Orange County, California, is home to multiple state parks that include several state beaches. These parks all showcase the natural beauty of Southern California. If you’re in the area, you’ll want to try to visit each one of these as they all offer something unique for their visitors.
Bolsa Chica State Beach
This state park is home to a well-known surfing location. The park is connected to Huntington Beach State Park via bike trail. The park is also popular for skating and wildlife observation. Grass areas are open for picnics and fire rings are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s a great location for family gatherings and group outings. You’ll find campsites available for visitors at this Orange County state park.
Corona del Mar State Beach
The Corona del Mar State Beach is an excellent choice for swimming. Surfers and divers will also enjoy the waters at Corona del Mar. The beach is a half a mile long and framed by scenic cliffs and rock jetty leading to the east entrance of the Newport Harbor. Hiking trails are available at Corona del Mar as well as food service, restrooms, outdoor showers, and drinking water.
Crystal Cove State Beach
This gem of a destination is located between Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar. With approximately three miles of coastline this park also features open bluffs and wooded canyons. It’s a local hotspot for swimming, surfing, scuba diving, skin diving, and sunbathing. Inland areas offer mountain biking spots. The sunny California park comes complete with restrooms, paved pathways, picnic areas, and a boardwalk. The park’s entire offshore area is considered an underwater nature preserve.
Doheny State Beach
This state beach is a great choice for camping. It has over 100 campsites with many of them just a short walk from the beach. The beach here is a great surfing location. The Doheny State Beach includes a visitor center with aquariums for viewing that demonstrate tide pool and sea life. The park is open year-round and welcomes dogs in the campground and picnic areas as long as they are on a leash. Dogs are not permitted on the beach.
Huntington State Beach
This gorgeous state park offers a two-mile-long stretch of sandy beach along with a multi-purpose trail. Amenities at the park include picnic tables, volleyball nets, outdoor showers, and food concessions. The park includes six wheelchair access ramps that lead to the beach. The park is a day use beach. Across from the beach is over 100 acres of wetlands called the Huntington Beach Wetlands. It’s a wildlife sanctuary for endangered and threatened bird species such as the California least tern and the snowy plover.
San Clemente State Beach
Like many state parks in Orange County, San Clemente State Beach is a great spot for surfing. Body surfers and swimmers will also enjoy the waters at the park. The park recently added a new visitor center which displays the area’s local history. You’ll find campsites and RV hookups for staying overnight at San Clemente State Beach.
