Little Corona del Mar Beach Newport Beach
A charming, rocky beach in Newport Beach known for its vibrant tide pools and stunning coastal views from Inspiration Point.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for tide pools & fewer crowds
Little Corona del Mar Beach Newport Beach
Best Time
Best for tide pools & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, rocky beach in Newport Beach known for its vibrant tide pools and stunning coastal views from Inspiration Point.
"Absolutely stunning beach. Explored around to find a good spot to swim in but the waves were harsh that day."
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
The beach is rocky; sturdy water shoes are essential to protect your feet.
⏰ Check Tide Charts
Plan your visit around low tide to explore the tide pools effectively.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tide Pools
Along the rocky shores
Discover vibrant sea life like sea urchins and crabs in these natural pools during low tide.
Inspiration Point
Above the beach
Capture breathtaking coastal views and stunning sunset photos from this popular lookout.
Rocky Shoreline
Entire beach
Unique textures and formations create a dramatic backdrop for beachcombing and photography.
Natural Rock Arch
Western end of the beach
An iconic natural arch provides a picturesque spot for photos and enjoying the ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tide Pool Timing is Key
Navigating the Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
The beach is rocky; sturdy water shoes are essential to protect your feet.
⏰ Check Tide Charts
Plan your visit around low tide to explore the tide pools effectively.
🚗 Limited Free Parking
Parking is residential and free but fills up quickly; arrive early.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Sunsets from Inspiration Point are incredible for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
The beach is rocky; sturdy water shoes are essential to protect your feet.
⏰ Check Tide Charts
Plan your visit around low tide to explore the tide pools effectively.
🚗 Limited Free Parking
Parking is residential and free but fills up quickly; arrive early.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Sunsets from Inspiration Point are incredible for photos.
🌊 Be Wary of Waves
Waves can be strong; exercise caution when swimming.
🚶♀️ Steep Access
Be prepared for a steep paved incline to reach the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty and unique tide pools at Little Corona del Mar Beach, calling it a favorite local spot. While parking is limited and access is via a steep incline, the natural charm and marine life make it a worthwhile destination. Be prepared for rocky terrain and check tide times for the best experience.
"Absolutely stunning beach. Explored around to find a good spot to swim in but the waves were harsh that day. Expected to find tide pools but I believe I went too late (afternoon/evening). It’s a rocky beach so be careful with your feet."
Remy
"This review is long overdue as LCdM has been my favorite local beach for over a decade.
- It’s small and beautiful with plenty of texture, including tide pools
- Parking is residential and as a result free but also limited
- There are restrooms onsite
- This beach, being small, is best enjoyed during low tide
- Accessing the beach requires going down a steep paved incline, which may be challenging coming up for some
- If that is the case, visit and enjoy the views from the benches located above on the street level
Happy exploring!"
Lucia Diaz
"What a great little beach tucked away under a cliff side. Go check out this beach and their awesome tide pools. So cool to see sea urchins, crabs, and all kinds of other aquatic creatures. Ocean is so tranquil. The morning was the best for the tide pools and the crowds. Kids loved it there."
Brandon Cohrs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Little Corona del Mar Beach is located in Newport Beach, California. Access is typically via Ocean Boulevard. Parking is available on residential streets, but it's limited and fills up fast. Be prepared for a steep paved incline to descend to the beach itself.
Yes, parking is available on the residential streets surrounding the beach. It is free, but spots are limited and can be competitive, especially during peak times. Arriving early is recommended.
The primary access is via a steep paved incline. While there are restrooms onsite, the climb back up can be challenging for some. Alternatively, you can enjoy the views from benches at street level.
While the location is beautiful, the access involves a steep incline, which might be a consideration for those with mobility issues. The views from above are still quite rewarding.
You can drive to the vicinity of Little Corona del Mar Beach and find street parking. However, direct drive-up access to the sand is not possible due to the cliffside location and the required descent.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Little Corona del Mar Beach does not require tickets for entry. It is a public beach, and access is free.
Little Corona del Mar Beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no specific gate hours, but it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee to access Little Corona del Mar Beach. Parking on the residential streets is also free.
No, you cannot reserve spots at Little Corona del Mar Beach as it is a public beach. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis for both parking and beach space.
While generally open, it's always good to be aware of local ordinances regarding fires, alcohol, and pets, which may vary. The primary consideration is the steep access and rocky terrain.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Little Corona del Mar Beach is famous for its tide pools teeming with marine life, especially during low tide. You can also enjoy sunbathing, beachcombing, photography, and exploring the rocky shoreline. Inspiration Point offers stunning views.
Yes, Little Corona del Mar Beach is renowned for its extensive and vibrant tide pools, which are best explored during low tide. You can see sea urchins, crabs, and various other aquatic creatures.
Swimming can be challenging due to the rocky shoreline and sometimes harsh waves. It's best to assess conditions carefully and consider wearing water shoes for safety.
In the tide pools, you can typically find sea urchins, crabs, small fish, anemones, and various other fascinating marine creatures.
Yes, it's considered family-friendly, especially for exploring the tide pools. However, the steep access and rocky terrain require supervision for young children.
📸 📸 Photography
Inspiration Point offers panoramic ocean views and is ideal for sunset shots. The natural rock arch and the tide pools themselves provide unique photographic opportunities.
The golden hour around sunset provides beautiful lighting for photos, especially from Inspiration Point. Mornings during low tide are excellent for capturing the marine life in the tide pools.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local park rules. While some drone footage exists,
Photography here often focuses on landscapes, sunsets, marine life in the tide pools, and the unique rocky formations. It's a popular spot for both amateur and professional photographers.
The natural rock arch, the diverse tide pools, and the dramatic coastal cliffs offer many unique photo opportunities. Inspiration Point is a must-visit for scenic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be mindful of the steep access incline and the rocky terrain. Sturdy water shoes are a must for children to navigate the beach safely. Supervision is key, especially near the water and tide pools. The limited parking also means an early start is beneficial for families.
📸 Photographers
+1Consider visiting during the golden hour for the most flattering light. The rocky formations and the dynamic ocean create excellent opportunities for both landscape and macro photography. Drone enthusiasts may find the aerial views compelling, but should always check local regulations.
🚶♀️ Visitors with Mobility Concerns
These vantage points provide excellent views of the ocean and coastline, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the area without the strenuous descent. The Inspiration Point overlook is also easily accessible and offers spectacular vistas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Tide Pools
Pro Tip: Always check the tide charts before your visit. The best time to explore the tide pools is typically a few hours before and after the lowest point of the tide. Wearing sturdy water shoes is highly recommended due to the sharp rocks.
Many visitors find the tide pools to be the highlight of their trip, offering a glimpse into the ocean's hidden world. It's a natural aquarium that changes with every tide.
Photography at Inspiration Point
Beyond sunsets, the point offers excellent vantage points for general coastal photography throughout the day. The interplay of light and shadow on the water and rocks can be quite dramatic.
Many visitors share their impressive shots online, showcasing the beauty of this location. Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, Inspiration Point offers ample opportunities for memorable images.
Beach Access and Terrain
Benches are strategically placed at the street level, offering a comfortable spot to relax and still enjoy the magnificent ocean vistas. This ensures that everyone, regardless of mobility, can appreciate the beauty of the area.
The beach itself is characterized by its rocky terrain. This unique landscape contributes to its charm and the presence of tide pools, but it also means that sturdy footwear, like water shoes, is highly recommended for comfort and safety.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit