Corona del Mar State Beach
A stunning Southern California beach offering clear waters, scenic cliffs, and diverse activities from swimming to sunset viewing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Corona del Mar State Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Southern California beach offering clear waters, scenic cliffs, and diverse activities from swimming to sunset viewing.
"One of the best and beautiful parts of Southern California."
🎯 Free Street Parking
Look for free street parking on weekdays; it's a great alternative to paid lots! :car:
🔥 Fire Pit Fun
Snag a fire pit early on weekends for a perfect beach bonfire experience. :fire:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pirates Cove Beach
West side of Corona del Mar State Beach parking lot
A secluded, picturesque cove with calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Inspiration Point
Overlooking Corona del Mar State Beach
Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline, ocean, and waves – a photographer's dream.
Corona del Mar State Beach
Main beach area
A vibrant, sandy stretch ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball with fire pits available.
Little Corona del Mar Beach
South of the main beach
A charming, smaller beach known for its tide pools and unique rock formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Parking & Access Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Street Parking
Look for free street parking on weekdays; it's a great alternative to paid lots! :car:
🔥 Fire Pit Fun
Snag a fire pit early on weekends for a perfect beach bonfire experience. :fire:
🌊 Waves for All
Enjoy swimming, boogie boarding, and even surfing with waves that are often bigger than expected. :ocean:
🚶♀️ Walk to Pirates Cove
Park on the street and walk down to discover the charming Pirates Cove. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Street Parking
Look for free street parking on weekdays; it's a great alternative to paid lots! :car:
🔥 Fire Pit Fun
Snag a fire pit early on weekends for a perfect beach bonfire experience. :fire:
🌊 Waves for All
Enjoy swimming, boogie boarding, and even surfing with waves that are often bigger than expected. :ocean:
🚶♀️ Walk to Pirates Cove
Park on the street and walk down to discover the charming Pirates Cove. :hiking_boot:
📸 Capture the Views
Inspiration Point offers stunning coastal vistas, perfect for photos. :camerawithflash:
💧 No Hand Dryers
Restrooms are available, but bring your own hand towels or dryer. :handbag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Corona del Mar State Beach for its beauty, ample space, and the convenience of free street parking on weekdays. The variety of activities, from swimming and boogie boarding to beach volleyball and bonfires, makes it a versatile destination. Some minor drawbacks include the lack of hand dryers in restrooms and the potential for crowds on busy weekends.
"One of my favorite beaches that I’ve visited! Had a huge amount of parking, lots of beach’s space and the waves were awesome, definitely bigger than expected but still had a lot of people bogey boarding and swimming and restrooms on hand! Highly recommend this for a good beach visit if your in the area"
Anthony Gomez
"The only OC beach I know that has street parking without paying. Beautiful beach that the water is clean with some seaweed. Overall the sunset is nice and a place to go for a swim. Pay parking is available but I prefer street parking if available on the weekdays."
Broski Ross
"Such a beautiful beach! Close parking was a great plus. The variety It has to offer. Is that it's right by the Newport Harbor, giant rocks to climb on, bathroom accessibility and such a clean Beach! It's also a very cool hangout for youth because it's somewhat secluded in its area."
Hollyann Bliesath
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Corona del Mar State Beach is located in Newport Beach, California. You can drive directly to the beach, with paid parking lots available. Many visitors opt for street parking, especially on weekdays, which can be free. For Pirates Cove, street parking and a short walk down is a popular option.
Yes, there are paid parking lots at Corona del Mar State Beach. Additionally, free street parking is often available, particularly on weekdays, making it a convenient option for visitors.
While not specifically designed for in-car wave watching, Inspiration Point offers excellent vantage points overlooking the beach and ocean, which can be accessed by car and provide a great view.
Pirates Cove Beach is accessible by parking on the street near Corona del Mar State Beach and then walking down. It's a scenic approach to this hidden gem.
Absolutely! Corona del Mar State Beach is a fantastic destination for a day trip, offering swimming, sunbathing, fire pits, and beautiful scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to access Corona del Mar State Beach itself. Parking fees may apply for the designated lots, but free street parking is often available.
The beach is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Specific parking lot hours may vary, so it's advisable to check local information if you plan to visit very early or late.
No, tickets are not required for entry to Corona del Mar State Beach. It's a public beach, and access is generally free.
Yes, Corona del Mar State Beach hosts events like the annual Sandcastle Competition. Check local listings for dates and details.
The main beach area is generally accessible. However, some of the more secluded spots like Pirates Cove may involve stairs or uneven terrain.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, boogie boarding, and surfing. The beach also features fire pits for evening gatherings and is a great spot for photography.
Yes, there are restrooms available at Corona del Mar State Beach. However, note that they may not have hand dryers or paper towels.
Inspiration Point and Lookout Point offer stunning panoramic views of the coastline and ocean, making them ideal for photography and enjoying the scenery. +1
Yes, Corona del Mar State Beach has fire pits available. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Little Corona del Mar Beach, located south of the main beach, is known for its tide pools and interesting rock formations, offering a different kind of exploration.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the charming town of Corona del Mar, adjacent to the beach, offers various dining options. Rose Bakery is a recommended spot for breakfast.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach. This is a popular option for picnics and beach bonfires.
While there aren't typically on-site food vendors directly on the sand, the nearby town of Corona del Mar has several cafes and restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Inspiration Point and Lookout Point provide incredible panoramic views of the coastline. The unique rock formations at Little Corona del Mar Beach and the general beach scenery are also highly photogenic. +2
Yes, Corona del Mar State Beach is renowned for its beautiful sunsets, offering a spectacular backdrop for photography. +1
Landscape photography, capturing the ocean, waves, and coastline, is very popular. The beach also offers opportunities for portraits and lifestyle photography. 
The distinctive rock formations, the tide pools at Little Corona del Mar Beach, and the California Brittlebush flowers growing on the cliffs offer unique subjects for photographers.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or the Newport Beach Parks and Recreation department for current rules regarding drone operation in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The availability of fire pits makes for memorable family evenings. 💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Enjoying a bonfire on the beach or a leisurely stroll along the shore as the sun dips below the horizon creates a truly memorable romantic setting. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Coves: Pirates Cove & Little Corona
Many visitors recommend parking on the street and walking down to access this charming cove. Further south, you'll find Little Corona del Mar Beach. This smaller beach is a treasure trove for nature lovers, famous for its fascinating tide pools and intriguing rock formations.
Scenic Vistas: Inspiration Point & Lookout Point
These viewpoints are easily accessible and offer a chance to appreciate the sheer beauty of the Southern California coast. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just want to soak in the scenery, these points offer unparalleled perspectives of Corona del Mar State Beach and its surroundings.
Beach Activities and Amenities
The ocean conditions at Corona del Mar State Beach are often dynamic, with waves that can be surprisingly robust, making it popular for boogie boarding and swimming.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit