Beaches for Every Lifestyle

Tidepools:

If you'd rather explore marine life than sunbathe, head to Crystal Cove State Beach between Newport and Laguna or the semi-quiet Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach. Or head to the new Ocean Institute in Dana Point Harbor, where you can explore inside the new interactive science center, walk the jetty or hang at the secluded Baby Beach-a shallow inlet deemed safer for small fry.

Urban beaches:

Need to feel like you're part of a crowd? Beaches along the Newport Peninsula are just steps away from shopping, dining or entertainment at one of Newport's piers or the "Fun Zone."

In Laguna Beach, Main Beach in the center of town has volleyball courts and is just a quick jaunt from the major shopping and dining district.

Huntington City Beach surrounds the city's pier and Pierside Pavilion, where free concerts are regularly scheduled. San Clemente and Seal Beach also have pierside beaches for the lively lifestyle.

Nude beaches:

Not technically in Orange County, Trail 6 at San Onofre State Beach is just south of San Clemente and is one of only a handful of nude beaches in Southern California.

Travel Tips:

If you're not from a Southern climate, take note of the geography before you come-the farther south you are, the stronger the sun is, so be prepared with a good sunscreen for sunbathing!

Be sure you note ocean conditions before going in the water. Red flag days are only for pros! And if you're not accustomed to ocean swimming, check with a lifeguard first about the so-called 'rip tides' that can carry you away from land without much warning.

Check out the following Suite U. class for summer safety tips: Summertime Safety and First Aid

Related sites:

"http://www.orangecounty.net/" Find the lowdown on even more area beaches as well as other information about Orange County.

"http://www.thebeachcities.com/" Concentrates on South Orange County cities, but with good beach information.

"http://www.dohenystatebeach.org/" Everything you need to know about camping, picnicking or group events at this South County beach

"http://www.ocean-institute.org/" The new institute in Dana Point Harbor is near beaches, shopping, dining, entertainment, boating and lodging. It has educational and meeting facilities.

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