The Best Beaches in South Orange County

One of the biggest reasons people move to South Orange County is simple: the coastline.

From laid-back surf beaches to dramatic coves and family-friendly shores, the stretch of coast from San Clemente to Newport Beach offers a surprising amount of variety. And if you’re buying or selling a home here, knowing which beaches match which lifestyle can make all the difference.

Here’s a local guide to South Orange County beaches—and what each one is best known for.

🏄‍♂️ San Clemente Beaches: Surf, Space & Local Charm

San Clemente is often called the “Spanish Village by the Sea,” and its beaches reflect that relaxed, surf-forward culture.

Best Beaches in San Clemente:

• San Clemente Pier Beach – Great for walking, sunsets, casual dining, and people-watching

• Trestles – World-famous surfing, natural setting, and a strong local vibe

• Calafia Beach – Popular with surfers and locals who want a less touristy feel

Best for:

Surfing, long beach walks, laid-back coastal living, and buyers who want a strong sense of community.

🌊 Dana Point Beaches: Harbor Views & Easy Access

Dana Point offers a mix of protected beaches and dramatic coastal scenery, anchored by the harbor.

Best Beaches in Dana Point:

• Doheny State Beach – Extremely popular for families, beginner surfers, camping, and picnics

• Salt Creek Beach – A favorite for bodyboarding, surfing, and wide sandy space

• Strands Beach – Clean, scenic, and great for sunsets and walking

Best for:

Families, harbor lovers, easy beach access, and those who want coastal living without the crowds of central OC.

🌴 Laguna Beach: Coves, Beauty & Iconic Scenery

Laguna Beach is known for its dramatic coastline, turquoise coves, and artistic energy. These beaches are visually stunning and more intimate.

Best Beaches in Laguna Beach:

• Main Beach – Central, walkable, great for volleyball and people-watching

• Thousand Steps Beach – Secluded feel, incredible views, and tide pools

• Victoria Beach – Iconic “Pirate Tower,” photography favorite

• Shaw’s Cove – Excellent for snorkeling and diving (and happens to be Stephanie's favorite!)

Best for:

Natural beauty, smaller coves, artistic energy, and buyers drawn to a more boutique coastal lifestyle.

👨‍👩‍👧 Laguna Niguel & Aliso Viejo Access Beaches: Nature + Convenience

While Laguna Niguel and Aliso Viejo aren’t directly on the sand, they offer quick access to some of the most loved beaches—often with easier parking and less congestion.

Nearby Favorites:

• Salt Creek Beach (via Laguna Niguel)

• Aliso Beach – Great for families, fire pits, and creekside scenery

Best for:

Buyers who want coastal access paired with trails, open space, and quieter residential living.

🚶‍♀️ Newport Beach: Wide Sands, Walkability & Energy

Newport Beach brings a more energetic, active beach culture with long stretches of sand and a strong biking and walking scene.

Best Beaches in Newport:

• Balboa Peninsula – Wide beaches, boardwalk, biking, and classic beach energy

• Corona del Mar State Beach – Family-friendly, tide pools, and dramatic cliffs

• The Wedge – Known for massive waves and experienced body surfers

Best for:

Active lifestyles, walking and biking paths, and those who enjoy a livelier coastal environment.

Choosing Where to Live Based on the Beach You Love

One thing many buyers don’t realize is how closely beach preference and home satisfaction are connected.

Questions we often help clients answer:

• Do you want walkable beach access or quick driving access?

• Quiet coves or wide open sand?

• Surf culture or family-friendly shores?

• Daily beach walks or occasional weekend trips?

These preferences often point clearly toward certain cities and neighborhoods.

How Local Expertise Makes a Difference

Stephanie Garvey Mussman

Stephanie helps clients connect lifestyle priorities—like beach access, walkability, and long-term value—with smart real estate decisions. Her knowledge of how coastal proximity affects pricing, resale, and daily living helps buyers and sellers make confident choices.

Patrycja Mueller

Patrycja brings a thoughtful perspective on how homes live day to day—especially for families. She helps clients understand how beach access fits into routines, school schedules, and lifestyle flow, and she has a strong eye for how coastal homes should be presented to buyers.

Together, Stephanie and Patrycja guide clients through the coast with clarity and care.

Thinking About Living Near the Beach in South Orange County?

Whether you’re dreaming of daily ocean walks or just want to know which beach fits your lifestyle best, we’re here to help you navigate it thoughtfully.

If you’re buying, selling, or relocating along the coast—from San Clemente to Newport—we’d love to be a resource.

Reach out to Stephanie Garvey Mussman and Patrycja Mueller for local insight on South Orange County coastal living and real estate.