plan their visit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n This map should make it easier to plan days your family wants to visit multiple beaches! \u00a0<\/p>\n The top of Orange County has beaches with big personalities, from dog-friendly shores and classic surf breaks to laid-back towns where ice cream cones are mandatory.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n We didn\u2019t bring our pittie along for our California trip because airlines usually won\u2019t let her fly, but we still made a stop at <\/span>Huntington Dog Beach<\/span><\/a>. My youngest is obsessed with dogs, and several owners were kind enough to let him pet their pups when he asked. He said it was his favorite beach. He watched dogs splash in the surf and chase balls for hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n My son loved watching all the dogs living their best lives! \u00a0<\/p>\n Once he\u2019d had his fill of the pups, we stopped by <\/span>ZeroZero39 Pizzeria<\/span><\/a>. He loved that there were dogs on the patio, and I loved the authentic pizza and cannolis!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Seal Beach is a great space to breathe without the crowds. The wide, sandy stretch of <\/span>Seal Beach<\/span><\/a> is perfect for parents who want to stretch out in the sand while little ones run and splash in the surf. There\u2019s a nearby lot and plenty of street parking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The iconic Seal Beach Pier is packed at sunset with people waiting to appreciate the view! \u00a0<\/p>\n After fun in the sun, walk the historic wooden pier (the longest on the West Coast). Nearby, <\/span>Main Street<\/span><\/a> is the perfect next stop. Ice cream shops, casual cafes, and gift shops can make this a relaxed afternoon outing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Huntington Beach is known as Surf City, USA, and the vibe at <\/span>Huntington State Beach<\/span><\/a> makes it easy to see why. Enjoy endless shoreline and rolling surf as far as you can see. And volleyball nets are a hotbed of activity. It\u2019s a great location for surfing or staying active, and it\u2019s one of the few beaches with fire pits. Stop in the afternoon for fun in the sun, followed by an evening of roasting marshmallows.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Roasted marshmallows are always an amazing way to cap off a fun day at the beach! \u00a0<\/p>\n Walk the <\/span>Huntington State Beach Pier<\/span><\/a> for incredible views or see wildlife at the <\/span>Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve<\/span><\/a>. Don\u2019t miss the nearby <\/span>International Surfing Museum<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Old World Village<\/span><\/a>, a collection of unique shops and restaurants with European charm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n In the middle of the county, Newport and Corona Del Mar mix the energy of wide family beaches with the charm of harbors, boardwalks, and plenty to explore off the sand.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Looking for a full day of fun instead of just a beach trip? <\/span>Newport Beach<\/span><\/a> provides a classic <\/span>pier<\/span><\/a> perfect for fishing (which my oldest loved) and funnel cakes. The big, wide beach is perfect for building sandcastles or playing volleyball. And, nearby <\/span>Newport Harbor<\/span><\/a> is one of the biggest marinas in the world! My kids had fun looking at the thousands of boats docked there.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Funnel cakes and ferris wheels are the perfect way to cap off a day at Newport Beach! \u00a0<\/p>\n After fun in the water and sand, ride the ferry over to Balboa Island. <\/span>Fares for the ferry<\/span><\/a> are very affordable, and you can even have them bring your car over to the island. My kids loved the Fun Zone at Balboa Island, complete with rides, an arcade, pizza, and ice cream. Don\u2019t miss the chance to try <\/span>Sugar \u2018N Spice\u2019s<\/span><\/a> famous frozen banana. (There are also other menu options like frozen cheesecake, frozen tiramisu, and the Balboa bar for kids that hate bananas, like my oldest).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n DON\u2019T MISS!\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>6 Incredible Christmas Beach Vacations for Families<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Families looking for wide, sandy beaches (perfect for digging) will love <\/span>Corona Del Mar State Beach<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s a great place for families with children because there\u2019s a parking lot nearby, so it\u2019s easy to bring gear, and there are gentle waves for small children. It can get a little busier at sunset, but with good reason. Dramatic cliffs rise like natural walls along the shoreline, framing the ocean with golden rock that glows even brighter as the sun sets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t mind the crowds, be sure to stay and see these cliffs glowing at sunset! \u00a0<\/p>\n Nearby, hunt for hermit crabs and sea anemones in the tide pools at <\/span>Little Corona Beach<\/span><\/a>, hike the trails at <\/span>Crystal Cove State Park<\/span><\/a>, stroll through the <\/span>Sherman Library and Gardens<\/span><\/a>, or explore the <\/span>Corona del Mar Farmer\u2019s Market<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Laguna is where Orange County\u2019s coastline feels like a literal work of art. Tide pools and coves sparkle below, while the downtown area is full of galleries, festivals, and color.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Laguna Beach<\/span><\/a> (Main Beach) is best described as a postcard brought to life. The coves offered shelter from the midday sun when we were ready to take a break from the water, and my boys loved hunting for starfish and crabs in the tide pools during low tide. The entire beach stretches down seven miles of coastline, so there\u2019s plenty of room for exploring, and the <\/span>Laguna Beach Trolley<\/span><\/a> made it easy to explore.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Laguna Beach offers some of the most iconic views on the coast! \u00a0<\/p>\n Beyond the sand, the downtown area in the city of Laguna Beach is an art lover\u2019s dream. The <\/span>Laguna Art Museum<\/span><\/a> is worth exploring, as are the public art installations in <\/span>Heisler Park<\/span><\/a>. Be sure to visit the <\/span>Fairy Garden<\/span><\/a> outside of the library, the <\/span>Festival of Arts<\/span><\/a> from July to September, the <\/span>Sawdust Art Festival<\/span><\/a> from November to December, or the <\/span>First Thursdays Art Walk<\/span><\/a> through the galleries (held on the first Thursday of every month). My boys\u2019 favorite post-beach stop was <\/span>Candy Baron<\/span><\/a> because, well, who doesn\u2019t love old-fashioned candy?