6 Local Beaches to Visit This Summer
Summer is so close—we can almost taste it! And with the weather heating up and the kids out of school, there’s no better time to plan a day at the beach. Lucky for Newport Beach locals and visitors, our city is home to over 10 miles of coastline and the largest recreational harbor on the West Coast. So whether you’re cruising the harbor in a kayak, building sandcastles on the shores of Balboa Island or surfing the barreling waves at The Wedge, the possibilities for fun in the sun are endless! Here are a few of our favorite local beaches for every type of vacationer.
For the Couple: Crystal Cove
Encompassing 3.2 miles of sandy shores and 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness, Crystal Cove State Park is an ideal destination for all kinds of summer fun. The park is home to several smaller beaches, including Pelican Point Beach, Los Trancos Beach and Treasure Cove Beach, but one of the best ways to experience this stretch of coastline is with a picnic on the sand! Guests of The Resort at Pelican Hill have access to the property’s Crystal Cove Beach Experience, where their complimentary coach service will transport you down to the beach and provide you with water, towels and a picnic lunch prepared by the on-site Caffè & Market. Snack on sandwiches, salads, sweets and chilled drinks as you watch the waves roll in!
For the 20-Somethings: Corona del Mar State Beach
Corona del Mar is a charming seaside neighborhood located on the south end of Newport Beach. The community is known for its stunning homes, collection of upscale shops and restaurants and beautiful state beach. This half-mile stretch of sand is framed by a rock jetty and rugged cliffs, offering a sheltered spot to surf, swim and sunbathe. Insider tip: guests of the all-new VEA Newport Beach (set to open this June) can take advantage of the hotel’s Play Chalet rentals, which include beach chairs, bikes and umbrellas. They’ll even transport you to the beach!
For the Surfers: The Wedge
This famous beach located at the end of the Balboa Peninsula is a daring spot for any saltwater savant. Known for its barrelling 20-foot waves, The Wedge offers even the most experienced surfers a rush of adrenaline. Both surfers and bodysurfers jockey for position as the pyramid-shaped waves roll in, creating an intense, “arena-like” atmosphere. And even if you’re not ocean-savvy, The Wedge is an epic place to watch the ones who are, do their thing.
For the Families: Balboa Peninsula
The scenic three-mile stretch known as “The Peninsula” features sandy beaches on one side and the harbor on the other. Along the Balboa Peninsula, beachgoers have access to all kinds of fun activities and amenities, including beach equipment rentals, bike rentals, a boardwalk, two piers and a variety of waterfront restaurants. Families will love the convenience factor when it comes to a beach day with the kiddos. And suppose you’re looking for a really hassle-free beach experience. In that case, guests of Balboa Bay Resort can enjoy a Family Beach Day where the hotel will transport your fam to and from the beach and provide you with packed lunches, beverages, towels and toys, Boogie Boards and more!
For the Adventurous Ones: Pirate’s Cove
Located on the west side of the parking lot at Corona del Mar State Beach, just below Lookout Point Park, lies Pirate’s Cove. This hidden beach is known for its silky soft sand, crystal clear waters, towering sea caves and rugged rock formations. To find it, you’ll need to put on your adventure cap, as it sits at the entrance channel of Newport Bay. Begin at the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Heliotrope Avenue, and you’ll discover a set of stairs that drops down into Pirate’s Cove.
For the Little Ones: Balboa Island
The charming community of Balboa Island is not only home to a quaint collection of shops and restaurants, but it also features some of the best bay views in all of Newport Beach! Grab your shovels, buckets and beach towels, and snag a spot on the shore this summer. The little ones will love playing here, and parents won’t have to worry about big waves. Spend a peaceful afternoon building sandcastles and watching the boats cruise by!
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
