Hidden Beaches In Orange County Locals Keep Secret

When you want to spend time on the coast and sink your feet in the sand, there are plenty of secluded beaches in Orange County. These hidden places will allow you to take in the views of the Pacific Ocean and enjoy the fresh breeze without the crowds.

Little Corona del Mar Beach

Little Corona del Mar, a small cove in Newport Beach is a popular place for swimmers to visit. People also come here to snorkel and scuba dive along the rocky cove year-round, but it is known mainly among people who live nearby that’s why it remains a locals’ secret.

Lifeguards are present on the beach, as well as showers where you can wash off the sand. You can even bring a leashed dog with you in the early mornings and evenings. Families with kids will certainly enjoy exploring the sea life in the tide pools that are full of starfish and crabs.

If you want a little adventure, walk south across the rocky shoreline to Cameo Shores. Here you will find an impressive rock arch and an even more secluded beach.

Trestles Beach

This beach is situated on the northernmost part of San Onofre State Beach and offers a few different surf spots such as Uppers, Church, Cotton, Uppers, Middles, and Lowers.

It’s a secluded place where you won’t see a lot of tourists. With a three miles long shoreline, it is easy to find places where people aren’t present making it one of the top hidden beaches in Orange Country.

Also, many trails are also available here where you can spend time hiking outdoors near the water and enjoying the gorgeous views in every direction.

Bolsa Chica State Beach

If you are looking for hidden beaches in Orange County when planning a California beach vacation, make sure to stop by Bolsa Chica State Beach when you’re passing through Huntington.

There are 200 fire rings are available to the public, which makes it a great place to have a bonfire at night. Picnic areas are also present where you can enjoy your packed lunch or a to-go meal from one of the local eateries a few blocks away.

This wide, long beach is perfect for running as well as playing beach sports like volleyball. After spending a few hours by the ocean, you can stop by the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, which is located a few minutes away.

Dana Strands Beach

Frequented by surfers who want to enjoy a peaceful and serene setting, Dana Strands is known as one of the least crowded beaches in Southern California.

There is a long staircase down to the beach, maybe this is the reason why it is not overcrowded. The cliffs give it a picturesque setting where many people come to take photos.

Many restaurants and boutiques are within walking distance, in fact, you can walk all the way up to Salt Creek where there are some beach shacks to grab some snacks.

SeaSpiration Tip: Want to explore more relaxing places nearby? Check out hidden beaches in LA or San Diego secret beaches!

Salt Creek Beach

Located in Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach is a great spot to swim or fish and is a common place where many locals come to play sports. The place features a basketball court, as well as a seven-acre park and beach volleyball. It stretches almost a mile long and was opened to the public in the 1970s.

The grassy places make it a great place to bring a picnic or lay out when you don’t want to get sandy. There are also plenty of benches available to sit and enjoy lunch. Visitors also have easy access to public parking, which is a short walk to the sand.

Victoria Beach

Victoria Beach is an ideal place to visit when you’re in search of less-crowded beaches and the best is that is also dog-friendly so you can bring your four-legged friends too. It’s a long beach with white sand and is a great place to hike on different trails near the rocks.

While exploring the location, you’ll even get a glimpse of the Victorian La Tour Tower, locally known as Pirate Tower. This stone tower was built by Senator William E. Brown in the 1920s to provide the family access to the beach from their cliffside house.

When some photos of this medieval-looking tower went viral, Victoria Beach suddenly became an Instagram famous spot, but luckily it still remains one of those secluded beaches in Orange County where you can relax without feeling too crowded.

Table Rock Beach

If you’re looking for a spot that is not crowded, Table Rock is one of the top secluded beaches in Orange County and is considered a hidden gem even among locals. It’s located in Laguna Beach and in a deep cove where homes sit right above it.

You can spend time exploring this location and enjoy climbing rocks and wandering through the caves. The lack of people that frequent this spot makes it easy to spot plenty of marine life in the small pools of water.

Woods Cove

This sandy cove is unique because it has many rocky points and is in proximity to many of the mansions that sit on the cliffs overhead. It’s considered to be one of the most beautiful coves in Laguna Beach and is an ideal place to snorkel and sunbathe on the sand.

The lack of parking available is what makes Woods Cove one of the lesser-known beaches in California, where you won’t run into many people. It also features easy stair access on Diamond Street. Many people even compare the beautiful views here to Maui, which can allow it to feel like you’re on a tropical getaway.

Pirate’s Cove Beach

Pirate’s Cove is small and is tucked away at the north end of Corona Del Mar. It offers stunning views in all directions and there are times when you’re likely to see boats passing by in the distance. You can even bring your dog along on a leash.

This cove has small waves so kids can hang out in the water without fear. Many rocks are also available they can climb on and explore while looking for shells. Also, there are a lot of bonfire pits available should you want to make a bonfire in the evening.

Balboa Beach

Named after Vasco Núñez de Balboa, a Spanish explorer, Balboa in Newport Beach features a long stretch of sand. It’s one of the most secluded beaches in Orange County and stretches three miles with a harbor on one side and a lot of sand on the other side.

This is a great place to come with kids because you can take them for a whale watching tour. You can also admire the architecture on Lovell Beach House or catch waves at the Wedge. There are several places to eat nearby at establishments that include the Harborside Restaurant and Grand Ballroom, and The Lighthouse Cafe.

T-Street Beach

Located in San Clemente at the west end of Esplanade Street, T-Street Beach is the place to visit when you want to spend time bodyboarding and surfing because of the large waves you’ll find. Many HD surf cameras are available at the location to ensure you can monitor the swell and wave conditions before heading out to the water.

If you don’t like water sports, you can also spend your time walking along the pier after grabbing coffee at Zebra House a few blocks away if you plan to look around in the morning. Don’t forget to come back in the evening too, the sunsets are spectacular here!

Shaw’s Cove

The small size of Shaw’s Cove makes it one of the most secluded beaches in Orange County that is hidden below some of the homes in Laguna Beach.

Shaw’s Cove is a superb diving spot with a reef that consists of large boulders. Those who don’t want to get wet, there are many tide pools where you can get a first-hand look at the marine life, as well as an area where you can climb on flat rock at the southern end of the beach.

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