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The best part of <\/span>Shaw\u2019s Cove<\/span><\/a>? The calm waters and colorful fish. It attracts first-time divers and snorkelers, and the cove is much quieter than the big, sandy beaches nearby. Other popular activities that nature lovers will enjoy include exploring more than 40 hiking trails at nearby <\/span>Laguna Coast Wilderness Park<\/span><\/a> and visiting the <\/span>Pacific Marine Mammal Center<\/span><\/a> to see sea lions and seals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Calm waters and colorful fish make Shaw\u2019s Cove a snorkeling hotspot. \u00a0<\/p>\n Treasure Island Beach<\/span><\/a> will live in your fondest memories with its beautiful, clear water, tide pools, and stunning rock arches for kids to explore. It has a calm, family-friendly atmosphere, and parents will appreciate that the paths leading down to the beach are stroller-friendly. Other nearby attractions include the tide pools and hiking trails at <\/span>Crystal Cove State Park<\/span><\/a>, the rock formations at <\/span>Thousand Steps Beach<\/span><\/a>, or the Pirate Tower at <\/span>Victoria Beach<\/span><\/a>. All of these smaller beaches are located near Laguna Beach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Can you spot the hermit crab? \u00a0<\/p>\n Head south for wide-open beaches framed by rugged cliffs. Dana Point and San Clemente deliver surf, scenery, and plenty of room for families to adventure together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n DON\u2019T MISS!<\/strong> Folly Beach Hotels: Oceanfront Options<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Located in <\/span>Dana Point<\/b>, <\/span>Salt Creek Beach<\/span><\/a> offers a fun atmosphere for families. My boys tried out their boogie boards here, but families can also rent a surfboard or standup paddleboard from <\/span>Infinity Surfboards<\/span><\/a> to take advantage of the beginner-friendly wakes. Salt Creek Beach has tons of amenities, including a lifeguard, concession stand, volleyball courts, and basketball courts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Orange](\"https:\/\/lafamilytravelwordpressbucket.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/30085344\/Beaches-in-Orange-County-CA-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBeach Safety for Families<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
Overview Of The Best Beaches in Orange County, CA<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Map](\"https:\/\/lafamilytravelwordpressbucket.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/30075930\/orange_county_map.png\")
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Photo Credit: https:\/\/www.californiasbestbeaches.com\/county_beaches\/orange_county.html<\/p>\n<\/div>\nBest Beaches in Northern OC\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
Huntington Dog Beach<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/lafamilytravelwordpressbucket.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/30080434\/harrison-kugler-Ku6OZrJy_Aw-unsplash-e1764518731456.jpg\")
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Photo by Harrison Kugler<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nSeal Beach<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Seal](\"https:\/\/lafamilytravelwordpressbucket.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/30080705\/lisha-riabinina-TcIB0nPRmEA-unsplash-e1764518883611.jpg\")
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Photo by Lisha Riabinina<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nHuntington State Beach<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Family](\"https:\/\/lafamilytravelwordpressbucket.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/30081230\/ronald-jimenez-QlfI9DlMz9w-unsplash-e1764519221588.jpg\")
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Photo by Ronald Jimenez<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nOur Favorite Orange County Central Beaches<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
Newport Beach\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Balboa](\"https:\/\/lafamilytravelwordpressbucket.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/30081740\/daniel-sinoca-f0mDXV9qYwE-unsplash-e1764519511607.jpg\")
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Photo by Daniel Sinoca<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
Corona Del Mar State Beach<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Corona](\"https:\/\/lafamilytravelwordpressbucket.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/30082558\/daniel-sinoca-zjWCmJ2RKOw-unsplash-e1764520031927.jpg\")
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Photo by Daniel Sinoca<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nBest Beaches in the Laguna Beach Area<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
Laguna Beach\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"View](\"https:\/\/lafamilytravelwordpressbucket.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/30082814\/brandon-russell-P0HnQHpAYc-unsplash-e1764520136337.jpg\")
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Photo by Brandon Russell<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nShaw\u2019s Cove<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Kid](\"https:\/\/lafamilytravelwordpressbucket.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/30083402\/betty-sun-vHwXbVAGfRU-unsplash-e1764520494985.jpg\")
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Photo by Betty Sun<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nTreasure Island Beach<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Hermit](\"https:\/\/lafamilytravelwordpressbucket.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/30084212\/brian-yurasits-fymQDpBfcMo-unsplash-e1764520969280.jpg\")
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Photo by Brian Yurasits<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nOur Favorite Beaches in Southern Orange County<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Salt Creek Beach<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n