Little Corona Beach
A charming, secluded beach in Newport Beach known for its vibrant tide pools, dramatic rock formations, and breathtaking sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for tide pooling
Little Corona Beach
Best Time
Best for tide pooling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, secluded beach in Newport Beach known for its vibrant tide pools, dramatic rock formations, and breathtaking sunset views.
"Our favorite beach in Orange County! This beach has it all - nice soft sand, comfortable waves you can swim in, rocks and arches for beautiful pictures."
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet from sharp rocks in tide pools and waves. Essential for a comfortable visit!
⏰ Check Tide Charts
Low tide is crucial for exploring the amazing tide pools. Don't miss out!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tide Pools Exploration
Along the rocky edges of the beach
Discover a vibrant underwater world at low tide, filled with small fish, crabs, and other fascinating sea creatures.
Sunset Views
Along the bluffs overlooking the beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors, offering a romantic and picturesque end to the day.
Arch Rock Formations
Southern end of the beach
Admire the natural rock arches sculpted by the ocean, providing stunning backdrops for photography and exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Tide Pools
Footwear for Rocky Shores
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet from sharp rocks in tide pools and waves. Essential for a comfortable visit!
⏰ Check Tide Charts
Low tide is crucial for exploring the amazing tide pools. Don't miss out!
🚗 Parking Tips
Free street parking is available but limited. Arrive early, especially on weekends.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of rock formations, tide pools, and sunsets.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet from sharp rocks in tide pools and waves. Essential for a comfortable visit!
⏰ Check Tide Charts
Low tide is crucial for exploring the amazing tide pools. Don't miss out!
🚗 Parking Tips
Free street parking is available but limited. Arrive early, especially on weekends.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of rock formations, tide pools, and sunsets.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Great for families with gentle waves and exciting tide pool discoveries.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Little Corona Beach's natural beauty, especially its tide pools and stunning sunset views. Many appreciate its family-friendly atmosphere and the picturesque rock formations. However, the rocky terrain can be a drawback for some, requiring careful footing and appropriate footwear.
"This nice little spot was pretty quiet the weekday morning we were there, which also meant we easily found a spot parking along the street at the top of the hill. The beach got pretty busy by lunchtime. Bring water shoes; the tide pools are fun but the rocks hurt my bare feet. I also scraped up my feet playing around in the waves because of the rocks. They make such a beautiful sound when the water moves them in and out with the tide, but -- ouch."
Andrea Blessum
"We love the tide pools, they are full of sea creatures. This area is nice and quiet. I like that the bathrooms are close and most of the time clean. Downside is that there are lots of rocks, so when the big waves start coming they tend to pick up the rocks and bring them In as the tides come in, little ones can get injuries."
Cici Love
"Our favorite beach in Orange County!
This beach has it all - nice soft sand, comfortable waves you can swim in, rocks and arches for beautiful pictures, and a nice cliff view to get you inspired.
We discovered this place incidentally while on our way to Corona Del Mar. However, we loved it so much that we now go here way more! There’s street parking at the top (which can be difficult to find at times) and then a wide paved walkway to the bottom. It is handicap accessible because of the walkway, but I imagine it will be difficult to go back up due to its steep incline.
Overall a must-visit while you are here in Orange County :)"
Amit Chaudhari (TheVeganTravelers)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Little Corona Beach is located in Newport Beach, California. Access is typically from Ocean Boulevard and Poppy Avenue. You'll find a paved path leading down to the beach from Ocean Boulevard.
Yes, free street parking is available along Ocean Boulevard. However, it can be limited, especially during peak times and weekends. Arriving early is recommended.
The paved walkway down to the beach makes it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. However, the incline back up can be steep.
Public restrooms are available near the access path, making it convenient for visitors.
Some visitors find Little Corona by walking from the end of the houses in Corona del Mar.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Little Corona Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Parking is also free, though spots can be competitive.
As a public beach, Little Corona Beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. Lifeguards are typically present only during the summer months.
No, tickets are not required for Little Corona Beach as it is a public access beach.
While generally open, it's always a good idea to check local advisories for any temporary closures or restrictions. Be mindful of the rocky terrain.
The best time to visit for tide pooling is during low tide. Always check the tide charts before your visit to maximize your exploration.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the tide pools, swim in the ocean (with caution due to rocks), enjoy sunbathing, watch for marine life, and take stunning photographs, especially during sunset.
Tide pools are fascinating for children, but adult supervision is essential. The rocks can be slippery, and the marine life should be observed gently.
You can expect to see various sea creatures such as small fish, crabs, anemones, and sea stars in the tide pools.
The waves at Little Corona Beach are generally comfortable for swimming, but the presence of rocks requires caution.
The rock formations, including Arch Rock, and the tide pools offer excellent photographic opportunities. Sunsets here are also spectacular.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly on Little Corona Beach. You'll need to venture into the Corona del Mar village or Newport Beach for food options.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach. Remember to pack out all trash.
The charming village of Corona del Mar, just a short drive away, offers a variety of restaurants, from casual cafes to upscale dining.
There are no designated picnic areas on the beach itself, but you can set up a picnic on the sand.
The area offers diverse culinary choices, including seafood, Italian, American, and more, catering to various tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Low tide is also ideal for capturing tide pool details.
Key spots include the natural rock arches, the intricate patterns of the tide pools, and the expansive ocean views, especially with Catalina Island in the distance.
For casual personal photography, no permit is typically required. However, commercial photography or large-scale shoots may require permits from the city.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean and rock formations. A macro lens can be useful for tide pool details. Consider a polarizing filter for water shots.
The chance to capture proposals or engagements on the beach adds a unique element for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The beach is also celebrated for its stunning sunset views, providing dramatic skies and beautiful light. Visiting during low tide and the golden hours will yield the most spectacular shots. ❤️ Couples and Romantic Getaways
It's a perfect spot for a quiet stroll along the shore or a picnic with a view. Some couples have even chosen the bluffs above the beach for special occasions like engagements or weddings. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Rich Tide Pools
When exploring the tide pools, it's crucial to wear appropriate footwear. The rocks can be sharp and slippery, and wearing water shoes or sturdy sandals will protect your feet and provide better traction.
Photography Hotspots and Sunset Spectacles
The interplay of light and shadow on the rocks, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, creates magical photographic opportunities. Many visitors capture the vibrant colors of the sky as the sun dips below the horizon, often with views extending to Catalina Island. Beyond the rock formations, the tide pools themselves offer intricate details and textures that are perfect for macro photography. The gentle waves lapping against the shore, the unique patterns in the sand, and the distant ocean views all contribute to the beach's photographic appeal.
Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, Little Corona Beach provides ample inspiration for capturing memorable images. Family-Friendly Fun and Gentle Waves
The presence of tide pools also provides an engaging and educational activity for kids, allowing them to discover small marine creatures in a shallow and accessible setting. While the beach itself is family-friendly, parents should still exercise caution due to the rocky areas. Wearing water shoes is highly recommended for children to prevent scrapes and cuts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit