Best Beach

MARK RIGHTMIRE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER As the sun sets and the clouds begin to glow, a woman walks along the beach at Crystal Cove State Park.

1. Crystal Cove State Park

Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach; 949-494-3539; crystalcovestatepark.org

From the highway, Crystal Cove State Park boasts classic beach scenery, from its stretch of golden sand to craggy coastal formations such as Pelican, Reef and Abalone points and its undulating coves. But that only starts to tell the story of Crystal Cove.

Since its early discovery by filmmakers as the setting for the 1918 movie “Treasure Island,” Crystal Cove has been noted for its abundance and variety of activities that range far beyond surfing, swimming and sunbathing. From 2,400 acres for hiking, to picnicking, to geological tours and formations, to diving, to historical buildings, the diversity in the park is staggering.

If you’re there for the classic beach experience, the park has you covered there as well, with 3.2 miles of wide beaches with gorgeous vistas. Although the surf breaks here are not as noted as other beaches in the county, Crystal Cove still attracts its share of surfers, as well as body boarders, stand-up paddle boarders, surf fisherman and kayakers.

The beach’s Historic District, a 12.3-acre enclave of 46 cottages, was built as a seaside colony in the 1930s around Los Trancos Creek. It is one of the few surviving examples of early 20th century Southern California coastal development.

Docents and rangers are available to offer a variety of educational and informational programs throughout the year, with guided hikes, tidepool walks and geology talks.

— Greg Mellen

2. Huntington City Beach

Pacific Coast Highway between Beach Boulevard and Seapoint Street, Huntington Beach; surfcityusa.com/things-to-do/ beaches/huntington-city-beach/

Maybe the best known, most photographed and iconic stretch of Orange County beaches is the expansive, pristine piece of sand straddling the Huntington Beach pier and spreading miles in each direction.

A hub of Southern California beach culture, whether it was really the model of Jan and Dean’s “Surf City,” Huntington City Beach has become the epitome of the beach scene. Home to the U.S. Open of Surfing, and pro beach volleyball tournaments, it is the “it” place from which to view the Pacific Air Show. The beach is host to concerts, car shows and events throughout the year. Vendors are on hand to provide bikes and other beach rental fare.

The Huntington Beach Pier is City Beach’s centerpiece, a municipal pier that extends 1,850 feet from the end of Main Street and a popular perch to peoplewatch, check out surfers or fish.

Corona del Mar State Beach, tucked into a half-mile stretch framed by cliffs and the entrance to Newport Harbor, is a crescent-shaped state beach that packs a big punch in a small space.

Once a surf mecca, the rock jetties created at the entrance to the harbor now shield the beach from bigger waves. Also called Big Corona, the beach is a popular destination for families with children and swimmers. The sand boasts fire pits and nine beach volleyball courts that have produced some of the country’s top beach volleyball players.

Next door is Little Corona, a jewel of a beach protected on both sides by rock formations. It is known among locals for its clear waters, excellent for diving and snorkeling, as well as tide pools.

You can also bring along Fido, but only before 10 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m.

3. Corona del Mar State Beach

Ocean and Jasmine avenues, Newport Beach; 949-718-1859; parks.ca.gov/?page_id=652