9 Best Sights in Orange County and Catalina Island, California

This half-mile beach is actually made up of two beaches, Little Corona and Big Corona, separated by a cliff and rocky jetty. Both have soft, golden-hue sand to set up chairs and towels for the day. You can find a parking spot on the street on weekdays. Amenities: lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming.

Centrally located in the main town of Laguna Beach near multiple dining venues, art galleries, and shops, Main Beach Park has a fitting name. Walk along this soft-sand beach to Bird Rock and explore nearby tide pools or just sit on one of the benches and watch people bodysurfing, play beach volleyball, or scramble around two half-basketball courts. The beach also has a children's play area with climbing equipment. Most of Laguna's hotels are within a short (but hilly) walk. Amenities: lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise, sunset; swimming.

Off South Coast Highway at 9th Street, 1,000 Steps Beach isn't too hard to find and actually only has 217 steps. It's one of the many coves in Laguna Beach offering a long stretch of soft sand, waves, and dramatic rock formations. Sea caves and tide pools enhance the already beautiful natural spot. Walking back up to your car, you will feel like you got a good workout. Amenities: showers. Best for: snorkeling; surfing; swimming.

Newport's best beaches are on a 3-mile stretch called Balboa Peninsula. The picturesque Newport Harbor is on one side, and sandy, broad beaches on the other. The most intense spot for bodysurfing in Orange County, and arguably on the West Coast, known as the Wedge, is at the south end of the peninsula. It was created by accident in the 1930s when the Federal Works Progress Administration built a jetty to protect Newport Harbor.  Rip currents and punishing waves mean it's strictly for the pros—but it sure is fun to watch an experienced local ride it.

In the northern section of the city, Bolsa Chica State Beach is usually less crowded than its southern neighbors. The sand is somewhat gritty and not the cleanest, but swells make it a hot surfing spot. The Huntington Beach bike trail runs along the edge of the sand for 7 miles north to the south of Huntington Beach. Picnic sites can be reserved in advance. Firepits attract beachgoers most nights. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

Stretching for 3½ miles from Bolsa Chica State Beach to Huntington State Beach, Huntington City Beach is most crowded around the pier where amateur and professional surfers brave the waves daily. There are 100 fire rings, numerous concession stands, bike paths, and well-raked white sand. Surfboard rental shops make this a popular beach year-round. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

This peaceful state beach offers 121 sandy acres and 200 firepits, so it's popular during the day and evening. There are changing rooms, and two new concession stands---the Huntington Beach House and Sahara Sandbar. There are year-round surf lessons, lifeguards, Wi-Fi access, and ample parking. An 8½-mile bike path connects Huntington to Bolsa Chica State Beach. Picnic areas can be reserved in advance for a fee depending on location; otherwise it's first come, first served. On hot days, expect crowds at this broad, soft-sand beach. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

Jutting out into the ocean near 21st Street, Newport Pier is a popular fishing spot. Below is 5 miles of sandy beach for sunbathing, surfing, and walking along the beach. Street parking is difficult, so grab the first space you find and be prepared to walk. Early on Wednesday–Sunday morning you're likely to encounter dory fishermen hawking their predawn catches, as they've done for generations. On weekends the area is alive with kids of all ages on in-line skates, skateboards, and bikes dodging pedestrians and whizzing past fast-food joints and classic dive bars. Skate, bike, and surfboard rental shops are nearby.

Off South Coast Highway, Wood's Cove is especially quiet during the week. Big rock formations hide lurking crabs. This is a prime scuba-diving spot, and at high tide much of the beach is underwater. Climbing the steps to leave, you can see a Tudor-style mansion that was once home to Bette Davis. Street parking is free yet limited. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; scuba diving; sunset.