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Destination Orange County: So Many Beaches, So Little Time!

© Sandi Cain

The end of May signals the start of summer when many people start thinking the beach looks a whole lot more attractive than a cubicle at the office. And with 42 miles of shoreline, Orange County has a beach for everyone. In this column, I'll give you an overview of the beach scene and follow with more beach tidbits on shopping and dining in beach towns next time.

June isn't the best beach time in Orange County, because coastal clouds hover overhead well into the day-a condition locals call "June gloom." But come in mid-summer or when crowds thin in September and October, and you'll mostly be blessed with glorious sunny days!

For a taste of old-style California, the beaches at either end of the county are the ones to hit. Seal Beach and Sunset Beach in the north still have funky surf shops and diners and the beach scene is more laid back. The same can be said of San Clemente at the south end of the county, where community festivals are still held on the pier and summertime livin' is truly a Jimmy Buffett tune.

Surfing spots dot the coastline with at least one hot spot in every town. But it's Huntington Beach that bears the name of "Surf City." This 8-mile stretch of sand is bisected by the city's pier and new Pier Plaza Pavilion. This is the home to surfing contests, volleyball contests and other active lifestyle events. Off the beach you can visit the International Surfing Museum, listen to a free concert at Pier Pavilion's amphitheater (or at the museum) or sit back and enjoy great food at any of several popular eateries on the pier.

Huntington Beach is popular with families, teens and the surf crowd alike, because there's room for everyone and lots of parking (though on some days it still isn't enough). Just south of Huntington is Newport Beach, which has distinct communities of its own. Visitors mostly visit the Peninsula, a skinny strip of land with a beach on both the bay and ocean sides and two piers.

The Balboa Fun Zone-adjacent to the ferry that plies the waters between the Peninsula and Balboa Island-is a mini-carnival with things like laser tag, a Ferris Wheel and bumper cars along a boardwalk chock full of restaurants (and Mrs. Fields cookies), entertainment, boat charters and skate rentals.

Another boardwalk runs along Newport Pier, replete with souvenir shops and local hangouts like Blackie's and the Beach Ball where you can hear local gossip over a cold brew after a hot day on the beach.

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