Video compliments of Travel ChannelWith 42 miles of pristine coastline, the beaches of Orange County provide plenty of room to spread out, and do as much—or as little—as you’d like. Swim in the cool waters of the Pacific or grab your board and test your surfing dexterity against some of Orange County’s famous waves. Bike along the beachfront boardwalks for a healthy dose of people watching or focus on perfecting a California tan. Even nature lovers will rejoice over the abundance of beachside wildlife sanctuaries and ecological tide pools waiting to be explored.
When searching for that perfect swath of sand, it’s hard to go wrong in Orange County. Some popular spots include Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach and Sunset Beach. Laguna Beach is renowned for its idyllic backdrop of richly colored canyons, craggy promontories and rolling foothills. And that’s just above the water’s surface. Below the Pacific lies a world of rocky reefs packed with sea-life, perfect for scuba diving.
Huntington Beach, dubbed Surf City USA by locals, is all about the waves. Surfers come from around the world come with boards and wetsuits to play in the dependable, sizeable surf. But Huntington Beach isn’t just for green room pros. Crowds flock to the soft sand and long pleasure pier along the beach to catch the colorful sunsets—the impressive surfers in the background add to the show.
Nearby Sunset Beach prides itself on its small town, low-key atmosphere. You won’t find any fast-food concessions clogging the parking lots or flashy hotels infringing upon the sand. Instead, Sunset Beach is perfect if you’re craving a quiet, scene-free escape.
Read up on all these Orange County’s beach destinations, including Mobil Travel Guide’s recommendations for the best places to eat and sleep.
